First Look: Rio Nuevo Mexican Cantina in Alpharetta

Call it upscale Mexican with a sports bar on the side. Rio Nuevo Mexican Cantina is a new concept that combines the menu ambitions of Rosa Mexicano and a lively lounge atmosphere.

The look: Located across from North Point Mall in freestanding building that was recently a Famous Dave's BBQ location, the colorful build-out features rustic plaster, Mexican tile, blown glass and decorative lighting accents. In addition to the main dining room, there's a covered front patio and a spacious bar area with suspended flat-screen TVs.

The scene: On a recent Saturday afternoon, the late lunch crowd packed around the dining room was a mix of couples and families. At the bar, several singles sipped margaritas and munched on chips and salsa while watching college basketball and chatting about the upcoming Falcons game.

The menu: The multi-page menu covers a broad range of regional Mexican cooking, beginning with a la carte tacos ($2.95) and guacamole prepared tableside ($9.95) and reaching to the likes of chile-seared scallops ($17.95) and roasted rack of lamb ($21.95). There's no Speedy Gonzales. But named combos, such as La Gringa ($10.95), include familiar offerings of tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and tamales, served with rice and beans.

The drinks: The draft beer list ($5) includes locals Sweetwater 420 and Red Brick Laughing Skull as well as Negra Modelo and Blue Moon. Wines are offered by the bottle or in three-ounce or six-ounce pours. But the heart of the drinks menu is tequila and margaritas. Rio's Organic margarita ($8) is mixed with Partida, fresh lime juice and agave nectar.

The extras: Look for daily chef's features at lunch. On Mondays, there's a $1 mini taco and $4 house margarita special. On Thursdays, it's live music and $5 mojitos. The kids menu has several hybrid Mexican-American pairings, such as chicken fingers with a cheese enchilada.

Rio Nuevo Mexican Cantina