Plano, TX: UrbanRio

Menu:  http://www.urbanrio.com/Menu.aspx
Hours:  Monday through Saturday- 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

My friends and I were sitting at Filmore's Pub and decided to cheat a little and go check out this new place called "Urban Rio".

We walked passed the antique shops and approached a very attractive and inviting UrbanRio.  The set-up, atmosphere, and building reminded me of Urban Crust/32 Degrees.

We were welcomed by friendly and helpful hostesses and decided to go upstairs to the bar area.  The decor is beautiful, contemporary, and trendy.  They have the glow-lighted ambiance and several tv's throughout the bar area.

We went outside to the patio area and it's very spacious and the bar is also connected to the outside area.  I love this place already!  The menu itself was short and sweet, it wasn't too wordy-- they weren't killing any fonts! The cedar wood used as the backing was a nice touch and "UrbanRio" was branded on the back of the wood.  Had a very nice selection of food and was unique.

Warm, fresh chips and cold salsa came out promptly.  The chips were the traditional yellow corn and they even had green chips.  The salsa had a nice spicy kick to it.  I think it could have been a tiny bit more flavorful.

Our waitress was nice and very knowledgeable. She did forget one thing but that's normal.  She even tried to get us a sample of some beans that we requested to taste but was not successful.  ::sad face::  It's okay, our overall service experience was great.

We ordered the Tropical Ahi Tuna Ceviche which has fresh ahi tuna, avocado, and GRAPEFRUIT pico de gallo.  It was very tasty and I love ahi tuna too.  They even have apricot pico.

What we also love is that their specialty and house margaritas which were made what I consider the "real" way.  No generic-pre-mixed laced with sour at all!  They even have tequila on TAP!

We all ordered the La Verdadera Margarita and it was made just perfect.  The right amount of tequila, a hint of sweetness, and not too much ice. They are served in colorful hand-blown glasses. They could have used a garnish or something to make it more presentable.  Maybe even a lime.

Next, we ordered the appetizer, Smoked Brisket Quesadillas.


Smoked Brisket Quesadillas with La Verdadera Margarita

 It was EXCELLENT!  It was double-layered (maybe triple?), yummy cheese, seasoned pork, and topped with a flavorful "crema" with cilantro and roasted corn kernels.

We will definitely be back!