New Rio 150 Mexican Restaurant Review: Steele Creek Charlotte, NC

We love Mexican food, so when Rio 150 opened in Steele Creek, my boys and I were eager to go. Here is an honest review from a single mom of two that lives right here in Steele Creek!

New Mexican Restaurant in Steele Creek

The restaurant is brand new, so it is definitely clean and inviting when you walk in.

We sat down and were offered a booth or a bar height table. Of course we asked to sit in a booth because it’s usually more comfortable and cushy than a table with hard chairs. We were so wrong! The moment we sat down, we noticed how TIGHT the booths are. There is barely any space between you and the table.

I weight 130 pounds and I’m 5’5″. My oldest son is 16 and we barely had room to sit across from each other! If you’re heavy set, you might want to take this into serious consideration. Try it out and ask to change seating if you are uncomfortable.

Complimentary Chips and Salsa

We were uncomfortable for about one minute until they brought out some complimentary chips and salsa.

They were so crispy and amazing!

There were two kinds of salsa, mild and spicy. I don’t do spicy but my boys eat hot Takis like they are Doritos. Even they admitted that the spicy salsa packed a powerful kick!

I stuck to the mild salsa which was not chunky salsa, but more of just a dip. It was flavorful and we enjoyed the chips while we browsed the menu.

Drinks and Cocktails at Rio 150 in Charlotte

The boys ordered apple juice and lemonade. My 7 year old was served in a decent size kid -friendly foam cut with a straw.

I ordered the Pink Senorita Margarita and they were not stingy with the alcohol! YES!!!!!

It was very sweet and mixed to perfection! I can’t wait to try more drinks at Rio 150.

Ordering Your Food

The kids ordered for themselves because I like for them to be confident and learn how to communicate when we go out. It’s important to look people in the eyes and speak up when you address them.

We ordered in English and the entire menu is also in English. Everyone spoke perfect English just in case you are insecure about your Spanish.

The food arrived after 20 minutes, but we were happy talking and catching up while munching on nachos.

I ordered the QuesaBirria Tacos.

My youngest ordered from the kid’s menu – grilled shrimp and french fries. It was a really good portion for my 7 year old. He was nice and full.

He gave the french fries a 10 out of 10!

Crispy and flaky, with a great taste!

shrimp and french fries Rio 150 Mexican Restaurant in Steele Creek Charlotte, NC

My teenager got a sizzling chicken dish with onions and mushrooms.

chickem, mushroom, onion food at Rio 150 Mexican restaurant food review in Charlotte North Caroline

It also came with a side of yellow rice, salad, and flour tortillas.

The food was good, but I noticed that we all sprinkled a little salt on our food.

Rio 150 Mexican Restaurant Review Birria Consommé at Rio 150 in Charlotte north Carolina review

The Birria Consomé, was extremely watery and flavorless. I sprinkled a little salt and pepper on it, and it was…better.

I really hope they punch up the flavor because this is one of my favorite dishes, and it is difficult to make from scratch at home.

The meat was tender but not super flavorful. A little salt made it better. We still enjoyed the food very much.

New Rio 150 Mexican Restaurant Review: Steele Creek Charlotte, NC

Rio 150 Atmosphere

The restaurant was decorated for the holidays which was very nice to see. They play music and performed a Happy Birthday song for two diners.

There were at least 5 flat screens up playing Sunday football games.

There was great signage up all over that really solidified the brand.

Rio 150 Mexican Restaurant review in Charlotte, nc

Family Friendly Restaurant

There were lots of kids and some babies dining at Rio 150 when we got there. They have the baby high chairs so parents can enjoy while they feed the baby too.

I also saw a young couple on a nice lunch date smiling and having a great time.