Bring your appetite to Rito’s in Aurora

Since 2007, Rito’s Mexican Restaurant Bar and Grill has been serving authentic Mexican fare in a friendly atmosphere on Aurora’s southeast side. For owner Rito Huizar, it’s what he loves to do.

“We are very proud of our restaurant,” said Huizar, who can be found creating dishes, bartending and greeting customers on a daily basis. “Everything we do, we do it with love. From the food and drinks, to the service and relaxing atmosphere we provide to our customers.”

Along with the expected assortment of tacos, burritos, enchiladas and tamales, diners keep coming back for Rito’s friendly service and drinks specials like the flaming margarita, which is legendary at this suburban spot.

“We have been really lucky that word of mouth has been our best advertising,” the owner said.

Here are more reasons to check out this local favorite.

What’s on the menu? Rito’s serves a wide variety of authentic Mexican appetizers, lunch and dinner options seven days a week. Not sure what to order? Try the Rito’s sampler, which offers a chimichanga, chile relleno, enchilada, tamale and taco, along with Spanish rice and refried beans. For those who want American fare, it’s available as well, along with a kid-friendly menu for the little ones.

About the owner: Born in Zacatecas, Mexico, Rito Huizar has been working in the restaurant business most of his life. Along with two business partners, he opened Rito’s in Aurora in 2007 and opened a second location in Buffalo Grove in 2014.

A mission statement or philosophy: Rito’s strives to deliver authentic Mexican food that is made fresh daily, in a comfortable place that people want to keep coming back to.

The decor: Tucked at the end of a strip of retail stores in Meadow Lakes Plaza on Aurora’s northeast side, Rito’s is a casual restaurant with plenty of tables and booths for big and small groups. In the back of the restaurant there is a large, full-service bar, with televisions to catch your favorite sporting event. Its neutral decor has a few bright Mexican style accents.

Food specialties: Molcajete, a traditional dish from Rito’s hometown of Zacatecas, includes grilled steak, chicken breast, barbecue ribs, Mexican sausage, grilled cactus leaf and onions along with slices of Chihuahua cheese, tortilla and beans. It’s served in a sizzling stone mortar to ensure it’s hot until the very last bite, but the generous portion size will probably leave you bringing home leftovers. The fajitas, whether steak, chicken, shrimp or a combination of all three, are carefully marinated and served with grilled onions, peppers and all the fixings.

We’re different because: Huizar said their restaurant is different because it delivers authentic Mexican food, using unique and some “top secret” recipes that he has perfected over the years. They make everything from scratch and will make meals based on what their customers want. “We can heat them up or make them not spicy at all, whatever you want,” he said.

Extras: Rito’s offers catering and party services and will take reservations for lunch and dinner. Every day there is a drink special, such as $5 margaritas each Thursday.

Price range: Appetizers like quesadillas and housemade guacamole are $6.95. Three tacos are around $8, as are the burritos, and fajita platters are around $13. All entrees come with rice and beans, so bring your appetite, because servings are generous.

Logistics: Rito’s Mexican Restaurant Bar and Grill is located at 3450 Montgomery Road in Aurora. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Call 630-236-3539 or visit ritosrestaurants.com

Jane Donahue is a freelance writer for the Beacon-News.