Rio Mambo

Mexican food is pretty hard to mess up because it is very simple food. I have never, ever had really bad Mexican food. Well, Rio Mambo really surprised me. The food is way too salty. I asked them to take the dishes back into the kitchen but they brought out another dish that was just as salty. The server said, «hey we put the sauce on the side so you don’t have to use so much.» This implied that only the salsa is salty but that’s not the case. EVERYTHING is super salty. However, the meat (fajita meat) is the biggest culprit. It is like eating beef flavored salt! LOL! It is not a matter of personal opinion in taste, either, because everyone at my table thought that the food was super salty. David L’s recent review also agrees. It wasn’t just me.
It’s a pity because I REALLY wanted to like the place. It was very tastefully decorated. They have some really cool drink specials. ($ 2 mimosas for brunch) It is very near my house, so I REALLY wanted to like the place because it is very convenient for me to go there. Also, the customer service is ok, too.
They should get a new chef, preferably one that still has taste buds. I recommend that y’all take a pass on this one.

Cleanliness: it’s on point, was not a let down.
Only issue was men’s room, had a very strong odor. Couldn’t point my finger on what it could be lol. More like someone’s stomach didn’t agree with the food.
Service: the waitress was extremely nice and went over options.
Only issues was the time it took for food to come out kitchen. Considering it was very light with other guest. There was approx 30 guests including ourselves.
Food: was not a let down as it is Tex-​Mex
Over all not dissatisfied was pretty content with the level of service and will be coming back for sure.

Norma, the manager, is super friendly and sweet.
The food is consistently delicious and fresh; my to-​go orders are spot-​on.
The restaurant and restroom are always clean.

Food — 4
Service — 3
Value — 3
We came here on a weeknight when it wasn’t too busy, but they seated our party at a really odd place in the restaurant right by an open set of doors on a day when it was bit chilly outside and the wind was blowing some. When we asked to move, they told us «no» at first. Eventually they did move our party, but that initial experience left us with a sour taste.
It seemed like it also took them a while to come to take our order and that further put a damper on things. The food itself was decent, but a little on the salty side.
This place might be worth coming to on a weeknight when they are running specials or something, but otherwise there are too many better options in the area within 5 minutes drive that I think are significantly better for about the same cost.

Met Gil at The Taste of Addison this past weekend and he was a delight! He mentioned how great this place was and the amazing happy hour specials so I thought I should visit the place.
Slow service in a relatively empty bar. The bartender was also our server, so perhaps they were understaffed, but this seems odd considering their advertised happy hour on Tuesday.
The HH prices published in the menu were not reflected in the final tab and we had to point this out to our server/​bartender.
I will most likely not go back to the Addison location, but maybe I will check out the Arlington location sometime in the future.

We have enjoyed dinner at Rio Mambo but this was our first time for brunch. We loved the service and the food was delicious!

Yes, I am a fan of most things here @ RM. Have had a couple of bumps in the road, but going to set those aside and focus on the best of the best.
We’ve been here several times, mostly on weekend afternoons and once for HH. First of all, the ambiance is very nice; sparkling water feature, hanging beads, modern décor, dark woods, two large dining areas, a lovely patio which opens into the inside dining area, and a great bar area with high top tables and comfy bar seating.
NOTE — on all visits, there were few customers, maybe one or two tables. The restaurant was practically empty.
On our first visit, sitting at the bar, we only ordered drinks and the Queso Blanco. My Top Shelf margarita wasn’t that perfect golden color, so asked for a little more Grand Marnier, which was graciously accommodated. Still not perfect, but drinkable. The Queso was creamy, flavorful and simply delicious, with my preferred wafer thin, oily and salty chips. The salsa was nice and chunky with the right heat for my palate. YUM ! 5 stars for this delicious app!
Another visit, sitting again in the bar area, we ordered the Rio Grande platter: chicken flautas, brisket/​spinach quesadillas, chicken/​brisket nachos. I really enjoyed the flautas, and one of the nachos. Didn’t care for the quesadillas, but that’s not a reflection on RM. Just am not a real fan of those bites. 3 stars
Our last visit was one that made this a 3 star review. We were a party of 5, and promptly sat at a large corner part booth, part table. Alejandra was our very friendly server there quickly to take our drink orders. We lingered over our chips and salsa until drinks delivered. OOPS, again, could tell the margarita was not up to TS standards, so requested more Grand Marnier. When redelivered, again still too tart. Norma, the owner, walked by the table and I told her the marg was still not to my liking and she offered a shot of Grand Marnier for only a $ 2 upcharge. Okay, that sounds reasonable. Yes, that resolved the problem, but what a shame that we had to ask twice to remedy the issue. 3 stars
Our food orders were delivered in segments, not all at the same time. I ordered one soft cheese taco and one sour cream enchiladas, that’s all, no rice, no beans. I received an enchilada platter with rice and beans. As I was one of a party of 5, I chose not to to send it back and have my fellow diners insist on waiting until it was returned with their food getting cold. The food was just okay, not bad, just nothing with any Wow factor or really palate pleasing. 2 stars
Service by Alejandra was pleasant and attentive. She probably could have used some help in getting all our orders out in one delivery. 3 stars
I love their bar area; so yes, we’ll probably be back for drinks and apps. I’d love to walk away with a 5 star review one day.

Went tonight on Cinco de Mayo… WOW! I wish I could give zero stars. The service was terrible. Sat at the bar and the female bartender didn’t acknowledge us for 10 mins. Finally I ordered drinks and cup queso. I Waited and waited and it never came. I reminded the bartender and she said ok. Ok??? are you going to give it to us??? Finally a male manager came out and was delivering food to the guest next to me. I asked him if I could order some food? He rolled his eyes and said what do you want? I told him nevermind. Don’t ever go to this location!!! Terrible service not sure about the food seeing how I never got anyone to serve me. I’ve been in the restaurant business forever and was appalled. Good luck Rio Mambo…
Will never come back… don’t waste your money.
The manager Antonio was the worst. The female manager was working hard the entire time.

Came here on a Wednesday for dinner and ordered the fish tacos with sunshine sauce on the side… Very yummy! Also got the sopapillas which were so good! They have a nice patio area. Servers were also very friendly and attentive! Hope to go back to try more food!

My first visit to Rio Mambo was when it had just opened and my initial impression was, «This is awesome!» The brunch was amaziiinnng and the service was wonderful. Our waitress was very helpful and attentive. She even suggested we order brunch since it was such a great deal (and included a mimosa! Extras were only $.99. Jackpot!!) I figured that since it had literally just opened that it wasn’t getting traffic yet, which explained why the restaurant was empty. I would have given 5 stars at this time…
But here comes my second visit! I’m back at 4pm on a Saturday, which, given, is an odd time. I still figured since it’s the weekend and they’ve been open for several months now that there would be more than one other table present. Nope. Weirrrd. Of course we were sat RIGHT in front of them and since they were in the sun and directly facing us, we were confronted with the feeling they were staring at us our entire meal with their sunglasses on. Hahaha! Awkward as hell, but not exactly the hostess’s fault, it’s just so funny I had to mention it.
Anyway! The service left me wanting. The girl who sat us seemed annoyed with us from the moment we walked in because she was eating lunch. Understandable, it’s the end of her shift, but come on. You’re still working. She sat us in our awkward seat then asked if we wanted any drinks or margaritas. Me: «Oh I want a margarita. Is there a separate menu for them?» Her: «I’ll just get you two waters then.» Then she walked away. Dude?!?
Another waiter approached us after we received our waters and I had found the drink menu myself. «Are you ready?» I’m annoyed at this point, but luckily my FW Mag-​arita (frozen with Grand Marnier and baby bottle of champagne) was STRONG. Woooo! I couldn’t really taste any Grand Marnier, and the strong lime taste of the margarita with the champagne split was definitely weird, but hey, it oddly worked! At least I’m happy at this point. lol
Things kept getting better once food and drink were involved and ((thankfully)) a couple more tables showed up, staring table was joined by a friend so it wasn’t awkwardly quiet, and the sunglasses weren’t pointed in our direction as much. Phew! Our server redeemed himself by suggesting instead of getting the Mixed Grilled fajitas for two (at $ 31.95) that we get the Plato Campeon (at $ 29.95.) It was just like the fajitas but was already set up for two people plus included chipotle glazed pork shanks along with chicken, beef, and shrimp your way. I got the «Rosie’s Style» breaded spicy shrimp… PS: It was delish but my stomach wasn’t happy with me later. A small price to pay for awesome Tex Mex. ;) This, along with our bowl of queso with beef and my bubbly rita made for a king’s feast!!!
In conclusion of this stupidly long review (sorry, I was on a roll):
My first visit was 5 stars, this one at 3 because of the awkward service at the start, so 4 stars! Also, the décor is modern and beautifully understated with pops of colorful glass, beaded curtains, and a BUBBLE WALL. Sweet! The bathrooms are clean and attractive as well. The food is SO good it’ll keep me coming back. Brunch is a GO and I’ve heard happy hour is great as well. If Rio Mambo were in a better location I think it would get more customers in… that, or they just need better servers. :S

Great food but the service is definitely not as good as it used to be. When they first opened, the waitstaff was efficient and professional. Now those guys all seem to be gone, and service is not nearest good.
At least the food is still awesome.

This place was great! The food was delicious, and the drinks were superb. I’m so glad I have such a wonderful spot so close to home. I can’t wait to come back and try the brunch. The mango sangria Margarita is a must!

This storefront Tex-​Mex restaurant is rather easy to miss, sitting off the road somewhat, but missing it would be a mistake. It has a great happy hour, strong pours and complimentary appetizers.
The inside décor is attractive, and the patio is large and comfortable. Service is friendly and professional. I highly recommend it.

This is a cool place for happy hour, I found it thanks to my Unilocal buddies on here. They do have a good happy hour, and they have free quesadillas and queso during happy hour. The queso was pretty good, and the salsas were good. Our service was pretty good, and the place doesn’t get too packed.
They have a really nice patio to hang out on, so I will definitely come back.
It turns into a salsa place at night, so I will have to come back and check it out.

Hidden gem in Addison. Saturday night it was full but not overly crowded. We sat in the bar area. Service was not the best, so that is why I could not go full 5 stars based on this visit.
The guac and queso combo were perfect sizes to split between two people. The guac had nice chunks of avacado, which give it a yummy fresh decadence.
I went with a standard taco salad with beef. Boring right? Well it was quite delicious, ye nay sayer. I had a side if the Diablo dressing (a mix of Italian, salsa, and ranch), the salad didn’t even need it though. I did dip a few tortilla chips in the dressing, it was that tasty.
Back to the salad… the shredded cheese, sour cream, and beans gave enough flavor to cover the lettuce with no extra creaminess needed. I added some of the red salsa to the top too. Extra spice, so good.
Husband ordered the tacos al carbon. I had a bite. immediately wanted 3 more bites if his dish. Glad he is a sharing, loving man.
We will go back and have margaritas on the patio soon.

I totally love this location. My husband and I went there for lunch. The service was very good, which is really appreciated during rush hours.
I had tacos. The meat was very tender and full of flavor! It came with rice, beans, a small salad and soup.
My husband had the most amazing plate. I can’t remember the name, but it was sirloin with shrimp wrapped in bacon… The meat was tender, juicy, flavorful… Simply AMAZING!
We also had margaritas on the rocks, they are very good! At first you don’t feel how strong they are but they kick in your veins fast.
We also ordered flan, this is just okay, nothing surprising.

Modern atmosphere with some great Mexican food.
I went to Rio Mambo on a Thursday with some friends. It was Thirsty Thursday, so discounts on margaritas all-​day. Can’t really beat that. Their house margarita’s are made with decent tequila. They are very smooth. The chips were hot and fresh and the salsa had a little spicy kick to it. I ordered the choose three platter. I enjoyed a chicken enchilada, cheese enchilada, and a tamale. Both enchiladas were great. The tamale was a little on the dry side but the pork flavor was great. Our waiter went above and beyond to make sure we were content. My husband ordered the taco trio. I had a couple bites and it was well-​prepared. (Very authentic tasting tacos)
I can’t wait to go back to Rio Mambo and try some more dishes. :)

New Tex-​Mex food joint opened up on Beltline Rd. Kind of hard to see off the street. But they are in a small «shopping complex» across the street from Back 9 /​Azure.
Anytime a Mexican place opens, I strictly go because I know it’s a place I can get margaritas! And pray they are strong!
So with that, I started with the Margarita/​Sangria swirl. Tasty, not too sweet. Didn’t think it was too strong. But I felt the alcohol in my veins once finished!
Second, I tried the most awesome margarita I personally have ever seen. Frozen margarita, topped with Grand Marnier with a personal bottle of champagne plunged into it! That was one of their speciality margaritas. It was UHMAZING! I’d go back again and again strictly for that drink!
For food, we got the Rio Grande platter: chicken flautas, brisket/​spinach quesadillas, chicken/​brisket nachos. For it being the Rio «Grande», the platter was a bit small. 2 of each item.
The apitizeers themselves were pretty darn good. Everything was hot and yummy! Wasn’t really feeling the queso though. Tasted like cheap nacho cheese.
To note, the bar area was a bit small. And why they have it carpeted, no idea. Not sure if this place ever gets packed. But I arrived at 630 and there was plenty of seating from when I arrived til when I left around 8.
Nice new spot in the hustle and bustle of Addison!

Restaurant just opened in the neighborhood. Came for lunch and was not disappointed. EVERY single staff member was very attentive and nice. Food was good (we had the lunch menu items), fried tacos (#10) with chipotle chicken was delicious. Comes with two tacos compared to three on the dinner menu. Girlfriend had the enchilada and chalupa (#3) was okay for a create your own dish. The shredded chicken on the chalupa was a little bland and dry but, is edible.
We both wanted a margarita so we opted for the «grande» margarita. Well worth it and plenty for two to share. You will not be disappointed with the frozen house margarita!

Rio Mambo is amazing. Best margarita around. The food was excellent and the service was even better.
I’ve never had anything bad here. My favorites are brisket quesadillas, tacos a la parilla and Ken’s plate (oh, and the ribs, don’t forget the ribs). Tonight I was feeling somewhat healthy so I opted for Ken’s Plate and a side of guacamole. Both were outstanding. The veggies and chicken were cooked perfectly. The rice and beans were flavorful without being heavy, the guac was freshly made and the margaritas… Wow.
Everyone there made sure that my meal was perfect. I’m actually excited to eat leftovers for lunch tomorrow (although I’m considering going back for lunch since it’s delicious and so close to the office…).
Long story short: Eat here, I promise you won’t be disappointed.