Costa Vida and Café Rio are two popular fast-casual Mexican-style restaurants in the U.S. They both have similar menu options while still having key differences, keeping them battling for the top restaurant.

Costa Vida was founded in 2003 in Layton, Utah, by J.D. Gardner and Kenny Prestwich when they traveled to coastal Mexico and were inspired by the rich, fresh flavors.

Costa Vida has many pros including having large portions, being more affordable, and having a very wide variety of menu options.

Some cons for Costa Vida are that it can be inconsistent throughout locations, and some people say there are more mild flavors. 

“I have ordered the same thing at different stores, but it tasted very different both times,” sophomore Londyn Arnold says.

Café Rio was founded in 1997 by Steve and Patricia Stanley in St. George, Utah. Steve Stanley, a classically trained French chef, developed recipes for “fresh, modern, Mexican cuisine” inspired by his career in the Rio Grande Valley.

Café Rio also has many pros including having rich, flavorful sauces and dressings, fresh, high-quality ingredients, and having consistent flavor across all locations.

Cons for Café Rio include being a bit pricier and having portions that can be smaller for the price. 

“Cafe Rio is super expensive for not that much food,” sophomore Addy Grimm says.

Overall, the choice between Costa Vida and Café Rio ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a richer, slightly sweeter flavor, then Café Rio might be a better option. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere and quicker service, then Costa Vida might be the best choice.

Deciding which chain is better is a very difficult decision because they are almost the same, but they are both great options for any occasion regardless of the controversy.