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Step 1
Don't be put off by the bars all along the windows of the tiered, Southwestern style exterior, a jarring reminder of where the restaurant is located. The interior of the restaurant is welcoming, with gleaming saltillo floors, Southwestern artwork and pots of tropical flowers. Tables are painted in rustic hues and draped with colorful serapes. The eatery is large, divided into several dining rooms, and all are non- smoking. Reservations are not necessary, unless you are arriving with a large party.
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Step 2
Arrive hungry. Portions are large, and menu items focus on specialties such as char-grilled meats served fajita style or in combos, a selection of chimichangas, deep-fried flour tortillas filled with meat and cheese blanketed with a spicy red sauce, overstuffed burros, a few tortilla bowl salads and homemade soups, and a limited breakfast menu, with menudo (spicy tripe stew, often served as a hangover cure) available on weekends. A half dozen appetizers range from cheese crisps, nachos and Mexican pizza to fresh shrimp cocktail. Plan to spend $20 per person for a meal with an appetizer or dessert.
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Step 3
Order the El Rico burro ($14) if you like spicy foods. It's filled with meat and poblano peppers and topped with jalapeno cream cheese. Other burros average $10. Other options include standard combination plates with hard or soft shell tacos, enchiladas filled with cheese or meat, and tostadas topped with refried beans. Fajitas, prepared with char-grilled chicken or beef and served with piping hot flour tortillas, are another house specialty. Rice and beans are served with combination plates and most dinners.
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Step 4
Tempt seafood lovers with deep fried fish tacos, or try the Tacos Mexicanos ($12) served on corn tortillas with chicken or beef. Save room for homemade flan for dessert ($6), a rich custard drizzled with caramel sauce and finished with whipped cream.
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Step 5
Stop by on Monday evening for margarita specials, or plan a Thursday night dinner visit to hear mariachi music. Bring the folks during the week from 2 to 4 p.m. for senior citizen specials. Rio Mirage has a separate dining room that can be reserved for private parties, and also provides catering for special occasions.
