Uncle Julio's in Ballston has been a comfort food go-to place for us since the 90s. Holy cow, how the mighty have fallen. No more freshly made tortillas, the fajitas were bland. There were no red peppers in there, just some onions buried. The rice we used to love felt like it had been microwaved. (They come out sizzling but it's a parlor trick. They're just adding water to create steam just before they come out of the kitchen.) While we were eating e Googled and sure enough we learned the chain was sold to private equity. Oh well. Fun wile it lasted. read more

Service, friendly and attentive. Food, delicious. Taco coma, 10/10. My bestie and I came in for an early dinner and ordered tableside guac, queso, and the fajitas for 2 (steak and chicken). Everything was fresh and the portions were generous. Did I mention the chips basket was fresh and crispy? Great value for everything and we had to request to go boxes too! read more

I went back to Uncle Julio's recently with my family, and, unfortunately, it was not as good as it has been in the past. We've had much better experiences at Guapo's in Shirlington and La Union in Ballston, so this may have been our last visit (at least until we crave their queso, which has been consistently good). We had the queso, kids bean burrito, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and chicken fajitas. Nothing was bad, per se, but nothing was great either, and we were disappointed with some of the things that had always been done right in my 30+ years of visiting various locations of Uncle Julio's. Specifically, the chips had a noticeable but not intolerable burned oil flavor, and the salsas (tried the normal and the habanero) lacked the depth of flavor they used to have. Most disappointing for us were the fresh tortillas, which have been a family favorite for many years. They tasted much more like store bought than they used to. They were much thinner and served wrapped in paper instead of in sealed bowls, so they were dry by the time we were able to eat them. Also, the chicken fajitas were pretty badly burnt (they were fine once you peeled off the skin, and they didn't serve them with melted butter this time around). Portion size also seems to have shrunk dramatically while prices have increased. Service was very good. read more

We normally used DoorDash and had the food delivered from this location, happy with the food quality and choices. This time we decided to try the Ballston location and dine-in. We came for lunch on a Friday afternoon. It was not busy. When they noticed us we were seated. We ordered the cheese dip for an appetizer. It was ok, they didn't give us any small plates so our table got a little messy. Instead of cleaning it up they just put our entrees on top of it. Our server wasn't very attentive so I had to take napkins off the other tables, plus ask for water refills consistently. Beef tacos- tasty and their tortillas seemed fresh Chicken/beef fajitas- meat was prepared well but the flour tortillas I was given were dry and chalky. Chocolate piñata for dessert was nice for my husbands birthday. That was the reason we came so I could surprise him with that. We liked the churros and the strawberries were sweet. So after this experience we will stick to DoorDash when it comes to Uncle Julio's. Our food quality and quantity was actually better, faster and reliable. read more

Uncle Julio's - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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This is such a good place for Mexican food in the ballston area. They give free salsa and chips at the table that is constantly filled. I always love getting the classic taco salad and queso on the side. The service was great. There weren't a lot of servers but they did great as more people came to the restaurant. It is a big place. Because of that, I am going they stay open, but because of that, it is easy to find a spot! read more

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Went on Sunday, March 1. The tortillas were packaged and thick and nasty. Couldn't eat them. Manager said machine was broken since last Thursday. And wouldn't be fixed until this week. But reading another review, it seems that bad tortillas have been served before. Steak for fajitas was good and served rare. Waitress got all orders correct. Still miss frozen sangria. read more

I've Been To This Location Specifically For Birthday Dinner Parties. They're Accommodating Of Larger Groups As Our Parties Are Quite High In Numbers. When It Comes To Food It Comes Out Pretty Quick Although Our Main Entrees Tend To Come Before Our Appetizers. Also They Arrive Warm Not Hot If Anything Other Then Fajitas Are Ordered Which Comes On A Steaming Hot Plate. As For The Drinks Were Okay IMO. As For The Birthday Piñatas Used To Be Much Less Like $20-$25 & Now It's $35 But Don't Feel It's Worth It As I've Noticed When Larger Group Same Price More Fruit & Churro Bites Then When We Were Less Like 12 It's Much Less Not Enough For Everyone To Have A Share Other Then A Piece On Each A Fruit & Churro. As For Splitting Checks Thankfully Thats Not An Issue As They Have A Handheld That Makes Splitting Checks Easier. I've Been To Other Local Locations Like Stonebridge That I've Experienced More Portions In Food & The Dessert Piñata For Same Prices! read more

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I went to this location for the $12 Taco Tuesday Taco bar and it was amazing. They give you a choice between chicken or beef and you can do both and it comes with nine soft taco shells, and all of the fixings. The food was seasoned to perfection and it was so fresh and hot. I also had a watermelon margarita which was very delicious. We sat at the bar and the waitress was very accommodating and attentive. it was a great night and provided the right atmosphere for a taco Tuesday. This particular entrée does require a minimum of two people so it was $24 total, but it was more than enough food. read more

Uncle Julio's - Taco Tuesday taco bar - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I came here a few months ago for lunch and was a little disappointed with the quality of the food and my margarita. However, I stopped by for a quick lunch over the weekend and my experience was great. Everyone was very friendly, my friends and I were sat and greeted immediately. I was not very hungry so I decided to get the steak nachos, and wow, they were a lot larger of a portion than I remember. I was able to share with my friends and still bring some home. My friends got entrees so I think they wanted to be nice and bring my out at the same time as theirs, which is very sweet, but I will say my nachos were a tiny bit cold but still very delicious. We also shared the ceviche, it was the perfect blend of lime and flavors. I liked that they added tomatoes to it. One of my friend's ended up getting the rice bowl that I was not very impressed with last time, and this time around it looked and tasted so much better. Overall, really great experience. read more

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Stopped by here and took a seat at the bar. There wasn't much interest in serving me/my partner while seated. We were given chips and salsa, and then never seen again. I expected more from this location as there are tons of eateries in the area. read more

The cheese enchiladas with the Tex-mex (beef) sauce are very good. They are simple but delicious. The charro beans were great today but they can be subpar, I look past this as they are not from a can. I always like their fire roasted salsa and very thin chips. They are a good delivery option with containers better than most. read more

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Raised prices and lowered quality? I've been coming here for 15 years and I'm so disappointed. $together35 dollars for FIVE strips of steak. Also I'd like to add, the stale chips are consistently being served, not just on a to go order, in the restaurant too. I have sent chips back the past three times I've been. read more

Uncle Julio's - Steak Seasoned Shrimp Fajitas for 1 - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Table-side served water, tortilla chips & 2 kinds of salsa- spicy & not. A little more expensive than average. Recommend the Margaritas! Can be loud when busy, but mostly quiet at lunchtime. Taco platters with beans & rice are very good. No complaints here. The servers sere great & handled our table like a Pro! looking forward to returning! read more

What happened to this place! I remember it being so much better a couple years ago than what it is now. I decided to come here with my boyfriend since we were in the area and I had remembered the food was good. We ordered the spicy queso to go with our chips and it took forever to come. By the time it was served to us, it was room temp. The fajitas was just alright nothing special. The only thing that was still as good as I remember was the steak tacos that you build yourself. The steak was nice, tender, and seasoned. If I had to make one critique about that dish, it would be to add more shredded cheese! For 3 tacos, they give about only a spoonful of cheese. The service was okay as well. He wasn't very attentive, we had to try to catch his attention every once in a while but he was very nice. Overall, disappointed in this place because I remembered it being such a great experience! read more

Uncle Julio's - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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All tables are served with fresh homemade chips & 2 different kinds of salsa-one is spicy for sure, but both are flavorful! We had a table of 7 & the bill was $298 before tax & tip, so it's a little more expensive then most Mexican restaurants. Of course we all had 1 or 2 Margaritas with dinner! I ate the Trio fajitas. My favorite of the trio is their shrimp-good size & season well. The steak is cooked medium rare, which we like & the chicken is tender. No complaints here. I tried the Skinny Margarita that's good, but they raved about the Cadillac Margarita with Gran Marnier that was really tasty with a mini shot of tequila filled lime on top! Our server Abdes1am was great & he handled our table like a Pro! read more

Uncle Julio's - Trio fajitas - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Love this Ballston location Have been going for years, Enjoy happy hr specials and good food Have always had good service and. While the location has been there awhile it has great decor and a nice outdoor patio read more

Vegetarians beware! The menu says that the 'V' next to certain items means they are vegetarian, but then lists chicken stock as an ingredient...hint: if there is a meat product, it means that it's not vegetarian. The waiter proceeded to tell us about how all the enchiladas have chicken stock, even though there are multiple things that say they are vegetarian. I'm not saying they have to have vegetarian options, just don't say something is vegetarian when it isn't- a lot of people can get sick from that sort of false advertising. Regardless, I got the taco salad and it was pretty good! The waiter was super nice, but it seems like he forgot about us for a while. Tried getting his attention a few times before he realized and came over to us. The vibe in there is nice and cozy, and the drinks are good too! read more

I come in to eat at the bar. Our bartender Kim is always quick, attentive, and engaging. I get the Guadalajara fajitas and they never fail. Thank you Kim! read more

The food here is hit or miss sometimes especially with the steak fajitas. The steak sometimes tastes like it microwave instead of grilled. The service was fine. read more

I loveee Uncle Julio's, they never disappoint me! Chips and salsa are always delish! My fajitas are always sizzling and fresh! I always get a drink a frozen marg to seal the deal! Let me just say day service can be suspect ! However, this is still my absolute go to for my Mexican craving! Thanks UNC read more

Uncle Julio's - Love it here - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I used to love Uncle Julio's. Some time within the last year, they completely changed the menu. They altered the queso, changed the taco recipes, changed the nacho recipe, and removed some of my favorite dishes. Additionally, they no longer have the home made tortillas. Incredibly disappointing, this used to be our favorite restaurant. read more

Looove this place for any meal or just drinks, super great happy hour and the staff has always been incredibly kind and accommodating

I've been coming to Uncle Julio's off and on for 20 years and always loved the spicy red salsa and margaritas. Unfortunately, I just found out the red salsa was discontinued and the margaritas aren't the same anymore. Sadly, this may be my last visit. It was a great spot while it lasted. read more

We have loved each Uncle Julio's in northern Virginia for the last 14 years. We just started coming to the Ballston location in the last 4-5 years after moving to the area. The worst part is parking but we just learned that they validate parking under a garage out front (not the side street ones). We learned this from our waitress, Maria. Obviously the food and drinks are awesome (can't go wrong with Carne Asada and some margaritas!) But it was really the service that stood out this time. Maria was so knowledgeable and brought my husband spicy sauce for the chips that we never knew existed. It's a new favorite! read more

This is strictly based on their happy hour...no bueno! They have a few drinks half off only at the bar. No food or appetizers on happy hour special, they should call it sad hour because its a pretty sad happy hour. read more

I enjoyed a great meal and wonderful service at Uncle Julio's during a work trip to Arlington, Va. I took some employees to dinner. We enjoyed chips/salsa (the brown salsa is very good), guacamole and beers. For my entree, I chose the chicken/beef fajitas. Everything was delicious and tasted fresh. Shoutout to the attentive wait staff. read more

Uncle Julio's - Chicken & Beef Fajitas l - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Came here on a Thursday night with one friend, we were able to grab a seat at the bar. Immediately upon sitting down we had waters, chips, and two types of salsa infront of us. We got margaritas and enjoyed talking to the bartender, Carlos. The margaritas were fresh and the chips were hot! The service won us over and we will be back to try their food!! read more

From my daughter- "Uncle Julio's has great tacos, they are very flavorful and very yummy. Everything was tasty! Warning, it was a little pricier than we expected, but it was worth it." read more

Uncle Julio's chicken fajitas are the best fajitas I've ever had. Also, really like their new happy hour with complimentary queso happy hour included half off all drinks including their el jefe spicy marg which is already like 2 drinks in 1 read more

Uncle Julio's - Swirl margarita - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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The new queso is crap. I was a loyal costumer, purchasing a pint size of queso blanco every time I would get food from here. It was my favorite Mexican restaurant by far. Now I'm never going back. They need to bring back the queso blanco because the tan stuff is disgusting. read more

Been in Ballston for many years now and to my shame haven't been to Uncle Julio's yet, until today. Service was fantastic, kid friendly, and the food was classic Tex Mex, except the table side guacamole was a treat and the in-house made soft puffy tortillas were delicious. And other dishes like the rainbow trout and risotto were great too. Food was on the saltier side (although what restaurant these days doesn't over season?). read more

We have loved patronizing Uncle Julio' s for well over 20 years. We have typically received fairly good food whether in the restaurant or delivered to our home. With the change in management, they must have recently changed their options for family pack appetizer and no longer offer the queso option - which has been a favorite for years. So I opted to get a small appetizer of queso. When it arrived, it was in a small black container - not even 1/2 full for $9.50. It was so small that I called the store and spoke with the manager -he said they only give 4oz for a small - but I'm not sure it was even 2 oz! I snapped a picture, as it was so drastically different from their past practice. read more

I've eaten here, takeout, and Uber eats. I wouldn't recommend getting Uber eats / food seemed really cold to me (and it's pretty close). Takeout was great and in person was great. Food: Queso Blanco, grilled steak, bowls 10/10. Quesadilla: meh. The veggie one was very okay (Uber eats so maybe was just cold). Burritos: I love a good refried bean burrito - any other Taco Bell stans?- there isn't one on the menu :( I'm sure they could do it but if you're ordering on an app, there is no option. Drinks: very good. A little sweet on the regular margaritas but the watermelon one, with fresh juice, was delicious. I like this spot for what it is - some things hit, some miss, but 5 stars for those that are good. read more

Came here with a couple of friends for a lunch hangout on a Saturday. First things first, Uncle Julio's is a chain of tex-mex restaurants with apparently some of the most consistently average ratings I've ever seen in a franchised restaurant. Like everyone else says, Uncle Julio's neither impresses, nor disappoints. If you're in the mood for a traditional quesadilla or tacos or bowl, you really can't be disappointed with the food. On the day that we were there, the manager was also walking around offering great service, making sure the free chips were consistently getting filled. Overall, a solid, average spot to satisfy a craving. read more

I really don't know what is going on with the terrible customer service in this neighborhood. Tio Julio must be hiring from the same pool off bad servers and bartenders. Sat at the Bar, waited a few minutes while bartender handled the couple arrived immediately before me. As he dropped some chips and Salsa in front of me a woman sat down next to me. Took her drink order before even glancing back at me. Hope he saw me leaving. Another place I'll be skipping henceforth. read more

This place used to be the best Mexican food in Northern VA. Ohh, how greed-flation has changed the equation. Not sure how many of you have had nacho's before, but they should look like an 8yr trying to make a science fair volcano. The more "stuff" the better. Costs the restaurant maybe $3 in ingredients (being very generous). Uncle Julio's nachos look like the picture below. Please tell me why this ridiculousness costs $15?!! Greedy little b*tches. **but thanks to our server Adam who was running constantly keeping a number of the outside tables full of drink and merriment. read more

Uncle Julio's - Ladies and gentlemen...the worst excuse for nachos I have ever seen! Greed-flation personified!!! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Man .... Uncle Julio's went DOWN hill pretty bad. They definitely precook everything open on their orders. It was really weird the food came out SOOO quick ( looking around everyone's order also) all the meats probably were sitting under the heat lamp like buffet trays. Yuck. I used to love it here. But no more read more

Great neighborhood feel accompanied by the awesome watermelon margaritas. Accented by awesome friends. Highlighted by a fantastic service. read more

Sometimes you just really want a quesadilla and a marg. Uncle Julio's hits the spot! The patio is always lively in the evening. I had the monthly special margarita which had mango and jalapeno. I ordered the pulled chicken quesadilla but don't like sour cream and they gave me no problems getting it subbed for salsa instead. They didn't want to leave the place empty where the sour cream would go so they were kind enough to give me extra guac! Will absolutely be back. read more

Uncle Julio's - Pulled Chicken Quesadilla, Mango Jalapeno Margarita - Tex-Mex Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Fajitas were sooo good (ordered chicken & skirt steak)Serving is pretty big & can make 2 meals. The swirl marg, original marg & queso blanco on happy hour were also super good & at a good price. Fun vibes for a girl's happy hour/dinneralso love complimentary chips & salsa. Service was fast and it wasn't hard to get a table on a Friday during happy hour! read more

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