Restaurant Review | Rio Rio, Santa Clarita
So we finally went to Rio Rio. Honestly, if I do go back, it won’t be for a while. The food was just okay. The tri-tip was a bit dry. The service was slow, but that’s par for the course for a new restaurant.
The pricing was very high for the ambiance they offer. For a family of four our check came to $141.00. The only options are the $33.00 all you can eat (kids were $17) or the all you can eat salad bar (which didn’t look to thrilling). We had two cocktails and one dessert. We did leave there full, but not really satisfied. The sides are rather plain. They offer white jasmine rice, black beans, carrots and fried plantains.
The bonus is that there was no wait what so ever and they have dancing there as well, so that might be worth the extra money you’d pay for a mediocre meal.
Like I said before, I think I’ll wait a few months if we do go back.
Mel | Apr 24, 2007 | Reply
I liked it, the food kept coming out, as much as you want, I thought it was worth the money, lots of people pay more then 33 bucks pp for all you can eat sushi, why not cooked meats?
At first I was a little wary as I am a small woman and didnt think I would “eat my worth” but I totally did and it was great.
SCVBlogGirl | Apr 24, 2007 | Reply
Glad you liked it. It usually takes restaurants a while to work out the kinks after opening. I’ll be going back soon to check it out again.
Peggy Reick | Jul 12, 2007 | Reply
We had a dinner for 14 people at the Rio Rio and we had a lovely dinner. We were allowed to eat leisurely and the service was very good and prompt and friendly. We enjoyed the side dishes very much, we all thought they were very nicely flavored especially the Plantains. The sirloin had both red and well done meat. The steaks were all well done which was a disappointment for a lot of us, but there was a variety of choices. For that kind of money there should have been rare portions of steak. We brought our own wine and I believe the corkage fee was $10 a bottle. We enjoyed the ambience and unlike many restaurants the noise level was very low and we could communicate with each other easily. The salad bar was acceptable, however, the layout and selections could be improved. On the whole we had a very nice dinner and a delightful evening and it was something a little different. We would go back occasionally. The desserts were very good.
Nancy | Dec 23, 2007 | Reply
We went to this restaurant last night and absolutely hated it! We will never, ever go back.
The food was terrible! Like the original poster mentioned, the tri-tip was too dry and FULL of fat! In fact, none of their cuts of meat were lean. Also, I do not recommend anyone ordering from their dessert menu. I ordered the chocolate cake which tasted like it came from a cheap bakery, and my husband ordered the coconut creme brulee which was dry/crumbly and had NO flavor.
We went primarily for the show, and the hostess sat us behind a wall! We could only see half of the dance floor from where we sat. When we complained about it she said there was nowhere else to sit. I have no idea how a restaurant that offers a show can expect paying customers to sit behind a wall!!
The service was extremely slow! We were waiting upwards of about 15 minutes between meat cuts. Our server also did not bring out the sides in a timely manner. The portions were SO small! By the time we got our first cut of meat, we had already finished our sides. When the second cut of meat came out (~15 minutes later) we still had no sides.
The restaurant was also VERY overpriced for the quality of food. Our bill for the two of us came to $120!!!
I would not take my children to this restaurant. The show was very risque, with the dancers’ outfits. Some dance moves were very provocative, and with some of the customers who had been drinking it got pretty rowdy. With that being said, the clientele was far from classy.
We were very, very disappointed.
John | Dec 29, 2007 | Reply
If you know how to eat meat properly cooked, south American style you will enjoy this restaurant (if you do not know what I am talking about you rather go Outback or Black Angus). The service is very good, the servers are friendly and the price is right.
If you want more sides you need to ask for them, and they will bring them to your table as many times you want them. If the moves”were provocative” please attend your Sunday Church and ask for forgiveness…
Juck Pulver | May 5, 2008 | Reply
I enjoyed the show and the food. It was expensive, but I thought it was worth it. The dance show was typical Brazillian dancing, costumes and all. If one finds it too risque, there is always Chuck E. Cheese.
Di | May 28, 2008 | Reply
I was told about this place and thought it was a great idea for Valentine’s Day for my sweet heart and me. I didnt know what to expect, other than Samba dancers. We loved the food, the different flavors and variety of meats, and the sides were yummy. I make an effort to get info on a “pricey” place so that I don’t end up disappointed. What I was told about this place was an understatement. This place was wonderful and my sweetie has recommended RIO RIO to everyone who wants to enjoy a good meal and have fun with the entertainment.
Alice | Jun 11, 2008 | Reply
Too bad they went out of business.
jim | Aug 29, 2008 | Reply
they’re not out of business..
they’re remodeling!!!