Fresh Take on Mexican

Rio Salado Cocina y Cantina satisfies cravings as summer heats up

By LISA CARLISLE | Photos courtesy of RIO SALADO

Transformation season is upon us, the change from the dismal winter to the quick burst of spring before rising temperatures bring summer’s heat. Summer is to heat as Texas is to Mexican food. We crave those flavors of salt, lime, fresh salsa and cool avocado.

Rio Salado Cocina y Cantina is a great place to stay cool and enjoy a fresh spin on modern Mexican cuisine.

Across the street from Barrow Brewing Company, Rio Salado is an investment and collaboration by several Salado residents.

The Rio Salado building itself stands the test of time from its industrial days. “I have had some elderly customers come in and say they would sit on the front porch when they were young,” General Manager Kate Ralston says. “It’s very Salado.”

Rio Salado pays homage to its local client base with VIP golf cart parking as well and hosting Chamber After Hours and many other events.

Rio opened its doors in May 2020 and found creative ways to maintain the high standards they set despite the COVID pandemic.

Soft Latin music accompanies the scent of the grill long before entering, making your mouth water and stomach growl. Smiles and warm greetings welcome you. A small wait at times allows you to take in the atmosphere with its vivid colors and contrasting textiles.

Any wait is well worth it and lets you browse the menu. Resist the urge to order one of everything! Ralson explains how the team works very hard to “not be stuck in the Tex-Mex box.” “Our motto is these three points: quality, creativity and cleanliness,” she says. This motto has earned them the Best Margarita and Best Wait Staff awards.

The food at Rio Salado is homemade, fresh and unique. The Rio team is all encouraged to make suggestions and participate in new menu items adding to the selection and flavor profiles. Chef Bazan has an amazing way of combining flavors to elevate each dish. One of many crowd pleasers is zesty chicken tacos. The chicken is marinated, flavorful and soft, accompanied by pickled onions, cilantro, Mexican cheese and avocado. Add some of the freshly made salsa and you have perfection in a bite. The staff also recommends the queso blanco, which is rich and creamy and topped with cilantro. Enchiladas are a favorite with a choice of beef and red sauce or chicken with white sauce. La Jefa, street style corn tortillas with pork carnitas, pickled red onions, queso fresco, cilantro and jalapeno salsa is another top pick. Their menu highlights several traditional items such as quesadillas, burritos and tacos with an extra flare.

Rio has a range of kid friendly picks as well, something for every age and palette.

The beverage list ranges from sodas to Mexican beers and mixed drinks. The refreshing Paloma XL will cool you with its tequila blanco, Grand Marnier, grapefruit and lime soda. The mimosa bucket goes perfectly with weekend brunch.

Rio Salado Cocina y Cantina has an amazing grasp on Mexican food with the ability to reinvent classic flavors. Rio Salado is a must have that will keep you craving the spice and community.