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El Rio BBQ image

El Rio BBQ

Restaurant Bar Barbecue restaurant Live music venue

👍 Amazing service and wonderful music 🎶 had the pulled pork sandwich! Different, on a small whole wheat roll not much meat or sauce no side fries so ordered some we’re $160p and bbq sauce $60!! next time I’ll try something different! I will be back! Just make sure you ask how much for any extra’s! People often mention music, river, great, ribs, live, band, time, good, excellent, service,


Address

Felipe Angeles 245, Paso Ancho, 48373 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Website

www.elriobbqbar.com

Contact

+52 322 222 2510

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (943 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

Permanently closed.

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: music (17) river (15) great (12) ribs (11) live (9) band (9) time (8) good (8) excellent (7) service (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Mystic Wisdom Tarot By M. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing service and wonderful music 🎶 had the pulled pork sandwich! Different, on a small whole wheat roll not much meat or sauce no side fries so ordered some we’re $160p and bbq sauce $60!! next time I’ll try something different! I will be back! Just make sure you ask how much for any extra’s!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bo C. 1 year ago on Google
    I was sad that they closed down. This was a great place to watch some live music, play some cornhole and get some BBQ. The staff was super friendly although you'd want to order 2 drinks at a time since service was pretty slow since the bar isn't real close to the seating area
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Dustin J. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is worth going to as a nice culinary and lovely scenery-setting adventure. However, seeing other's food pictures, I think you need to order the right food here as not all is equal. I had a smoked beef sandwich and it was like a subway sandwich with mayonnaise tomato and lettuce (not picture worthy). I'm from KC where that thing would have twice as much meat and be slathered with BBQ sauce. I was told it came with slaw on it, but nope. Things don't come with sides and most sides are around $5 USD, so almost as much as cheap good meals in many places. They are more like appetizers for sharing. The ketchup was a semi-clear fluid, and just seemed super cheap for a BBQ place that sauces should be part of its specialty. Also my Margarita was not good -strong, but also tasted cheap and very unbalanced. Be aware if you show up at 6pm, like a regular dinner time, you will be the last one there, getting service will be difficult, and the band will already be finished, and they'll be putting away chairs the whole time. My experienced seemed an anomaly where nearly everything was bad but setting, but even that felt awkward coming too late at 6. Gonna give this place another try though when a friend comes and get different things.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laurie J. 1 year ago on Google
    Mr Hollis greeted me like an old friend, which was amazing, since its likely been 5 years since I was last there. Everyone was eager and willing to help us, including engaging a taxi for our trip to the airport after our meal! Oh, and that meal...such deliciousness! Meaty, flavorful ribs, the size of my forearm! Just the right mix of sweet and savory BBQ sauce, on the side. Creamy, tangy coleslaw, crisp and hot French and sweet potato fries, and a side salad of watermelon and jicama! I don't remember what anyone else ordered...I was too busy gnawing ribs to the bone. Fun and festive with terrific live music-and dancing!- entertained everyone. A full bar rounded out the meal nicely. Cannot say enough good things about this spot. A real treasure!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frank C. 1 year ago on Google
    If you're looking for something different to do, El Rio BBQ is a great option. About a 10 minute drive from Centro PV, you'll find El Rio on the banks of a river in the jungle. Live music starts at 3 pm, so get there early for good seats in the shade. The food is great. We had the quarter rack of beef ribs and smoked beef tacos. Both were delicious.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Don L. 2 years ago on Google
    I had not been to this restaurant in 5 years or so, but wanted to go back. I went with two friends. Parking was easy (there is a parking lot behind the restaurant near to the river).We got a table right next to the river, back near the bar area so we could be far away from the line music stage. The band was setting up when we arrived. The waiters were all friendly and attentive. The beer was cold and the atmosphere was relaxed. I ordered the shrimp plate prepared Tequila style. It was delicious. The guacamole was fresh and tasty and the salsa was simple but good. Prices were very reasonable. The only issue we had was that the music was so loud one the band started that we couldn't have a conversation except when the band took a break. I would go back, but not when there is live music.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bobbi S. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing Food. Call for a reservation. Check their Facebook for the band lineup. The restaurant opens at 2. The band starts at 3. Things close at six. Take a taxi to the location. Take the bus back to Old town. Be patient. Take coins for the children. Come ready to eat, dance and drink.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul D. 4 years ago on Google
    I have to say that these guys really have their act together. They are set up to handle hundreds of people at a time. We were there in the early afternoon just as people were starting to arrive and it was nice and quiet. They have big music venues and daily live music for those who like it. We just had the smoked pork nachos and it was excellent. Along with a couple of reasonably priced beers to wash it down. The seats were comfortable and the scenic location was excellent. Lots of waiter staff and very clean. We spoke with people that had the huge beef ribs and they said it tasted great. Kids were jumping off the cliff face into the river for photo opps and trying to hustle tips. The creative business model is alive and well ! Also I must say that it’s a nice walk along road beside the river from town. Wouldn’t want to do it at night though because of the sidewalk conditions.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Jerry S. 1 year ago on Google
    My wife ordered a pulled pork sandwich for 160 pesos. It came without sauce which they charged 60 more pesos. Food was mediocre at best. Nowhere near the quality of BBQ from Memphis, St Louis, or Kansas City. As a music venue, the place is fantastic with an excellent selection of bands. Just eat before you come
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael K. 2 years ago on Google
    They ambiance is beautiful. The food is excellent. The river, the mountain, the daily live bands are above words Kurt is a great host
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ken W. 1 year ago on Google
    Making reservations guaranteed a table for a small or large group in your party. The stage show music is absolutely amazing. Fantastic rock music. Good old rock and roll. The lead guy could also play a mean flute. Hard to believe but it was great
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 hnoi l. 2 years ago on Google
    Great ribs and fantastic margaritas, cold beers, including all the appetizers are all very good. Go dip your toes in the river, hence the name “El Rio”. Entertainment most afternoon. Check the schedule before you go.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ken O. 1 year ago on Google
    Rustic venue out in the countryside, about a 1 hour walk inland along the River Cuale. Good food fare and well known for their racks of BBQ ribs. Live music and shows are often available in the afternoons and early evenings from Tuesday through Sunday. Follow me further on Travel Tips on the Run traveltipsontherun.tumblr.com or other platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  • 5/5 MM 1 year ago on Google
    We’ve been in Puerto Vallarta for just over a year, and finally made it out to El Rio BBQ. The detour off the Libramiento is short and easy. What a great afternoon, and we stayed for five hours! All I can say is, I wish we’d gone sooner but we’ll definitely be back!

  • 5/5 Daniel L. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a must! Bring the family swim in a river with seasonal waterfall, excellent food and service above par. Truly a hidden gem close to El Centro, jump on a taxi 12 min and your in paradise for the cost of a meal yes! steps from the river. It's unbelievable. 😁🙏

  • 5/5 Colin M. 2 years ago on Google
    Tried the pulled pork slider which was tasty but the ribs are their specialty and many were served. The location is second to none set against a natural rock wall next to the river. They have live music daily and the country rock band we saw, Bobbi and the Others, was great entertainment. Would highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Brian W. 1 year ago on Google
    I only gave a 4 for service as they forgot my bucket of beer twice. Atmosphere is amazing - great live music, and the food is delicious. Best thing to do when ordering appetizers/main course is to order your main course when your appetizers arrive as it will be about a half hour wait, but well worth it.

  • 5/5 Jim H. 1 year ago on Google
    El Rio rises to the top of things to do when you're in PV. It's a natural amphitheater on the Rio Cual where you can enjoy live music from the best bands in town, dine on delicious pork ribs expertly prepared by pit master Hollis Harris, and go for a swim in the river. It's in Paso Ancho which is a little east of town so take a taxi unless you're up for a 45 minute walk. Do it!

  • 5/5 Carol ann C. 1 year ago on Google
    Huge delish ribs by the river. Live music 6 days a week. Dog friendly. Closes at 7pm. Will definitely be back. Smoked ribs lived up to their reputation!

  • 5/5 John 1 year ago on Google
    Very good service and food. Ordered full rack, grilled romaine salad and BBQ beans. Enjoyed all of it. My kids liked the atmosphere and the fact you sit overlooking a river. Closes at 7. If you feel like staying out later, head to Irma's across the street.

  • 5/5 chris w. 1 year ago on Google
    CASH ONLY. It's far out there so take a taxi from Centro. Our phone said a half hour walk but no way with kids and a Taxi was cheap. We have been a couple times but first time after COVID. It their St Paddy's celebration and it was a good time. Food, drinks, live music. I got the corned beef but their HUGE beef ribs looked amazing. The pork belly was a nice starter. The kids have a great time in the back where the river is so bring them swim suits.

  • 5/5 Alan H. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent barbecue and a great place to spend the afternoon. Staff was very friendly and the band was excellent! The pitmaster was very nice and gave is a tour. We will try to stop here every chance that we can when in Puerto Vallarta. 10 out of 10! Bring your swimsuit and cool off swimming in the river. Cold beer! Bacon wrapped prawns are excellent too!

  • 5/5 Serena A. 2 years ago on Google
    What a special place. The Ribs were tender and delicious. The Owners were so cool, very kind and welcoming! The band was great. Love this place!!


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Amenities


  • Service options
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Cosy
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Casual
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Groups
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Toilets
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Cash only
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Live music
    • ✓️ Bar on site
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Good for kids
    • ✓️ Family friendly
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
    • ✓️ Accepts reservations
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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