About Cafe Rio

Discover the story behind our authentic Mexican flavors and the passionate team that brings them to life every day.

Our Story

Cafe Rio began as a dream to bring the authentic flavors of Mexico to the heart of St Paul. What started as a small family kitchen has grown into a beloved community gathering place where tradition meets innovation.

Our founders, inspired by generations of family recipes and a passion for fresh, quality ingredients, opened our doors with a simple mission: to serve food that tells a story of heritage, community, and love.

Every dish we serve is prepared with the same care and attention that has been passed down through our family for generations. From our hand-pressed tortillas to our slow-cooked carnitas, we honor the traditions while creating new memories for our community.

Cafe Rio interior showing warm atmosphere and authentic decor

Our Mission & Values

The principles that guide everything we do

Authenticity

We stay true to traditional Mexican recipes and cooking methods, using only the finest ingredients to create authentic flavors that transport you to Mexico with every bite.

Community

We believe food brings people together. Our restaurant is a place where families, friends, and neighbors can gather to share meals and create lasting memories.

Fresh Quality

We source the freshest local ingredients and prepare everything from scratch daily. Quality is never compromised in our kitchen.

Meet Our Team

The passionate people behind Cafe Rio

Maria Rodriguez, Head Chef and Co-Founder

Maria Rodriguez

Head Chef & Co-Founder

Maria brings over 20 years of culinary expertise and family traditions to every dish. Her passion for authentic Mexican cuisine drives our kitchen's innovation.

Carlos Martinez, Restaurant Manager

Carlos Martinez

Restaurant Manager

Carlos ensures every guest feels like family. With his warm hospitality and attention to detail, he creates the welcoming atmosphere Cafe Rio is known for.

Ana Gutierrez, Sous Chef

Ana Gutierrez

Sous Chef

Ana's creative flair and dedication to quality help us continuously evolve our menu while staying true to our authentic roots.

Diego Rivera, Head Server

Diego Rivera

Head Server

Diego's knowledge of our menu and genuine care for guests ensures every dining experience exceeds expectations.

Our Journey

From humble beginnings to community favorite

2018

The Dream Begins

Maria and Carlos decided to bring their family recipes to St Paul, starting with a food truck serving authentic tacos and burritos to local communities.

2020

First Restaurant Opens

We opened our first brick-and-mortar location on Cleveland Ave, creating a warm space where the community could gather and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.

2022

Community Recognition

Cafe Rio received the "Best Mexican Restaurant" award from St Paul Magazine and became a beloved neighborhood gathering place.

2024

Expanding Our Reach

We launched our catering services and began offering cooking classes, sharing our passion for Mexican cuisine with even more people in our community.

2026

Looking Forward

Today, we continue to serve authentic Mexican flavors with the same passion and dedication that started it all, always looking for new ways to serve our community.