Always a great time at Uncle Julio's! The good is good , especially the tamales! I would give it 5 stars but it's a little pricey.

Came in with my mom for lunch and we asked to be seated on the patio. We sat out there for 15 minutes and no one came to service us. Meanwhile on the inside a family that came in after us was serviced and we sat there and watched; still no one came to see if we wanted chips or drinks. We ended up leaving due to the disappointing service. It was not busy in the restaurant, so there is no excuse for poor service. I will think twice about coming back to this restaurant in the future. read more

My daughter was home from College for the weekend and she enjoys Fajitas so we went to Uncle Julio's for dinner. We've been here before and we've had mixed results. To be honest, this is the first negative review I've done on Yelp and it's only because of the way we were treated at the restaurant. When our dinner arrive, my daughter and I shared a plate of chicken Fajitas. The plate came out sizzling and they delivered the rice and beans as usual. This is where things started going wrong. Well, the plate was hot, but the Chicken was cold and dry. Not exactly sure how you can do that, but they figured out a way. When I was finally able to flag someone down, they took the chicken back to the kitchen. I figured, well, at least I have the beans, I'll start eating those, that is when I noticed that they did not deliver a spoon to eat the beans with. I looked at my daughters plate and no spoon either. I noticed a manager walking by so I flagged him down and told him that they did not deliver a spoon with the beans, so he walked away and came back with a single spoon, mind you I asked for two. Oh, and he acted as if I was causing him to do work. Then the chicken came back from the kitchen and well, they found the stove because the chicken now was hot, but burnt and even more dry and there was actually less chicken now on the plate then when they took it away from us. When I pointed all of this out to the waiter, he apologized and took care of the fajitas. When I asked for the manager to come back, our waiter informed us that he had left and that they guy we were dealing with was just the assistant manager and not a very friendly guy. When I asked for his name, he said that this Assistant Manager's name was "Scott" and that he didn't even know his last name. My wife finished her meal, we paid and we left. As we were leaving, I asked the Hostess what Scott's last name was and the group standing up there didn't know either and it seemed like they didn't even know who "Scott" was. So overall, it was a terrible experience and it will probably be a while before we go back. Hope you find this useful. Tom read more

Food is great; however, accidentally left credit card there last night with Server and 2 fraudulent charges in Gainesville today. Server gave credit card to her Manager and it was used 2.5 hours later at a gas station nearby. Prince William County police have opened a case and are investigating. read more

I have been a big fan of Uncle Julio's for years. Starting back when it was called Rio. Loved the food, drinks, and atmosphere. I was super excited when they opened one by my house in Gainesville. Went for the opening (fall 2015) and there were some hiccups, but expected for a new restaurant. Unfortunately most of my subsequent visits have not been much better. The management there is lacking (that's the nicest thing I can say). There always seems to be a shortage of staff which causes delayed service, cold food, and overall less than ideal experience. My last visit was so disappointing it prompted me to Yelp about it. Waited (along with three other tables) 15min and no one bothered to bring menus, water, or even bus the dirty dishes off the outside tables. My friend had to go to the hostess stand and request a server. Finally a bartender came and took away dirty dishes, gave us menus, chips and salsa, and took drink orders. (This was not his section) Another server finally showed up about 10min after our orders had been taken to see if we needed anything. Not sure where she had been earlier, but this was her section. Food took forever, came out cold, and some of the order didn't come at all. We were initially charged for it until we pointed out to server that we had not received those items. Oh, and there was a server tray that had been dropped by our table with broken glass, chips and salsa scattered that stayed there the whole time we were there. (2+ hours). Looking around the floors were dirty with dropped food and looked like they hadn't been swept all day. Management was no where to be found during all of this chaos. Not sure I will be going back anytime soon. I hope this isn't the new standard of Uncle Julio's. read more

We've been here a handful of times and we have never had a positive experience. From super slow service, to bland food, and small portions - it's not worth the money. Maybe other locations are decent, but skip out on the Gainesville site. read more

We have been going here since they opened, and really enjoy their food! Their daily specialty fruit margaritas are awesome too. We joined their rewards program and have been pleased with the benefits. We used the free apps for up to 15 people for an onsite party, and it was a big hit with our friends. The piñata desert is a lot of fun, but you definitely need at least 4 people...but soooo good! Staff are responsive and upbeat. read more

I decided to return here after a bad experience last year. Dumb on my part. Specifically asked for mango salsa on a dish to be on the side. Waited forever for the meal. It comes out with salsa all over the dish. Send it back wait again....Salsa now picked off the meal with nothing on the side. Meanwhile.....my family has fished their meals. I tried. Won't be back again. read more

Ate here for my birthday and I guess I had too high of expectations based upon what people had said about the other locations. We were not really impressed with the food or the service. They weren't rude or nasty, but they weren't that friendly and inviting either. At times when we asked for something we felt like we were being a bother. Their food was OK, but not worth what we paid. The chicken and steak both had a weird texture to it for the fajitas. My wife's dish was above average. Overall, it's hard to say don't go, but hard to say to go. Try it for yourself, maybe we hit them on a bad day. read more

This place was great! Great food, great service, and a fun atmosphere! Please go and enjoy, you will not be sorry. Happy Eating!!

It's my first time at Uncle Julios and its good. Service was prompt, Victoria was attentive and helpful. I had the lunch fajita guessadilla with skirt steak, it was cooked well and prepared nicely. The flavor is good for a fajita. The salsa is flavorful, I like the hotness of it. It's not the beat tex-mex but good enough. It offers something different from neighboring restaurants so that's a plus. I will definitely come back with my kids. read more

We went in just after the restaurant opened this past Saturday for lunch. We were surprised that the chairs and floors had a very noticeable amount of food and crumbs left from the previous day. Also, we agree that they could use a more friendly greeter/seater than they have chosen (since that is the reason for the job). The waitress was very nice and very good and the food was consistent with other visits. Overall, we would recommend the place and we hope this instance of uncleanliness was an oversight. read more

All you need to do is order the margarita of the day. They aren't too sweet or salty and have fresh muddled ingredients in them. I've tried cucumber, grapefruit, strawberry mint, watermelon in the summer and haven't been disappointed yet (except that I always want another!) I regularly visit for lunch and the interior is spotless! I know it is new, however I can appreciate the work it takes to keep a busy place spotless. The chips are hot and fresh, they are crisp and thin and don't taste like they came out of a bag. Homemade tortillas are fluffy and soft- delicious! My favorite item is the seared Ahi Tuna tacos, however I have tried the chx tortilla soup, the carnitas tacos, and the sizzling shrimp fajitas and loved them. The service has always been great- the servers are attentive and on the move. I haven't seen anyone standing around or looking like they had nothing to do. When the patio is open, they have another set of servers managing that area so it feels like an extension of the restaurant and not an isolated space. My only negative is the flooring is ceramic tiles made to look like wood and were rather slippery even in my rubber bottom boots. Servers wear non-slip shoes, but guests don't so be careful! read more

Don't bother. This used to be my favorite restaurant until I came to this location. I only go there because I have a friend who works there. The quality of food at the one in Fairfax Corner surpasses this one! Does not compare. read more

It was my first time here. My family of four arrived at around 7:30 pm on a Saturday and had a 20 min wait for a table, which was fine. While waiting for our table my husband went to the bar to get a beer and the bartender took it upon himself to get his own tip from the change. Once we were seated our server took our drink orders timely and we received our drinks quickly, except the cocktail. When we reminded the server about the cocktail, he did bring it out quickly. After about 30 min someone brought out my fajita order, it looked great and tasted great as well. I waited about 7 min for my son's and husband's order to arrive before I began eating but it did not come out. I was hungry and my one year old was sitting and eating so I had to take the opportunity to eat while she was sitting still and while my food was still hot. 20 minutes passed and my son and husband's food still did not arrive. 5 min later our server hovered by our table and my husband called him over and asked him if he could just cancel his and my son's order because I was nearly finished with my meal and their food had not arrived yet. I was annoyed at this point and asked the server if he can just comp my husband and son's meal and pack it to go so they can have it to eat at home. My husband asked for the manager, because he wanted to bring it to his attention how the bartender took it upon himself to take his own tip. Mistakes happen, and our dinner out at this restaurant was not great due to the bartender taking his own tip and the lack of timeliness and attention on the server's part in bringing our cocktail, food and chips order out. But, the establishment did redeem themselves by comping our entire order, when I thought it would only be fair to comp my son's and husband's meal. If they did not do this I would be very disappointed and not want to return, but the Manager went beyond the fair thing to do and I really appreciate it. My dish was good, the Jalisco, and the restaurant is pretty with a great vibe. read more

To be honest I thought this would be true Mexican and found it to be more of a fresh style chilis. I ordered fajitas which were delicious but wasn't the authentic Mexican I was hoping for. read more

My family and I arrived today (Sunday October 27th) for dinner. Let me just say...Uncle Julios in Gainesville completely embarrassed me. My daughter was in town and I recommended this restaurant. Yet I was completely put down. Right when we walked in we were standing there for a good minute until the hostess and "manager" acknowledged us. Once the what seemed to be the "buss boy" seated us. First we didn't have a server come take care of us outside on the patio for a good 15minutes. We asked for a high chair when we first walked in...no high chair after 10minutes when we were seated. Thennnnn we don't even get a server after 20minutes sitting at our table all the way in the corner of the patio. The "manager on duty" had to come and take our "drink" order. Once our food arrived we didn't have silverware, no tortillas for our fajitas...when we asked for the silverware and tortillas...our food was cold, the corn tortillas were cold and looked like they've been given to us from a table that didn't finish their tortillas. Our server checked on us once maybe twice which I find funny. Because once the check was brought to us a "20% gratuity" was already added to our bill. We still tipped 20%, because server work for tips not paychecks. Yet, management SUCKED. Nobody came and checked on us, no drink refilles, I had to go walk in side and get m fresh corn tirillas because they were cold and a new beer because I finished mine. All in all I had the worst experience...ok not too sure if I'll be back or recommend anyone to go dine there. read more

Be ready to spend some money. However the food and portions are good. The seem to specialize in fajitas. They do offer table side guacamole for $11.00 and it is a good size amount. I came with a group of 7, which is my family +1. Waitress was ok, not great and not up for any conversation about the food or options. Lobster and shrimp soup was ok. The flour tortillas machine is cool but quit working while we were there, so for my sons fajitas it took a bit to get his tortilla's. I had carnitas and settled for corn tortillas. As I said food was fine, nothing to write home about- I'd return but it isn't like I'm in a rush to go back. But hey if in mood for Mexican food, it's a reasonable option as long as I'm ready to drop $90.00 for my family on a meal. read more

One bartender on a Saturday night. Really? Servers are grabbing all kinds of garnish for their tables drinks at the bar without washing their hands. I actually said something about the no washing and the server was just like oh well. Have been waiting for over 20 minutes to get any help. I told the bartender my bill is wrong and I get attitude saying yeah he knows. Still no fix 30 minutes later. Food is awesome but service and help sucks. read more

I called a Wednesday prior to my event and I ordered dinner for my team . When I arrived to pick up my dinner the young lady said she had no order for me . I was very upset and I spoke to a manager . The manager Scott didn't event act like he cared . I had to wait 30 -45 min for my order to come . The manger only gave me $30.00 off . I think this is unacceptable . I wouldn't recommend anyone to go to this restaurant to order out for an event . The associates are very unprofessional and so are the managers . Never again . read more

Definitely not going back. Went there with my kids and husband. They sat us down quickly, but our waiter was no where to be found until we asked for one 10 minutes later. My son got the chicken tenders and only ate one because they were too dry. My daughter got the nachos with cheese. It was approximately 6 tortilla chips with shredded cheese on top. Very disappointing!! I got the chicken enchiladas. They didn't have much flavor to them. The rice was ok and the beans were a bit watery and hard. I didn't enjoy any of it. My husband got some hard taco dish. He didn't care for any of it. He ate it because he was hungry, but complained the entire time. Our waiter ended up being very attentive and nice in the end. Overall, very dissatisfied with the food. It says "made from scratch " on the building. It sure didn't taste like it. Will not be going back for food ever!! Overpriced and food quality is awful. read more

Glad Uncle Julio's is in the area. Have always enjoyed the one in Reston, going back to when it was Rio Grande years ago. It's what's to be expected for a chain - nothing mind-blowing, but generally satisfying. The margaritas are yummy, and food very fresh. Enjoyed tableside guacamole with friends, but took a while for chips to come out with it. Tortilla soup was okay but bland. Acapulco seafood salad was fresh, but was basically a giant bowl of salad greens, with just 3 strips of ahi tuna. More salad than seafood (and none of the dressings were very good -- don't like sweet salad dressings, prefer savory vinaigrettes). However, service was great; Victoria was just wonderful, friendly and helpful. Pretty space, excited to see how it is with outdoor seating in summer (although, as friend observed, hoping they move dumpsters from the close vicinity of outdoor seating). read more

The first time I went it was so terrible I couldn't even give them one star. My friend insisted on going and I will say it was better. Staff is friendly enough, the prices are so ridiculous that it's hard for me to justify going there the food is mediocre and you should just go to El vaquero in Haymarket or la Parradilla in Gainesville they taste better and are so much more inexpensive. Not worth the money. read more

This place is our family favorite Mexican place to eat and we used always hot o the one in fairfax ! So glad they have opened one in my town! Their carne asada is delicious and queso is a must try ! read more

I'm not real sure why I torture myself coming here. It's overpriced, the chips are oily and they sat myself and my adult friend in the kids section. read more

Needs improvement. The front people/manager seemed overwhelmed. Maybe because this location is still new, but they couldn't handle the high volume. We came on a Saturday night and there were tons of people there, the wait was an hour and 30 minutes. We basically waited 2 hours and by that time we were starving. The food came quickly, our waitress was friendly, but my husband's meal was cold. We left disappointed and we will drive the extra miles to go to the Fairfax location next time which is way better than this one. read more

I've been going back over and over again in hopes the kinks with getting seated gets worked out, unfortunately it hasn't. Call ahead you waited around 45 minutes, then they got rid of call ahead and just did reservations and walk ins... Great! I thought. Waited about 45 minutes last night with a reservation. Not sure why they can't get this right, it's hard when you have little ones crying because they are hungry and waiting in a lobby area that there isn't enough room for everyone waiting. Food is great, expensive, but that is expected when you go to an Uncle Julio's, wait staff great. They just can't get it right with seating on busy nights. I think I'll take a break from this location for a while in hopes that it will get worked out. I'll definitely write another review if my next experience is better. read more

Excellent steak fajitas, excellent guacamole, and last night their queso was better than usual. The restaurant was crowded, probably due to the first night showing of Downton Abbey nearby, but they did a good job hustling out the orders. read more

Never sit at one of the high tops at the bar .. Constantly get ask when are you leaving ... Rudest people come here ... Management needs to fix this problem read more

As I've eaten at Uncle Julios many, many times, just not this locations. Their food was good, the chips and salsa are always a great starter. Two things that bummed me out a bit, the "Plato Gordo" was no longer on the menu, and my son always had a tradition of getting a ball of dough, the manager told me he could not have one because some other kid ate it and got sick. Why punish all the kids because one parent failed to watch what their kids put in their mouth? read more

We visited the new Uncle Julios in Gainesville. From the moment we entered to the time we got seated it was warm & friendly. Our server was Allanna. She was awesome. She made some recommendations, we actually tried her suggestions & so worth it. Food was hot & yummy. The table side guacamole was tasty & fresh. We didn't even think about desserts, but Allanna mentioned the mini version of this yummy vanilla ice cream with caramel, coconut, pecans & whipped cream. It was delicious. And i didn't want to forget that i did order the Margarita of the day, it was awesome. Will definitely go back! read more

Not a good day for Uncle Julio today. Horrible service, (bartender was good, but understaffed/supported). We order fajita chicken and also tuna tacos... 1st round took 45 minutes to come out, when they did, everything was cold. We sent them back, when we received the "corrected 2nd round", they came back with re-cooked tuna and re-cooked chicken from the 1st round... shame on the kitchen manager for letting this happen when he was told how bad everything originally came out, he made no attempt to make it right! We won't be back! read more

We tried this place on a whim. We were throughly surprised by how amazing everything was. The food, especially the Carne Asada, was the best Mexican food I have had outside of Mexico. I really enjoyed the carne asada, I talk about it all the time and want to be able to make that great of a steak myself. The Pechuga de Pollo was also very good. This is definitely the best Mexican food you going to get in Gainesville. read more

Guac was not impressive, margaritas were good, and tacos were good. A little pricey, not a great deal of variety on the menu. Service was so-so. Overall, fine not awesome. read more

Wow! So overpriced! The salsa is the best. $11 for Margaritas with no buzz! Tuna tacos with one tiny piece of tuna. You won't see me again Julio!! read more

Got food poisoning the first time I ate there. The shrimp was undercooked and caused me to have a stomach ache from hell and throw up like an exorcist. The only good thing there was our waitress other then that this is fake Mexican food. read more

Been to Uncle Julio's maybe 20 times......I like the chips and Dos Equus from the bottle. Usually have beef enchiladas and they have been fine. Went there cupla weeks ago and had three beef tacos in a hard shell. The beef was 90-% fat and grizzle. Inedible. Asked for the Manager. She arrived.....listened to my complaint and asked if I wanted something else. I said no....just the check. Didn't apolegize for the swill.....just credited the cost to my account. So three problems here: no one supervising the kitchen, serving "beef" that pigs might pass on and a manager promoted way ahead of her time. May go back to eat the free chips and drink the Dos Equus but I will never order from the menu again. read more

Wasn't impressed with the service, the lobster/seafood soup tasted weeks old and the seafood in it was so chewy and tough, we had to spit it out. The flavor even tasted spoiled. The bartenders, two males, weren't very attentive. One was friendly and doing most of the work(poor guy) and the bearded one looked stoned and/or unhappy to be there. Won't be back. I'll visit the other location. read more

Big box mexican automatically loses one start. Second star lost because I don't like their salsa. It's a smoky chipotle type flavor, which I just don't care for. If you like that, you might have a different opinion. That being said, their fajitas are really good!!! We also ordered the cheese dip, which was basically cheez whiz. But the carnitas tacos were great too. Haha. This is a very up and down review, hence the three stars. read more

Definitely one of the more up-scale ambiance restaurants in this area. Very tasty food with HUGE portions. Huge Portions! The place is beautiful and has great outdoor seating as well as my favorite which is by the kitchen and you can watch them make the food. Absolutely delicious. read more