Cantina del Rio
| Address: | 1299 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA |
| Phone: | +1 830-515-1950 |
| Site: | cantinaingruene.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 14
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C Lorraine Wilson
This is my favorite restaurant in Gruene. Period. There are other restaurants that seem to appeal more to the tourists... but if you want a local favorite, this is it. The fish tacos are the best Ive ever had anywhere. They are grilled... not beer battered, thank goodness. Whatever they put in the slaw that goes w/ the taco is YUMMOLICIOUS!! The pork tacos are pretty tasty, too. The margaritas might be about a buck more than anywhere else you would get a machine margarita... but these will have you feeling happy before youre finished with the first one. The decor is festive. The staff is friendly and quick to grab you anything else you want to put on your table. Its one of the best outdoor, casual dining experiences in the area. During the summer, the fans are going on the decks and the windows are open wide. You can hear the music from Gruene Hall and enjoy the Texas breeze!
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Raquel F.
Stopped in with a few friends to get something light to eat. We requested to be seated inside since it was hot out and the hostess acted like it was a huge inconvenience. They brought us some chips and we all ordered water (again hot outside), at which point we were asked if we were actually going to buy something to eat. So rude. All of this was from the same girl. Right after this bit of attitude she told us she was taking her break and passing us off to another waiter. He was super friendly, helpful, and great and the only reason for the second star. Also, the food was way overpriced for what it was. Its obvious that this place is designed as a tourist trap.
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Kelly Conboy
Outside of their margaritas and salsa, this place is terrible. Our waitress acted like the place was slammed with only 2 other tables occupied in the entire restaurant. She kept rushing off without us even finishing our order. The chips they gave us for the salsa were bottom of the bag chips, which we recieved twice even after asking for a new basket of chips. The enchiladas were not great and the fajitas nachos were burnt from just chillin in the oven for too long with the cheese just burnt on the top of the chips, not even melted. Margarita was only memorable thing about this restaurant. This was our first time and more than likely our last time here.
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gonzo v
Never again! First time there and a horrible experience. Our party of 5 walked up to the front desk outside parking lot and not 1 "hello" or "welcome" from 5 employees standing there as we walked in. We passed the bar on the right with 3 others standing there, again, no "hello" or "welcome". This is the truth, no lie! The owner of this place NEEDS to hire or source other cooks to make the Mexican food, seriously. I have never, ever tasted rice this bad before...ever. The enchiladas were made as if Mcdonalds did them. I wouldnt even consider this Tex-Mex, just not good food.
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Avatar Devin
As you can see the reviews are mixed. Its worth a try though. Prices are the best in the area compared to the restaurants nearby. I had the fajitas mixed, and everything was great except the store bought fake tortillas with after taste. Chips amd salsa were great, service was good. And my wife had the fish tacos which were real good too. Atmosphere is real casual and different with trees going throughout the place. Good drinks and a great choice to be laid back afyer a day of being out or on the river.
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Kori L
Great food ! Delicious margaritas !! Our server wasnt attentive what so ever and didnt bother to come around and check on us - so upon 9:01 ordering a last margarita she literally told us -"sorry , were closed " ... Maybe for someone walking in but we just ate for one .second - she never checked to see if we needed anything near or before closing time . Lastly ... Were not talking kitchen food were talking about a margarita machine .... But alright . Otherwise great
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Felicia Skrocki
We ate there Tuesday 11 October 2016 for a late lunch. Had chalupa plate and enchilada plate. Both were awful. The tortillas were soggy and burnt and cold. The small chopped lettuce and tomato were limp and disgusting. Rice was old and dry. Only thing good were the chips and salsa. Mexican food is not their strong suit. Maybe hamburgers are better. Also agree that bathroom doors are deplorable. Atmosphere is great, new lighting in the trees, a big boost.
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Stacy Mikkelsen
Tonight we got the opportunity to taste the Fiesta Salad, today was its debut! WOW!!! Its a brand new menu item you must see for yourself! Mason and his team put together a "game changer", this thing is awesome with homemade spicy ranch chipotle dressing, along with chicken, which my wife had, I had beef (fajitas). With the fresh salad is a host of tasty delights, to include black beans, cheese, is just perfect for a nice full yet light meal. Try it!!!
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Mark Wright
I have NEVER had such a bad experience at a restaurant. Waiter was new and I really felt sorry for him but was really bad.. food was an hour late getting out. Drinks were empty.. food was HORRIBLY salty.... and I have never EVER experienced a Mexican restaurant that RAN OUT OF RICE !!!! WT?!?! ¿rice? How!? Thats like running out of gas at a gas station.. cant believe this happened. This place needs Bar Rescue.
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Nicky B
Surprisingly, their salsa was spicy despite the nearly orange color. I got the fish taco plate with ranchero beans and corn tortillas. The fish was super fishy. However, they didnt skinp on portion size. But who wants a huge portion when its not that good? The rice tasted just like a can of tomato sauce and the beans tasted watered down. Definitely not $10 good. Only thing I liked were the chips and salsa.
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Cella Jones
The atmosphere is a 10 (back porch Tex Mex on the Guadalupe River in Gruene), as are the tortilla chips and salsa. The food is not what I would call genuine TexMex, the rice is not my Moms rice, the Borrachos beans a bit too spicy, but the Chicken Enchiladas Verdes are a favorite of mine. Margaritas very good, but pricey for house tequila. Good selection of Mexican beer (Modelo is a fav).
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Randy Rodgers
One of, if not THE best burger in New Braunfels. Try the El Rey--chargrilled flavored patty, fresh avocado, pickled jalapeños, a mountain of cheddar, and a tangy sweet sauce. The shrimp and fish tacos are also outstanding. The chips are delicious, but the queso is a bit bland. Parking in Greune can always be a bit of a drag, but it is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening!
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Ben Maxwell
I have just left Del Rio, Texas. It is a quaint small border crossing town with a mixture of both historical architecture and new construction. The people are friendly and the area is rich in local tradition both American and Mexican. Located on the Rio Grand, it has some nice panoramic views of the river and cliffs of Mexico.I will be visiting it again this autumn.
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Alex Trek
Despite some of the bad reviews, I had a very good experience! First timer and I loved the environment very Tex Mex and great selection of music in the background! The food was VERY good! Beef fajitas were beautifully seasoned, rice, beans and tortillas were exquisite. I go to Gruene every now and then for cycling rides, amazing scenery! Well worth the trip.
