Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican

4.0 ( 376 reviews )
Checking... 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
3851 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92606, United States
+1 949-345-7740
Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican has quickly gained traction as a go-to spot for fresh, delicious Mexican fare in Irvine, CA. Nestled at 3851 Alton Parkway, this vibrant eatery allows diners to build their own culinary creations with its new "Build Your Own Bowl" menu. Patrons can select from an array of proteins, toppings, and sauces, ensuring a personalized experience with every visit. Customer reviews highlight the restaurant's commitment to fast and friendly service, with many applauding the staff for their attentiveness and willingness to accommodate requests for extras. The signature items, such as the Chicken & Elotes Bowl, showcase Mexican street food flavors that keep diners coming back for more. The creamy tomatillo dressing has garnered a cult following, offering a flavorful enhancement to salads, tacos, and beyond. While some reviews mention occasional order mix-ups, the overall sentiment reflects a positive dining experience, with emphasis on the generous portions and affordable prices. Cafe Rio is praised for its clean environment and efficient service, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. With its diverse menu and enthusiastic staff, Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican is a culinary haven that captures the essence of modern Mexican cuisine. It's a must-try for anyone craving vibrant flavors and a fun dining atmosphere.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Serves late-night food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
    • Popular with university students
  • Planning
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican

Brantson Merrill
May 27,2025
Great, cheap food. Got order wrong in the past, but always willing to make a new meal. Something must have changed recently - new employee or policy or something - because order hasn’t been wrong in a while and now enough of the same side on different meals will make a new container for it.
M B
May 21,2025
I’ve ordered from this location a few times. They consistently get my order correct and the preparation is quick. All the employees are very friendly and happy to give you extra cilantro or free toppings for your take out order that you can’t select in the app. They acknowledge you when you enter and don’t leave you waiting for a long time before asking what your name is for to-go orders if it’s not already on the shelf. Will continue to frequent this location!
Victoria Chambers Kroll
May 18,2025
There are many options as you can build the items yourself, choosing from burritos, tacos, enchiladas, salads, tostadas, quesadillas, and nachos. In addition to rice, beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, guacamole, and queso, there are four levels of sauce heat: mild, medium, hot, even hotter.
M H
May 2,2025
We were the only ones in there for lunch. We grabbed two kids meals for my boys. The staff was super friendly. When we got back to our table, I realized we had skipped the lettuce and salsa part of the prep so I ran back up and they had no problem, tossing some in a little tin for me to put in their tacos. The boys had drinks and we noticed the Horchata was empty and they refilled it right away. It was clean. It was empty. There was no line. We didn’t have to wait. It tasted good. That’s good enough for me.
Jeffrey Chang
Apr 21,2025
Cafe Rio is what happens when you take your dad to Chipotle for the first time and he says he can make a better restaurant, before making a worse restaurant. The food is okay. Portions are alright. Price is decent.
Jennifer K.
Mar 8,2025
Pleasantly surprised with my grub hub order from cafe rio! Order was right, food was warm, and delivery was on time. Love their quesadilla and queso!! ...
Marcelino Perez
Mar 5,2025
This Cafe Rio is a Hidden Gem that serves real tasteful Mexican Food the price is right and you get a tasteful meal that is priceless The Hrs are 10:30-9 Sunday trough Thursday And Friday and Saturday close at 10pm If you are A Mexican food lover this the right place to crunch you craving. I can guarantee you that the service is exceptional that is complimented with the food.
Desiree Mogan
Feb 6,2025
I love Cafe Rio!!! I always order the Vegetarian Tostada; double beans and rice. And add guac and all the veggies. This time, I also ordered chip, guac, salsa. You get alot of food here. Worth your money and the food is good!

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