GLUTEN FREE AT RIO GRANDE MEXICAN RESTAURANT

We pride ourselves on being gluten aware and made intentional changes to our menu in 2018 to become more gluten-friendly. One of the biggest shifts was replacing traditional flour-based thickeners in our sauces and batters with gluten-free alternatives. Because of those updates, about 95% of our menu is now gluten-free friendly, and in most cases, ordering gluten free is as simple as a tortilla switch.

Popular Gluten-Free Choices at the Rio

Once you know what to look for, ordering gluten free at the Rio is straightforward. Many guest-favorite dishes are already gluten free or require minimal modification, making it easy to enjoy a full meal without feeling restricted.

Some of our most popular gluten-free and gluten-free–friendly options include:

• Tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas made with corn tortillas
• Nachos, made with gluten-free tortilla chips
• Green Chile Soup and Tortilla Soup, both naturally gluten free
• Tostada Bowls, which skip the shell and substitute rice
• Chile Rellenos, including the fried version, made with a gluten-free batter and cooked in a dedicated fryer
• Chips and Salsa, always gluten free
• Salted Caramel Flan, a naturally gluten-free dessert option

About Cross-Contact and Kitchen Practices

While we do operate a shared kitchen, we take clear, intentional steps to minimize the risk of cross-contact for our gluten-free guests.

Flour tortillas, a foundation of Tex-Mex cuisine, are made in-house daily. We also make fresh corn tortillas every day. Both are cooked on the same comal, which is cleaned thoroughly between uses. This process is suitable for most gluten-sensitive guests, though it may not be appropriate for those with extreme sensitivity.

We also use separate fryers for gluten and non-gluten items to help keep gluten-free foods separate throughout preparation. Our tortilla chips are gluten free; however, they are produced in a facility that also contains flour. The fryers themselves are not shared.

If you’re searching for a gluten-free Mexican restaurant with flexibility and transparency, the Rio offers many options with simple substitutions. Avoiding flour tortillas, sopapillas, and churros will allow you to enjoy the majority of our menu.

For guests who are highly sensitive or have specific concerns about cross-contact, we recommend speaking with a manager before placing your order. Our team is always happy to help guide ordering decisions so you can dine with confidence!