Rio Grande

The ambiance is great here and I can’t think of another texan themed bar serving all the flavors of tequila you can’t remeber or never heard of. Chester makes a perfect old fashion and is a friendly guy and keeps it cool.
This place is cash only.
They have a place in the mission they are moving into soon, if this wasn’t in such a shitty location they would have hella business and know this place.

Come for the cocktails, stay for the world’s biggest trophy.
On a Saturday afternoon, this virtually-​hidden Mid-​Market bar is a sight for thirsty eyes. But for the Unilocal app, I probably would have walked by their signless door and shuttered windows. But step inside and you’ll see: there’s a god damn bar in there.
The bar is wide black marble ocean flanked by fourteen-​foot stripper poles. There is a stage so small I don’t even think you could fit my ego on it, and it looks kind of comical in the large space. But I like it there. It’s an interesting mix of glitz and dive sensibilities inside. Our should I say «Diamond Dave» sensibilities, since Van Halen filled the air as I sipped.
Speaking of drinks, from what I understand the brains behind this bar are also responsible for Trick Dog in the Mission. Translation: cocktails are on point. They don’t serve anything in cocktail glasses (thank-​fucking-​god) and they make ‘em strong. Bring paper money.
Obligatory Title Pun: The GRANDE scheme of drinks.
Menu Readability: No menu, no problem. If you don’t like spirits, grab a Dos Equis.
Need to mention: DJ on Saturday nights.
What this place teaches me about myself: Don’t even start about Sammy Hagar.

Looking for somewhere to have a drink after our UYE at nearby AQ restaurant, our little merry group of Unilocalers kept following our Unilocal app to closed bars that evening.
Eventually, we were led to Rio Grande, which was open. It was pretty quiet inside on that Tuesday evening. As it was late, we had one round of drinks, a quick chat and made tracks for home
There wasn’t much atmosphere as it was so quiet. As the bar is near the Civic Centre, we chivalrously walked the ladies to their cars to make sure that everyone got home safely that night
Thanks for the drinks, Anelya!

Look closely or you might miss it. It’s a dark place with an open door. The room is large and there is just one bartender. The stripper poles are left over from the last business. Not sure about the vinyl seats. There is no menu, so hit him with any of your whisky/​tequila/​mezcal based drink requests. There is only one beer served here, canned Dos Equis. There is a signature cocktail, the Rio Grande. The old fashioned and whisky sour are also good. Four Roses Bourbon (though probably changes) is used and the ice is handcut. Although, I think the drinks were a little too weak in general. Other than the beer, every drink I’ve gotten here has been $ 9. The bar is also connected to a hotel.

I came here for a charity event a few weeks ago. For a small cover fee, we got all-​you-​can-​drink booze plus tamales from the tamale lady!
Service was really good, the bartenders were friendly and happy and outgoing, and the atmosphere was pretty fun.
The interior of the bar is pretty small and crowded, but there’s some pretty awesome corners with cushy benches, as well as some tables and chairs scattered around.
If you like tequila and/​or mezcal and are looking for a neat Mexican themed bar, you can’t go wrong with Rio Grande!

There is nothing fancy or artisan about Rio Grande, and that’s what makes it such a standout. The theme, if you want to call it that, is caught somewhere between Mexico and Texas, with a side of sleaze serving as the border, so if you don’t like tequila, American whiskey and stripper poles, then go somewhere else, friendo. I mean, seriously, the only beer they serve is Dos Equis.
Chester reigns over the bar, but he treats all his drinking subjects with reverence, a challenging task with the mean streets of Market and 7^th outside. After spending just a little time talking with him, I feel like both Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm (
) would be regulars here.
And then there’s the stage, with rumors of music coming soon. Judging from the clientele I’ve seen thus far, I’m praying it’s gonna go something like this:
(Hey Chester, if you’re reading this, next time I’m coming with cash, not just my money man).

I have been begging BEGGING the bar gods to provide civic center with a decent bar. One like Whiskey Thieves, but without the walk. Someplace my friends and I can go where we feel at home. Some place that is cool, not overly expensive, and does drinks really really well.
They answered my prayers with Rio Grande.
I freaking love it, and its close proximity to my school. I cannot wait to make this the official post-​bob spot. Get the tequllia and techate for 7 bucks. You’re so welcome. So so so very welcome.

Rio Grande specializes in tequila and bourbon. I like tequila and bourbon.
$ 7 will get you a beer and a shot or you can get a great cocktail like the namesake Rio Grande or an Old Fashioned with a big ass chunk of ice for $ 9. Americana (ZZ Top, Metallica, Guns ‘n Roses, etc.) on the jukebox, friendly bartenders, close to public transport, décor inspired by the bordello in From Dusk til Dawn. 5 stars fo’ sho.