Big things are happening in downtown Denver at the Rio. After nearly 40 years of serving Coloradans legendary margaritas and scratch-made Tex-Mex, we’re kicking off a bold new chapter in LoDo. We’ve paired the Rio’s timeless fan favorites with a vibrant new Mexican menu inspired by decades of culinary travels. Welcome to Rio on Wazee!

This is not a departure. It is the next chapter. Rio on Wazee is still the Rio at heart. Same ownership, same soul, and the same energy that has made us a Colorado staple since 1986. What has changed is the focus — more depth on the plate, more intention behind the experience, and a renewed passion for what we serve and how we serve it.

The Rebrand

Denver’s food scene has changed, and we felt ready to grow with it. After decades of being known for our margaritas and a good time, we’ve taken some recipes out of the vault that we knew the great people of LoDo were ready for!

Rio on Wazee reflects that shift. It is still the Rio at heart, but this location brings a more refined approach to the menu, the space, and the experience. The name change marks a new era—one shaped by nearly 40 years of passion, travel, and the desire to keep evolving.

The Vibe

Don’t worry, you’ll still find the Rio signature staples that made us famous, including iconic margaritas, delicious Mexican favorites, and our unmistakable Rio energy, but now, they will be joined by globally inspired, chef-driven dishes that reflect where we’ve been and where we are headed!

Executive Chef Jesus Martinez leads the culinary adventure. He’s blending tradition and innovation with every plate! Chef Martinez has crafted a menu rooted in Mexican heritage and shaped by real-life culinary experiences across Mexico, Texas, and California. Along the way, our leadership team was lucky enough to study under legends like Rick Bayless, Susana Trilling, Kaelin Ulrich, and Ricardo Muñoz Zurita. We spent this time gathering inspiration, techniques, and stories that we can bring to life every day at Rio on Wazee!

The Menu

Some of our new menu items that are bound to be fast favorites include:

Appetizers:

  • Made-to-Order Guacamole – Choose from:
    • Classic – Tomato, onion, serrano, cilantro, and lime.
    • Crab & Shrimp – Classic green salsa folded with sweet crab and shrimp.
  • Potato Taquitos – Crispy rolled taquitos served with avocado crudo salsa, pickled onions, queso fresco, crema, bean puree spread, and microgreens.
  • Queso Fundido – A rich, melty blend of gooey queso, caramelized onions, poblano rajas, and shiitake mushrooms, perfect for sharing.

Salads:

  • Grilled Caesar Salad – A bold twist on the classic, featuring chile chicharrón crunch.
  • Roasted Beet & Arugula Salad – With whipped goat cheese, chile lime pumpkin seeds, and citrus vinaigrette.
  • Classic Wedge Salad – Crisp, fresh, and loaded with bold flavors.

Entrées:

  • Colorado Striped Bass Veracruzana – Locally sourced bass from the San Luis Valley, paired with olives, capers, tomatoes, white wine, butter, charred lemon, and cilantro rice.
  • Roasted Pork Shank Birria – Chef Martinez’s specialty, slow-cooked to perfection.
  • Steak & Enchilada – A true interior Mexican classic with outside skirt steak and a Chihuahua cheese and onion enchilada smothered in Mama red enchilada sauce, served with potato pave and seared kale.
  • Roasted Relleno – A house-roasted poblano stuffed with quinoa, arugula, white rice, cheese, Mama red chile sauce, and seared kale served over black bean sauce.
  • Cast Iron Roasted Half Chicken – A classic meets new world with pea mole,, salsa macha oil, onion knobs borracho beans, pickled onions, and roasted potatoes.
  • Surf & Turf – Six-ounce filet grilled to perfection, served with three jumbo prawns, Chef Martinez’s family Oaxacan mole, and potato pave.

This menu brings bold, seasonal flavors to the table while maintaining the relaxed spirit and scratch-made roots the Rio is known for. It’s approachable, adventurous, and always delicious! Unlike our other locations, Rio on Wazee features a rotating, seasonal menu designed for discovery — a place you can come back to again and again and always find something new to try.

Rio on Wazee isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an experience. An experience that honors nearly four decades of Rio tradition while also forging a fresh new path in Denver’s rapidly evolving food scene. We can’t wait for you to have a taste of what Rio on Wazee has to offer!