El Rio is hands down the Ocoee Adventure Center staff‘s favorite place to eat! On any given day you can find one or two or the whole group camped out at one of the tables regaling each other with stories of their day on the Ocoee River! What better way to wind down after a long day in the sun than with some fresh chips and salsa, a few cold beers and some fascinating tales of a day in the life of an Ocoee River raft guide?!?
Located in a historical building in downtown Copperhill, just a short drive from OAC, El Rio offers a large selection of authentic Mexican dishes freshly prepared to order. Nestled at the 3rd red light in Copperhill, El Rio is easy to find, just follow the crowds and the cantina music! (There’s plenty of parking in the bank parking lot across the street!) This quaint spot is different from many other restaurants in the area with its distinctive dining spaces, colorful murals and spacious design.
El Rio serves only top-quality, healthy Mexican food. Their cooks are known for their creativity with three favorite flavors: sweet, sour, and spicy. This ensures a delicious, savory “fiesta for your mouth” dish every time! They use the finest ingredients and cook only with vegetable oil for healthier and tastier meals!
The menu items come from old family recipes, ranging from traditional enchiladas, nachos, and burritos to more rare exquisite dishes like, Pollo Loco, Chicken Palapa, Lomo De Puerco, and Steak Ranchero. Make sure you save room for dessert! El Rio offers fantastic traditional flan with cajeta (Mexican caramel), sopapilla, a flour tortilla, deep fried, topped with honey butter, cinnamon and ice cream, just to mention a few.
People stop in by the thousands during the Ocoee River rafting season! They must love El Rio’s food because they say they seem to see the same familiar faces year after year!
So take the time after your next Ocoee River rafting trip to eat and drink with the guides! Did we mention El Rio features real one liter (32 oz) mugs to hold your favorite beer? It is guaranteed to be another memorable experience!
Please see El Rio’s list of house specialties!
113 Ocoee St.
Copperhill, TN 37317
Phone: (423) 496-1826
Monday-Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy the great food and tell them that Ocoee Adventure Center sent you!