Rio's Brazilian is a comfy, shacky neighborhood joint with food so good, you should leave your own neighborhood to try it if you don't live there already. Let me give you three reasons why: Pão de Queijo (half-chewy, half-melty Brazilian cheese breads topped with parmesan cheese), hearty Feijoada (Brazilian stew made with pork, beef, sausage and black beans), and Doce de Abóbora: Butternut squash cooked down with coconut and cinnamon until it magically transforms from a vegetable into a dessert. And if all that doesn't convince you, the cutie pie, sweet wait staff should – their big smiles await you at the door.

By Tolly Moseley

What Our Expert Scouts Say

Tolly Moseley Scout

Joined 1 year ago

December 07, 2012

A hidden delight on the east side, serving seriously addictive cheese bread ("pão de queijo") in what appears to be a colorful, renovated little house. Excellent place to bring a handful of your friends for family-style eats and drinks.

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Jennifer King Scout

Joined 10 months ago

August 09, 2012

A gluten free dream! The most amazing GF cheese bread and pastries! Great environment for drinks, dinner or snacks.

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Maxwell B.

Joined 5 months ago

February 01, 2013

Very cool place..food is really tasteful plus affordable.

Atmosphere also relaxed...cool place :)

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bc3

Joined 11 years ago

September 17, 2010

Who Knew?. I found this place online when I was looking for a lunch place east of town to meet my friend who works in the Eastern Boondocks of Austin.

Overall, we were very pleased with the experience. We ordered the bread trio (STANDOUT YUMMO), the Spinach & Ricotta Pastel which had a nice, delicate lemon flavor (much more cheesy than spinachy), and the Apple Buzlos w/ chicken which was disappointing because it had an overpowering floral flavor (was it lavender in the dressing? - I couldn't pinpoint it). That said, we split the Apple Buzlo & it was a very ample portion.

The inside of the building is in better shape than the outside, clean & funky. Restroom was very clean.

Service was good. They really cook here, so this is not a place to come if you're in a hurry.

I didn't know my friend was avoiding gluten, so their GF indicators on the menu & many gluten-free options were a nice plus.

I'd definitely try this place again. Happy ending: Our 3 food items & 2 teas were $22.

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Rio's Brazilian Cafe