GREAT TACOS & SPECIALTY DRINKS, but... I wouldn't venture into trying other stuff outside of tacos. I got mole enchiladas and they had incredibly dry meat, very little sauce, and didn't feel authentic. On the other hand, the tacos (carnitas) tasted super delicious. The carnitas could've been a bit juicier but the flavor was definitely there. I'll gladly return for some more tacos. I tried their fall drink, the Pumpkin Horchata and hot damn it was fantastic. It had the perfect sweetness and blended two of my favorite things together Fall and Mexican food! Service was okay, nothing to write home about. The girl at the register was nice. However, the lady serving drinks ignored my grandma's order and gave her what she herself wanted to drink. It was weird. As for the artsy, eclectic stuff outside I actually really liked it! Next time I'm definitely eating outside in the front or back patio. There's plenty to see and take pictures off! Whoever created the art pieces here is very talented. read more

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Always a fun pace to eat. The prices have risen, but where hasn't raised the prices? My daughters got the kids chicken nuggets for $13.99 which to our surprise was Dino chicken! The cheap dinosaur shaped chicken you can get from any grocery store for like less than ten bucks. So I was a bit irritated to pay $14 for 8 Dino chickens when I could buy a box for that price lol. Everything else was good. Service was good, employees were nice. read more

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Before I started Yelping this was our to go to when craving for authentic Mexican cuisine. Tio's Tacos has been considered as the City of Riverside's landmark since it was established in 1990. It's rustic art displays made of recycled items from scraps of metals and glass bottles created the ambience of treasured pieces of artistry. Food and service are fantastic. I had the wet burrito with all pastor. Loved the flavored sauce that was not too spicy!! Had the Cucumber Mango drink which was very refreshing complimented my meal. There's a limited seating area inside but a vast outdoor space for dining for big parties. After ordering from a window located outside the restaurant, you are given a number then food will be brought to your table. My family enjoyed celebrating a birthday and will be coming back even with no celebration!!! Restrooms are kept locked so staff had to open it for you ... read more

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First time here , the flavors were good, better than what I expected . Service was fast , the place is very clean , full of art if you like that kind of art. Very casual . read more

Tio's Tacos - Carne asada plate!, tender and juicy! - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Wow the patio behind Tios is fantastic! It's a time warp and we LOVED IT! We got the wet burrito, which was massive. And two chicken Mole enchiladas. Easy parking on the street and they have a lot. Soda refills are $1 which was my only (small) knock. read more

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They always make mistakes when they take orders on line. they're not paying attention. the food is good, but the service is reallly bad. I asked for not hot sauce and they still sent my food with hot sauce. I asked for extras and paid for it, and they don't add the extras. I will stop ordering from them. Sonia F. read more

First off the ambiance is fantastic that's why we tried it. The food was good ,nothing special but acceptable. Tacos were street style on the skimpy side .What threw us off is the price $54 fast casual for two meals. Two Large Coke $4.99 each with no refills. Ordered a wet burrito with a side of rice and beans. Other order was two tacos with a Chili Relleno and chips and salsa . Served on paper plates and plastic . silverware. A little disappointed. We won't be back. read more

The food was delicious I ordered the chicken mole enchiladas! They were delicious. It was a lot for me. My daughter, ordered the asada burrito, it was huge and delicious. She couldn't finish it. We also ordered the guacamole and chips, yum. For drinks we got two MICHELADAS they were so good. The presentation of not only the drinks, but the food was really good. Service was amazing. Everybody was kind of courteous. The place was very clean the decoration the museum like setting of the whole restaurant was jaw dropping. There's so much creativity and attention to detail. I will definitely be coming back.. read more

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Taco Tuesday what a deal! Every trip to Riverside requires a visit to Tio's tacos. I had delicious Carnitas tacos, and love looking at all of the decor. Such a fun place to grab something to eat, get a drink and chat with friends. read more

Amazing, one of a kind restaurant! I was impressed when I parked on the property. I saw all these creative decorations and stuff from bottles, canned goods, etc that you can say are "recyclables" or "trash". It is beautiful! I was mesmerized by the hanging butterfly outside, so cool! I am sure it also looks lovely at night! All the art work surrounds this restaurant, inside and out! It's like a museum of art! But what is good and epic is the food as well. Served by smiling staff , food is delicious and is perfect with the salsa bar! They also have a choice of different aguas frescas! I definitely recommend Tio's Tacos! How come no one ever told me this place exist? read more

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Riverside Landmark ?- yes- perhaps- but for sure this place is much joy to enjoy any meal - really nice patio seating with lots to see - their decor over the top in creativity! You will def have fun looking at all they say one man's trash is another man's treasures! Food! Well it's Mexican Food- you order up in the front of the restaurant like any taco shop and nice ladies come out to bring you your food! Their Agua Fresca game is on point with enough options to make you indecisive about what you want to wash your food down with - At some point they even have cafe de la olla - which is basic coffee with hint of cinnamon and cane sugar - So service is great cuz you order & they deliver to your table. I do wish food was a little better I got a shrimp burrito and the rice/shrimp ratio was like 70/30 - eh My friends got wet burritos and those were loaded with sauce and meat and rice and beans Another got chilaquiles with mole which was really good with a hard egg on top - Carne asada fries plate is loaded and def made to share ! read more

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This place is awesome I need to use it for my photography business I love the food it's great read more

Tio's Tacos - Michelada - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Went on a Friday night surprisingly slow for a weekend, went in for some crunchy tacos auga Fresca and they did not disappoint. Portions and flavor are reasonable the grounds of the restaurant are super cool with all the sculptures all the employees were friendly and conversational. Will definitely be going back! read more

My first impression is placed in my first experience was quite pleasant. There's some people there. So I drank and drew. I'm an artist and no one bothered us. They serviced our food and left us alone. The second experience didn't enjoy whatsoever was neglected by the staff overcharged for things, different prices and other people. No hospitality, when we sat down and everybody looked at us as if we were strangers complete difference between night and day, I'm U. This is a Mexican restaurant. I'm not saying that there's anything involving that. I'm just saying we are white. If we're getting charged differently.Well, you know, figure it out.Not a good experience read more

very interesting place to go. He has almost the entire block. Lot to see bottle caps, glass bottles. Everything made of tin. Interesting place to at least go once. food was OK. The ambience is great. The service was pretty quick. read more

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Beautiful, unique, and the BEST MICHELADA's EVER! Stopped by here for a drink and ended up staying for dinner. saw this place on TikTok and thought it would be a cute place to bring a date. She'd been here years ago when the neighborhood was a little sketch, I convinced her that we just have a drink and go, she was surprised that the neighborhood had really cleaned up. We got a few tacos & guacamole, (which were great), we got a mango Agua Fresca (delicious), but the star of the show is the Michelada's. It was a whole meal in and of itself. Ours came with all kinds of fruits and vegetables, and even shrimp. SO GOOD! Would definitely come again. The service was a little scatterbrained , but there were a lot of people. Great place to bring a date or your family read more

Tio's Tacos - Best Michaela's ever! - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Came in here after el Dia de Los Muertos in riverside. Saw this place on the way back to the car. Wanted to try it out we came back with the family. We also got to meet up with singer Jade Starling. We had a great time! See you again soon! Calavera Boys style! read more

Tio's Tacos - The hubby and I enjoying our time with great food! - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Food was disappointing. Sad, really sad, had high hopes from the decor, but ultimately a let down. Not sure if the food was safe to eat. The rice and beans were slight cold, not room temperature, not warm, but cool. Beef slices on fajita was taught and very thin slices. Like a cold cut. Burrito was tasteless and cold cheese was not even melted in the middle of te burrito. Anyways, come for the art work not the food. But, the Agua fresco was delicious... so there is a bright star afterall. Enjoy read more

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Was craving for Mexican food on my overnight here in Riverside downtown. Ordered the carnitas burritos. It was a very big burrito. It was good until toward the end that it was very very greasy dripping with oil most likely from the Carnitas itself. Overall, it is an average place to get your Mexican food fix. Carnitas burrito: $9.99 Small Pacifico beer: $7.99 ‍ read more

The food took over 15 minutes to get after walking up and placing order. Tried the mole enchiladas and they were dry with no sauce. Plate came with a small amount of beans that were spread across the plate to make it look like a lot. The carne asada plate was like beef jerky. I seen the table next to mine order the big plate of a fried fish they took a couple bites and threw everything away. The food is not worth the hype. Scenery is cool and the pumpkin horchata was pretty sweet and tasty. So go for the horchata but that's it. I went after seeing a tik tok, if you're hungry don't get fooled the food is bad. read more

Tio's Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Tio's Tacos in Riverside has an amazing atmosphere and tons of artistic details everywhere you look. It really gives you that authentic Mexico vibe and it's honestly a cool spot to visit. That being said... the food didn't match the experience at all. I was extremely disappointed. Atmosphere: 5/5 Food: 1/5 I'm pretty bummed because it's such a nice place, but I'd definitely come back to look around... just not for the food. read more

3.5 Fast service Came here on a Tuesday to grab some tacos, always drive by this place I've never been! I got the two taco combo plate and I have to say get both tacos shredded beef! The chicken was OK, but the beef was great! The rice was good, the beans were fine. Also got some chips and salsa and the chips were delicious but the salsa was just OK. Was very happy to see that there was plenty of seating in the shade, considering it was almost 90° when we were there, felt just fine! For two of these taco meals, chips and salsa, and two bottled beers it cost us almost $50. That feels like a lot, but honestly, I feel like that's just standard these days sadly read more

Tio's Tacos - Two taco meal - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Food was good, but the canned margaritas ???? are very disgusting. Couldn't drink it.. The bathroom was dirty as well.. Haven't been here in a while and was Rather disappointed.. read more

First time here after walking through the Festival of Lights. The ambiance was good definitely a lot to see the only thing we enjoyed were the were the aguas frescas. Immediately the taste of the salsa had a funny taste, the pastor meat had a funny taste and had a lot of clove flavor, the shrimp tacos my husband could not eat more than one he ordered 3. Very disappointed the service was ok the price was a little expensive we paid over $80 for tacos and 1 burrito for 3 people. Will not be coming back. read more

From "go-to" to hard pass -- 25 years later! Tio's Tacos used to be my go-to Mexican spot in Riverside. Not anymore. My last visit was last week, and the food and vibe were both seriously off. What we ordered: kids' chicken nuggets and fries, chilaquiles, and a chorizo burrito. Kids' meal: My girls wouldn't eat it. The nuggets and fries were burnt and tasted like they'd been fried in old, rancid oil--confirmed with a quick taste test. These things were so bad that we ended up taking it home and giving it to our dog. Chilaquiles: This has always been my favorite Mexican breakfast and used to be CHINGON at Tio's. This time, the "salsa verde" was a grayish-white crema situation that did not even come close to salsa verde, I got one poorly fried egg - instead of the two I am used to getting, shredded quesadilla cheese instead of queso fresco, some type squeeze bottle mayo or creme seem to top this trainwreck of a meal, and to make it worse, the smallest scoop of rice and beans I've ever seen there. We picked at this a bit, ate the egg, beans and rice, but dumped the actual chilaquiles because they were just YUCK! "Chorizo" burrito: Bottom line--no chorizo. It tasted like shredded beef chopped up and tossed in chorizo sauce. I opened it up to see what was in it and yep! It was some type of shredded type beef that looked like it had been soaked in achiote paste for few minutes. Definitely not the real deal. We took that home and I tried to fix it with more egg, but that didn't help much. Gave that to our dog as well. Vibe: Staff have always been kind to me and my family, and that part hasn't changed. But the environment has. For about a year now, I've repeatedly seen a front-counter employee (older, taller, glasses) snapping at bus staff/servers in earshot of customers. It creates an uncomfortable vibe, even if she's polite to patrons. After 25 years of loyal visits, the last 4-5 trips have been disappointing across the board. Tio's is not cheap, especially for a family of 10. I'm tapping out until the kitchen tightens up and the floor vibe improves. Until then, I'm taking my money elsewhere. read more

Stopped by this afternoon for a late breakfast. I had the chorizo breakfast burrito and my dad had the mole chicken enchiladas. Food: it's good food overall. But nothing special. Service: Everyone working was attentive and welcoming. Ambiance: This place is more about the vibes and scenery (see picture). It almost makes you forget that you're in DTR. Overall, food is alright but this is definitely a good place that you can hangout and eat. read more

Tio's Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

As soon as we walked in (2 adults/1 child) we politely placed an order by a RUDE CASHIER MARISOL. We had asked if the nacho fries had shredded cheese or nacho cheese, and her response was "Hi"? We again asked, maybe thinking she couldn't hear us, she again replied "HI" ! So I assumed she only spoke Spanish & asked her in Spanish . She responded in ENGLISH, "I know English, but I told you Hi!" So my Mother had asked her about the cheese for the 3rd time Lol, & she answers it's shredded. ( In my opinion, she wasn't going to proceed until we greeted her)** LOL As we ignored her attitude, my mother placed her order (Shrimp cocktail) before she finishes her order, MARISOL speaks over her and says "Size!?" Wouldn't make eye contact, wouldn't smile, would t allow us to finish speaking, And had the nastiest look on her face Not sure if she hates her position, or had an off day. They definitely need a new cashier , with better customer service . Especially if she's the first person you have to speak to as soon as u walk in. (Nowhere on a sign does it say, customers MUST Greet our Cashier in order to place an order) Food was Fresh and came in a timely manner. And we would have asked for a box for our left overs. But Marisol was still at the register. So we left it. I pray for Marisol to find compassion and kindness in her profession read more

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Hi! A friend took me to Tio's Tacos in Riverside today for a belated birthday lunch. If you have never been, you HAVE to go! This is, without a doubt, the most outrageous restaurant I have ever been to! The five star review is as much about the ambience as anything else! Don't get me wrong. My food was good. I had three carnitas street tacos. They were on taco Tuesday special for $1.99 each! The deal of the century! Especially in today's price climate! The tacos were not the tiny street tacos I was expecting. They were full sized corn tortillas. A nice portion of meat, onions, cilantro and salsa. Quite tasty and a great deal. I also had an ice tea. $3.99! PRICEY! And they charge for refills! I would normally knock a star off for charging for refills on an already overpriced drink. But, again, the rating is mostly for the ambiance! The service was good. You order at a counter and they bring the food to you. I suggest you sit out at the patio. Waiting for your food gives you a chance to look around! There are unusual art pieces all over the place. Sculptures everywhere you look! Make sure you look closely at what everything is made of. I don't want to spoil it. Just go!!!! You really have to experience this place!!! Jim read more

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Mejorar su comida la verdad de 4 platillos que pedimos ninguno nos convenció No pasaron la prueba con nosotros . El area esta muy bonita Pero por la comida no regreso read more

Tio's Tacos - Michelada y agua de sandia - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Great Place!!!! Sooooo many things to look at. Make sure when you go read all the signs. The employees were super nice and grateful that we were there. So many places to sit and it took a while to decide where to sit. Everything there was so random but that's what makes the place fun to eat at. The torta I ate was great with a lot of flavor and my friend enjoyed his wet burrito. There were so many Agua Frescas to choose from. If you are going with a lot of people the parking is very scarce, but when you come don't be overwhelmed. Take your time and look around. The food also comes out fast. read more

Tio's Tacos - Torta with Pastor - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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We have driven by here several times and very curious. So we finally gave it a shot. Let's see where I start...... Ambiance was interesting, worth seeing Food: we ordered flauta's plate and the wet burrito. Nothing to brag about. No where enough guacamole for order and the wet burrito was a lot smaller then the pic, lol Salsa and the aqua drinks were the best. Staff was nice. However we will not be coming back to try again. read more

The BEST Tacos in Riverside! I highly recommend the food and unique atmosphere is worth the drive. This place is super delicious and an art lovers galore! Service always with a smile. You feel like family here. I can't recommend this place enough! read more

The food and service were absolutely horrific! Can't overstate this. Mole was bland and not fresh. Tortillas were stale. Taco shells overcooked and inedible. Chicken was dry, tough, and unseasoned. I havent sent food back or even complained in a restaurant in maybe 10 years, and did it with multiple dishes here. Worse, neither the manager, owner, nor chef even came out to apologize or ask for feedback. They simply don't didnt seem to care their food sucked or our experience was terrible. Not professionals. To be frank, if Mexicans actually own this place or work in the kitchen they should be ashamed. What a disgrace to what is such a rich and vibrant culinary culture. read more

All around great food. The service was great but the wait was a little too long for my taste. The view was awesome I will put them up on here. Had the shrimp tostadas and it was huge but yummy. So worth it. read more

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It has JUNK all over the place? They put clutter piled on the property are the stupid tricycles with Dolls on them and other hideous JUNK on the Rooftop and not only does it look ridiculous it's a Big FIRE hazard and a haven for Rats and Cockroaches. This place and its food is ALL HORRIBLE and I'll never go back again. Food and service is unacceptable and disgusting! read more

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Cool spot for breakfast or lunch. Very unique restaurant which is full of various decorations throughout the entire place. They were created by a Mexican artist. The food is as vibrant as the restaurant itself. You can choose from many authentic Mexican cuisine dishes. We tried ceviche with shrimp, breakfast burrito with machaca and fajitas. All dishes were well cooked and flavoured. The meats were tender and juicy and vegetables were fresh. Same goes for tasty well cooked rice and beans. The portions were big and filling. The restaurant offers variety of soft and alcoholic beverages too. And let's not forget about service which was great during our visit. Definitely place to remember. read more

Tio's Tacos - Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Super interesting place,handmade &creative decor is worth to come check it out,love the vibe!! Food is good,but for me I don't like prawn taco neither fish taco read more

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Beautiful ambiance! So fun to just walk around and look at the recycled art! Food was not bad, but not the best I've had. Eat some tacos, look around, then go for a hike at Mt. Rubidoux down the street. read more

Tio's Tacos - Artwork of butterflies at Tios Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

You have to see it to believe it. From the outside, it looks like a small but possibly funky taco shop. There are hints of the decor on the building itself, on the sidewalk, and on the roof. The interior ordering area is small and there's a small dining area inside which leads to a larger outdoor patio. On the patio, you will start seeing the incredible art all around. But wait, there's more! There's a little path you can take next to the patio and you'll start seeing more and more art and sculptures everywhere. Behind the restaurant, there's a driveway and another absolutely massive covered patio. And again, there is art and insanely colorful and interesting structures and other things of interest everywhere. We spent 15 minutes looking around. You could easily spend an hour. Oh right, they serve food, too. The aguas frescas are terrific. I think they had 12 different ones during our visit. They'll give you samples, too, and you can mix and match (why not mix some watermelon with horchata if that's your jam?). The shrimp burrito was enormous. It had to weigh two pounds, easily. It was good but not amazing. I was just hoping for a little more flavor. But you won't leave hungry. It's a belly-buster. The chips and nacho dip sauce (you can order different types of dips), with a side of tangy green salsa, was a good starter. The chips were very crunchy and fresh. While I wasn't over the moon for the food, I would absolutely return. I would get another agua fresca, I would try some different food, and I would spend an hour looking at the art. This is a must-visit. read more

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To us LA people, we think we have the best of the best but coming from one snooty LA gal, I have to humble myself to one of the coolest, most artistic Mexican restaurants I've ever encountered. I can go on all day about the creative artwork all over the large restaurant space (which by the way is located on two large properties), but the food is pretty damn good too. It's hard to find unique tastes and flavors when it comes to Mexican food but Tio's has a salsa bar with some of the best red and green salsa I've ever tasted. Plus there are like 20 different agua frescas to choose from! On a beautiful day, you can sit outside in the spacious outdoor area and marvel at the colors around you. Parking is in the back or you can park at the library for like $2. Seriously my new spot for when I'm in the IE! read more

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