The Don Rizo Mexican Kitchen And Cantina menu features a wide range of classic and modern Mexican favorites, offering everything from light bites to hearty main courses. What is on the Don Rizo menu? You will find many favorites like tacos, burritos, sizzling fajitas, and fresh seafood options, alongside a diverse selection of drinks at the bar.
Delving into the Heart of Don Rizo’s Offerings
Don Rizo Mexican Kitchen And Cantina prides itself on bringing Authentic Mexican dishes to the table. They focus on fresh ingredients and traditional preparation methods. This dedication shows in every part of their expansive menu, which caters to every taste and appetite. Whether you are stopping by for a quick midday meal or settling in for a long evening, the menu offers something special.
Starters and Shares: Setting the Scene with Mexican Appetizers Menu
Every great Mexican meal starts with a great appetizer. The Mexican appetizers menu at Don Rizo is designed for sharing and whetting your appetite. These starters use bright, fresh flavors. They are perfect for a group or a light beginning to your main course.
Here are some popular choices found on the starter list:
- Guacamole Fresco: Made fresh to order. They mash ripe avocados with lime, onion, cilantro, and mild peppers.
- Queso Fundido: A rich, melted cheese dip. It often comes with chorizo sausage mixed in. It’s best scooped up with warm tortillas.
- Nachos Supreme: Piled high with beans, cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and your choice of meat or left vegetarian.
- Chips and Salsa Bar: Don Rizo often features various salsas, from mild pico de gallo to fiery habanero blends.
Midday Delights: Don Rizo Lunch Specials
For those visiting during the workday, Don Rizo offers fantastic value through its dedicated lunch service. Don Rizo lunch specials make enjoying quality Mexican food quick and affordable. These specials usually feature smaller portions of main dishes, often served with rice and beans.
These midday deals are often rotated or fixed for the week to keep things interesting. They ensure you get a full, satisfying meal without a long wait. Look for deals that combine an entrée with a soft drink or iced tea.
The Main Event: Classic Mexican Dishes
The core of the menu showcases time-tested recipes. These are the Authentic Mexican dishes that guests return for again and again. The kitchen takes pride in its slow-cooked meats and layered flavors.
Tacos, Burritos, and More: The Taco Options Menu
No Mexican menu is complete without a strong taco offering. The Taco options menu at Don Rizo is quite deep. You can customize your order easily.
| Taco Type | Description | Recommended Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Carne Asada | Grilled, marinated steak, finely chopped. | Onion and cilantro, a squeeze of lime. |
| Al Pastor | Thinly sliced pork, marinated in chilies and pineapple. | Pineapple bits and a drizzle of tangy sauce. |
| Carnitas | Slow-cooked, tender, pulled pork. | Simple toppings to let the meat flavor shine. |
| Pollo Asado | Flavorful grilled chicken breast. | Creamy chipotle sauce. |
| Fish/Shrimp Tacos | Lightly battered or grilled seafood options. | Cabbage slaw and a creamy white sauce. |
Beyond tacos, the menu features hefty burritos filled with rice, beans, cheese, and your choice of protein. They also serve chimichangas, which are deep-fried, crispy burritos.
Enchiladas and Casseroles: A Look at Enchilada Prices
Enchilada prices typically vary based on the filling and the sauce chosen. Enchiladas are corn tortillas rolled around a filling, covered in sauce, and baked. They are comfort food at its finest.
Don Rizo usually offers a selection:
- Enchiladas Rojas: Covered in a red chili sauce.
- Enchiladas Verdes: Topped with a tangy, mild green tomatillo sauce.
- Enchiladas Suizas: Smothered in a creamy, often slightly spicy, green sauce topped with melted white cheese.
- Mole Enchiladas: A richer, complex choice featuring the traditional deep, dark mole sauce.
You often have the choice to order a combination plate, perhaps two enchiladas with a side of rice and refried beans. This allows guests to sample different styles at once.
Sizzling Platters: Fajitas and Specialties
The fajitas are a highlight. Served on a sizzling hot cast-iron skillet, they arrive steaming at the table. The smell alone is tempting. These platters come with grilled peppers, onions, and your choice of meat. They are served with warm tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for building your own wraps.
Other major specialties often found include:
- Chile Rellenos: Roasted poblano peppers, often stuffed with cheese or ground meat, then lightly battered and fried.
- Molcajetes: Large stone bowls filled with meats, cactus paddles (nopales), queso fresco, and simmering broth. This is truly a traditional, rustic offering.
The Cantina Experience: Food and Drink Pairings
The “Cantina” part of the name suggests a lively bar atmosphere, and their menu reflects this focus on beverages. The Cantina food offerings are designed to pair perfectly with their extensive drink list. While the main menu covers full meals, the Cantina often features smaller, shareable plates ideal for happy hour.
Cantina food offerings might include upgraded appetizers, small street-style tacos, or loaded fries with Mexican toppings. These are meant to accompany conversation and drinks rather than serve as a formal dinner.
Sipping Success: The Don Rizo Drink Menu
The bar is a major draw at Don Rizo. The Don Rizo drink menu showcases a wide variety of spirits, beers, and signature cocktails. They focus heavily on tequila and mezcal, as is traditional.
Mexican Restaurant Cocktails: Crafted Perfection
For cocktail lovers, the selection is impressive. Mexican restaurant cocktails go far beyond the basic margarita. Don Rizo aims for high quality, often using fresh fruit juices and premium spirits.
Popular cocktail features include:
- Margaritas: Available on the rocks or frozen, often featuring flavors like strawberry, mango, or spicy jalapeño infusion. They likely use quality tequilas for their house blends.
- Palomas: A refreshing mix of tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime. A lighter alternative to the heavier margarita.
- Mexican Mule: A twist on the Moscow Mule, substituting vodka with tequila or mezcal and adding a splash of lime.
- Specialty Drinks: Look for drinks featuring unique Mexican ingredients like tamarind, hibiscus (Jamaica), or unique artisanal mezcals.
Happy Hour Highlights: Don Rizo Happy Hour
When is the best time to visit? During Don Rizo happy hour. This time slot usually features reduced prices on select drinks and appetizers. It’s the perfect chance to sample some of the Mexican restaurant specials alongside discounted draft beers or house margaritas.
Happy hour often runs early evening on weekdays. It’s a great time to try those premium Cantina food offerings without committing to a full entrée price.
Beer and Wine Selection
The beer selection usually features a mix of popular Mexican imports (like Corona, Modelo, Dos Equis) and local craft beers. The wine list often favors lighter reds and crisp whites that pair well with spicy food, such as Sauvignon Blanc or light Zinfandel.
Deciphering the Details: Dietary Needs and Customization
Many guests have specific dietary requests. Don Rizo generally makes an effort to accommodate various needs, but it is always best to confirm when ordering.
Vegetarian and Vegan Choices
While traditional Mexican food often centers on meat, there are many plant-based options available.
- Vegetarian Staples: Cheese quesadillas, bean and cheese burritos, and vegetable fajitas are standard.
- Vegan Adaptations: Many items can be made vegan by omitting cheese and sour cream. For example, bean tacos or vegetable-only options are often possible. Dishes using mole sauce should be checked, as some traditional recipes include chicken stock.
Gluten-Free Selections
For those avoiding gluten, corn is your friend here.
- Corn tortillas (used for tacos, enchiladas, and tostadas) are naturally gluten-free.
- Rice and beans (confirming no chicken stock is used in the beans) are usually safe.
- Most grilled meats (like Carne Asada or Pollo Asado) are safe, provided the marinades do not contain gluten-based thickeners. Seafood dishes, like ceviche, are often excellent, naturally gluten-free choices.
Comprehending the Value: Pricing and Portions
How does Don Rizo stack up in terms of cost versus quantity? Generally, Mexican restaurants offer generous portions, and Don Rizo is no exception.
When reviewing Enchilada prices or the cost of main platters, expect a mid-range pricing structure typical for a full-service casual dining spot that emphasizes fresh ingredients and a full bar service.
Portion Size Insight:
- Main entrees (like combination plates or fajitas) are usually large enough for one very hungry person or easily shareable between two lighter eaters.
- Lunch specials offer smaller, focused portions appropriate for a break time meal.
- Appetizers are sized well for sharing among three to four people before the main course arrives.
The Full Experience: Beyond the Plate
The menu at Don Rizo is more than just a list of items; it represents a cultural experience. The atmosphere, often vibrant and welcoming, complements the rich flavors found on the plate. Whether you are enjoying the happy hour deals or a full weekend dinner, the menu is designed to offer variety and depth.
The commitment to Authentic Mexican dishes ensures that whether you order a simple cheese quesadilla or a complex seafood platter, you are getting a taste rooted in tradition. Make sure to inquire about the Mexican restaurant specials of the day, as chefs often feature seasonal ingredients or experimental takes on classics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Don Rizo Menu
Does Don Rizo offer a dedicated kids’ menu?
Yes, most family-friendly Mexican restaurants, including Don Rizo, usually have a separate, simplified kids’ menu. This often includes items like cheese quesadillas, small bean and cheese burritos, or mild chicken tenders, often served with rice and mild fruit juice or milk.
Are reservations necessary for Don Rizo?
It depends on the day and time. For busy weekend evenings or during Don Rizo happy hour, making a reservation is highly recommended, especially for larger parties. For weekday lunches or off-peak times, walk-ins are usually accepted easily.
How can I find the current prices for enchiladas?
Since menus and prices can change, the best way to check current Enchilada prices is to visit the official Don Rizo website or call the location directly. They may also list current Mexican restaurant specials which could include discounted enchiladas on certain days.
What makes the Don Rizo drink menu stand out?
The Don Rizo drink menu is known for its focus on high-quality tequila and craft Mexican restaurant cocktails. They move beyond standard mixes by using fresh fruit purees and balanced spirits, making their margaritas and other tequila-based drinks particularly popular.
Can I order items off the main menu during happy hour?
Usually, Don Rizo happy hour applies specifically to discounted drinks and selected Cantina food offerings like specific appetizers or smaller plates. Full-sized main courses, like fajita platters, are generally charged at their regular price, though they might be part of a separate dinner special.