By Blaine Howerton | New SCENE
Immediately after a devastating fire in July, 2021, Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant has re-opened its doorways at 143 W Mountain in Fort Collins.
“After a lot more than 30 many years on West Mountain Avenue, it was time for time for an update, and the kitchen hearth expedited the method,” mentioned Pat McGaughran, founder and proprietor of the Rio. “Whether it’s a content hour or marriage reception, the Rio has been a community accumulating spot for years, and we are quite fired up to be capable to convey the group again jointly in our primary space. The renovation celebrates the historical past inside of the partitions and also provides the space a a lot more fashionable and modern day glance.”

COVID in 2020 was a frightening time for Rio. “We managed to come across our way by means of all that,” explained Pat. “I felt like the group figured out a way for us to maintain moving forward. We are quite grateful that all that took spot, and we had the fortitude to preserve relocating forward.”
Then the hearth occurred. ” I bought a phone at 1 o’clock in the early morning, and they explained the building’s on hearth. I believed this was it,” claimed Pat.
But, firefighters saved the developing. There was a spot shut by, a temporary site. In accordance to Pat, the insurance firm coated the losses. “We pulled all that collectively, and it’s been huge that we had that facility. So now, in this article we are!”

Pat discussed that they gave specific awareness to the transforming particulars at a new press luncheon while standing in the new dining place. They upcycled much of it and saved the regular glimpse and really feel while modernizing the making (originally designed in 1902).
As constantly has been the circumstance, Rio presents unique notice to components in the food stuff and drinks.

This author has requested the similar eco-friendly chile-smothered rooster burrito for just about 20 years. I ventured out at the luncheon to test the steak and Portabella Fajitas! I’m a massive admirer! The Fresh JALAPEÑO MARG was an superb enhance with Cazadores Reposado, orange liqueur, and refreshing muddled jalapeño & lime.
“I’m grateful to have this option. We have been in this spot due to the fact 1991,” claimed Pat. “This area has been an incredible position for individuals to acquire around the years.”
Rio Grande Mexican Cafe provides satisfied hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., lunch and evening meal every day (periods change per location), and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vegan-welcoming and gluten-free selections are also readily available at just about every locale.

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