El Rio BBQ Bar (my other back yard)
Looking for something to do, see a bit of the countryside, where the people who wait your tables and clean your condos actually live and play? You are in for a treat. El Rio BBQ and Bar is located up the Rio Cuale within easy reach of town. This sprawling facility was recently renovated by owner Kurt Sinner and grillmaster Hollis Harris from Portland, Oregon. It has a spacious seating area under the trees, a full bar, and a BBQ area and kitchen on the upper level just inside the gate. Perched above the river is a palapa with additional seating and bar stools for a perfect view of the area. Just above the river is a third seating area with lounge chairs and smaller tables and a music stage. The owner built it up with sand to create the perfect “beach”. A set of steps leads down to the river and there is a small river bank area and pathways should you want to swim in the slow, clean water or try the rope swing that dangles off a branch on the cliff on the opposite side of the river.
It is a popular spot for local kids to splash and play, especially on weekends and school holidays. The food is great. My friends and I especially like the ribs and chicken. The menu (see their website) is well-priced and includes a wide variety of food in addition to BBQ items. There is music every Friday between 3-5PM (Mexican time) and a BBQ buffet on Sundays during high season. Closed on Mondays. Here’s how you get there.
Go to the intersection of Lázaro Cárdenas and Constitucion and stand on the southwest corner of the street. You’ll see a bus stop marker. Wait for the Blue #4 bus. It shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes before one comes along. ASK before you get on if they go to Paso Ancho. Some #4 buses don’t. The bus costs 6 1/2 pesos. The ride will take 15-20 minutes and wind through the neighborhoods of Coloso and Paso Ancho. You might tell the driver to stop at El Rio BBQ. He will know it. The bus will stop right in front. To return to PV, get back on the bus. It will pick you up at the gate to El Rio. The address is Felipe Angeles 245 and if you need any more information, call their cell at 322-184-1200 or check the website www.elriobbqbar.com. Closed late May to mid-October.
