Everybody deserves a second chance and restaurants usually don’t get one. I hadn’t been to this place in its first configuration, but the current incarnation shows promise.
The interior has been retooled. Big sofas by the stone bar, Texas chandeliers made out of branches and string lights. Wait, did someone say ‘bar’? Let’s get some drinks. The frozen Margarita was what you would expect, with a slight chemical whiff of the sweet and sour mix. But, the Big Tex Margarita was right in my comfort zone. Somewhere in between Trudy’s and Guero’s, tart and stiff.
The menu has been revised, stripped back and focused. The Guacamole was a little to far for me in that direction. I would have liked a little more lime and salt. When everyone in town is doing a fish taco, how do you stand out? Don’t reach too far. I don’t need a sparkler sticking out of it. Fresh fish and vegetables. Theirs was right on.
Clearly, Rio Grande is thinking about the details. Did I love everything I had there? No. Did I love some things enough to go back? Yes. Do I think this place will continue to improve with age? Absolutely.