Rio 1854 Stillwater: The Best New Latin Restaurant on the St. Croix River
If you’re searching for the best restaurants in Stillwater, Minnesota, let us introduce you to a place that completely blew us away — Rio 1854. This week, Steve and I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing this beautiful new Latin-inspired restaurant on the St. Croix River, and it was nothing short of amazing.
We went with some of our closest friends to check it out, and from the moment we arrived, Rio 1854 exceeded every expectation. The atmosphere, the views, the service, the food — everything came together to create one of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve had in a long time.
Located at 425 Nelson Street East in downtown Stillwater, Rio 1854 sits right on the banks of the stunning St. Croix River, offering some of the most beautiful riverfront dining in Minnesota. We were lucky enough to sit outside in one of their heated snow cubes, which gave us sweeping river views while staying warm and cozy — truly a one-of-a-kind Stillwater experience.
Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, Rio 1854 offers indoor and outdoor seating, a riverfront patio, an outdoor bar, live music, bonfires, and heated igloos, making it one of the most exciting dining destinations in the Twin Cities metro.
The menu at Rio 1854 highlights bold Latin American flavors with a modern twist, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a full meal. From grilled meats and parrilladas to fresh seafood, roasted chicken, pastas, and creative fusion dishes, everything is made with fresh ingredients and beautifully presented. Their handcrafted cocktails and non-alcoholic options are just as impressive — the perfect complement to the food and the setting.
Rio 1854 is owned by the Ramirez family, including Anthony Ramirez, Luna Ramirez, their father Adrian Ramirez, and other family members. They are also the family behind Taco Libre (with locations in West St. Paul, Eagan, Oakdale, Roseville, and Edina) and Mexatlan Supermercado in South St. Paul.
The name Rio 1854 honors both the St. Croix River and the year Stillwater became part of Minnesota, paying tribute to the area’s rich river and community history while delivering bold, modern Latin cuisine in a vibrant setting.
From the incredible service to the stunning atmosphere and unforgettable food, Steve and I couldn’t have asked for a better evening. Being able to enjoy the river views from a snow cube made it even more special, and it’s easy to see why Rio 1854 has quickly become one of the most talked-about restaurants in Stillwater.
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate, gather with friends, or simply enjoy amazing food in a beautiful setting, Rio 1854 should be at the top of your list.
We truly cannot recommend it enough — and we’d love to hear about your experience when you visit.
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4999 France Ave S Ste 250 Minneapolis MN 55410
