by Alice K. on Pros: Trendy, good choice of theme, good pricing on drink, great people, good for hang out Tips: make sure to make reservation (get the combo deal at the table), guys required a dress shirt and leather shoes, and arrive early because you will wait in the line Cons: A lot restriction here and there, feel not enough oxygen since it's crowded and it's in the basement
by Louvenia Relkin on Beautiful interior... beautiful view... beautiful company... Yummy cocktails... I had the Bang Bang cocktail which had muddled strawberries, strawberry cordial, rum, ginger... so tasty you could eat it with a spoon...
by Sebrina Lull on El Rio is a neighborhood bar/hangout that is relaxed and unpretentious. You don't have to be cool at El Rio, or even mildly hip. Although, that doesn't mean hipsters are unwelcome. In fact, all are welcome, even your four-legged friends. I've only seen dogs there, but if your cat was cool and chill, they'd probably let it hang too. Meow... There's a traditional (dive-ish) bar feel at El Rio's narrow entrance. This flows into a larger room with a pool table and a jukebox with awesome tunes waiting to be played. Was that Modest Mouse I heard, just loud enough to feel energized by the music, but not so overwhelming you can't talk to your friends? Proceed further and take a step onto their spacious back patio. Who would have guessed there was this much space back here? Sit back and relax as the live band lays down some Latin beats. Feel like dancing? Go ahead. This isn't the type of place where you get scoffed at for being spontaneous. You'll be tempted to drink way too much, as their drinks are very reasonably priced. No, the bartender didn't undercharge you, that's just how things are at El Rio. ..oh yeah, if you get cold easily, just stand under the outdoor heat lamps. They're so cranked up that you'll have a St. Tropez tan in a matter of minutes...oh, fiery goodness!
