Rio Rancho

sandoval burb · 87124

Rio Rancho is the Sandoval County answer to the question nobody in Nob Hill asked: what if Albuquerque had cul-de-sacs and a Costco? Intel built the tax base, the master-planned tracts filled in, and now it sprawls northwest with chain restaurants, decent schools, and arterials that make a first date feel like a commute. The Santa Ana Star Center handles concerts and minor-league hockey; Cabezon and Loma Colorado offer competent date-night Italian and sushi. The tradeoff is candid: little walkability, scant downtown energy, and a drive back to ABQ for anything edgier. Suburban couples and families get the better end of the bargain.

$41,956

median income

$1,434

median rent

The data

Rio Rancho by the numbers

Median individual income in Rio Rancho is about $42k.
● Verified · Census ACS 5-yr, 2019–2023
The median renter in Rio Rancho pays about $1,430 a month.
● Verified · Census ACS 5-yr, 2019–2023

On the ground

Local date spots

20 spots · tap a point, label, or class to filter

Class

Budget

Vibe

20 spots across Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho
Dining
El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina
Southwestern restaurant (US)$$$$★ 4.3 · 8,431
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.3★ from 8,431 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon11 AM to 9 PM
Tue11 AM to 9 PM
Wed11 AM to 9 PM
Thu11 AM to 9 PM
Fri11 AM to 10 PM
Sat11 AM to 10 PM
Sun10:30 AM to 9 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · Tourists
Pets
Dogs allowed
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Dining
M'tucci's Moderno
Italian restaurant$$$$★ 4.5 · 2,604
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.5★ from 2,604 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at M'tucci's Moderno.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon11 AM to 10 PM
Tue11 AM to 10 PM
Wed11 AM to 10 PM
Thu11 AM to 10 PM
Fri11 AM to 11 PM
Sat11 AM to 11 PM
Sun11 AM to 9 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery · Delivery · Onsite services
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups · Tourists
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Dining
Joe's Pasta House - Rio Rancho
Italian restaurant$$$$★ 4.5 · 2,600
Good for groupsWheelchair access
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.5★ from 2,600 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Joe's Pasta House - Rio Rancho.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue11 AM to 8 PM
Wed11 AM to 8 PM
Thu11 AM to 8 PM
Fri11 AM to 9 PM
Sat11 AM to 9 PM
Sun12 to 7 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Curbside pickup · Delivery · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups · Tourists
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Dining
Vernon's Speakeasy
Steak house$$$$★ 4.7 · 2,466
LGBTQ+ friendlyGood for groups
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.7★ from 2,466 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$$$ · top-end is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Vernon's Speakeasy.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$80
Their share$80
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed5 to 10 PM
Thu5 to 10 PM
Fri5 to 10 PM
Sat4 to 10 PM
Sun4 to 10 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Curbside pickup · Onsite services · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly · Tourists
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Dining
M'tucci's Italian
Italian restaurant$$$$★ 4.5 · 2,269
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.5★ from 2,269 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at M'tucci's Italian.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon11 AM to 10 PM
Tue11 AM to 10 PM
Wed11 AM to 10 PM
Thu11 AM to 10 PM
Fri11 AM to 11 PM
Sat11 AM to 11 PM
Sun11 AM to 9 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · No-contact delivery · Delivery · Onsite services · Takeout
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups · Tourists
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Drinks
Turtle Mountain Brewing Company
Brewpub$$$$★ 4.6 · 2,192
Outdoor seatingWheelchair access
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.6★ from 2,192 Google reviews
Split the bill
$ · budget-friendly is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Turtle Mountain Brewing Company.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$13
Their share$13
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon3 to 8:30 PM
Tue11 AM to 8:30 PM
Wed11 AM to 8:30 PM
Thu11 AM to 9 PM
Fri11 AM to 9 PM
Sat11 AM to 9 PM
Sun11 AM to 8:30 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · No-contact delivery · Delivery · Onsite services · Takeout
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Pets
Dogs allowed inside
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Drinks
O'Hare's Grille & Pub
Bar & grill$$$$★ 4.4 · 1,586
Outdoor seatingLGBTQ+ friendly
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.4★ from 1,586 Google reviews
Split the bill
$ · budget-friendly is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at O'Hare's Grille & Pub.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$13
Their share$13
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue11 AM to 8 PM
Wed11 AM to 8 PM
Thu11 AM to 8 PM
Fri11 AM to 9 PM
Sat11 AM to 9 PM
Sun11 AM to 8 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery · Delivery · Onsite services
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Dining
Indigo Crow Cafe
American restaurant$$$$★ 4.4 · 1,123
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.4★ from 1,123 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Indigo Crow Cafe.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue11:30 AM to 9 PM
Wed11:30 AM to 9 PM
Thu11:30 AM to 9 PM
Fri11:30 AM to 9 PM
Sat11:30 AM to 9 PM
Sun10 AM to 9 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · Tourists
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Dining
Lily and Liam Bistro
Restaurant★ 4.5 · 942
LGBTQ+ friendlyGood for groups
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.5★ from 942 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Lily and Liam Bistro.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon7 AM to 3 PM
Tue7 AM to 3 PM
Wed7 AM to 3 PM
Thu7 AM to 3 PM
Fri7 AM to 3 PM
Sat7 AM to 3 PM
Sun7 AM to 3 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Dining
Slate Street Billiards
Pool hall★ 4.3 · 909
Good for groupsWheelchair access
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.3★ from 909 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Slate Street Billiards.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon11 AM to 2 AM
Tue11 AM to 2 AM
Wed11 AM to 2 AM
Thu11 AM to 2 AM
Fri11 AM to 2 AM
Sat11 AM to 2 AM
Sun11 AM to 12 AM
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · Tourists
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Dining
The Hopper Pub and Pizzeria
Pizza restaurant$$$$★ 4.3 · 728
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.3★ from 728 Google reviews
Split the bill
$ · budget-friendly is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at The Hopper Pub and Pizzeria.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$13
Their share$13
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon11 AM to 10 PM
Tue11 AM to 11 PM
Wed11 AM to 10 PM
Thu11 AM to 11 PM
Fri11 AM to 11 PM
Sat11 AM to 11 PM
Sun11 AM to 9 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Delivery · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · Tourists
Pets
Dogs allowed
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Drinks
THE BLOCK
Bar$$$$★ 4.1 · 535
LGBTQ+ friendlyGood for groups
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.1★ from 535 Google reviews
Split the bill
$ · budget-friendly is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at THE BLOCK.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$13
Their share$13
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon8 AM to 9 PM
Tue8 AM to 9 PM
Wed8 AM to 9 PM
Thu8 AM to 9 PM
Fri8 AM to 10 PM
Sat8 AM to 10 PM
Sun8 AM to 9 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly · Transgender safespace
Contact
Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Dining
Juniper Steakhouse
Steak house$$$$★ 4.1 · 521
Good for groupsWheelchair access
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.1★ from 521 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$$ · a splurge is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Juniper Steakhouse.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$45
Their share$45
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon4 to 9 PM
TueClosed
WedClosed
Thu4 to 9 PM
Fri4 to 10 PM
Sat4 to 10 PM
Sun4 to 9 PM
Parking
Free parking garage
Dining
Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups · Tourists
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Activity
Albuquerque Escape Room
Escape room center★ 5 · 415
Wheelchair access
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
5★ from 415 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Albuquerque Escape Room.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon12:30 to 7 PM
TueClosed
WedClosed
Thu12:30 to 7 PM
Fri1 to 9:30 PM
Sat11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Sun12:30 to 8:30 PM
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Drinks
Prairie Star Restaurant & Wine Bar
Wine bar$$$$★ 4.4 · 395
Outdoor seatingLGBTQ+ friendly
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.4★ from 395 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$$ · a splurge is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Prairie Star Restaurant & Wine Bar.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$45
Their share$45
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed5 to 8 PM
Thu5 to 8 PM
Fri5 to 8 PM
Sat5 to 8 PM
SunClosed
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Curbside pickup · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly · Tourists
Pets
Dogs allowed
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Cafés
ChocGlitz & Cream
Ice cream shop★ 4.6 · 387
LGBTQ+ friendlyWheelchair access
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.6★ from 387 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at ChocGlitz & Cream.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon12 to 9 PM
Tue12 to 9 PM
Wed12 to 9 PM
Thu12 to 9 PM
Fri12 to 9 PM
Sat12 to 4 PM
Sun12 to 9 PM
Dining
Curbside pickup · Delivery · In-store shopping · Onsite services · Takeout
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Drinks
Turquoise Desert Taproom
Bar$$$$★ 4.2 · 365
Good for groupsWheelchair access
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.2★ from 365 Google reviews
Split the bill
$ · budget-friendly is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Turquoise Desert Taproom.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$13
Their share$13
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon11:30 AM to 9 PM
Tue11:30 AM to 9 PM
Wed11:30 AM to 9 PM
Thu11:30 AM to 9 PM
Fri11:30 AM to 10 PM
Sat11 AM to 10 PM
Sun9 AM to 9 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups · Tourists
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Dining
BobaCatch
Bubble tea store★ 4.8 · 236
Wheelchair access
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.8★ from 236 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at BobaCatch.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon10 AM to 8 PM
Tue10 AM to 8 PM
Wed10 AM to 8 PM
Thu10 AM to 8 PM
Fri10 AM to 8 PM
Sat10 AM to 8 PM
Sun10 AM to 8 PM
Dining
Onsite services · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rio Rancho
Activity
Lunar Golf of Albuquerque
Miniature golf course★ 4.3 · 160
Wheelchair access
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.3★ from 160 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Lunar Golf of Albuquerque.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon12 to 8 PM
Tue12 to 8 PM
Wed12 to 8 PM
Thu12 to 8 PM
Fri12 to 8 PM
Sat10 AM to 5 PM
Sun11 AM to 6 PM
Dining
Onsite services
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Crowd
Family-friendly
Contact
Call Maps
Rio Rancho
Activity
Chatter Paint West
Painting studio★ 4.6 · 151
LGBTQ+ friendlyWheelchair access
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.6★ from 151 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Chatter Paint West.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon7 AM to 7 PM
Tue7 AM to 7 PM
Wed7 AM to 7 PM
Thu7 AM to 7 PM
Fri7 AM to 7 PM
Sat8 AM to 7 PM
Sun9 AM to 7 PM
Parking
On-site parking
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly · Transgender safespace
Contact
Call Site Maps

Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho by the numbers

Local date spots

El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina

M'tucci's Moderno

Joe's Pasta House - Rio Rancho

Vernon's Speakeasy

M'tucci's Italian

Turtle Mountain Brewing Company

O'Hare's Grille & Pub

Indigo Crow Cafe

Lily and Liam Bistro

Slate Street Billiards

The Hopper Pub and Pizzeria

THE BLOCK

Juniper Steakhouse

Albuquerque Escape Room

Prairie Star Restaurant & Wine Bar

ChocGlitz & Cream

Turquoise Desert Taproom

BobaCatch

Lunar Golf of Albuquerque

Chatter Paint West

Reach Rio Rancho singles right where they plan dates.