RIO

477 reviews

601 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701

About

RIO is a Lounge located at 601 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701. It has received 477 reviews with an average rating of 3.8 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday2PM-2AM
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
Saturday6PM-2AM
Sunday9PM-2AM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of RIO: 601 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701

  • RIO has 3.8 stars from 477 reviews

  • Lounge

  • "Wow! The Owner of Rio Stiffed my staff on New Years Eve, This Dude ordered $1300 in Pizza's to be ready at midnight on New Years Eve 2022 then purposeful stiffed us on the Tip to be hateful"

    "Honestly the event was a blast but the A/C couldn't keep up"

    "Came here on a Friday night bc it was a hookah, alcohol and, rooftop spot"

    "Austin is like no other city"

    "If you want to be robbed by a bar, go here"

Reviews

  • Adam Arriaga

Wow! The Owner of Rio Stiffed my staff on New Years Eve, This Dude ordered $1300 in Pizza's to be ready at midnight on New Years Eve 2022 then purposeful stiffed us on the Tip to be hateful. We worked for 3 hours to complete this order of 120 pies on time we were forced to shut down deliveries and other production, an employee from another location came in to assist. Everyone was a bit upset especially the delivery guys who lost 3 hours of revenue, on what was supposed to be the biggest night of the year for tips, since this large order superseded anything else no one made money. We have an old saying in this Industry "Service people take care of Service people" I guess this RIO Establishment thinks they are above us, No mutual respect for my workers. I do not recommend this place they obviously don't care about people. - Aceofaustin 1/1/23

  • j Turner p

Honestly the event was a blast but the A/C couldn't keep up. A few other things happened that should have never taken place like for example running out of bottle water and warm drinks being served. Customer service at the door when getting carded could have been made much better by simply saying you can make your way up stairs. I got there at 9 and the stairs were already covered with trash ( clearly left from Friday) the event was Saturday. Also I don't think the manager was prepared at all for the event that was booked or he would have staffed accordingly. I have been here in the past for friends birthdays and it's always fun I just think the manager is to lazafair

  • Vani

Came here on a Friday night bc it was a hookah, alcohol and, rooftop spot. Around 12 the rooftop was pretty empty...very surprising. Music was awesome! The bartenders were very friendly, attentive, and courteous. Hookah seems to be by a third party company but still ok. They didn't come to turn the coals or give you the tongs but did come to ask if you wanted to buy more. Super gross- a huge roach was making its way around the perimeter and around the couches...not a fan. Everyone would scream every time it came around. The second floor seemed to be more happening and much more packed.

  • Mark W

Austin is like no other city. I have been to 12 different countries, countless cities, and there is no place like Austin, Texas. The woman here are stunning, can't describe or better yet articulate the beauty of Austin women. ratio is in favor of the males. Always more women than males. Not 5 star due to over price of drinks. Well vodka tonic should never be even close to $10. That's not even high but reasonable, that's just flat out ridiculous. Bottle service is very reasonable.. Go that route.. I will be back for sure.. Reconsider the drink prices..

  • Erin Schoenky

If you want to be robbed by a bar, go here. If you don’t, I’d stay away. Was told something would be $40 and then when my friend received her bill it was $340! She was accused of being drunk and not hearing the initial price (she was sober by the way). She had to NEGOTIATE the price down to $140 but it’s still completely ridiculous to have your employees lie about the price of something then talk to you like an idiot when you confront them about it. Oh and regardless of that, the bar is a cheesy wanna be Vegas Pool Club. Keep trying.

  • Johna E

I live in Houston and visited Austin for the 1St time my birthday weeked and we went to Rio Saturday night. I had a blast. The whole environment was my scene, music, pool, rooftop, hookah, great people and vibe. The bouncer with the locks and white streaks in it was so awesome and Jason our hookah server was the best and on point. When I come back I will be back at the Rio maybe during the day next time. Even the Manager was great. I had a drink issue and he fixed immediately. You guys rock! Thank you for making my night amazing.

  • Mason

As of today, January 12, 2020, your front door man committed assault and battery towards me when all I did was asked if I could use the restroom at 2 am. I understand that your business closes at 2, but given I was sober for the situation, I was physically hit by your front door man with a object after I tell him to stop repeatedly. This is unacceptable behavior, and next time this happens i will involve the cops. Edit: I was a customer there as well... probably don't want to treat them that way...

  • Cyrus Baty

Young professionals take note...this is a happening summer swim/party club...looking for your dream girl? There were dozens here...guys too...excellent bar, tropical setting, electronic dance dj...great party atmosphere...we were here for a special event...on this hot day, not too many middle aged or younger than college grad. They have a great crowd with awesome DJ's that always have people dancing. Bottle service is the way to go. The rooftop pool and views of the downtown skyline are awesome.

  • Steven Fulbright

Very popular spot. Drinks are expensive; went here this last weekend on Saturday night and a vodka sprite was $8. Music's really loud, so it can be difficult to carry on a conversation, especially with multiple people, but by the same token, it's a great place for club dancing. Decent amount of room, bathrooms are (relatively) clean. All in all, good place if you're more interested in dancing than conversing.

  • Jasmine Simon

Good Music but the drinks are TERRIBLE!!!! I didn't think it was possible to mess up a gin and tonic but they some how managed to do it. The bartenders then ignored my friend and I when we tried to get their attention and I am pretty sure the bar back told them not to serve us after we told him we had been waiting and skipped over for 30 minutes and asked him to politely catch the bartenders attention.

  • T

The DJ is one of the worst I've ever seen. Anyone could do better than the spastic cuts between songs. They want to be a 1Oak or Hakkasan type Vegas/Miami club and they charge those prices...problem is you'll be horribly disappointed. The bottle service girls are homely at best. If you're a UT frat/sorority idiot with your dad's Amex...go to Concrete Cowboy instead. It way more fun

  • Valkyrie TheMoonMaiden

Even though corona has taken mamy business rio still thriving. Beautiful up stairs down stairs with warm cabana rooms and good bar staff these guys are amazing hadnt been out in months decided to hit up a good friend of mine who worked there and he really made sure to take care of us all night (friend with super anxiety) thanks guys your the bomb dot come lmao

  • spham mam

made workers come back during covid or risk getting fired well I went there on a saturday night luckily being self cautious but no one else was wearing masks or using sanitizer everyone was super close together and I come to find after two of the workers there has covid and one of them was there working that night. absolutely terrible.

  • Ambika Rautray

This place is great! The music is catchy and the bartenders are nice and approachable. I guess the only thing is that drinks are very expensive, but note that they do not charge cover at times. Also, I thought I lost my ID there and called them, but I never received a reply which kind of sucked. But overall, I definitely recommend it!

  • johntae sk

Okay, this bar/club stood out due to the manager the night that myself, my wife, and guests visited. He made sure that we received complimentary bottle service. His attention to detail along with the cocktail girls made that night worth being cold on the rooftop. I would, I will be visiting and entertain my guests there again.

  • Jose Torres

With a rooftop pool and a spacious third floor, Rio excels at Sunday funday parties. At night, the pool looses al functionality and takes up space. Last Saturday night, Rio played up-beat, popular music and did not get over crowded. It's also nice to people-watch down on to sixth street. The restrooms were well maintained.

  • lifeis adream

Your parking garage is so wacky. You sign up for an account with metropolis.io they have No app. Its a web address...No payment in the garage. Put in plate number and payment and it racks up $60 because you have to drive out to end parking. Tech doesn't work or register plate. Customer service non existent. What scam!!!!!

  • Sam Scott

Very cool rooftop bar with a super friendly bouncer. However, what ruined the experience was the drunk redhead rooftop bartender. We weren't able to catch his name but our group was completely turned off by the place with his belligerent drunkenness. Would not recommend this place unless someone else is working up top.

  • Corey Smith

It is now 2:35am and your screen on the rooftop is still on and flashing. I live close by in a high rise and it is an extreme nuisance. I have video and will report and follow up with the city if it continues past tonight. Please follow city ordinances and turn it off at 2am. This is a Tuesday night into Wednesday.

  • Michael Dozier

Nice place but the blonde bartender last Sunday forgot to take her bi-polar pills(it was amusing). She made the wrong drink and we told her nicely that it wasn't what we ordered. She got attitude and out of nowhere shook my hand for the camera. Then made a new one, took the money and kicked us out.

  • Tehya Smelser

We went here for an event, and were disappointed. The bartender was a jerk, it was not clean inside, I saw a cockroach run across the stage, and we were told by an employee to NOT get in the pool... We were there at night and the A/C still couldn't keep up so everyone was sweating their butts off.

  • Shannon Masterson

Pleasantly swanky. The main floor is a great space, nice and cool with leather couches....but it's the pool that really makes it. Rooftop pool, private cabanas--makes for a great view of the city while day drinking and beautiful people-watching. Not a bad way to cool off in our toasty city.

  • Johnny !

This is a rooftop bar that has a pool in the West 6th area of town. I've only ever been to events that were kind of dominated by whoever was throwing the event, so don't know if it's fair to judge the event space of its own right. The bartenders were responsive and friendly.

  • Catalina Calero

Great place! Our friend Hale took us there during our vacation from Florida. We were there for Bloodfest with Huns Rugby. The DJ was great, the drinks were awesome, the vibe was fabulous, and you can’t beat a rooftop bar with a pool! Awesome job Club Rio, Austin!

  • Santosh Reddy

Roof top is the best if the weather is good. DJ vary each night so you can expect a little variation. You can see more college crowd in here. Drinks are bit overpriced but its downtown so cant really complain.Overall a good place to hangout with friends

  • Meghan Ferguson

Beware they will give you well drinks all night then up charge to Titos or grey goose on the check. Then the bartender will get mad once you call them out. Thankfully the manager was chill and helped me out. Beware of scummy bartenders. More

  • Jerald Robins

This place had a good variety of music but the service was HORRIBLE. The wait stuff was slow & lazy, the hookah seemed to be recycled, restroom was not clean, watered down drinks & unorganized in a whole. Customer service sucked here.

  • Snigdha Agarwal

Went here for the hunk-o-mania show on Saturday night. The facility is in dire need of repair with the ceiling leaking on the stage. The drinks were highly watered down. Got two cocktails and an LIIT and still no buzz.

  • Maria Angel

This place is a con! Don't sign up for any shows because they are not real and they even try to upsell you on buying the first 6 rows and there is no such thing.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

  • Karen Anesthesia

This place is amazing. Haven't seen a bar this nice in a very long time however one of the staff members what kind of rude so I have to leave them for stars instead of 5. Overall though great experience, great Club.

  • Brendan McCallan

I was a little skeptical at first, but I went here for a friend's birthday party and had an absolutely wonderful time. My girlfriend and I enjoyed the shows and the entertainers were fun. Funny and very good dancers

  • clinton davis

I stay in the vip area near dj hella yella. Hookah service is good when u tip its just difficult to find him to order it. Maybe a better way of doing that will help sale them cause last week I never got assistance

  • Claudia Almanza

Over all atmosphere is fantastic. Makes you feel like you are in Vegas but with the feel of being classy. 3rd floor has a swimming pool so bring your floaties and keep the champagne flowing!! :)

  • Brian Bailey

Gentleman in the center goes around knocking over scooters instead of doing his job and/or hangs out with people doing who should be doing job but are be8ng bros and creating tripping hazourds

  • Kyle Grace

I can understand if this place is to other's liking but not mine. Super expensive drinks, snooty crowd, no place to sit and their waitresses are not the brightest. Passing on this bar.

  • Jeanine Egby

Bathroom floor completely wet. Very gross. Pool cover (it's placed over the pool to make a dance floor) uneven and feels sketchy. Dj was good. Heaters in the cabanas were nice.

  • Maribel Guerrero

Nice chill spot. Enjoyed the view, you can see downtown Austin. Pool is small but nice to take a dip when its super hot outside. There are mist sprayers so it keeps you cool.

  • Joseph Dodson

If you enjoy wearing a suit and tie everyday and want to be around others who do as well, you'll probably be right at home here. The staff was welcoming and did a great job.

  • Lupita Jimenez-Hand

Found it very odd how we had to Venmo the entry person Alex Banbury to get in on 09/04/21 on the top floor/pool. Not a Rio Venmo or anything. ‍♀️ Seemed sketchy. …

  • K Hevarty

Always have an absolute blast at RIO. It's nice to have a place in Austin with an upscale crowd and great dance music. Day parties on the weekend are a favorite as well.

  • Chris C

One of the best nights of my life. The bartenders were very friendly and professional. If you're looking for a great Austin experience I highly recommend this bar. More

  • William Lear

we went to swim on one of the last warm days of the year apparently they don't care what time they say they open nobody was there we had the whole place to our selves.

  • Courtnie Isbell

This was the WORST show I have ever tried to watch they also kept our credit card and charged a gym membership on it as well as groceries and other things …

  • Vishal Jain

This place has a great dance floor, the music is good and the bartenders are really nice people. Drinks are on a little expensive side but once in a while is ok.

  • Nesha Winston

very small club.., bar service not that great… went to a party here and party ended 2 hrs earlier than advertised due to overbooking . Would not visit again

  • Joseph Lee

Best part about Rio is the top floor is open to the night sky... Beautiful and professional servers great security and awesome management ask for Robbie

  • Lil Law Breaka

Best pool parties in Austin TX
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Monica Peña

This place is amazing for events. The top floor with the pool area is nice, plus the indoor space on the second floor. Bartenders gave great service.

  • Billy Amen

I was the DJ there. And the experience was welcoming and very vibrant. Kind of stuffy in there but that's just because it was standing room only haha

  • Elise Delgado

They lost my card and charged my friend $150. If you go here, do not open a tab! And when you ask about the over charges, they have a huge attitude.

  • Taylor Crayton

A great venue but it felt a little more catered to the older crowd (35+). That being said I still had a good time. The drinks and DJ we're good.

  • Eli

They only take women and Asian people on the second floor, the rest go on a rainy rooftop,
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 1

  • Robin Dugan

Worst experience. My friend got her foot stuck on the floor and the floor is ridiculously uneven and so many ppl were falling because of it.

  • Amanda Mittnacht

Interesting bar. Foam in the outside pool, outdoor bar. Typically have a DJ. Not my favorite spot in Austin, but worth a stop for a drink!

  • JUGO 512

Good environment but the management is a little to picky with dress code and why do I have to have a section to get a bottle of champagne

  • Arbor Adams

Not as exciting as I would have liked. Too young for my taste. Music was o.k., but I never heard an entire song playing. Two thumbs down.

  • V B

The staff (including the bouncer!) were super friendly, but the drinks were over priced. The pool was an interesting twist to be honest.

  • Humberto Machado

The music was not as I expected since the reviews showed a more vibrant environment. I would give it a second chance for next time...

  • Antwone Hill

Nice laid back club also has three levels of fun...a different dj on each floor...cant beat that with a bat with a no cover charge...

  • megan rucker

Took my Aunt for her birthday. The ladies did not disappoint. Wait & Bar staff were amazing. We had a blast & will definitely return.

  • Mark Harbin

Takes 30 minutes to get a drink with 3 bartenders working and 4 people waiting. Good music, but this is the worst spot on W. 6th.

  • Ryan Bares

Roof top pool in downtown Austin. They have cabanas you can rent for private bottle service. Food was alright, nothing special.

  • Jeremiah Engels Ramsey

Good hors d'oeuvres, great location on 6th, and spacious deck upstairs with great views. Men's room could have been cleaner.

  • Anchit Patel

Fun, was at a private after party and it was roomy with ample seating to sit down for a bit and have a drink or even smoke.

  • Marco Bueso

Visited at night and had fun. Drinks are reasonably priced. It definitely looks like it's more of a daytime kind of place.

  • Emiliano covarrubias

The place is super nice, especially the rooftop. Big downside right now is that their really strict on covid guidelines.

  • R Kely P N on U

Always have fun here on Fridays. Great staff and tasty drinks!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Ariana Rojas

First time going and it was good. Our hookah server was very good, making sure we had enough coals for our hookah.

  • Alexander Roque

Hookah on the weekends, nice atmosphere with a nice vibe. Definitely recommend if you aren't worried about prices

  • Shanna Wille

If I could give 0 stars I would. Not a great atmosphere and they tried to rip us off told us wewere just drunk.

  • Katalina Cohen

A college place! Fun & music and bartenders were great. Female Bathrooms were dirty and missing a toilet seat.

  • Jeff Noel

Words can’t describe how terrible a venue this spot is. Need folks to pick better spots to host their events.

  • Dionne Daggett

Had a great time here on Sun. DJ played a decent variety of music but it was mostly Latin music at first.

  • Ryan

Decently cool venue, but the drink cups are tiny though, I mean not even 8 ounces; and 4 shots was $45.

  • Navid

No phone number. No website. Every time i came there was a private party and they didn’t let us to in

  • Katie Ebbinghaus

This place is chill but cool. Im 31 and clubs i have kinda outgrown but this one i can still enjoy

  • Charlee Scott

Great vibe and just as crowded as every other bar you go to. But the rooftop view is worth it.

  • Andray Davis

Good crowd. Drinks were better than decent. Had a great time and DJ was cool. Multiple levels.

  • Avi Kaiser

Had the place to myself. The bartender was gorgeous and let me play my own music. So much fun!

  • AGA Conda

Nice club. Has separated stories and a rooftop. A mixed race club, drink is kinda pricey.

  • Kimberly Watkins

Great places, atmosphere, and views... Drinks a little expensive and seems watered down

  • Sonia Razaqyar

Great hookah spot. Loved the gorgeous rooftop area and staff was very friendly.

  • Somdipto Das

beautiful rooftop, nice pool and great drinks. lots of underage kids there

  • Core Infusion™

Awesome Ambience!! Had a great time. I would love to host a party there!

  • L Jojo

Nice party space. Bottle service and VIP sections provided upon payment.

  • Eric Heeder

Decent rooftop pool. Kind of dirty and rundown. Not sure id go back.

  • Danielle Moore

Im currently at Rio. Im having a hreat time. The music is great.

  • Tommy Zheng

Great atmosphere. But the pool was murky and kinda disgusting.

  • Patrick F

A legendary local spot. Johnny Manziel publicly relapsed here.

  • Jerry Green

Great place, just to many kids unfortunately but good drinks.

  • Amber Parker

Great Dj and fun vibes. It's just extremely too hot in there.

  • Sonny

Don't waste your money/time. Place is well beyond ran down.

  • Amon Neequaye

Pool looks yucky. Place has a weird vibe. Cheap drinks tho

  • Davis Majesty

Rude bartender on the 2nd floor. Over priced drinks

  • Joey Franklin

Very cool place to go. Nice relaxing atmosphere.

  • Laney Hanon

So much fun! Perfect place to vibe and dance ☺️

  • Brandy Donahue

Excellent time at drag/burlesque show!

  • sylvia robbins

Great place in Austin to have some fun

  • robert thompson

Had a great time as part of sxsw

  • inocente molina

Nice place i like there pool.

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