Rios Taco Stand Expands to New Larger Location in New Buffalo

The popular 25-year-old Mexican restaurant will temporarily close its longtime drive-thru spot to open a new dine-in, carry-out, and drive-thru facility.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Rios, a family-owned Mexican restaurant in New Buffalo, Michigan that has been praised for its tacos for 25 years, is expanding to a new larger location. The restaurant will temporarily close its longtime drive-thru and carry-out spot at 901 West Buffalo Street and open a new dine-in, carry-out and drive-thru facility at 603 East Buffalo Street, taking over a space that previously housed Buffalo Bill's. The new Rios location is expected to open on March 14 after the old location closes on March 11.

Why it matters

Rios has been a beloved local institution in New Buffalo for a quarter-century, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine. The expansion to a larger space with indoor seating represents growth for the family-owned business and will allow it to better serve its loyal customer base as well as attract new diners.

The details

The new Rios location will be larger than the previous spot and offer dine-in seating in addition to carry-out and drive-thru options. The restaurant is taking over a space that was previously occupied by Buffalo Bill's, located across US 12 from another iconic New Buffalo eatery, Redamak's. Rios owners have said the old location will reopen in the future with a new food concept that does not duplicate the Rios menu.

  • Rios will temporarily close its longtime drive-thru and carry-out location at 901 West Buffalo Street on March 11, 2026.
  • The new Rios location at 603 East Buffalo Street is expected to open on March 14, 2026.

The players

Rios

A family-owned Mexican restaurant in New Buffalo, Michigan that has been praised for its tacos for 25 years.

Buffalo Bill's

A restaurant that previously occupied the space that the new Rios location will be moving into.

Redamak's

Another iconic eatery in New Buffalo, located across US 12 from the new Rios location.

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What’s next

Rios owners have said the old location will reopen in the future with a new food concept that does not duplicate the Rios menu.

The takeaway

Rios' expansion to a larger space with indoor seating represents growth for the beloved family-owned Mexican restaurant and will allow it to better serve its loyal customer base in New Buffalo as it enters its 26th year of operation.