Wow, this place SMELLS amazing outside, so we are walking around One Loudoun and say, heck, let's…read moregive them another try, it's not busy at all 2pm). There were an abundance of tables and booths inside and outside, but we were told they were all "RESERVED" and we would have to sit in the bar area.
All high top tables, except one, which we had to use (medical issue). It was by one of two doors outside to the patio on the bar side of the restaurant, which should have been my warning to just leave now and save the hunger for another establishment. The bartender was working EVERY TABLE in the area, inside and outside. I was concerned, but we gave him a chance.
Chips were good, salsa was kinda green and tasteless, but we only ever got one basket of chips in the 80 minutes it took us to order, get our food, and ask to pay. There was soccer on in the bar to distract, thank goodness, because it was filled with people and at least four kids literally having foot races in the bar area because they were bored waiting for their food. No kiddie activity crayons or whatever.
My husband is halfway through his soda, and we see a long, dark hair inside the glass... INSIDE THE GLASS. When the waiter finally got back to us, we asked for another drink glass. He brought us two fresh drinks, but now mine had a jagged glass chip missing from the rim (where you place your lips), so I was no longer interested in my drink.
Food was mostly OK, the fajita chicken is very good, the tortillas soft and fluffy. The beef in the enchiladas or taco my husband got is currently making him feel a bit ill (oily maybe?) but his chicken one was good.
The poor waiter had too many tables for one person. The other person in the bar area was in full out prep mode for a night of drinks and bar activities. Lemons, limes, ice, very busy, didn't help the waiter at all. The tables that were vacated stayed dirty for almost 30 minutes outside, no bus boy help, but several staff people in the host area talking and I suppose waiting for the avalanche of guests for those empty tables.
By the way, if you sit near the door outside, every single time the waiter opens the door, a gush of humid, hot air blows you hard and strong. It's very annoying, and you want to AVOID the tables by the patio door or you will get to enjoy all the seasons, all at once.
We finally were able to get the waiters attention to pay, tipped him (this situation wasn't his fault), and left. Guess what? Empty tables, staff standing around, I was annoyed.
Don't go without a reservation, or better yet, don't go to Uncle Julios... The choice is yours.