THE LOOK
With music videos on six TVs, mirrored walls and high tables, Rio has some snaz. The videos range from past Britney and Enrique hits to something you've never heard. Owner Mike West said he tends to keep the music upbeat but caters to the customers. The video bar idea is inspired by more extravagant versions in Chicago and New Orleans. Rio is a little more low-key, with pool, a few arcade games and a large plant-adorned patio to accompany the videos.
THE CROWD
The videos are background to conversation. "We're for a crowd that doesn't want to dance," said West, "but still wants to be entertained." West said the clientele follows that of his bartenders: some young and shirtless by the end of the night, and some more mature, couch football fans. There was a mix of both gay and straight costumers.
THE TWO DRINKS
Bartender Tony Hamilton started me off with one of his inventions, a $5 Wet Willy. It was a fruit-flavored cocktail of vodka, Chambord, triple sec, cranberry juice and maraschino cherries. The second, an Attitude Adjustment , is popular at the bar. Equal parts of Southern Comfort, Amaretto, Peach Schnapps, gin and orange juice gave the drink a sweeter fruit flavor, and it tasted less strong. West, the owner, said he uses the same glassware as The Blazing Saddle, so costumers know what type of drink to expect.
THE GRUB
Bar snacks, such as popcorn. Patio cookouts on Sunday.
THE VERDICT
Only open for a few weeks, Rio is quickly becoming a destination on the gay bar circuit. When I was there on a Thursday, West expected The Blazing Saddle crowd to mosey over after its Latino drag show ended. Rio is planning on showing Latino videos every other Thursday and showtunes on Sundays.
