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Cafe Rio
Categories: Restaurants Seafood Restaurants American (New) Seafood, American (New) [Edit]
131 EsplanadeAptos, CA 95003
(831) 688-8917
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 3 pm - 9 pm
Fri 3 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat 12 pm - 9:30 pm
Sun 12 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
24 reviews for Cafe Rio
24 reviews in English
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Review from Aric W.
Berkeley, CA
9/20/2009
A-OK. I was pretty happy with my meal, but i am easy to please. I was just happy to be out of the house for the night. But i guess realistically it was only ok. I had the special, which was a seafood fetecini. It was decent i thought, but now that i think about it I think it was over 20 bucks. My wifes salad was Crab louie and was 20 bucks also. She said the salad was just ok and the clam chowder was bland. They said my meal was enough for 2 but i sucked it down with room for more.
All the waiters are local kids which is fine with me. Our server was actually very nice. I heard some kids talking about "good bread" and normal bread. I guess if you ask for it you can get bread that is better than what they give the tourists.
I will give this place another shot for sure. It definately was not that bad. in fact if it wasn't so expensive it would have 4 stars easily. -
Review from margaret a.
Aptos, CA
1/5/2012
Recently came back to Cafe Rio. We were originally patrons of the original Cafe Rio for many years but after one meal with 2nd owner never came back. A few days ago we again tried this restaurant and the food is just OK. We waited almost an hour before our meal arrived and the table next to us came in later, were served and almost finished with their meal before ours arrived. And guess who was the waiter for the table that got served before us, our waiter. The waiter had a sheepish look on his face and said our meal would be right out, we waited another 20 minutes. After being served our waiter disappeared until the bill. I feel there is a management issue as the restaurant was half full and to have our order messed up tells me either the order was not placed right away or the chef is not taking the orders in the line of progression.
The new owners have removed the white tablecloths and have vinyl tablecloths stapled to table. You have to lift your plate if you want to move it as it will not slide on this covering. Tacky.
SOMEBODY pull the original menu out of the archives and use it. It worked for over 20 years. Lesson to be learned from that. Original Cafe Rio was always standing room only. -
Review from Tom M.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 9/12/2011
UPDATE!!! I am sure that the current incarnation of the Cafe is probably on par with the former owners' high degree of quality and service. The interim shock or lapse has been removed and now the stage is set for great food and caring employees. Just knowing that they get four stars.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/16/2009
They ruined 27 years if great service, food and atmosphere when whomever bought the place from the… Read more »
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Review from C S.
Stockton, CA
Updated - 7/20/2011
We have been coming to Aptos for over 35 years, and every year we try Cafe Rio in hopes of having that wonderful meal we did when it first opened "way back when" . Alas, after many owners, many "re-opening" and many chefs, Cafe Rio still falls short of our original mark.
We made our annual trek to Cafe Rio last night to a new menu and new owner, Queenie, who hovered close by -- attentively. Our server Peter was also attentive and the food was prompt -- I hoped this was a good sign, but this time it was the food that was disappointing.
Our $12 calamari appetizer was not hot and the $14 "fresh" oysters on the half shell were not "fresh" -- they were dry and lacked any of the good oyster liquor that heralds freshness. Mignonette and cocktail sauce were served in plastic cups -- for $14? I expect that on the wharf -- not at a pricey establishment.
The Fishmonger soup that's been a staple through many owners needs to be retired!!! It should be called "Leftover Soup" because that's essentially what it is. Over seasoned with Oregano and Thyme.
The $17 linguine and clams was a huge disappointment. "Again with the Oregano and Thyme!!!!" Linguine and clams should be lighter with butter, wine, garlic and maybe clam juice. Not overpowered with Italian herbs -- No fresh clams discernible -- tons of canned clams and a few whole clams that tasted frozen. $17????
Everything is Ala carte....so the final price tag mounts quickly -- For the money, I expected much better. Even though we are here for a month, it will be another year before we try it again ---- always hopeful ! Until then, it's back to Bittersweet -- which is always good.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/3/2008
Oh how I want this restaurant to do well because it's so picturesque and convenient, however, the… Read more »
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Review from M D.
Capitola, CA
Updated - 6/29/2011
Are you kidding me. Grand opening. Lousy service. Lousy. Did I say lousy service. Worse, they want 5 star prices for 2 star service. Gosh that is frustrating. I do not plan on returning.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/18/2008
Update: Went here for first time since new ownership. Terrible. A few of us from the office went… Read more »
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Review from Nicole G.
San Francisco, CA
7/14/2008
Hmmm... Being at the La Selva beach house with my families brings back lots of memories. One of those is heading to Cafe Rio every summer for my birthday dinner. Well, we all know what happens to memories. They get rosier, they fade or they get twisted.
Point being, this place is not exactly like I remembered it. It used to be packed and it was strangely quiet. My family is loud in general (I have 3 sisters) and the crowd used to drown us out. Now, we're the life of a very small party.
Once we got our menus, I was surprised to see some pretty innovative dishes for small beach town Aptos -- from prosciutto-wrapped scallops to Cioppino stew to sword fish with kalamata olive sauce. The prices had also changed, and most all of the entrees were between $20 and $30.
I sort of perked up thinking about about my gourmet meal to come. Unfortunately, the prices and the creativity of the menu didn't translate into good food. The ceasar salad was a little limp, the prosciutto-wrapped scallops were overly salty, the swordfish and salmon were dense and slightly fishy.
How is it possible that a cute little joint right on the beach could lose its commitment to high quality seafood? Sad to see an old standard lose its touch. -
Review from Natalie G.
San Francisco, CA
7/15/2008
I left this place after a dinner out with the whole family kind of asking myself, "What happened?"
This place was always the standard dinner we go to when vacationing up the road at La Selva Beach. Not only did it stick with the whole ocean-seafood theme, but the service was always prompt and the food always fresh. This time around I was underwhelmed.
Normally this place is packed, but this time we were one of the only groups there. Usually this is an indicator that something has changed. Apparently it is the ownership of my once favorite restaurant. The food was overall good, but not great like the old days. Also, you would think that when a restaurant is slow your group would get outstanding service. This was not the case. They were not very attentive at all.
I sampled quite a few dishes and my favorite was a toss up between the cioppino and the swordfish. My short ribs didn't amaze me (maybe cause I should have stuck with the seafood dishes, as this is there specialty). I really hope they get there act together for my next vacation, cause Cafe Rio is a family tradition! -
Review from Allegra I.
San Jose, CA
11/25/2007
Bleh. This place is such a letdown for me and I'm not quite sure why people like going here. The view is nice, but the food is just bland.
I've given this place a few tries and I've always left disappointed. The fish is always bland tasting and my vegetables on the side were oversteamed, droopy, and mushy. For the price you pay you expect some flavorful fish, but you won't get that here.
I suggest you skip this place if you can. -
Review from Tom G.
Santa Cruz, CA
7/31/2007
This should be called the New Cafe Rio - new owners, and a radically different menu. Of course, with the requisite higher prices on many of the dishes - that is just par for the course.
We loved coming here on special occasions - it was sort of our lower-end Shadowbrook, with the great view of the beach across the parking lot, usually very good service and dishes. But we went here the other night not knowing that we would say Hasta La Vista to Calamari Steak, an always-changing Seafood Pasta, that interesting Fishmonger Soup, and an excellent Filet Mignon (actually, it was on the menu that night as a special, but with a new $35 price tag). Sigh....well, we had already sat down with our party of seven, so we had to give it a go.
First off, the Mussel appetizer was excellent - these were some nice large mussels, and a decent quantify for the $ (see my review of 515 if you want the anti-thesis). Meanwhile, my wife had the duck and venison sausage, which she said was fair. Two of us had the Top Sirloin, which was decent but my sis-in-law complained hers was too oily. Both came with what looked like hand cut french fries that were pretty good. My son had the kid's cheeseburger (minus the cheese) with those fries, and it was a pretty hefty burger for a kid. Mom-in-law had the Shrimp Scampi, which was a moderate portion but decent. My dad-in-law had the Scioppini (sp?), which was OK and reasonably priced.
So why only a 3 rating? Partially because of the missing favorite dishes, the significantly higher prices on some items, and it just feels different. You know, like when you visit that divorced relative and he/she has the new wife/husband with the different perfume/cologne - it will take some getting used to before you can accept him/her in your life. Don't ask me where that came from.... -
Review from Anna Marie G.
Capitola, CA
7/28/2007
My friends and I ate at Cafe Rio this afternoon. The food was excellent, but the server was bad. How bad? My friends said not to leave a tip; in the end I gave only 10%.
I was looking forward to going there because I had spoken with the owners about my gluten-intolerance and they were both helpful and knowledgeable. I had plenty of food choices, and choose a crouton-less Caesar and a prawn cocktail. The Caesar dressing was very good the lettuce was fresh and crisp. My friends enjoyed the shrimp fritters, a salmon sandwich, sashimi and burgers.
I'll go back again, but I would not have the same waiter. It is a nice, clean restaurant in an excellent location by the beach in Rio Del Mar.
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Review from Krystal B.
Pacifica, CA
9/24/2007
A group of 5 of us went there for brunch. I had high hopes after reading the menu as everything sounded creative and Deelicious. But let me tell you, it reads much better on paper. Not only was the service absolutely horrific (no one told us the specials and we had to wait about 40 minutes for our food. with no appetizers!) but the food was so-so. I had the portabello mushroom & asparagus omelet which had ok flavor but the egg was so god damn thick that i couldn't really taste anything else. Everyone elses dish looked like a dissapointment (considering what it sounded like on the menu) and so were their reactions. Salmon melt looked greasy and uninteresting. The only thing that looked slightly edible was the burger.
Considering there are so many other places to eat in Santa Cruz (RIVA!) I suggest skipping this place altogether. -
Review from Shiho F.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
3/24/2010
Attended a fun dinner with old friends in Soquel and just heard that Cafe Rio was doneski. So sad. We had so many great memories here in the past. Celebrated numerous birthdays and always had an enjoyable time. Sad to see all the bad reviews but I only dined here before 2006 which I see is the year the original owners sold the restaurant. Sad to see an oceanfront restaurant go like this and really hope someone opens something neat in such a prime location.
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Review from Anthony J.
Carlsbad, CA
6/30/2006
An Aptos gem for sure. Good food, nice bar...as an OG I say try the Guido Tropicanna.
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Review from Janice S.
San Jose, CA
4/23/2007
I hate to be a party pooper, but this restaurant has horrible service, and bad food. I was here at the Crab Feed last January and their tasting was excellent. I recently went last Saturday for dinner and it was a total 360 than anticipated. Maybe it was because it was raining, and it was nearly 9 pm, but that's not an excuse, a customer is a customer, we don't care about those things except that we expect good customer service. We had the calamari for an appetizer, not worth it, it was full of batter. My swordfish was small and bland, if you want steamed vegetables, it was another $3.95, and if you want a salad, that too was another $3.95 extra. My bf had the seafood pasta which was ok.
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Review from Denise C.
Campbell, CA
Updated - 7/16/2008
Oh my GAWD! All I can say is what the hell happen here?! When the new owners took over this place, I thought yippee this is awesome! They stepped up the menu with new items and they were GREAT. The new waitstaff were wonderful. Jazz at night. This was a new hip spot to go to and very good. Well....that was a year ago and I guess I a lot can happen in one year.
First of all we went there on a Sunday, normally this place would be packed with the summer beach house tourists. Not the case, at 6:30pm we were one of only 5 tables occupying the entire restaurant. A strong indication there we should have left. It was also in very poor condition. Dirty carpet, dingy walls, and just looking rather run down. The waiter came and took our drink order and the bread arrived shortly after that. Off to a good start...however it quickly went downhill after that. My tomato salad was good, but my BF was really looking forward to the shrimp bisque which we both remember from the past as being stellar. What a disappointment. It didnt even taste like the same recipe. Third, the entrees - JUST PLAIN BAD. I had the Shrimp Scampi. The prawns were undercooked and were not clean. If you are going to serve shrimp that are not clean, then certainly clean out the nasty shrimp guts in those buggers - no one wants to eat them. And the sauce that accompanied it was nasty! My boyfriend had the scallops - they were not caramelized as before and clearly raw in the middle. The rice was weird too. I cannot explain how bad it really was, well...until we both got home and an hour or so passed..... BARF! You got it, we were both sick all night!!!
It is really sad, this is such a cute place that needs to be "seriously" cleaned up and has a wonderful location - on the beach. Rumor has it that its up for sale, if that is the fact -- hopefully the new owner(s) will serialize it and open it up with a fresh menu.
So sorry for the bad review, but someone needs to get the shit together here and fast! Right now, I'm STILL trying to feel better from my past or shall I say last dining experience at Cafe Rio!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/11/2007
OMG! New owner/chef, new menu and great new tastes. It is much more hip and and refined than before… Read more »
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Review from Selina A.
Gilroy, CA
9/5/2007
I recently ate here this past Saturday night and wasn't impressed at all.
For one, the service was horrible. Our waitress wasn't very tentative. Seeing that she was the ONLY waitress for the outside patio seemed to be a little too much for her. We were never greeted by her just asked what we wanted to drink. Our appetizers were brought out and when we finished with them we had to wait about 15mins till our dinner was brought out. Never once did the waitress come by to let us know there was going to be a wait, nor did she ask if we needed any more to drink.
Secondly, I ordered a portabella mushroom stack of some sort. The Mushroom was over cooked and very chewy. Worst of all my food was slightly cold. My boyfriend ordered the steak, and for the price he paid for it the steak was full of fat. A complete turn off.
I heard Cafe Rio had new owners, but sadly I don't think I'll ever return to this place. -
Review from Grey H.
Soquel, CA
4/24/2008
This used to be an okay place to eat, but then they changed the prices and perhaps some of the menu. The prices went up a great deal, and so my family is no longer going to be eating here. There is just no justifying eating this fairly mediocre food at the outrageous prices that they charge. Some say location is everything; I'm betting that the owners are hoping that location can keep them in business.
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Review from Linda G.
Capitola, CA
11/25/2007
BAD SERVICE!!! My family had dinner here recently to celebrate my mother's birthday, and we experienced the worst service. It's very very very slow, and when we finally had enough and said something to the manager, all he offered was wine, but it still took forever to receive our food. We thought it was because we were a table of 6, but then there was a large party sitting near us (approx. 20) who ordered their meal after us, but received their food before we did. A friend of mine told me they went for brunch and had a similar experience. If you don't mind waiting a long time for your food, then head on down. Otherwise, there are plenty of other restaurants in the area that have better food, great views, and excellent service.
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Review from Maggie C.
Santa Cruz, CA
1/20/2010
So sad that this formerly great sea front is a shell of it's former self.
Bad food, confused service, surely bartenders, spaced out managers. For years we went there every Thursday night-since the change in ownership it is sad to say we cannot even bring ourselves to brave the conditions for their burger which is the only thing we would strain to recommend. -
Review from Joe B.
Stockton, CA
10/19/2008
Just ate at this place, I use to love going to this place as a kid. I would like to borrow Rodney Dangerfields line in in Caddie Shack and say low grade dog food. The service was awful the food was pathetic. I hate to give a review like this because I met the owner a couple of years ago and he was very nice. My thoughts on how to improve this place, turn the lights up I tripped on the multi level floor twice (sober) some of the kids working the floor seemed like they enjoyed snorting coke before the start of the shift. I wish this place the best because the one star I gave was for location.
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Review from June H.
Santa Cruz, CA
9/11/2007
We went to Cafe Rio about 5 years ago and had such a negative experience we didn't go back until last night. We are glad we did.
The service was so so, hence the four stars rather than five. However, the food was great! We started with martinis, a good pour and well priced. The wine list had some interesting selections, not your average Santa Cruz wine list. My husband ordered the pancetta wrapped scallops, and they were cooked perfectly. He is almost afraid to order scallops in Santa Cruz any more as they are usually not the best quality scallops available. These were on a bed of tasty risotto and rainbow chard. My King Salmon was delicious. Just cooked through, and it was a very large portion for the $19 price tag. It was served with the risotto as well, and sauteed tomatoes with roasted garlic. Delicious! I have to say that this was on the best meals we have had in Santa Cruz in a long time. Kudos to the new owners! Keep it up. -
Review from David F.
Santa Cruz, CA
8/21/2009
How this place was once upon a time, "The Place!". It was always hoppin on a Saturday night, noisy yes, but service was top notch, food was...WAS great. Nothin fancy, but consistant quality. I REMEMBER...oh yes..."memories, like the corners of...". Ok enough of that. My mouth waters at the memory of splitting the Alaskan King crab legs and New Zealand rack of lamb with my buddies. They DID have a small wine list, but enough good local and Napa wines to choose from. A bottle of the Justin Isosceles was the perfect pairing for a meal that made you feel "good to be alive!". And that's what the Rio WAS, lively. The hostesses, coctail waitresses and bartenders were the hottest lookin chicks you would ever love to talk to. But they werent just nice eye candy, they were on top of their game. Fast, professional, funny...always smiling. You know, when your employees are smiling and at the same time are great at what they do, you know the owner(s) is doing something right.
And they were. I repeat... WERE!
Let me inform you Yelpers about the history of the Cafe Rio before it was sold three years ago.
Cafe Rio was established in the late 70's by a group of very close friends, some grew up together in High School and others were partners in previous ventures.
As the years progressed, the Cafe Rio became not only a place for summertime vacationers, but "the place" for locals to enjoy good consistant food, excellent service ALWAYS and of course, beautiful and often times funny ladies that always seemed to have a smile on their faces. In fact everyone was smiling and laughing who worked on the floor. Who knows what the back of the house was like, but they were doing something right because the BEST CIOPINNO I have ever had WAS at the Cafe Rio...Oh the memories.
And whatever happened to that delicous black and blue Ahi with the satae red and green bell peppers and onions in sweet vermouth...or was it Pernod?
I remember...the Seafood pasta, the Swordfish (Pacific) chargrilled with a mango chutney and of course the New Zealand green lip mussles in butter, white wine/sherry.
You see it wasnt just the good food and great floor staff, it WAS the energy of the place. And it was this that had us always coming back to the Cafe Rio. And it was because of the owners and how they made us ALL feel like family, for the Cafe Rio was a reflection of their love for friends, family and whomever wanted to experience their creation of an establishment that has long disappeared
in a time of "everyone wants to own a restaurant".
Oh the memories...of a time before change.
Change...something that us older folk dont like one darn bit!
Three years ago last February, the Cafe Rio, was sold. Not the building mind you, but the business. The new owners, who had never lived in a small town changed everything, the menu, the vibe and even the dress of the waiters. No more shirt and tie in the Winter and short sleeve Hawaiian in the Summer. It's now all black. Trying to be something they are not.
Who wants Quail at the beach, kooks.
As time went on veterin waiters and Chefs left and found work at other Santa Cruz landmarks, Cafe Cruz, Ma Maison, Shadowbrook, Sushi Garden to name a few.
There are only the sounds of chirping crickets and vacant tables in a restaurant that "packed them in" in years past. I am suprised that they have two stars.
DONT EXPECT THE OLD CAFE RIO!
It's long gone.
The food is substandard, it might be warm if you get it within the hour you arrive.
The service is poor due to the fact word around town (Santa Cruz) is that any server with any brains would be crazy to work there, thus you get brainless servers. If you ask for a wine list and they actually give you one, ask them which ones on the list they actually have stocked.
This place is barely surviving and i'll put money on it that these poor souls wont make it through the Winter.
We want our old Rio back! Please Yelpers cast your vote, write your review and get you know who to bring her back. -
Review from Jenni D.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2006
food is amazing. not sure what previous post was talkin about- yes, it's crowded, but it's great. the francase bread is served fresh from a local bakery. fish is fresh and served with interesting sauces. cheap! $15-20/entree. Great service, if a bit of a wait to be seated (even with reservations). Try the sandabs for a special treat. yummy!
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Review from tom p.
Santa Cruz, CA
10/7/2009
Incredible ahi tuna salad. The dressing is to die for and the ahi was perfectly seared and beautifully presented. The service was great. Our waiter, Aaron was a real cutie with a quick smile and a great knowledge of food and wine pairings. Speaking of wine, they have a great selection. The atmosphere was beautiful, right on the beach. They also have a new smaller menu with things like beef skewers and ahi tacos with prices ranging from $4-$6. We had great food and a great time. I have read a few of the reviews on here and want to encourage you to give it another try.
