Our Story Began with a Dream
Bringing authentic Mexican flavors to the beautiful coast of Maine, one taco at a time!
Our Story
What started as a wild idea over fish tacos and margaritas has become Deer Isle's favorite spot for authentic Mexican cuisine! Back in 2015, our founders Maria and Carlos fell head over heels for this charming island community.
Coming from generations of Mexican home cooks, they brought family recipes that had been passed down for decades. But here's the twist - they added that special Maine coastal vibe that makes everything taste better!
From our first tiny kitchen to today's bustling restaurant, we've stayed true to our mission: serving up happiness, one delicious meal at a time. Every salsa is made fresh daily, every tortilla pressed to perfection, and every customer treated like family.
Made with love, served with joy!
Our Mission
To bring people together through the magic of authentic Mexican food, creating moments of pure joy and connection in our island paradise.
Fresh & Authentic
Every ingredient sourced with care, every recipe honored with tradition.
Community First
Supporting local suppliers and treating every guest like family.
Our Journey
From dream to reality - here's how it all happened!
The Spark
Maria and Carlos visit Deer Isle for vacation and fall in love with the community. They dream of bringing authentic Mexican flavors to this beautiful island.
First Steps
After months of planning and recipe testing, they secure a small location on Goose Cove Road. The kitchen is tiny, but the dreams are huge!
Growing Family
Word spreads about the amazing food! Local newspapers feature Cafe Rio, and we expand our team to include talented chefs Rosa and Miguel.
New Horizons
We launch our catering service and expand the restaurant space. Online ordering and delivery bring Cafe Rio to even more island families.
Looking Ahead
Today we serve hundreds of happy customers weekly, but we're just getting started! More exciting projects and community initiatives are on the horizon.
Meet Our Amazing Team
The passionate people behind every delicious bite!
Maria Rodriguez
Co-Founder & Head Chef
Maria brings three generations of family recipes and 15+ years of culinary expertise to every dish we serve.
Carlos Rodriguez
Co-Founder & Manager
Carlos ensures every guest feels like family while managing operations with his infectious enthusiasm and attention to detail.
Rosa Martinez
Sous Chef
Rosa's creativity and passion for fresh ingredients make our daily specials absolutely unforgettable!
Miguel Santos
Lead Server
Miguel knows every regular's favorite order and always has a joke ready to brighten your day. He's the heart of our front-of-house team!
What We Stand For
The values that guide everything we do
Authenticity
Real recipes, real ingredients, real passion. No shortcuts, no compromises.
Community
Supporting local suppliers, neighbors, and making Deer Isle even more amazing.
Excellence
Every taco, every smile, every detail matters. We aim for perfection in everything.
Sustainability
Protecting our beautiful island environment for future generations to enjoy.
Ready to Taste the Magic?
Come experience the flavors, warmth, and joy that have made us Deer Isle's favorite dining destination!