Located at 150 N 6th St, Reading, PA, Rio Cafe Reading offers a vibrant dive into authentic Spanish cuisine. Patrons rave about its generous portions and bold flavors, making it a must-visit before shows at the nearby Santander Performing Arts Center. Customers like Michael Wolfkiel delight in dishes such as the chicken fajitas and cheese enchiladas verdes, highlighting the excellent guacamole that accompanies them. The passion fruit margarita, praised by Mrs. A Stephens, balances perfectly with the food, enhancing flavors like the fresh pastellios and savory Mofongo.
The restaurant boasts a family-friendly atmosphere, as noted by Érica Yanney, who enjoyed the rich flavors of the shrimp Mofongo accompanied by perfectly seasoned beans. This blend of vibrant recipes creates a memorable dining experience, supported by friendly and attentive service. Many reviewers describe Rio Cafe as a hidden gem with a welcoming decor that adds to the overall dining experience. Whether you're stopping in for a meal before a show or simply seeking authentic Spanish dishes, Rio Cafe Reading promises a delightful culinary journey that leaves guests eager to return.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For Rio Cafe Reading
Michael Wolfkiel
Jun 19,2025
We had chicken fajitas & cheese enchiladas verdes....over-ordered with some chips & guacamole, but worth it for the EXCELLENT guacamole. Very generous portions A few doors down from the Santander Performing Arts Attentively friendly service.
Mrs. A Stephens
Jun 15,2025
I must say the food is AMAZING! The passion fruit margarita was on point a great balance with the mix and alcohol. The Pastellios was fresh, hot and delicious we tried all 3 and was not disappointed at all the shrimp was my favorite, the chicken steak and shrimp fajitas was amazing. Excellent flavor the beans and rice was good. Love the simple salad. My husband had fried pork with Mofongo. It was delicious as well. The food here is authentic. The service was great. Definitely will be back again.
Iris Bates
May 31,2025
Super flavorful- Mofongo was Wow- Wonderful!! We ordered a little bit of Everything delivered. Chix/shrimp/nachos/Cubans/steaks everything excellent
Érica Yanney
May 31,2025
First time trying Mofongo (fried dough made with plantains). I had the shrimp one with white garlic sauce, delicious! Everybody else loved their choices: burritos, quesadillas, rice and beans (the beans are exceptinally well seasoned), maduros, and fries (kid's can't live without good fries!). Nice family atmosphere and ambience! Friendly staff!
Miss Val
May 11,2025
I stopped in here prior to seeing a show at Santander Performing Arts Center. There aren’t many nearby restaurants to choose from but after eating here, you really don’t need another choice. What a hidden gem! The food was delicious. The staff were friendly and welcoming. I sat in the bar area and loved the decor and atmosphere. Prices are good. Next time I’m in town for a show I will plan on going back.
Robert Bennett
Mar 30,2025
We hiked the Neversink loop in heavy snow. Exhausted and wet we looked for something in the city. Spanish and Mexican food was the craving. A new owner was there to greet us. We ordered the enchiladas and birra tacos. I got the birra tacos. My buddy wanted to try mine. It was so good I didn't want to share. He traded me an enchilada. And then proceeded to make yummy noises eating and dipping the taco. Enchilada was really good. Definitely would go back for them birra. They serve alcohol. Photos are the snow hike nearby.
Steve Cruz
Mar 26,2025
Just had lunch at Rio Cafe, they are under new ownership. Gabino the new owner was super welcoming happy to have us there! The atmosphere was very cozy, the service was impeccable! Eli really made us feel at home and welcomed. She made sure everything was to our satisfaction! And the FOOD, AMAZING!! We are MD/DC natives but WOW this placed truly outshined our fave spots back home! Definitely will have to return! The mix fajita is to die for! And not to mention the Tres Leches cake was criminally DELICIOUS. truly wish them nothing but success, amazing all around.
Nikki Staniewski
Mar 6,2025
What a delightful gem to find. Unfamiliar with the area and waiting to see a show at Santander Center. Our server was very courteous and helpful. This cozy place is big on personality and atmosphere. Food was excellent
Reviews For Rio Cafe Reading