Cafe Rio and Costa Vida-are they the same restaurant, or are they just different enough to survive side by side? While their menus are very similar, the environment within the restaurants provide two quite polarizing experiences. Cafe Rio is themed purely as a Mexican restaurant while Costa Vida takes some liberties with their menu because of their coastal vibe. A lawsuit in 2005 began the comparison between the two.
Some people, however, still doubt that there is a difference between their food arguing that "your palettes aren't that refined" to tell the difference. I would argue that there are a few distinct differences between the two restaurants.
Reviewing Mexican food is surprisingly difficult because every aspect of the food item can be quantified somewhat relatively. It all depends on personal preference; for example some people like thick tortillas so that it is less messy to eat, and some like thin tortillas because it lets the flavor seep through easier.
According to the 124 people that I polled, 46% prefer Costa Vida while 54% prefer Cafe Rio. The public is pretty evenly split. Although Costa Vida and Cafe Rio have some menu differences, I thought the easiest way to compare the food would be to get one similar food item from each place. This began my journey comparing Costa Vida and Cafe Rio:
Yep, I said it. Before doing this taste test, I always leaned towards Costa Vida in the Costa versus Cafe Rio argument. Back when I was in High School, Cafe Rio came to my hometown. This was the first of many, many restaurants to come to little Spanish Fork, Utah but at the time Cafe Rio was the "cool place to be." When Costa Vida came to town, my mom thought it was far superior because Cafe Rio was "too spicy" (and for my mom, that often simply means that she could taste more than one flavor).
For three years I resisted her addiction to Costa Vida because "Cafe Rio was better." Two years ago I gave in and tried Costa Vida. I was surprised to find that I actually liked Costa Vida because they offered a small salad that was perfect for me. At Cafe Rio they only offer one size and I'd have to save and eat soggy leftovers the next day.
With the two tacos I got this week I did a blind taste test. In my opinion, Cafe Rio's pork has more flavor and Costa Vida's tortillas do a better job keeping the taco together. It was truly impossible for me to determine a "winner" because it would be skewed by my personal taco preferences. Therefore, I decided to compile my research into a pro and con list for both restaurants so that you can make your own decision.
Costa Vida
Pro:
Generally speaking, Costa Vida is less expensive (single taco with guacamole $4.05 with tax)
Offers small and regular sizing
Tastes fresher (I would argue this is because of the larger chunks of lettuce)
According to my friend Jake their steak is better
Their rewards program is amazing. My mom gets free meals all of the time.
Less time spent in line/reserving a table
Has more options such as mango chicken or raspberry chipotle
Started in Utah
Less messy
Possible Con:
Their beach/coastal theme attracts a majority of younger people
Their sweet pork is drier
Their guacamole does not have as much lime flavor
Only offers grilled chicken (not pulled)
Cafe Rio
Pro:
Their pork and guacamole have more flavor.
Has a rewards program
Vegetables are on display which ensures that their food is fresh
Offers pulled and grilled chicken
Great deals on Taco Tuesday
Authentic theme for Mexican food
Started in Utah
Possible Con:
Generally speaking, Cafe Rio is more expensive (single taco with guacamole $4.69 with tax)
It is very loud-the employees shout orders at each other and don't hesitate to run around to keep up with orders
Their food is messy and hard to eat on the go
(True of Cedar City branch specifically) Often mess up orders and do not make amends
Only one size available
What do you guys think? Comment to let me know what your personal favorite is and if I missed your favorite part of either restaurant!
Until next time,
Katrina
Cafe Rio's reward program is actually better than Costa Vida's. For every $100 spent, you get $10 in free food; they often have double and triple rewards days.
Wonderfully done! I also believe that Costa Vida is the clear winner. The food is just better.