Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina - New Garden Location – Mexican restaurants in North Carolina

Mexican Restaurant $10–20 (953 reviews From Google)
Get Directions Call Now
featured

About Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina - New Garden Location

Located along New Garden Road, this Mexican spot offers a relaxed setting where fresh, warm dishes arrive quickly even on busy nights like taco Tuesdays. The menu leans into traditional flavors with well-seasoned options like quesadillas and comforting sides, complemented by a thoughtful selection of beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks such as horchata and jamaica. The atmosphere strikes a balance between cozy and lively, with music volume tuned just right and comfortable booths that encourage lingering.

The place draws a mix of diners—from solo visitors grabbing a quick bite to families and groups enjoying casual lunches or dinners. Outdoor seating provides an inviting space especially when inside tables are kept limited for a more intimate feel. Attentive service is a common thread, with staff attentive to refilling water or chips without being intrusive. Aside from hearty comfort foods, there are healthier choices and snacks perfect for happy hour or late-night cravings. Accessibility is well-considered, making it welcoming to everyone in the community.

Amenities & Services

From the business

  • Identifies as Latino-owned

Service options

  • Outdoor seating

    No-contact delivery

    Delivery

    Takeaway

    Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service

    Great beer selection

    Great cocktails

    Sport

Popular for

  • Lunch

    Dinner

    Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park

    Wheelchair-accessible entrance

    Wheelchair-accessible seating

    Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

  • Alcohol

    Beer

    Cocktails

    Coffee

    Comfort food

    Happy-hour drinks

    Happy-hour food

    Healthy options

    Late-night food

    Quick bite

    Small plates

    Spirits

    Wine

Dining options

  • Lunch

    Dinner

    Catering

    Dessert

    Seating

    Table service

Amenities

  • Bar on site

    Toilet

    Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi

Atmosphere & Crowd

  • Casual

    Cosy

    Trendy

    Family friendly

    Groups

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards

    Debit cards

    NFC mobile payments

    Credit cards

Children

  • Good for kids

    High chairs

    Kids' menu

Parking

  • Free of charge street parking

    Free parking lot

    Parking

Pets

  • Dogs allowed outside

What Locals Say

Erica Burtoff/Kurtz From Google 5

My first time trying here and a small place perfect for an authentic Mexican foods. Everything was fresh and hot despite going on taco Tuesday for .99cent tacos with a drink order they were busy and came with everything pretty quick! This place was delicious. Covid reasons they are keeping tables inside to a minimum it seems like. There is a good size patio area too!

Adalie Burgard From Google 4

We scoured the internet long and hard to find a good Spanish restaurant. Rio Grande was one of the highest reviewed and rated in the area! We decided to give it a go. The service was excellent. They didn’t take long at all to bring us out our food. But, also they kept refilling our chip baskets on command and filling our waters. I was very pleased with that! The food itself was pretty good. Very flavorful. I wouldn’t say it was the most amazing food I ever had, but it was pleasant and yummy. I got the shrimp tacos and my friend got a carne asada burrito! We spent about 30 bucks total for everything after tip. Would definitely come again and try some of their cocktails next time!

Lisa Mason From Google 5

Great restaurant. I had the Hawaiian quesadilla. It was amazing! The cheese dip was seasoned just right. The flan was excellent. The horchata was perfectly spiced. Everything was the exact temperature it should be. The service was uplifting, fast and friendly. Definitely check them out!

Geena Stewart From Google 5

The music was perfect, not too low and not too loud!! There were other people in the restaurant but we couldn’t hear their conversations. The booths are very comfortable!! If you’re looking to grab drinks the bar is perfect for that. The staff was very friendly and the food was delicious, I didn’t even need salt or pepper because it was nicely seasoned.

Crystal From Google 5

I greatly enjoyed my lunch I had here last week. I was greeted as soon as I walked in and sat immediately. I ordered the El Danny Boy and it was absolutely delicious!!! The server recommended it and I’m so thankful he did.

Liliana varela From Google 5

Mu kids and husband wanted to watch the Spanish Soccer game on Sunday while having lunch. We asked if possible and they located us at the bar with 2 tvs just for us! We stayed 2 hours and everyone was so kind and the service was awesome! They really male you feel comfortable! The food? AHmazing! Everything fresh and tasty from the chips with salsa to the fajitas all was delicious but my two favs were the carne asada fries and the Guacamole Fresca OMG totally worth it!

janelle waugh From Google 5

Tacos are delicious and they do not skimp out on the meat. Tender and flavorful as well! Rice and beans are really good as well. Combo comes with chips and salsa One thing! Be sure to request the red and green sauces because they don't provide them unless you ask Have been back three times within the last 2 weeks. Hope they keep this up

Josh Shaffer From Google 5

This place has an amazing assortment of Mexican food. Make sure to visit here on Taco Tuesday and they have the special of hard or soft tacos, chicken or beef for 1.99 and they top it with lettuce and cheese. The homemade salsa here is good and very fresh with the cilantro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Opening Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday Closed
Friday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Similar brands you may like

Stay Local. Stay Inspired.

Get handpicked local spots, city guides, and hidden gems delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam. Just local love, once in a while.