Sometimes nothing sounds as good as a big ‘ol burrito or taco with some guac and chips! If you’re craving fresh Mexican food and want something a bit more elevated than the usual Taco Bell or Chipotle, you may be wondering if Café Rio has anything vegan on their menu.
Eating out as a vegan can be tricky and often disappointing, especially when the only thing on the menu you can eat is a plain salad or French fries. But, with the rise of the vegan movement, this is slowly changing, and nowadays, it’s more unusual for a restaurant not to have anything vegan on its menu!
This is why it’s rather disappointing that Café Rio does not have any ready-to-order vegan options on their menu.
But fret not. If you’re a vegan who has found yourself at Café Rio, there are still a few ways to get creative and pull together a vegan Mexican meal.
What is Café Rio Mexican Grill?
Café Rio Mexican Grill has a rich history that dates back to 1997, when the first Café Rio location opened its doors in St. George, Utah. Founded by Steve and Patricia Stanley, Café Rio quickly gained a loyal following due to its commitment to providing fresh, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine.
The restaurant’s popularity led to rapid expansion, and today, Café Rio has numerous locations across the United States. From California to Texas, Arizona to Virginia, Café Rio has become a go-to destination for those seeking flavorful Mexican fare prepared with the freshest ingredients.
Café Rio is considered a fast-casual restaurant, similar to Chipotle, rather than a traditional fast-food chain like Taco Bell. At Café Rio, customers typically order at the counter and have their food prepared fresh in an open kitchen, allowing for customization and personalization of their meals.
What Vegan Choices Does Café Rio Offer?
As mentioned, unfortunately, Café Rio does not have any items on their menu that are ready to order.
While there are lots of vegan elements used in Mexican cuisine, like beans, guacamole, and fresh veggies, there are also many ingredients that include animal products like sour cream and cheeses, which make the pre-made vegetarian options at Café Rio unsuitable for vegans.
Currently, there are no vegan cheese alternatives or vegan meat alternatives on Café Rio’s menu. However, you can piece a few vegan staples together to make a satisfying vegan meal!
What Vegan Appetizers Are There At Café Rio?
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill offers a selection of vegan-friendly chips and dips, which are their only vegan appetizers. But nothing says Mexican cuisine quite like a bowl of fresh chips with fresh guacamole or salsa, so these appetizers are a great way to start your meal or as a snack!
The tortilla chips at Café Rio are both vegan-friendly and gluten-free, which is great news! According to the Café Rio allergen page, there is a chance of cross-contamination, as the tortilla chips are made in the same kitchen as the other non-vegan items, but do not contain any animal-based ingredients.
Chips and Guacamole:
Made from ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, and a blend of spices, Cafe Rio’s guacamole is a vegan-friendly delight. The creamy texture of the guacamole and the satisfying crunch of the chips make this classic appetizer a must-try.
Chips and Salsa Fresca:
Satisfy your craving for fresh flavors with Café Rio’s Chips & Salsa Fresca. This vegan salsa is made with a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro. Paired with crunchy tortilla chips, this appetizer is a classic crowd-pleaser.
Chips and Pico de Gallo:
Pico de Gallo is a classic Mexican salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. The vibrant colors and the tangy taste of this salsa, when paired with crispy tortilla chips, create a simple yet satisfying appetizer that will keep you coming back for more.
What Vegan Entrées are Available at Café Rio?
If you’re looking for something more filling than tortilla chips, there are a few menu items you can piece together to make your own vegan meal at Café Rio.
Make Your Own Vegan Burrito
When ordering the flour or wheat tortillas at Café Rio, be sure to let your server know that you are vegan. At most locations, the tortillas are fried in butter or margarine as they are prepared. You can ask the staff to skip this step to ensure your fresh tortillas are vegan-friendly.
Although Cafe Rio’s standard burrito may contain non-vegan ingredients, you can easily modify it to suit your dietary preferences. Swap out the meat or cheese for more black beans and vegetables, and make sure to request no sour cream or cheese toppings.
Here’s a full list of vegan-friendly toppings you can use to make your own burritos:
– Pinto beans
– Black beans
– Cabbage
– Cilantro
– Guacamole
– Lettuce
– Pico del Galo
– Salsa Fresco
– Fresh tomatoes
– Jalapeno
– Chopped onion
– Jalapeno
With these modifications, you can still enjoy a hearty and delicious vegan burrito.
Make Your Own Vegan Taco
Café Rio’s fresh corn tacos are vegan friendly, and while the traditional menu options aren’t vegan, similarly to the burritos, you can add your open vegan toppings.
You can choose from all the same vegan toppings as the burrito option to make some tacos that your taste buds will love!
Vegan Tostadas
Café Rio’s vegan tostadas, which are made from crunchy corn tortillas, corn tortillas, whole wheat tortillas, or flour tortillas are vegan-friendly.
You can customize your tostada shell by topping it with a generous portion of black beans or pinto beans, crispy lettuce, zesty Pico de Gallo, and creamy guacamole, to make a delicious meal!
Vegan Enchiladas
Depending on availability and location, Café Rio may offer vegan enchiladas. These enchiladas feature a soft tortilla filled with a medley of sautéed vegetables and hearty black beans. You can add a side of salsa or cover your enchilada in a vegan-friendly hot sauce.
Build-Your-Own Burrito Bowl or Salad
Another great vegan option is to tweak the vegetarian salad or burrito bowl to make a vegan-friendly alternative.
Café Rio allows you to customize your meal by starting with a base of black beans or pinto beans. From there, you can add a selection of Café Rio’s vegan-friendly ingredients, and you have the option of adding a tortilla on the side.
What Sauces at Café Rio are Vegan?
One of the main vegan sauces available at Café Rio is the pineapple mango salsa.
Unfortunately, all the other sauces on the menu contain milk, making them unsuitable for vegans.
Most locations have hot sauce or other sauces available on the tables. To be safe, always check the full ingredients list and ask the staff which sauces are vegan-friendly.
Vegan Drinks at Café Rio
In addition to the usual sodas and drinks, a few specialty drinks are vegan-friendly at Café Rio.
Mint Lemonade:
An invigorating combination of zesty lemonade infused with refreshing mint leaves.
Southwest Lemonade:
A unique twist on the classic lemonade, this Southwest Lemonade combines the tangy sweetness of lemonade with a hint of spice.
Strawberry Lemonade:
A vibrant combination of the natural sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of lemonade
Café Rio Vegan FAQ
Does Café Rio Offer Vegan Cheese?
No, unfortunately, Café Rio does not have any vegan cheese alternatives on the menu.
Is the Cilantro Lime Rice at Café Rio Vegan Friendly?
While most rice is vegan, unfortunately, the cilantro lime rice at Café Rio contains dairy, making it unsuitable for vegans.
Are There Any Vegan Dessert Options at Café Rio?
Sadly, there currently aren’t any vegan dessert options at Café Rio, but one of the specialty lemonade drinks may be able to satisfy your sweet tooth in a pinch.
Is the Horchata vegan-friendly?
The Horchata at Café Rio Isn’t Suitable for Vegans.
Traditional horchata is typically not considered vegan-friendly, as it often contains milk or dairy products. The traditional recipe for horchata involves blending rice, water, sugar, and various flavorings, but it commonly includes milk or condensed milk to give it a creamy texture.
Is the Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Vegan-Friendly?
No, the cilantro lime vinaigrette is not suitable for vegans, as it contains milk, an animal product. Sadly, most of the salad dressings on Café Rio’s menu aren’t vegan-friendly.
Café Rio Is Not the Best Restaurant for Vegans
While Cafe Rio Mexican Grill does offer some vegan options if you’re willing to customize meals, it’s important to note that there isn’t a dedicated section or a wide variety of specifically vegan dishes on their menu.
You can create satisfying vegan meals or snacks like guac and chips, burritos, and tacos by utilizing the build-your-own options and making modifications.
That said, if you’re seeking a Mexican restaurant with a more extensive and diverse selection of vegan options, it may be worth exploring other establishments. There are some excellent Mexican restaurants that have crafted dedicated vegan menus or expanded their vegan menu items to include some great food to meet your plant-based dietary needs.
