I live just blocks from a Cafe Rio location so I’ve come to know the menu well. The restaurant has become a go-to on weekdays when we are in a pinch for a quick dinner after school that my kids will actually eat. In fact, I went there earlier this week to grab some quesadillas, a chicken tortilla soup and some chips, salsa and queso.

Here are the latest menu prices at Cafe Rio in 2023. I also share my perspective on the most overpriced menu item to avoid and share the monthly specials.

• Appetizers
• Burritos
• Salads
• Tacos
• Quesadillas
• Enchiladas
• Nachos
• Tostadas
  
• Kids Menu
• Desserts
• Sides
• Beverage

Appetizers

Burritos

Salads

Tacos

Quesadillas

Enchiladas

Nachos

Tostadas

Kids Menu

Kids meals come with a choice of black, pinto beans or rice. You also get tortilla chips and kid’s soda.

• Meat Quesadilla (Shredded pork, beef, or chicken. Grilled chicken available at additional cost.): $4.69
• Cheese Quesadilla: $4.39

Desserts

Sides

Drink Bar

• Regular Soft Drink (20 oz.): $2.79
• Large Soft Drink (30 oz.): $2.99
• Bottled Water (Dasani): $2.79

Drink Options: Coke, Diet Coke, Caffeine Free Diet Coke, Sprite, Barqs Root Beer, Minute Maid Lemonade, Dr Pepper, Diet Dr Pepper, Horchata, Mint Limeade.

Monthly Specials 

Each month Cafe Rio rolls out a different special that’s a limited-time item. These monthly specials can be ordered each day of the week through the month. In the month of October, it’s shrimp month. Back in September, the monthly special was salmon.

Coconut Shrimp Tacos or Baja Shrimp Tacos

• Two taco entree: $13.29
• One taco entree: $10.04
• A la Carte taco: $5.74

The Cafe Rio drive-thru menu.

Explore the Daily Deals 

Discover weekly deals at Cafe Rio, offering savings on four days a week.

• Tuesday: Grab a taco with shredded chicken, beef, or pork at just $2.49. Want a complete meal? Add rice, beans, and a drink for just $3.00 more.
• Wednesday: Enjoy a Tostada & Drink combo at $9.69. Choose from shredded chicken, beef, or pork for this offer.
• Thursday: Relish the Coconut Shrimp Tacos (2 pieces) at $13.29, served with rice, beans, and a tangy mango salsa. Note: This special rotates monthly, so stay tuned for fresh flavors!
• Saturday: Dive into Baja Citrus Shrimp Tacos (2 pieces) for $13.29, complemented with rice, beans, and a creamy tomatillo dressing.

The Most Overpriced Menu Item at Cafe Rio?

Most menu items at Cafe Rio are fairly priced. But there’s one item that I think is way overpriced and that’s the Cheese Quesadilla. I ordered two cheese quesadilla’s for $10.49 each or $20.98 total.

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I attempted to order the quesadillas A la carte. Previously, you could order a la carte items at a discounted rate compared to entrees. However, it doesn’t seem like this is an option at Cafe Rio any longer. I asked the employee if there was an a la carte option, but it wasn’t an option on the menu and the employee wasn’t sure what I was talking about.

My Cafe Rio bill with 2 cheese quesadillas as proof.

As a result, I paid more than $20 for two cheese quesadillas would have cost me less than $2 to make myself at home. To boot, the order came without any sides like beans since I requested a la carte. I only realized this when I got home. Never again will I order the cheese quesadillas. Instead, I’ll be opting for the Kids Cheese Quesadilla for only $4.39. Surprisingly, the kids size Quesadilla isn’t much smaller than the adult size.

My Rio Rewards Program

If you’d like to earn free food at Cafe Rio, joining the My Rio Rewards loyalty program is the best option. For every dollar you spend, you earn a point. Accumulate 100 points, and you’ll receive a $10 reward. This is like getting 10% off every menu item with each visit. On top of the rewards points, you’ll also get a $5 coupon for your birthday.

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What Sauces and Salsas are Available at Cafe Rio?