new place and it was to die for!!! the chips and salsa were so fresh, we almost filled up on those before our food even came. the margaritas were okay, i would try another flavor. i really enjoyed the blackened salmon and the rice and beans side was delicious. our server was awesome as well, super personable. i love the vibe of this place and the design and i can't wait to come back to sit outside in the summer! read more

Rio Salado - blackberry margarita - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

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I totally forgot to post this!!!! Last month I came by with a group of friends from NYC. I was taking them around the area and of course I had to bring them here. Our server was Carlos. It was my first time meeting him. He did an amazing job taking care of so many energetic women. I have to also give a big shout out to our bartender Kevin for doing amazing drinks. The food was as usual extremely great. We barely left any food. Everyone was impressed with their options. Quesadillas; my favorite shrimp tacos; enchiladas; table side guacamole real nice and fresh. We had many drinks. And below are some of the pictures I got to take. Did not take pictures of all the amazing food. read more

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This is perhaps my favorite restaurant in Mystic and I always make a reservation whenever we drive up to the area. Even by California standards (I split my time between CA and CT), this is a great Mexican restaurant with solid flavors and plenty of options and to top it all off they have a huge vegan selection which is hard to come by even in the most refined Mexican restaurants (thinking Casa Playa at the Encore in Vegas). To top it all off they have a gorgeous terrace for the summer months and the interior is warmly decorated. Our server, Jocelyn exceeded our expectations and even on a busy summer evening, she paid extra attention to all of our requests (quite a few :D). read more

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This place is so frustrating. On several occasions I have made reservations to accommodate handicap patron. I even book earlier so not to conflict with the busy dinner rush, yet every time they insist on seating us in high top tables. What part of 82 year old handicap do you not understand? I like their food but I am tired of fighting. I will not return. read more

Wow. Rio Salado absolutely blew me away. From the moment we walked in the warm welcome from the host set the tone for an incredible experience. The ambiance? Gorgeous. The food? Even better. Let's talk salsa because I genuinely can't stop thinking about it. Salsa is either a hit or a miss, and there's no middle ground. But this salsa? This was the best salsa I have ever tasted. I'm talking dream worthy. I would literally swim in it if I could. A bathtub full of this stuff wouldn't be enough. It's that good. For my entrée, I had the Pork Cochinita Pibil, and even though I don't usually go for pork at restaurants, I'm so glad I did. Four out of five stars, easily. Tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. I would go back just for that dish alone. My drink of choice was a Modelo Negro, which paired seamlessly with the meal. I didn't try a specialty cocktail, so I cannot comment on the bar, but the beer was cold and rich. We finished off the amazing meal with the churros, and wow (so many wows). Perfectly crisp on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside, paired with creamy dulce de leche ice cream. I'm still dreaming about it. It is a different dream than the salsa... But the food wasn't the only star, the views are also breathtaking. Perched up on a hill, at Rio Salado you get sweeping forest views of the surrounding area, and I can only imagine how stunning it will be when the leaves start to change. Definitely a spot for all you leaf peepers out there! The service was spot on. Our server was attentive and genuinely friendly. She even understood the importance of that second quesadilla for the little ones questions asked. Our water glasses stayed full, and our refill of chips came out fresh and hot. Final Verdict: If you're in Mystic craving authentic Mexican food, you have to stop by Rio Salado. It's more than just a meal, it's an experience. From the food to the views, everything is a solid 10 out of 10. And that salsa...oh my gosh, that salsa. I'm already planning my next visit. read more

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So beautiful, so delicious, everything about this restaurant is pleasing. Great service, excellent food and a pleasant atmosphere what more could you want. I encourage everyone in the area to give it a try. read more

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Excellent Mole sauce. Fresh Chips and salsa, very good. We did not care for their version of rice and beans both bland. Portions on the small side. Dinner ambience very good. We would return. read more

This place was incredible! The decor and ambiance were top notch and the food left us scraping our plates.

Very busy night! I was told good things about this place by our driver. It has a rustic/modern look, dim with plenty of warm lights. Outside and inside seating. My party of 6 arrived 10minutes early and were asked to wait for our table, which I understand. We did have a reservation. We were offered the bar area to wait and grab a drink, but it was awkward. The bar counter table seats were all taken and as a group of 6, we just stood there, in the middle of server traffic~ to be offered the bar area with no seats and in the way of others was a bit silly. There seems to a seating area to wait, but it only had two lone chairs. The outside entrance area is where most people were waiting at, but it was too chilly to stand there so we had the small space in front of the door. Our waiter was kind, and I completely understood it was very busy so Our food took time to arrive and it felt understaff. I ordered the cast iron chicken tinga ~ it was delicious! Very flavorful and juicy with good flavor. It was a good medium small portion and the corn tortillas do fill you up~ the tortilla was super soft and do break apart with the juicy meat. I tried the fajita steak just for taste. It was missing spices! It was warm but just was missing something. Overall enjoyable, but do prepare for the wait time in sitting and food delivery to your table. Our waiter Luis was very kind and funny! Helped our party vibe~ read more

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I visited twice during my brief trip to Mystic. The vegetarian nachos were incredible, and the waitress was very kind, accommodating our vegetarian requests with menu modifications. Plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. Everything--the food, hot sauce, and drinks--was delicious. Very large portion sizes, especially the burrito read more

Rio Salado - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

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Really enjoyed my two meals at Rio Salado. The salmon tostado as a main course was delicious and well sized. Fish tacos were fried yet light. Butternut squash salad was the only miss -- strangely very spicy. I am interested in the cochinita pibil -- I would like to try it next time. The churros and Ice cream was very generous and easily feeds 2. Margaritas are legit-- real ingredients nothing over the top. Even the plates are very beautiful. Service was friendly and it's a fun place for kids without being too "kiddish". For example, the meal ended with the fun detail of the "worry dolls" with the check. Lovely. read more

A group of colleagues went to this restaurant after a conference. The restaurant was very accommodating as there were over 15 of us. They brought out guacamole, salsa and fresh, warm chips for appetizers. All were delicious. The drink I ordered, a passionfruit margarita, was very strong and tasty. I would have enjoyed more passionfruit flavor. I ordered the bbq chicken quesadilla from the appetizer menu. It was a very nice size and very good. I also ordered the corn. It had a little too much sauce on it for my liking. Everyone at the table seemed to enjoy their meal. read more

Rio Salado - Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

Ample seating. Don't have to be in the bar area to enjoy Happy Hour. Ambiance is warm, relaxed and chic with art deco. read more

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We came across this find of the Northeast while staying in Mystic, CT. From the moment you enter, you realize that this is no ordinary Mexican restaurant. The ambiance of establishment was very welcoming along with the staff. Our evening got started with a cucumber salad appetizer followed up with their Holy Mole nachos plater which was exceptional. We both ordered the Baja Style Lobster as our main dish which was to die for, absolutely incredible on many levels. Although we were now on the full side, we tempted ourselves to dessert and were glad we did with their Tres Leches. Absolutely beyond words how good this was. Our waitress was beyond outstanding and we'll definitely be returning again to this outstanding restaurant in Mystic, CT. read more

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Loved the eclectic vibe and cool staff. Taco salad reminded us of our favorite college cantina. El Jefe burrito lived up to the hype. Chicken enchiladas were mild and plates were cleaned. Fish tacos were a hit. Best surprise was the Nicaraguan cigar box of worry dolls . Jayson was great! read more

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Unique Mexican place. Best tres leches cake I've ever had. Had lobster enchiladas for the first time ever. Check this place out!

Came here for a rehearsal dinner before a wedding and was pleasantly surprised with how good everything was. The food just kept coming and everything was delicious, my favorites being the empanadas, quesadillas, and for dessert the churros. I can't speak to pricing or the normal restaurant but service in the private area we were in was good, although it was a bit cramped for our size of group with limited seating, so some people had to eat their dinners standing at the bar. Would definitely consider coming back for a normal meal! read more

Service was great, and the food came out quick. The margaritas were to die for and the food was so delicious. Such a great place and family friendly as well. 10/10 would recommend read more

Rio Salado - Chicken Fajita & Pomegranate Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

I just love this restaurant. My first visit was maybe 2 years ago... and it's just as good as I remember. There's a relaxed yet classy vibe. The wait staff are attentive, yet not overbearing and everyone was kind. The food is fresh and flavorful. Portions are good and desserts are delish! I've had their nachos, street corn, tuna ceviche, chicken fajitas, and caramel stuffed churros. I would recommend all of them! But maybe not in the same meal. I get the churros every time I stop by and they never disappoint. read more

Rio Salado - Caramel stuffed churros and caramel salted ice cream - Yum! - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

The food was amazing! And their gluten free/celiac friendly food options were fabulous!!

Our server Brittany was EXCELLENT and very friendly. She knew the menu well and made our evening very enjoyable. We will definitely ask for her again plus she makes a mean Mezcal margharita. We look forward to having her serve us at your new restaurant, Nathaniels as well. read more

This modern Mexican restaurant was next to the hotel I was staying in. 10% off if you show your room key. There is indoor and outdoor seating and it's old Mexico meets new in the spacious indoor seating area. Service was excellent as was the meal, which was also reasonably priced. We were served salty and spicy cucumbers on the house which were tasty. "Bottomless" tortilla chips and salsa are $6 but we passed on those fried, homemade wonders. My spicy margarita was different than any margarita I've ever had and strong (and very good). The rice was perfectly Al dente with a dash of flavor and the black bean mash was salty but otherwise good. My chicken Suiza was excellent and the tres leches was milky, sweet, and delicious. Overall you can tell the chef makes an effort and adds flair (and flavor) to typical Mexican dishes. There is parking available. The place filled up quickly on a Thursday night. Happy Hour is M-Th 3-5 PM and offers drink and bite specials. read more

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This place is awesome. I have been hearing about Rio Salada (especially about their vegan menu) since quite some time. Sometimes what we hear from other people and what you experience may be poles apart, but not here! This place lives up to the hype. Their location is perfect, a stone throw away from olde mistick village. They have a great menu with options for everyone. We ordered a bunch of different items from the vegan menu and the regular menu. I loved my food, especially the cauliflower enchilada was lip smacking delicious (literally!). The vegan nachos and tacos were great too. My family loved the meat options too. All in all, I highly recommend this restaurant to all! read more

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I yelped "Mexican food" for near the hotel I was staying in and this place came up. The reviews sold me. I didn't have reservations and was a party of 4 on a Friday evening and waited about 10 minutes. The place was packed and the decor was very nice . We got seated and ordered the guacamole (so fresh and delicious). I ordered the fish tacos and the sauce on it was fantastic! I would definitely recommend the fish tacos they were so good. My mom had the salmon and said it was delicious . My fiancé had the shrimp and steak burrito and said it was great . Overall 2 thumbs up for this place ! read more

Rio Salado - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

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I was in the area (literally across the street) after visiting Olde Mistick Village and was in need of an early dinner. I knew this restaurant was in the vicinity and it's been on my list of must try's so I decided to check it out. My partner and I arrived around 3pm to what seemed to be a semi busy scene. We were seated right away and shortly after our server made his way over. Both of us being famished quickly perused the menu and decided on what to order. We ordered a mango margarita, glass of sangria and loaded yuca fries to start. I went with the Baja langosta for my main and my partner opted for the El jefe burrito. In no time the yuca fries arrived and they were delicious. Our main dishes arrived soon after and they were equally as delicious. We managed to save room for dessert so we decided to split the churros and nutella flan. The desserts were beyond tasty and a perfect way to end our dining experience. Overall we enjoyed our meals and the atmosphere. I can't wait to return! read more

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Rio Salado is a special treat! We have enjoyed a particular special dish and noticed it was not on the menu anymore. My dear husband emailed the manager a couple of days before our reservations and it's waiting, special for us. What a delightful place for a romantic dinner, happy hour with friends or a family birthday celebration! Also, try the Paella when it returns this summer and share it with someone who loves seafood read more

Everything was over-salted. When I mentioned it to the waiter he said, "For about the last week everyone has been telling me that the food is too salty". I spent $69 on two lunches and the food was inedible. I won't go back until this problem is resolved, but how will I know? read more

It's hard not to give this spot 5 stars. The staff were super friendly. The atmosphere was quite nice and clean and there is plenty of outdoor seating. The food is great too with plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians, or those with allergies such as to gluten. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. read more

Rio Salado - Guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

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Still amazing! Happy to come back have; the food quality, service, and overall experience just as amazing as ever. You can only say that about a few places and love that this is one of them. read more

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I'm not sure why I keep finding good Mexican places in areas where you wouldn't expect it. Rio Salado is located next to the Holiday Inn across from Mistick village. Walking inside, the place is freaking gorgeous. It's part of a mini restaurant group based in Mystic which all have great decor. Service was friendly and very good. They had crayons for kids which is a plus too, although my son was content to dip his new aquarium toys in the water glasses. Got a regular margarita and a strawberry one. The strawberry one was definitely the way to go as the regular was too salty, but they both were good. The obligatory chips and salsa were well done. I got the Baja Langosta which was strange but really good. Best way to describe it is a corn quesadilla with chorizo inside, that is then covered with salsa verde, and topped with lobster. Regardless of what it was, it was really good and had plenty of lobster. I just wish the salsa verde was a bit bolder but I would still get this again in a heartbeat versus a burrito or something. My wife loved her fish tacos. They had a whole vegan menu which was great for my son. Not that he wanted more than chips, but cest la vie. Would definitely recommend this for a change of pace from the stereotypical New England seafood places that are prevalent here. And if you stay at the Holiday Inn (or Hilton), you can roll right over to your room after too many margaritas. read more

Had lunch here and it did not disappoint. Great location, good food, excellent service. Loved the amount of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as standard options. read more

The food here was pretty good. I got the crab enchiladas which were super flavorful. In hindsight I would have gotten a different type of meat since the loud flavors drowned out the flavor of the crab. They had bottomless chips and salsa, but you had to buy them for $7 which was kind of a bummer. They also gave some chili lime cucumbers which tasted nice and refreshing. I went in between lunch and dinner so it was nice and quiet inside, and the servers were very nice and professional. read more

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Stopped at my son's favorite place in the area for lunch. We had the vegan cauliflower enchiladas and vegan burrito. Both were excellent and would recommend highly. The service was great, the weather was perfect for outside dining, loved the entire atmosphere here. I can see why it's his favorite place! read more

Rio Salado - Cauliflower enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

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This is not your typical Mexican restaurant. Not that there's anything wrong with typical Mexican restaurants but this place is a step up. The menu is a blend of traditional favorites and newer twists. The crab enchiladas for example, are very fresh and have a light feeling. Chips and guacamole with the house salsa is also very good. The "El Jefe" burrito is great in the "bowl" option as well as the soft wrap. The quesadilla appetizer is a meal. Service is professional with a special nod to the man who greets you at the door. Always friendly and accommodating even in high traffic tourist times. The place has a really nice feel. Great for family dinners or an appetizer at the bar. read more

Rio Salado - Crab enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

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My husband and I decided to take a drive to Mystic last night and try out a few new places. We ended up here on the recommendation of a friend of ours who said the margaritas were on point. This place did not disappoint! We were quickly seated in a covered outdoor beautifully decorated deck. Our server Brett was both friendly, laid back, and knowledgeable on the menu. We really liked him because not only was he great at his job, but he was pleasant to talk to. We ordered two margaritas, salsa and chips, and we split the carnitas tacos. The margaritas were made with all real fresh ingredients, the salsa was authentic, and tasty, and the carnitas tacos were delicious. We will absolutely be back here when we are venturing down by the shore again. read more

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Found a new happy hour spot! Served great chips and salsa when we sat down. The four of us then split an order of nachos and we each had a carnitas taco. Only the guys were able to squeeze in another taco each after the HUGE plate of nachos. Happy hour marguerites weren't in fancy glasses but they sure provided the same kick! Had to help our friend out of the corner booth after two. We all decided this restaurant put our pretty well known town Mexican restaurants to shame. One doesn't have happy hour and the other can't compare to the drinks and food here. Nice to have a happy hour continue even in tourist season. Looks like we'll be getting a designated driver and putting on a few extra miles to visit a few times a month! Certainly worth the effort..... read more

Rio Salado - Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

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It was my first time in to Rio. I would recommend having a reservation. It was busy on a Friday at 6pm. The service was fast and super friendly. The waitress brought over cucumbers with tajin and vinaigrette. It was such a nice surprise and refreshing. We ordered guacamole and house chips. The gucamole was topped with pickled red onion. I would be ordering again. For entree we got chipotle chicken enchiladas and Puerco De Cochinita Pibi. The portion were good as well as the prices. I will be going back soon. read more

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Placed a burrito order. Waited around 40 mins for it to come out and finally just left. The worker behind the window was also wrapping burritos gloveless and touching his face. Unacceptable and wasted money. read more

Omg soo good. Walked over because right next to hotel and boy am I glad. The burrito is amazing. Substituted chicken for carnitas and it is delicious. The rice and queso is fabulous read more

So, just moved to the area.... And i was driving around for an hour tryimg to find a place to eat.. I walk in with an hour til closing, by myself, and the hostess said, where would you like to sit.. love the option provided to me.... Booth or bar... Not just the bar.... Great reception for singles.... I chose the bar because it was just me. I ordered a skinny margarita. While i'm waiting for the bartender to make it, a guy comes up and says this is tequila, not Tito's.... The bartender say, i'm sorry Sir. We will get that fixed for you. Great customer service. I said hey you must be having a crazy night. He said yes.... These guys were dealing with a-lot. Bartender told me they had 50 people come in within 30 minutes, all wanting drinks. Then one of their glasses broke... right next to my seat while i was sitting there . Poor guys dealing with glasses that busted when a bottle bumped the glass. Recommend the manager rethink the glass choice they are ordering for the restaurant....this is the view from the bartenders perspective.... And they kept apologizing. They shouldn't have to apologize for something like thin glasses... So for most to you, you know that I am unable to eat a lot of carbohydrates because of my surgery, in January. So I asked the bartender to see if he could put in the order for my braised short ribs, tacos for to be wrapped in lettuce and holy crap, I am excited because it came out and it was sitting on a lettuce wrap. The restaurant definitely is flexible with the requirements for the customers. Which is awesome sauce!!! . Team work among the staff was amazing. the manager stepped in and said i got this when the glass broke and put away washed glasses away to help prepare for the crowd, delivered drinks to tables and gave boxes to those who needed to go boxes, another man stepped in when ice was needed. Definitely helping the bartender out. All this is in an hour.... My job during the day is helping manage work, so I LOVE IT when i see other managers engaged, helping staff when the need it! . This is one perspective. Hopefully the staff feel the same way way about their manager!!! Also noticed a spot where the waitresses could grab a quick drink while they were running back and forth to their tables. Lord, i'd be thirsty if i was running as fast as they were! They also said that the pen stealing was an issue.... which i can attest to... because i have been guilty of this... it definitely affects the staff.... Side note. Great place for singles, couple and friends. I saw all of these while at the bar for an hour.... I asked for my check early because i respect the staff to get their butts home!!! Two skinny margaritas, guacamole and two tacos ran $ 50 But it was worth it. As the place got ready to close, the loudness got lower and it was tolerable.! Really like this place.. BECAUSE TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!!!! I will bring back friends!!!!!! Total after tip was $71..... but i tio big for those who kick ass!!! Thanks to Don And Mike!! And the to go boxes.... read more

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