I tried one of Charlotte’s newest Mexican restaurants. Here’s what I got for $17
I arrived at Rio 150 in Steele Creek just before noon, and as soon as the hostess seated me, I whipped out my phone to find the name of the song blasting through the speakers.
Lately, I’ve noticed that I speak to Siri — Apple’s marginally helpful digital assistant — with a frequency that suggests either convenience or mild dependence.
Most of our conversations revolve around a single, recurring inquiry: What song is this? Apple acquired Shazam in 2018, bringing the popular music-recognition service in-house. The purchase allowed iPhones to identify songs through Siri, without needing to open or download a separate app.
The song turned out to be Bad Bunny’s “NUEVAYoL,” a track propelled by a restless, infectious rhythm that marries club-ready momentum with unmistakably Latin influences.
Seconds after I sat down, my server materialized — seemingly from nowhere — to take my drink order, returning with a glass of water in less than a minute.
I didn’t linger over the menu, but when I closed it and looked up, she was already there again, attentive without hovering, ready to take my order.
I ordered an appetizer, and it arrived at my table within five minutes. By then, I had already placed my entrée order, which followed almost immediately, allowing barely enough time to make a meaningful dent in the first dish.
In an era when attentive service often feels like a relic — perhaps another quiet casualty of the pandemic — this kind of efficiency now registers as something close to remarkable.
Here’s what you need to know about Rio 150.
What’s on the menu at Rio 150?
Rio 150 offers a broad, vibrant menu rooted in authentic Mexican and Baja California flavors, featuring classic dishes like fire-grilled fajitas, birria tacos, Willie tacos, enchiladas and arroz con pollo alongside house-made guacamole, nachos and soups. The restaurant also highlights festive drink options, including large margaritas, margarita flights and other Mexican-style cocktails.
Most entrées range from $12-$20, and drinks range from $15-$30.
For The Charlotte Observer’s “On-A-Budget” series, the challenge is always the same: Make $25 stretch farther than it seems possible. I figured the safest strategy was the classic trio: appetizer, entrée and dessert.
But the tres leches was gone, and the xango, a fried cheesecake that promised a sweet finale, had vanished, as well. In the end, I decided to skip dessert.
So, here’s everything I got for roughly $17 (before tax and tip):
- Asada fries ($8.99): Bed of french fries, topped with carne asada chunks and melted cheese
- Lunch No. 2 ($7.99): Beef burrito, rice and beans
The flavors of the fries come together well, and the dish hit all the right comfort‑food notes, though it didn’t quite have a standout element that would make it unforgettable. Still, it’s a solid choice for a hearty snack or casual bite.
And the beef burrito with rice and beans was simple, filling and reliably tasty. The beef was well-seasoned, and the sides complement it nicely, making for a straightforward, enjoyable meal. It may not be flashy, but it delivers exactly what you want for a satisfying lunch.
Rio 150 Mexican Restaurant
Location: 8164 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28273
Location: 482 River Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117
Location: 201 N. Church St. Suite 111, Mooresville, NC 28115
Location: 8629 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027
Cuisine: Mexican
Instagram: @Rio_150_Mexican_Restaurant
