Mezcal Misfits Dinner Series

Edition II: “Border Spirits & Bootleg Barrels”

Mexican Whiskeys & the Prohibition Pipeline (1920–1933)

During U.S. Prohibition, Americans crossed south into Mexico not just for tequila and mezcal—but to distill, age, and source whiskey-style spirits beyond U.S. law. Corn, wheat, rye, and barley were already part of Mexican agriculture. What emerged were Mexican interpretations of whiskey, shaped by local grains, wild yeast, and climate.

This dinner explores what American whiskey might’ve become if it stayed outlawed.

Spirit Focus (Mexican Whiskeys & Whiskey-Adjacents)

During this unexpected evening we will pair with the unexpected ties with Irish American history as well…

Chefs version of the traditional Shepards pie! Corned beef and cabbage tacos and Irish car bombas as well. be prepared to enjoy traditional so put your kidneys on standby for now…

Storytelling

• Americans smuggling barrels north

• Mexican farmers already nixtamalizing corn centuries earlier

• Climate aging whiskey faster in Mexico

• How mezcaleros think differently about fermentation

• Irish Mexican history

price

• Price per head $65

  
  
  

This one has legs.

Join us for an unforgettable evening in Rio Tomatlán—a rare, immersive experience designed to delight every sense. The night unfolds with an intimate live concert by Chiticalla Music, celebrating the release of their latest album in a setting where every note feels personal and every moment lingers.

As the music carries you through the evening, indulge in a romantic five-course dinner, thoughtfully crafted to complement the atmosphere and elevate the experience. Each course is paired with a carefully curated wine selection, with every pairing personally introduced and explained, inviting you to discover the stories, flavors, and intentions behind each glass.

This is more than a concert or a dinner—it’s a gathering of music, cuisine, and connection, woven together in one extraordinary night. Whether you’re celebrating love, deepening a connection, or sharing something truly special, it’s the perfect Valentine’s Day gift: an experience to be savored side by side, where memories are created long after the final note fades and the last glass is poured.

Tickets are per-person. Your ticket grants you access to a truly exclusive, one-night-only celebration, ideal for an unforgettable Valentine’s evening, including:

🎶 An Intimate Live Concert featuring two special guest artists
🍾 A Bespoke Wine Pairing Journey, elegantly curated and presented by renowned sommelier Thera Clark
🍽️ A Five-Course Fine Dining Experience, exquisitely designed and executed for this occasion by Rio’s own celebrated chef, Rafa Guevara
💿 A Physical Edition of Chiticalla’s New Album, included with your evening

All taxes and gratuity are seamlessly included, allowing you to relax, indulge, and celebrate love in elevated style.

Original song writers Folk Faces! live food till 10pm come and enjoy yourself for a bit! We will have a live groundhog weather prediction that night to forecast the the rest of the year!

Rio’s been back from el México with a trunk full of dishes and stories — and we’re throwing a night to share them. Come ready to stay awhile; once Rio lights up the room these nights don’t quit.

What to expect

• Entrance cocktail to kick things off

• Appetizer bar stocked with things you’ll want to keep going back to

• Family-style dishes brought to your table throughout the night

• Handpicked music with a cool backdrop

• Raffle prizes: original artwork, limited-edition tees for mezcal misfits, and one thick-ass hoodie

Mucho ojo: show up hungry, curious, and ready to linger. Don’t miss out — this one’s special.

New Years Day /Clean Eating

There was this tv show on BBC that i would tag along with my brother and watch these ladies get drunk while cooking this delicious food

I’d like to host a class that feels less like a class and more like spending the day together doing things I love and respect.

We’ll taste a range of tequilas and mezcals — not to rush through them, but to actually understand them. Where they come from, why they taste the way they do, and why agave spirits deserve a little more respect than just a quick buzz.

At the same time, I want to sneak in something just as important: nixtamal. We’ll work with organic blue corn, talk about why the process matters, and grind it fresh in our mill. You’ll see, feel, and taste the difference — because this is where real food starts.

We’ll sip agave spirits the way they were meant to be enjoyed, cure what ails us with traditional tejuino, and share a simple, soulful soup along the way. tacos with your tortillas you made… It’s about balance — nourishment, history, and a little medicine for the body and soul. Laughing at each other of course through out the evening….

This isn’t a sales pitch or a lecture. The world is closed that day, and I want to enjoy it with people who genuinely love this stuff as much as I do or interest them.

$55 includes all food, drinks, and the experience.
Come hang out, learn something real, drink well, eat well, and slow the hell down with me.

open to everyone that has some time to hang

Cena Nocturna — New Year’s Eve

$55 menu description below….

A four-course celebration of Mexican flavors, tradition, and a little indulgence.
Choose one dish from each course.

PRIMERO — Wake the Palate

Grilled Panela & Tomatillo
Warm, smoky panela cheese kissed by the grill, with bright tomatillo to cut through — simple, clean, and deeply satisfying.

Ceviche de Camarón con Agua de Tigre
Sweet shrimp “cooked” in citrus, chile, and herbs. Lively, aromatic, and meant to open up your appetite.

SEGÚN — Roots & Ritual

Coliflor Capeado
Crisp, golden-battered cauliflower with a whisper of spice — comforting and unexpected.

Huitlacoche Truffle Quesadilla
Earthy huitlacoche truffle folded into handmade masa — luxurious, ancient, and modern all at once.

Cecina & Blue Corn
Thin-cut marinated beef paired with blue-corn tortilla — honoring nixtamal and the flavors of the campo.

Cactus Paddle Tostada
Grilled nopal, bright lime, herbs, and crunch — vibrant, fresh, and unmistakably Mexican.

EL TRI — The Celebration Course

Rib Eye Carne Asada
Flame-kissed, juicy, and full of charred depth — classic, done right.

Chile Nogada — Deconstructed
All the elements of the iconic dish — walnut cream, fruit, chile, spice — reimagined for the season.

Tequila Lobster
Sweet lobster gently finished like our signature dish tequila shrimp— rich, fragrant, and built for New Year’s indulgence.

CUARTO — Sweet Good Fortune

Flan de Plátano Fosters
Silky flan with caramelized banana — warm, nostalgic, and a little decadent.

Tres Leches
Moist, milk-soaked cake with soft clouds of cream — simple happiness on a plate.

Mezcal Misfits

Join Us for an Exclusive Mezcal Misfits Club Event!

Date: November 9th

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Quiote

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Mexico with our Mezcal Misfits Club. Enjoy a captivating evening featuring:

• Entrance Cocktail: A unique and refreshing drink to kick off the evening.

• Gourmet Food Bar: Delight in traditional Mexican fare, including slow-cooked goat, vibrant salsas, and hearty beans, inspired by authentic recipes from our recent journey to Mexico.

• Exclusive Agave Spirits: Discover rare mezcal and other agave spirits, including some special Indiana Jones finds, offering a journey through the diverse world of agave.

• Friendly Cocktails: In addition to mezcal and tequila, enjoy approachable and delightful cocktails that everyone can savor.

This event is crafted for those who appreciate the art of mezcal and the culture of agave spirits. Come join our aficionado elite and experience a night of flavor and discovery!

Happy Father’s Day!!!

Excited to unleash on this vineyard some true Mexican dishes, After a wonderful conversation and boasts about the excellent pairings to a New York Riesling we have to deliver to our cuisine followers…

^6pm Entrance cocktail & welcome

6:30pm delivery starts!!!

after dinner mingle till whenever…

COMING SOON!

Check back for more details

Happy Mother’s Day!!!

The southern border and the immigration issue might seem far away, but the impact hits home here locally. Happy to hear that fellow neighbors from our area are deeply involved with this issue and have made an impactful short documentary film to help bring awareness to who the children, women and men are that are being affected by current U.S. immigration policies. Running To Stand Still humanizes migrants' experiences, countering their "othering" by revealing their identities as community members who live, work, worship, and raise families, just like everyone. Anything we can do to help here at Rio to spread the film's humane message, is our pleasure.

This is a free event, but please bring your check book! Sometimes we all can feel overwhelmed by what is currently happening in the world. But, we all can do something, and one of the things I can do is help support these filmmakers by providing a welcoming space to share their film. With this event,  I hope we can EMPOWER individuals and organizations who advocate for fundamental human and social justice rights to get involved. 

Again this is a free event, and please join us before screening for delicious appetizers, and a cash bar. Guest speaker and Q&A with the producers after the screenings. The downstairs restaurant will be open after the screening for dinner.  Thank you and we hope to see you at the screening. 

“Running To Stand Still” website: https://www.runningtostandstillfilm.com/

The best arguments in the world won’t change a person’s mind.  The only thing that can do that is a good story. 

Join us once again as we catch up with Hanna and Hanna having some fun here at Rio. Last month's event with Happy Gilmore was truly a blast, and this week we are excited to dive into all things Walt Disney Trivia. Be sure to participate for a chance to win bottles, delicious food, and gift certificates in our giveaways!

Tyler Wescott’s Banjo Juice Jazz Band is playing at Rio Tomatlan after hours. Theme is Mardi Gras because who doesn’t love an excuse to party??

Price: $10 Pre-Sale | $15 at the door

Special guest Frequentum will lead the night alongside Rio for local beer and fresh Mexican cuisine.

5 Courses. Price includes tax and gratuity.

menu…^Cervesa and pairing

Welcome cocktail

*NaturalnFlavor Tangerine / scallop ceviche

*^creme ale / tortita de Camaron shrimp tort

*^^Black Lager / Short Rib Mole Rojo

*^^^House Surprise / congratulation

*^^^^First Track / Passion Fruit Flan kiwi jam

Chess every 1st Wednesday of the Month!

Food bar on the house

Iron Smoke is here to sample a variety of whiskeys from their collection.

Come before, during, or after dinner !

Attention all Singer Song Writers:

Join us for Open Mic Night with local legends Meyer & Maguire. Sip, eat and listen or show off your skills!

Join us in Cantina for a mezcal flight tasting and educational experience.

Our friend, Nate, from PM Spirits, is brining Mal Bien’s most recent batch of Mezcal along with some of his personal favorites. Come and taste along with Nate while he pairs mezcal and cheese for an experience you’ll not want to miss.

Come anytime during normal dinner service

Join us in Cantina for a mezcal flight tasting and educational experience.

Our friend, Abel, from Skurnik Distribution, recently traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico and brought back 4 of his favorite Mezcals from the Mezcaleros he visited while there. Come and taste Abel’s favorites while hearing stories from his trip.

Come anytime during normal dinner service