Cancel

Open app

Search

Rio Grill

4.0 (963 reviews)
Closed • 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Updated a few days ago

Order Rio Grill Takeout or Delivery

Rio Grill Photos

RIO GRILL ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Loud
Casual
Good for kids
Happy hour specials

Recommended Reviews - Rio Grill

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Filet mignon
Philipp B.

I've had a number of solid meals here over the years. There's a straightforward, no-nonsense vibe that I like. It's been a while since I've been in, and tonight I had a lovely dinner with a friend. The filet mignon was very good as a whole, and the demi-glace was excellent. One caveat, though, was that a significant part of the filet had a grainier, mealier texture, which I'm guessing had to do with how the cut was trimmed, though possibly how it was aged or cooked, I'm uncertain. But the dish as a whole was good enough that this was only modestly disappointing.

Haystack Onion Rings
Janice W.

We had lunch here and the food and service were good but nothing outstanding. Solid menu.

Ribeye steak with broccoli and smashed potatoes
Wendy L.

First time costumers! We will be coming back up here when we travel and referring our friends. One of the best steaks that we had in a long time. Broccoli and smashed potatoes are amazing as well. Compliments to the chef. Also - a shoutout to our waitress, Hope B, for being amazing. She is super nice, informative, and friendly.

Chinese Chicken Salad and Smoked Tenderloin Sweet Potato Hash
Elisa H.

Nostalgia for me as this place, the dining room at the Beach and Tennis Club, El Topo for taco , the Tap Room for artichoke soup and burgers and the Thunderbird every Thursday night (book talks over Prime Rib and popovers )were where we had our family meals out. This establishment and the Tap Room recreate my childhood memories from the early 80s pretty accurately. They still serve my favorite Sport Tea as their house iced tea. The roasted artichoke is still on the menu and is a must order! I miss the butcher paper and crayons where our family of 6 would write messages, play hangman or tic tac toe. ( We were gamers not artists. ) Occasionally my mom would institute a Chinese fire drill when she was sick of eating her salmon or salad and we would raucously and not without protest move three chairs to the left so she could finish up my chicken or my brothers burger because parents paid the bill and made the rules. My childhood order never wavered from the pounded double chicken breast with avocado salsa- I have tried to recreate at home because alas, no longer on the menu. Several items still are however and it is worth a gander at the caricatures in the bar. Also Rio Grill has always had the best Happy Hour in town. Sorry for the ADHD tangent- miss you mom and dad! i am so lucky to still have my brother and his growing family in Carmel! My son and i were here for brunch after our family Thanksgiving weekend. He ordered the sweet potato and smoked tenderloin hash and I got the Chinese Chicken Salad with soba noodles and their yummy Tahini dressing because it is a classic that is still on the menu. I love that they serve the salad with almonds instead of peanuts, the marinated carrot shreds and the soba noodles have a nice chew to them. Giovanni is a great server. He made sure no detail was overlooked, refilling my tea and bringing out toast when I mentioned missing the sourdough and sweet butter. A yummy classic yet updated nod to Sunday nights circa 1985. Family friendly, with a nod to southwest flavors! Comfort food for locals and visitors alike and a reasonable price point away from the tourist trap that is downtown Carmel. Make your reservations though! Rio Grill never disappoints!

Our server Gino truly adorable even not in the menu he made it happened our delicious brunch truly hit of the day the special drinks fresh the hottiest day. Anyone come and visit Carmel , please stop by and check the savor of Rio Grill , ambience suited for comfortable ambience. Thank Yiu for the great food experienced .

The rack of lamb were phenomenal, I had rare it and the chef nailed it. The meat were tender, perfectly grilled smoke. Amazing

Ocean in a bowl
Irwan A.

This casual family style joint in a strip mall was a nice surprise to find a decent selection of seafood and local favorites. Cioppino- this bowl of ocean favorites was a great lunch to off set the cold day as it was filled with mussels, fresh crab, clams and salmon. Well balanced broth and seasoned enough to pack a punch. More charred bread would put this as a 5 star dish, but still very satisfying. Very welcoming staff and the ambiance with all the animated art made it a really fun place to be in.

We enjoyed nice dinner with great service!My former client Elenor drew these caricatures on the bar wall years ago.
Josie Melo

Received a warm welcome, seated immediately, waiter provided Excellent Service, very friendly staff and nice environment. Enjoyed all the art displays too. Food was so delicious and presented beautifully.

Pumpkin Bisque

See all

Reviews are largely positive. People praise the flavorful, fresh food, friendly, attentive staff, and inviting atmosphere.

Read the full review summary in the app

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of M S.
1
68
136

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of K L.
1
140
17

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Yoli M.
2
38
18

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of George V.
11
154
71

8 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Gregory O.
22
39
105

7 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Chris H.
2
1372
0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ron R.
1431
1076
14750

18 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Food is delicious and service is outstanding! We had been here before, while on vacation.

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of L F.
0
21
54

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Their onion rings are weirdly good. I couldn't stop eating it. It was addictive to be honest. Sensed some tension from our waitress though.

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Owen W.
1
364
27

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Brian K.
10
51
25

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kim H.
797
650
16886

9 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 9
Thanks 1
Love this 9
Oh no 1

7 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Dawn O.
0
37
71

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kat L.
29
34
20

9 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Debbie E.

Debbie E.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Julie M.
179
14
4

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Jen A.

Jen A.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 4 of 25

Rio Grill Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Rio Grill

Do they still have sourdough bread?

Nope. It is Ciabatta now. Big mistake if you ask me. They raised the prices and got cheaper bread

When will they open for eating in?

They are currently open as of 4-22-2023 for dine in.

View All 3 Questions

Brophy's Tavern - @lilybubbletea

Brophy's Tavern

4.3(837 reviews)
1.6 mi
•$$

This tavern was perfect for us to chill after a busy day at the jazz festival…read more Fish and chips are probably best in the area, made with halibut instead of cod. It makes a difference! Thanks for a good experience, Becca! Your attentiveness and friendliness made our night here welcoming.

We enjoyed a late lunch at Brophy's today. We waited for a table for about 10 minutes. The place…read morewas packed. It had great energy 4-5 TVs all playing Saturday college football. It looked like mostly locals, which didn't surprise me. I instantly felt like I was right at home. Aesha (sp?) was our server. She was kind and friendly. I suspect it is typical crowded Saturday afternoon and she was cool as a cucumber. My wife and I enjoyed a beer while watching a few different college football games. She ordered the Brophy cheeseburger (medium). It was cooked perfectly. The burger came with the house fries, which were super crispy, hot and fresh out of the fryer. I ordered the French dip and also served with piping hot crispy fries. It was a simple sandwich, but it was tasty. The bun was fresh, soft and toasted with butter on the flat top. The au jus was also very hot and flavorful. The thinly sliced beef was a reasonably sized portion. I only wish they would use rare to medium rare meat. This separates a super good French dip from everyone else's...including Brophys. Brophy's has a great chill vibe and is great place to watch a game and eat well-made bar food. I will be back here again before the end of the football season. If Yelp had the ability to give 4.5 stars, that is what I would have given Brophy's.

Photos
Brophy's Tavern
Brophy's Tavern
Brophy's Tavern - @feedmeimei

See all

@feedmeimei

Cultura - Carnitas taco, carne asada taco, & chicken tinga taco with a side of black beans & cilantro lime rice.

Cultura

4.2(1.1k reviews)
1.5 mi
•$$

I visited Cultura with my greyhound, so we sat outside in the courtyard near the firepit tables…read moreshared with Vin, next door. It was a cool, breezy night, typical when the summer marine layer moves in over Carmel, but the propane heaters kept us toasty. If you prefer dining indoors, the interior bar and dining spaces had an intimate, funky, but very cool vibe. The host and servers were all extremely friendly and helpful. Despite being outside in the courtyard, they were also incredibly attentive, checking frequently to see if we needed anything. Their recommendations were spot on, too. I was wowed by the cocktail menu. I'll have to return to try more of their bar offerings. This trip, I took advantage of Happy Hour to order the blood orange margarita, and I was not disappointed. I ordered the ceviche appetizer. My greyhound thought it smelled as wonderful as I did. He rested his head between my feet in hopes of catching any ceviche dropping from my hands. This was so tasty, he was out of luck on the table droppings. I also had the chicken enchiladas for my entree. It was one of the best enchiladas I've had in a couple of years. My server, Mario, brought me out a small cup of their take on Mexican hot chocolate, made with oat milk, as an aperitif. It was so delicious, I almost wished I'd ordered a full cup as dessert.

Attended a group dinner there. We are outside in their patio area. It was a tight fit. Concrete…read moretable (fire pit center) was meant for 8 and we squeezed 16 people (plus 3 small tables). Minus one start for seating arrangements. They did turn on the space heaters the entire time we were there. Food was 5/5. Could tell why it was a Michelin restaurant. Tried the ceviche, potatoes, skirt steak and churros. Ceviche - tortilla chips are half tortillas. Lots of space to work with. Didn't get any shrimp, just had the flavor. Potatoes - standard potatoes with a little crisp Skirt steak - juicy and tender. Hearty serving of beans and potatoes. Would recommend. Churros - about 5 pieces an order. Not a fan of dark chocolate but tasted great as a drizzle. They also gave a small cup of hot chocolate as it started to get colder in the evening. Overall - would return as long as seating is fixed for a large party.

Photos
Cultura - Another side of the bar seating area

Another side of the bar seating area

Cultura - NY steak, black beans, & assorted vegetables.

NY steak, black beans, & assorted vegetables.

Cultura - Wine & Warm Water

See all

Wine & Warm Water

Grasing's - Fresh seafood special with paired wine

Grasing's

4.0(1.1k reviews)
1.4 mi
•$$$$
Fine dining
Locally owned & operated

I have been there twice and loved it! Will visit again soon,…read moreto celebrate my birthday! I appreciate that everyone in my party was served at the same time, impeccable service & excellent food. The ambience is cozy at all times.

Grasing's is one of those restaurants we make a point of visiting once or twice during our annual…read moretrip to Carmel by the Sea, and the food never disappoints. They have a great selection of wines and cocktails, and our go to entrée is the 8 ounce filet mignon with a spiny lobster tail and loaded baked potato. The steak is always prepared perfectly, the lobster is excellent, and the chef consistently delivers. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable, making it a great spot for a nice dinner in Carmel. The service on this visit was professional and polite, although the bartender/server was a little short on warmth and personality. Nothing bad enough to spoil the evening, but a smile and a little friendly conversation never hurt anyone. Someone might also want to remind the staff that conversations about staffing problems or the performance of other servers are best saved for the back of the house. Hearing employees complain about staffing and coworkers in front of customers is uncomfortable and reflects negatively on the culture of the restaurant. This a leadership problem that needs to be addressed. Whatever you do, save room for dessert. Their chocolate brownie with chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream is easily one of our favorite desserts in Carmel by the Sea. Rich, warm, decadent, and worth every calorie. Grasing's remains one of our regular Carmel stops, and we'll likely be back.

Photos
Grasing's - Highest grade prime cuts and wagyu beef

Highest grade prime cuts and wagyu beef

Grasing's
Grasing's

See all

Rio Grill - tradamerican - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...