Rio Grande Grill & Cantina***
Friday night has become our “date ” night. My man Dan and I choose a new place more often than not. If you are a regular reader you know we recently moved to Greensboro and so I admit most restaurants are new to us. There are many to try and a few we’ve already discovered to be our favorites.
The quest for some Mexican food has been a bit of a challenge. When a co-worker of my hubby’s suggested we try Rio Grande Grill & Cantina, he assured us they make the best Margaritas in town. That was all we needed to know to head on over last Friday night.
Upon entering the front door we were met with colorful decor, live music and a bustling business. We were cheerfully greeted and seated right away. Dan immediately asked for **** the bartender who he was told makes “the best” margarita. I won’t say it was the best I’ve imbibed, but I did drink two. The first had a bit too much agave nectar and not enough alcohol. Upon my request the second came with less sweet and more tequila. Still not the best, but I could taste the tequila on the second go round. I consider an alcoholic beverage good if I can taste the booze. I mean that is what I’m paying for!
Chips and salsa were brought to the table right away. The salsa was pretty good. Chunky, with onion, cilantro and fresh tomatoes. The chips were a bit stale and had that slight “old grease” flavor. Not good! Next we ordered my hubby’s favorite, Bean and Cheese Nachos with a side of fresh sliced jalapeño peppers. The cheese was white, I’m ok with that, but when I tasted it I knew it was not cheddar or mexican queso. We were famished this evening so we polished off all but one nacho before I took a photo. I was disappointed to learn that the cheese was American! Really?
I ordered my entree from the “combination” section of the menu. The menu is fairly extensive with a selection of burgers and vegetarian choices as well. Here are the choices for combo plates; Taco, Enchilada, Burrito, Chile Relleno, Chalupa, Tostada, Quesadilla, Tamale. I chose a Cheese and Onion Enchilada and Shrimp Chile Relleno with sides of Black Beans and Spanish Rice. I was surprised by the size of the Chile Relleno! It was small, yet stuffed with an abundance of shrimp. I would have enjoyed more pepper to go with all those shrimp. The enchilada, once again, made with American cheese. The saving grace was the grilled onions piled inside. The rice and beans were acceptable, nothing to write home about.
Here is the thing I disliked most. Salt. Too much salt in the food. I have a hankering’ that the American cheese was a main player in the saltiness of the nachos and my enchilada. All in all our experience was good. The friendly staff, could be a bit more on the ball. The live music was pleasant and the painted velvet art on the walls was entertaining. Authentic decor to be sure. We decided to give Rio Grande another try. On our next visit I’ll be sure to order items not containing American cheese and hope for a killer Mexican dinner.
Enjoy!
Rio Grande Grill and Cantina Rating
*** 3 stars
