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Rio Grill

101 Crossroads Blvd. (Rio Rd.), Crossroads Shopping Center, Carmel, CA 93923
831 625 5436
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Ranked #23 of 119 restaurants in Carmel
Price range: €8 - €27
Cuisines: American, Southwestern, Californian
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Restaurant details
Good for: Child-friendly, Outdoor seating
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, After-hours
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Cross street: Rio Road
Transit: Public Transit is just a few yards from the restaurant.
Description: Rio Grill, located in the Crossroads in Carmel, has been the place to meet friends, enjoy tasty, flavorful food and relax with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine for over 28 Years. Chef Yontz’ creative American dishes are some of the most flavorful, colorful and vibrant on the Monterey Peninsula and celebrate flavor in every mouthwatering bite! In addition to the main dining room, Rio Grill has a comfortable lounge and full bar serving refreshing libations including the restaurant’s famous "Rio Rita.” The bar is lined with colorful caricatures of local faces and celebrities. Rio Grill's award-winning wine list features more than 160 labels featuring a ton of local wineries and an extensive selection available by the glass. For more information on Rio Grill, please visit our website at www.riogrill.com. The restaurant opens for lunch every day at 11:30 and serves straight through until 10:00 PM. Rio also serves a great brunch on Sundays from 11:30 – 4:00PM.
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157 reviews from our community

78% Recommend
    63
    60
    23
    6
    5
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Titusville
Top Contributor
317 reviews 317 reviews
99 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 114 cities Reviews in 114 cities
91 helpful votes 91 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

We arrived at Rio Grill after having climbed a small mountain to view a "trickle' of a waterfall, so we were hungry and did not want to wait an hour for the dining room to serve...hence the bar. It turned out to be a great choice. The patrons were friendly, the service was excellent, and the nuy encrusted salmon entre... More

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See 3 more reviews by James H for Carmel
Glendale, CA, USA
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
17 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2013

We enjoyed our BBQ ribs and I loved my appetizer of marinated artichoke. I found the artwork in the restaurant delightful.

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See 2 more reviews by Finessa for Carmel
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2013 via mobile

We've been here 2x over the the past 5 years and the food has been outstanding both times. I had the Pork Shank and it was spectacular. The calimari appetizer can amply feed 6 and has a superb green chili sauce. The knowledge of the staff about each of their dishes is outstanding, so don't be afraid to ask. Don't... More

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Portland, OR
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
20 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 April 2013

Come dressed for Carmel, and ready to spend a few extra dollars. The food and presentation was great.

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See 5 more reviews by kermitthefrog for Carmel
chicai
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2013

I was expecting more. Very average, nothing special place. Food was nothing memorable and atmosphere was nothing to remember either. Maybe if we sat at the bar it would have been more fun? That was lively, but we sat in the restaurant area by ourselves. ( was there about 6:00) Then more tables showed with kids and crayons. Again, I... More

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See 3 more reviews by Eestewar for Carmel
vandenberg village, ca
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
25 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2013

Had about 20 family members and all were pleased with the food and service. Had to have our group at two tables but it worked out just fine. Good food selection, service and of course the food. Not one complaint from the group which speaks highly of everything

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Burlingame, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2013

We eat here multiple times on every trip to Carmel. Great food and service. Locals and visitors alike can't get enough of the place. Their artichokes are legendary--best in the Monterey area--and all of the entrees are excellent. Do wish they'd bring back thier chopped salad, though--it was extraordinary.

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Monterey, California
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
19 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 March 2013 via mobile

IHave Been Going To The Rio Grill for nearly 30 Years And The Worst MeaL l had Has been Fine and The Best have been Terrific....Over A Dozen Chefs Later The rio Puts Out Fine Food AtFairPrices. Nuff Said?

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See 4 more reviews by CaPalm for Carmel
Wailuku, Hawaii
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
29 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 March 2013

After reading the reviews on Trip Advisor, this was a restaurant that I really wanted to like. The interior was much different than what I had pictured. I was expecting a more rustic feel. In fact, it is quite elegant looking with white tablecloths. The cute thing was that the cloths were covered with butcher paper and there was a... More

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See 4 more reviews by Mauigirl808 for Carmel
Hawaii
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 March 2013

My business partner and I needed a place open late to grab a bite after a long day. Just ahppened into this wonderful little place. It was slow that late (about 10pm), but there was action at the bar. We ordered and ther service was great, but the food was amazing. Along with that, there are these cartoons and likenesses... More

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