versus
versus
versus
and other mexican grill restaurantsLet's begin with Cafe Rio. For those of you who don't live in Utah or don't have a Cafe Rio nearby, you need to know that Cafe Rio is considered the Mecca of restaurants in Utah. Even TAMN says so. Seriously, if you go any night between 4:45 and 8:00, you will stand in line. A long line. When I go, I always order the pork barbacoa salad, with pinto beans, no cilantro, and the house dressing. I have to admit, while I like the salad, it's a bit too spicy for me. But I have tried their burritos, and I don't really like them. The sweetness of the pork itself though is heavenly. That's why I wanted to attempt a knockoff recipe last week, and that's why I decided to hold out and not use the beef. I want it to taste the same. I desperately hope it will, so I will stop craving Cafe Rio just for the pork.
Next is Costa Vida. The first time I went, I wasn't that impressed. I had heard it was a Cafe Rio copycat, and I think I went in with the mindset that it wouldn't be good. But when I moved to my current small town, I quickly found out that we have a Costa Vida, but not a Cafe Rio. When I go here, I get a sweet pork burrito, pinto beans, mild sauce, and not smothered but just a bit of cheese on the top. (I'm telling you exactly what I order because now you know the way to my heart...) I LOVE this! I do crave this, and I go to Costa Vida pretty much all of the time. (In fact, I went last night with Lara and Jen (private blog). Good food + good friends = contentment.) I now love it more than Cafe Rio. Costa Vida management, are you hearing me? I'm plugging your restaurant. Can I get a few gift certificates? Please?
Next, Bajio. Although we do have a Bajio in my town, I had never been there before. I went last week for the first time, just so I could write this blog post. Even though their special of shredded glazed chicken enchiladas sounded delicious, I decided to order their sweet pork burrito so I could compare straight across to the other restaurants. I got the mild sauce, like I always do, and it about burned my mouth off. I am really sensitive to spice, and if that was their mild, I do NOT want to try the medium or hot. I couldn't even finish my burrito. My mouth was on fire. With every bite I took, I regretted spending my money there and wished I had gone to Costa Vida to fulfill my craving. Ironically (or not so ironically, since my husband and I are basically polar opposites on every subject) my husband preferred it over Costa Vida, because he said it tastes more authentically like Mexican food. So from now on, I'll go pick myself up a burrito at Costa Vida, and then drop by Bajio to get one for Christian.
Panchero's - I only went once, when I lived in Iowa. While the food tasted pretty good, it was not as good as Cafe Rio or Costa Vida. And their corn salsa, or whatever it was, I swear to you gave me a migraine headache. I couldn't go back after that.
There are probably more mexican grill restaurants out there, but these are the only ones I know about. So now, tell me which restaurant is your favorite (and/or vote in the poll), and tell me what you order. Do you order the same thing at a restaurant every time you go, or are you adventurous and try something new each time?
49 people wanted to leave a comment:
I have only been to Costa Vida on that list. It's not bad. We also like Rubios and Baja Fresh. Baja Fresh fish tacos are my favorite. I try to be "healthy" and order the grilled fish tacos, but they don't use the traditional white sauce, so it satisfies my cravings better to get the actual fried fish tacos.
I tend to order one of about two or three things at a lot of restaurants I go to.
I've never even heard of Pancheros.
But I've been to the other three, and nothing can beat Cafe Rio. I used to eat at Bajio a lot, until I realized their tortillas are disgusting.
My coworker, Charlie, has a theory that CR gives more meat to women, so when wants an order, he has us do it, or he compares how much meat we got to his. Oh, Charlie. How I love him.
I've been to Cafe Rio more than the others (except Panchero's, never been there) and I do love their tortillas. I guess I'd have to choose this one, but I'd have to go to all three in a week to truly decide!
The owner of Costa Vida is in my ward. Maybe I could drop a hint . . . :D
(Am I cool by association now?)
I wasn't that impressed with Cafe Rio when I went for the first time, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE Costa Vida!! I always get a salad with the pork. It's yummy. I love their lime cilantro dressing stuff too. Never been to Bajio. Panchero's is pretty good. I always get grilled veggies. What I like about Panchero's is their homemade tortillas. Those things is yummy!! There is also a place called Chipotle that is a lot like Panchero's. I've been there a couple of times and was just like, whatever. But Erika (from out here) swears by them! She loves that place. There's also Baja grill - it's ok - good if there isn't anything else. But of Mexican grills, I miss Rubio's the most. Their fish tacos and burritos and chipotle sauce are AMAZING!! And for 99 cents you seriously can't beat those fish tacos!
The only one I've been to that you mentioned is Pancheros. I was hoping for something different, so I was disappointed. My favorite place is Chevy's. I don't know if it counts, but now I'm craving it! The closest one is in South Dakota:( Guess I'll have to wait until we visit CA next month... Yum:)
Cafe Rio is yummy! That's my favorite, although Costa Vida's pork is very tasty. Bajio is a big fat NOOO! Haven't you seent the various comments about getting sick when you et there? Never fails for me. I avoid that p;ace like the plague.
I've never tried the sweet pork at either place. I have issues with sweet meat...
But--I like the chicken salad at Costa Vida, especially cuz you can order a small size which I like cuz I don't get quite as full:)
And I LOVE the beef at Cafe Rio so I always get a beef taco when I go there.
Mostly-I just LOVE the rice at both places. That stuff is amazing.
My FAV is Bajio!!!!
Here is ID we have a Cafe Rio opening but I have never eaten there. I do love Bajio but they recently changed the sweet pork and I don't like it as much as the old stuff. (their sweet rice is my fav and the lime chicken and the beef are both really good) Cafe Vida is pretty good. I really like the sweet pork but I don't like all the cilantro. How was your copycat recipe? The sweet pork recipe I make is pretty darn good!
I have never been to Costa VIda but I LOVE love love BAJIO. So do my kids, they will eat that sweet rice until the cows come home!
My hubby and I cannot eat at any of those restaurants anymore without coming away SICK! What's wrong with us??
I go to CR for their pork - Hello! Delish. I like the chicken chili quasadelia at Bajios. I've only been to CV once but wasn't so impresed.
i've only eaten at the rio.
all i know is their house dressing is to die for!
I've only been to Cafe Rio and Bajio. Cafe Rio won it hands down. Mexican is one of my Fave foods! Delish.
I've only been to Cafe Rio and I've only had the pork barbacoa salad. But it's pretty darn good.
love love costa vida! so good! thanks, i'm craving it now.
2 sweet pork recipes you can try:
1 boneless pork roast
1 c. ketchup
1 can coke (not diet)
1/2 c. brown sugar
garlic powder & cumin to taste (1/2 tsp - 1 tsp. or more)
Place roast in crock pot. Mix rest of ingredients and pour over roast. Cook on high for 4-5 hours, or until pork shreds easily with fork. Serve in tortillas with cheese, lettuce, beans, sour cream etc. {I like to save the juices and mix with rice and add that to the tortillas too.}
------
6-7 lbs. pork tenderloin
3 8oz. cans tomato sauce
1 8oz. can yellow El Pato sauce (chili fresca)
1 8oz. can green El Pato sauce (jalapeno sauce)
2 c. brown sugar
1 c. water
-combine everything but the pork in a crockpot
-add the pork fatty side up, and cover with sauce
-cook on high for 4 hrs., then turn to low for 4 more hours
-shred pork and serve in tortillas with all the fixins. (beans, rice, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, cheese...whatever you like!)
I'll have to go with Costa Vida. My salad was so yummy last night, and I ate WAY too much, but it was worth it.
I've been to Rio a few times, but since living here, I haven't and I really don't remember if it's better or not!
I don't like Bajio, like I said before.
I'm so clueless apparently. I've been to none of these. That could be because I don't think we have even one here. We have Don Pablo's and Ol Mexico and Acapulco,etc.
So yeah, that's me over there on the poll with the "never been there" :)
Overall, I like Costa Vida the best. Except for the Tortilla soup, which I like the best at Bajio.
Well, now I have some options the next time I visit Utah. All we have here is La Rumbas (completely ghetto, but awesome) Azteca (even more ghetto, but not so awesome) and Taco Bell.
I thought Pancheros was just OK. Not great. Rio is pretty darn good, but man, it's hard for me to pay $7 for a burrito - especially since I usually just get black beans and rice - no meat.
I'd have to say my fave is Barbacoa in SLC, but I pretty much will always, always go for a fresh-mex burrito. I love them so.
First off, THANK YOU for your comments and support. I can feel your hug and I am hugging you back. Secondly, cafe rio pork salad house dressing on the side no pico side of salsa fresca extra limes. HEAVEN! Costa Vida chicken quesidilla with black beans and rice and a side of salsa and limes. I like both, but CRAVE cafe rio salsa fresca. It is spicy though. My mom made the homemade sweet pork from a cafe rio recipe and it was SO GOOD! I think I know what I am having for dinner now! Oh, I HATE bajio. Yuck! I like this place called Q doba, but they left Utah. So sad.
I like all three for different reasons. I don't really know if I can pick. My hubby goes to Cafe Rio every Wed for lunch. We live around the corner from a Costa Vida, and I have a good friend who swears by Bajio. I will say I LOVE the sweet rice at Bajio and just last week had the shrimp salad, and it was SOOOO good!
I love Cafe Rio now, especially compared to other Mexican grill restaurants in Utah, but the first time I went I was not impressed - but hey, I'm from New Mexico where the food is slightly more authentic.
I get the same thing each time (the pork burrito enchilada style with all 3 sauces). But I always feel guilty about getting the same thing, like I should try something different. If I ever do, I'm usually disappointed to I'll just stick to what I know!
Costa Vida and Bajio get my vote!
I think you have a new job! You did a great job with this!
I definitely like Costa Vida better. They're not so stingy on their salsa, and guacamole servings.
There used to be a place in Layton called Que Pasa. It was SOO good, I loved it. But, they were small, and couldn't compete when Cafe Rio came to town. I miss them.
I've never been to any of those places.
But what I can say is MAN NOW I AM SO HUNGRY.
Rio is the only one for me!
Yeah, we have this debate going on, too. I love the Cafe Rio, their tortillas and their chicken and the cilantro. My mother in law and almost all my sisters in law prefer Bajio, and since the m-i-l tends to pay when we go out, we go where she likes to ge. THat's why when my mom comes into town, I make sure we hit Cafe Rio. It's so worth it.
And I always get the same thing, the house salad w/fajita grilled chicken. Every once in a blue moon I try something else and always end up regretting it.
Cafe Rio is my favorite. But, I can only take it in small doses. There is a distinct "taste" there that I start to get tired of. But, I do love the salads. Chicken for me. (I don't like how sweet the pork is for my salad personally)
You must try Bajios green chile chicken quesadilla. It is heavenly & I'm not a regular quesadilla orderer. Try that.
I've only ever been to Bajio's. And then only twice. I don't eat out all that often so I can't give you a decent opinion. We have a restaurant called Mi Ranchito's that I like to go to and get their chicken enchiladas.
I adore Applebees Oriental chicken salad and pretty much get it every time--and the chocolate decadant cake afterwards. Yum. They also have the best fries anywhere. Sorry, I generally don't like Mexican food. This is a real trial for my husband who served his mission in Mexico.
I have to admit I have not been to any of them!! Here is AZ we have a favorite right across the street from us. It is called Rancho de Tia Rosa. He got all the receipes from his hispanic grandma. The food is to die for and you can say how spicy or mild you want it. If you are ever down in Mesa, AZ give me a shout out and we will go to this amazing restaurant (and it is affordable:))
Costa Vida all the way baby!! My daughter lives out in Boston and misses this so much. I'm so excited she's coming home in a month for a visit and she said she wants Costa Vida for dinner when she gets here. Then she stopped and said "Mom, will you just bring it with you to the airport?" She made me laugh. I do have to say though that my favorite choice there is Pork salad with a wheat tortilla and black beans. Yum.....this is making me so hungry. Too bad it's 11:15 P.M. and they're closed. :(
It must be a regional thing since I don't recognize any of those chains.
Hey, you should link up with my Friday's Feast. This is the kind of stuff I'm looking for.
Have a great weekend.
I used to really love Costa Vida but we went there too much and now I am not as big of a fan. I know that there is a Cafe Rio going in here in town. I am not sure if there is a big difference because I haven't eaten there for quite a while, but I will definitely try it out again. I do agree about the sweet pork. I love that.
Hey Erin, thanks for popping by! We run in the same circles yet I have never met ya! WE have a lot of the same peeps are our blog roll!
GREAT now, I have another blog to check out and if all my peeps think your happenin' then of course, i should be here!
As for the mexican rest. Ehhhh.. none of the above. But, if I had to choose I just can't we don't have any of those rest. on the north east coast. I have been to Pancheros and Cafe Rio because our friends RAVED about it when we were visiting UT. A big fat thumbs down on it.
However, I love hot and spicy food. The hotter the better and if I ain't sweatin' while eatin' then I ain't likin' it, ya heeeya.
no, i'm not hick, i just type that way. LOL
wha???? you don't like cilantro?
we order the same thing at both restaurants, but i like the medium sauce at costa vida and i prefer black beans to pinto. i think they are better for you, too.
i've never been to the other two, but a bajio just opened up here in L-town...
really, i just like the word "barbacoa." i've got to figure out how to work that into my daily vocabulary. maybe it could be an exclamation, yanno, like, "holy barbacoa!!"
I ♥♥♥ Cafe Rio. We just went on Friday as a family. I tried Bajio once and didn't like it. I was told Costa Vida was good and we have one only like a block away, but I still haven't gone. I've never tried Panchero's either. Mexican food is the best. I wish the boys liked it more.
That's one of the things I miss most about living in Utah...it's the plethora of Mexican Restaurants. Here in New England there is a Chinese place on every corner...but no Mexican place to be found! I swear that's why the people here are so dang rude and crabby...they're not getting enough good Mexican food!!!!
Ack! What will you think of me when I reveal that I have neither been to or heard of any of these restaurants? Can we still be friends?
I can only hope.
I do love Mexican food and promise that if I ever have the chance, I will eat at all 4 of these establishments.
-Francesca
I am a Cafe Rio girl.
All the others are cheap imitators.
I'm a little behind in blogger world...but I had to comment on this. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Costa Vida, even more than Cafe Rio, although it is very yummy too. I usually get the pork salad, but I too love their burritos, tacos, soup, and quesadillas (oh the pork one is heavenly, just very loaded with cals, cuz you gotta have sc & Guac! Delish!) Anyway, I too like Bajio...but NOT for the same things. I really like their pineapple shrimp salad. It sounds weird, but its what me and my hubby get EVERY time we go (with the mango salsa & no other dressing). My kids didn't like it as well, and their FAVORITE all-time place is costa vida, so we end up there all the time. I usually just stick with the same thing all the time at places, but I have ventured at costa vida, and I've never been dissapointed! Mmmmmm.... that place sounds so yummy!
I'm a pretty big fan of Cafe Rio and Costa Vida. Bajio is okay, but they don't have sweet pork so I hardly ever choose to go there. At Cafe Rio I always order the pork burrito and my favorite at Costa Vida is pork nachos. Somebody in the comments mentioned Chipotle and they're great! Also, you'll have to try Durango's in St. George to completely round out your Southern Utah Mexican chain restaurant experience.
I like Cafe Rio's pork better than Costa Vida. And I like how they put cheese on their tortillas.
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