Like its other Front Range brethren, the Fort Collins branch of this six-location restaurant always satisfies with favorites such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and fajitas. The spacious location in the heart of Old Town has exposed brick walls, hand-painted tables, and old storefront windows. When the weather is warm, wait for a table on the enclosed patio with a giant Mexican fountain.

Serving some of the best authentic Mexican cuisine with a touch of American flair, The Rio Grande is a triple threat in dining: excellent menu options, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that will leave you feeling like you just spent a week south of the border. But don't forget the margaritas: Rio Margs (as they're lovingly called by Boulderites) will have you singing, "One tequila, two tequila, three tequila...FLOOR!" These liquid desserts are consistently ranked #1 in the area by bloggers, beverage magazines, and locals alike. Be sure to pair Rio Margs with some creamy queso for dipping and the best taco option for miles around, Tequila Shrimp.

34-year-old Boulder staple, the Rio, got a big refresh in 2019, bringing its famous margaritas (limit three per customer) and equally famous local rooftop into the 2020s. These days you can find all the original menu favorites plus many more scratch-made food and drink options, including a long list of specialty tequilas and house margaritas. The views of Boulder’s Flatirons rival Corrida nearby, while the vibe and price point are certainly more casual.

Now, you can get a family pack of fajitas (as well as other dishes) for an at-home meal. In addition to its traditional menu that can be ordered for takeout, The Rio has an order-in-bulk option with a Family Fajita Pack that comes with the option to mix and match proteins, plus all the fixings like fajita veggies, sour cream, guac, tortillas, rice, beans and pico de gallo. Oh, and yes, you can get those famous Rio margs to go, too.

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant is a vibrant and lively establishment located just off Boulder's famous Pearl Street Mall. Specializing in delicious TexMex cuisine and refreshing margaritas, our restaurant is the perfect spot for a casual meal, a night out with friends, or a fun family dinner. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, as well as takeout and delivery services, we cater to all dining preferences.

Let me start by saying that Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant is an absolute gem when it comes to finding the best restaurants in Boulder with a View!. From the moment I stepped in, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant and lively atmosphere that engulfs the entire place. The restaurant boasts a perfect combination of warm lighting, colorful decor, and a stunning view that is simply breathtaking.

The Rio is the most expensive option on the list, but I digress; they have $4 margs on Thursday nights so get on over there. While I praised Illegal Pete’s margs earlier, The Rio has the best margs in Boulder according to any local you ask. The most popular ones are their frozen margs, with a choice of strawberry, mango, or the popular fun ‘manberry’.

The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant has been a Boulder institution for over three decades, delighting locals and visitors alike with its lively atmosphere and delicious Mexican fare. From their famous margaritas to their mouthwatering enchiladas and sizzling fajitas, the Rio Grande is a must-visit for those craving a classic Mexican dining experience.

I believe there's a Rio (salsa dancing?) To be honest I don't go out here much - I'm in my 30s and Boulder's nightlife is dominated by the college kids thanks in part to Boulder's lopsided growth policies (30% of the population is college students). Other venues seem family-oriented or geared to the many aging boomers and aging hippies in Boulder.

Rio Grande offers a separate vegan menu in addition to their main menu, which features a black bean and grilled vegetable burrito with veggie green chile or ranchero sauce, portabella and squash fajitas and nachos topped with guacamole, pico de gallo and grilled mushrooms. Address: 1101 Walnut Street, Boulder | 303-444-3690 | riograndemexican.com

Home to Boulder Weekly’s #1 Margarita, Rio Grande has more than just great drinks. With the second-best rated Mexican food and an awesome rooftop patio, the Rio is a great place to gather this summer. Their classic Rio marg is available on the rocks or frozen and in four flavors: classic, mango, strawberry or manberry.

We might as well carve a Best of Boulder certificate into the entryways of the Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina restaurants. These folks seem to be our readers’ favorite year after year. They must like amazing traditional Mexican food and fantastic margaritas served up by some of the friendliest people around.

The Rio has a rooftop bar and some of the strongest margaritas in town. The Lazy Dog has a rooftop and a ton of apps and beer. The West End Tavern has a rooftop and a chicken wing challenge.

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant 1101 Walnut St., 303-444-3690; riograndemexican.com. Mexican food and Margaritas. Open for lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat-Sun.

Boulder House/Absinthe House directly next door has a nice patio and who the hell knows what else happens there. Lazy Dog also has a roof.

Dinner at the Rio (good margs) or Walnut Brewery (good beers) are good starting places and are right next to the Foundry and Walrus.

If you want a margarita with a view, the Rio Grande has a hopping rooftop bar with a perfect view of the Flatirons.

Or, for a more casual dinner with a drink and sunset view, try the West End Tavern or the Rio Grande Mexican.