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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Rio Grande

Authentic spots

You have no patience for watered-down versions of a culture or a craft. You want the real thing, exactly as it was intended to be.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Caribbean restaurant

Caribbean restaurant offers authentic Jamaican and Swahili cuisine in an airy, beach-like space. Walls showcase African-inspired artwork, creating a welcoming vibe. Lively music and the scent of jerk chicken and plantains complete the immersive experience.

Food delivers authentic Afro-Caribbean flavors with a focus on authentic Jamaican and Swahili cuisine. The owner emphasizes creating a memorable Caribbean experience through genuine dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and tasty."

"The oxtail here is rich, savory, and truly decadent."

"The authentic Afro-Caribbean food here is bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers Halal food options for customers.

2

Portions are generous for the price, providing good value.

3

The restaurant caters to customers with allergies.

02
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Ice cream shop

Small ice cream shop offers unique Asian flavors like durian and Thai tea. Bright pastel decor creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere with limited seating. Perfect for casual hangouts and tasting authentic Thai sweets.

Unique and authentic Asian flavors stand out here, especially in the durian ice cream and Thai tea. The dessert shop offers a genuine taste of Thai sweets that enhances the local food scene.

People are saying

"The mango sticky rice ice cream is amazing and refreshing."

"I loved the unique ice cream flavors and ingredient combinations."

"I loved their authentic mango sticky rice ice cream; it was so rich and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Wanyen offers a rewards system where you earn points with each visit.

2

Ordering is easy with an iPad option to avoid waiting in line.

3

The shop has limited seating, so plan to visit during off-peak hours.

03
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Escape room center

Escape room center feels like an underground Japanese subway with immersive atmosphere and authentic antiques. Detailed sets and a themed soundtrack create a Meow Wolf-style experience. Premium Japanese snacks add to the unique vibe.

Props and set dressings show extreme authenticity with detailed design and creativity. Handling authentic antiques adds to the immersive and atmospheric experience.

People are saying

"You'll have a blast with the fun and tricky puzzles here."

"It's a super cool and immersive experience with lots of details."

"The props and antiques here feel incredibly authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure availability.

2

The event includes a collaborative puzzle that requires teamwork to solve.

3

Participants receive gifts, including a hand-drawn card and logo sticker.

04
Sayonara image 1

Bar blends authentic Japanese decor with nostalgic anime booths and a large patio. Cocktails use genuine Japanese ingredients for true flavor. Live DJs spin rap, creating a lively, social vibe with both private and open seating.

Cocktails feature authentic Japanese ingredients and spirits. Decor and design show kawaii, authentic Japanese style that reflects genuine cultural elements. The overall vibe stays true to Japan even far from there.

People are saying

"I considered Sayonara my favorite bar in Salt Lake City."

"I found the cocktails here to be super thoughtful and unique."

"It's so authentic to Japan, the decor reminded me of Shinjuku."

Good to know

1

Sayonara does not serve food at all at this location.

2

Expect long wait times, especially on weekend nights.

3

An automatic 20% gratuity is added to all tabs.

05
Dubai Mexican Grill Restaurant image 1

Small space blends weekend nightclub design with cozy seating and chill vibes. Homemade mole sauce adds authentic flavor to fresh tacos topped with avocado and pico de gallo. Bar serves beer and cocktails, drawing both diners and clubgoers.

Mole sauce comes homemade and authentic with a rich, delicious flavor. Tacos feature a fresh flair with cabbages, pico de gallo, avocado sauce, and green chili hot sauce on the side.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be absolutely incredible."

"I've never had mole this good outside of New Mexico."

"The homemade tortillas and mole sauce taste so authentic."

Good to know

1

You can get amazing breakfast anytime during the day.

2

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos.

3

The entrance is around the side of the building.

06
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with authentic tacos and fresh ingredients. Vibrant cantina vibe pairs well with late-night DJ sets that keep energy high but music balanced. Open late, it draws crowds craving genuine atmosphere and lively after-hours fun.

Tacos here are truly authentic with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The menu offers authentic Mexican street food that stays true to traditional recipes.

People are saying

"I felt like I was in Mexico City with these authentic tacos."

"The pozole's hearty meat and robust broth are expertly prepared."

"It's a great late night spot after the club or a concert."

Good to know

1

Street Tacos SLC stays open late, until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

A DJ plays on weekends, turning the main floor into a dance floor.

3

Prices may differ from what is displayed on the menu.

07
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Middle Eastern restaurant

Small restaurant hidden behind a convenience store offers a bodega-style vibe and a quiet, laid back atmosphere. Shawarma is authentic and flavorful, capturing true Middle Eastern taste. Upstairs dining area is peaceful and welcoming.

Shawarma here is authentic and flavorful, capturing the true taste of Middle Eastern cuisine. The spot feels genuine, tucked away in a small shack, offering consistent and satisfying shawarma plates.

People are saying

"I found the Mediterranean food here to be the best shawarma I ever had."

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"I found the shawarma here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Shawarma Shack offers halal options for those seeking them in downtown.

2

The restaurant is located at the back of a convenience store, making it slightly hard to find.

3

Prices have increased recently, with a gyro now costing around $12 before tax.

08
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Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop serves authentic Philly bread and imported meat for classic cheesesteaks and hoagies. Seating is unusual but clean, creating a welcoming vibe. Fries are simple, while sandwiches boast fresh ingredients and genuine cheese wiz.

Food includes authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak and authentic hoagie. Cheesesteak here matches the classic Philly style but some prefer a nearby spot for an even more authentic experience.

People are saying

"You have to try the Philly steak sandwich with all the fixings."

"I found an authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience here."

"I found an authentic cheesesteak that's the best in town."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

2

The location is hard to see, tucked off 400 West on Broadway/300 South.

3

The meat and bread are flown in from Philly for authenticity.

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Rio Grande, Salt Lake City

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