We were very excited to eat here, but it was definitely under par from the other Uncle Julios where we've dined. We had the chicken/steak fajitas and the carne asada. While the chicken in the fajitas was beyond excellent, the steak was absolutely horrible. Both the steak in the fajitas and the carne asada tasted like a very inexpensive cut of meat - and when you pay $22 for a steak, you expect a little more in quality. Our server was very nice, but definitely very inexperienced...give him a few weeks under his belt and he'll be fine. The kicker was our bill. Frankly, I can walk down the street to Firebirds and spend the same amount and have a much better experience. We will likely take our business back to El Tio. read more

For a pricey, Mexican restaurant, I expected more than what I can get at a local Mexican restaurant. It's the same fare, just much more expensive! The service was average. I'm going to keep going to the local places. read more

This is the second time I have eaten here and it just disappoints. We ordered the chicken and beef fajitas for 2 with margaritas. The server was initially right at the table with delicious very thin and crisp tortilla chips and really delicious fresh made salsa. The margaritas were good. We didn't get our fajitas for more than 30 minutes. When they finally came, the presentation was nice with all the accompanying sides. The homemade flour tortillas are some of the best we've had, but they only brought 2 tortillas and the server never came back to check on us. I took the empty container to another server and he brought us more tortillas but the fajitas were disappointing, the beef was rubbery and very tough. We really couldn't chew it.The chicken was good. We will look for another Mexican restaurant in the area. 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

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

WONDERFUL! I visited during the soft opening week and can't say enough good things about our waitress, server and food. Of all the restaurants that have opened in the Promenade, this place gets an A++ in that department. Quick, efficient, attentive...no issues at all. This will quickly be my new fave in that area! read more

Maybe it's because we came for lunch, but we will never be going back! Food was just "meh" and the server had food on his mouth when he came over to the table. Then about five minutes later he was talking to me and a piece of food shot out of his mouth onto the table, then he tried to swipe it away real fast so I didn't see it. Unfortunately I saw the whole thing and was so disgusted I didn't even really want to eat after that. You many not want to let your staff eat while they are taking tables so something like this doesn't happen again. It was truly nauseating. Even if this gross incident had happened I still would not have been impressed. The margarita was so heavy on the sour mix and very light on the tequila. I usually never leave a drink un-touched but I drank a few sips and left the entire thing there. The food was just not that good. I ordered some sort of lunch special with a chicken taco, chicken tamale, and a chicken enchilada. It tasted like a microwaved dinner. read more

Great addition to the area!! Food is good bar is great wait staff on point bartenders are friendly.

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

I recently returned to this Julio's location Labor Day weekend and was much more impressed this time around than I was during my last visit. Despite us being a little late, they honored our Open Table reservation and we were seated within 10 minutes of arriving. Although the restaurant was packed on a Friday night around 5:30pm, we were greeted and served quickly and efficiently. The drinks were kept re-filled and the appetizers were fresh and delicious. The Chipotle BBQ Quesadillas are a MUST try and the Cowboy Queso is always a favorite of mine. read more

What Mexican place doesn't have cilantro? They have plenty on the guac station. I was told they don't have cilantro. I see a jar full of cilantro. read more

Our waiter Lewis took great care of us. It was my Mother in-law's birthday and as soon as we were seated not more than 5 minutes later they sat Lewis with a 15 person party. Figured he would be slammed and our service would suffer but it was the complete opposite, Lewis handled it like a pro. Great service and great food. Cheers read more

Uncle Julio's in Gainsville was supposed to be a grand new experience that everyone would want to go to. Well we fell into the hype like most peoples and while the place was decked out nice and everyone seemed to be having a good time, I quickly realized it wasn't because of the food. For me the menu was very limiting and the entrees were over priced for the area. I got the combo Fajitas which is usually a save bet at a new establishment but it wasn't this time around. While I have not been back since its opening, it is one I would like to try once more just to make sure the first experience wasn't a one off night...just don't know when to dare fate. Enjoy! read more

Walked into a half empty restaurant (noting: "Help wanted" sign out front). Asked for 6 top; told it would be at least a 30 minute wait for inside table. My wife was "really ?" After a little back and forth, we asked to speak to a manager - while I went into their website and made a reservation for 6 for 15 minute from they time we walked in, and got a confirmation number by email. When the manager finally got to us to address the issue, we were told they needed to hold the table for reservations within the next 30 minutes. I showed them their email just having confirmed my reservation for 6 in 11 minutes from that moment. "Oh, well we won't be able to honor that confirmation; our reservation system is flawed. You'll need to wait until the other people who have made reservation before you have been seated," was the manager's response. Mmmmmm, no! We told them that they had lost our business - now and forever. We went next door, and were seated within 5 minutes in a restaurant that was fuller. read more

I never ever review anyone or a company, but I do believe there is always room for improvement. I am far beyond disappointed with this place....went for a happy hour with my brother and his girlfriend, for me it had been awhile since I've dined out so I was totally looking forward to my evening. Our waitress expressed that it was her first day so we were very patient and empethatic with her. But it was until my brother's girlfriend ordered a margarita and found a bug. We let the server know and she went to get the manager. He came over didn't know how to approach us, so I told him that there is some sort bug in her glass. He didn't apologize nor offer any alternatives. At that point I told him just to give us another drink. On top of everything that place charges you for everything my son ordered a fajita well we thought that it came with sour cream we'll it doesn't it's an extra charge. Anyways just make sure you check your drink and ask if there is an extra charge for any condiments. read more

Uncle Julio's - From my brothers snapchat... Smh - Mexican Near Me - Gainesville, Virginia

I was going to blast this place tonight but to make a long story short the manager Larry came by and dealt with the problem personally. We go here pretty often and the food is always good. The problem that I have seen here and at other places is that your server is not always the person who is completely responsible of taking care of you. And when someone else brings your order it's likely to have something wrong. read more

Been 2 x. Always packed. Greeaaat chips and salsa! Great flour tortillas! Outstanding service. Had an issue with my beef fajita temp, wasn't med rare. Waiter was super attentive and corrected the issue quickly. Manger checked back and took off the meal though I told them that wasn't necessary. This will be a regular place for us. read more

Fresh food, great tasting margaritas, and great service. So far, the best Mexican I have found around the area.

Will not be returning to this location. We are big fans of Uncle Julios however, when the manager tells a friends mother that "she can be fucking frustrated all she wants", that is not okay. And when the father went to speak with him, he did the exact same thing. No respect from management when dealing with upset patrons. read more

We have been to the one in Fairfax quite a bit and always love it so very excited when the one close to our house opened in Gainesville. We have given the location several tries and it continues to disappoint. Our last visit will be our final one at this location. The only reason for 2 stars, our server was excellent and such a nice guy. Drinks - We ordered the margaritas which were all mix, way too sweet and overall terrible. Politely sent them back (which I always hate to do) for another shot at it and the next round came back the same way. The manager asked if we wanted to try something else so we figured we'd try the more expensive one they recommend and that still was way too sweet. I have had them at the Fairfax location and they are fantastic. After the 3rd attempt we settled for a beer instead. Food - Fish taco platter was overly spicy and way too fishy. Our fajitas were good which at least added some positive to the dinner. Service - Our server was great. He was extremely friendly and attentive. One final note - It was my wife's birthday dinner which I had told the front desk 2 times and they assured me they would send over some dessert dish they had. The bill came and no surprise dessert. It's a shame because we really love Uncle Julio's in Fairfax. Hopefully they will get better at this location. read more

It's terrible I could find better food at a taco truck It's very expensive and I would never try that dry meat they have read more

Our waitress was excellent, I wish I could remember her name. We went for my friends surprise birthday party and she was very gracious and accommodating. Carried out our gigantic cake with the candles on it and everything. It's pretty good food, if I were going to be completely honest, the chips are kind of flimsy (very thin, almost papery) and it seems a bit overpriced. read more

Great food, takes Mexican food and adds a bit of flair to it! You can tell they still respect the ideas of which they based the menu on, but just added some new world flavor. The braised short rib was delightful, but portion size wasn't perfect so I was not able to finish it, no matter how much I wanted to. read more

I asked for a sprite and they gave me water. They also got my order wrong.but the 2ed one was good.

I ate at this location a couple days ago, and the food here is delicious! I had the something called I think jalajara shrimp fajitas(I may have butchered that) and I would highly recommend! I had to sit at the bar because it was completely packed - 1 hour 15 min wait, But when me and my friend sat down, we were greeted instantly and checked on numerous times for drinks, food, etc. The bar tenders were very nice and seemed to handle the chaos very well. The drinks were very tasty! I'm a margarita girl, so I will usually base my happiness on the size/taste of margaritas. This place is approved glass could be a little bigger for $9.99 though. My only complaint is that when I tried to call ahead no one ever answered the phone, I waited about 2 and a half minutes. read more

Dined in and, as usual, excellent food with sensational customer service. I usually get my food to go but dined in last week. Erik was our server and he was attentive, accommodating (especially after I ordered the wrong thing), and on his A game! Will definitely return! read more

First time experience at Uncle Julios. Service was excellent, clean, fast. Food was really good. Salsa was different than I've had other places, but still good. The prices weren't the best. A taco salad was $14 and some change. I got the Chicken Enchilada and was pleased with it. It was a pretty good experience overall. But probably won't go again. read more

Excellent food and very much a team atmosphere for serving food and getting things done. Yes, we waited a little more than the quoted 20-25 min, but so what, it's new. I am sure that once the employees get how to run things, this establishment will be just like the others. If the menu isn't on par, it's fine with me, again they are new. Love the tableside guacamole. read more

We went here late one night soon after it opened. Our waiter was excellent. He explained how they were handling the new opening --keeping some rooms closed until the wait staff gets better, etc. it made sense. The food wasn't too long in coming out. My daughter and husband split the chicken fajitas. The chicken had the skin on it---ewww. I had something vegetarian (i can't remember what) but it had a funny taste to it. For what we got, it was expensive. We decided there are other places we would rather spend the eating out money--if we want mexican, there is a great little mexican place further down the road. read more

We went here recently with a few friends and it was within the first week of the opening. If you've been to any other U.J.'s, you'll notice the ambiance and decor at this location is very different (in a good way) than their previous locations. There was a wait but it actually wasn't too bad, roughly 30 minutes. However, we ended up grabbing a table in the bar area. It took a tad bit longer than it should have to clean the table we seated ourselves at and also to receive silverware, but I chalked it up to first week kinks and the bar area is typically quite busy as is. Our server was otherwise very friendly and prompt. The manager kindly came over to take with us for several minutes about how everything was going, the new store itself; he was super friendly and pleasant. I typically order the steak fajitas or the fajita quesadilla, but decided to try something new and went with the carnitas tacos which were FANTASTIC. Even though this place is a chain, they're still one of my favorites and I think this location is now our new favorite. We used to go to Fairfax or Reston and both of those seem like they've seen better days as of late. read more

Very good food....freshly made to order. The food is a bit pricey when you consider 13.99 for a four piece bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer. I like their daily prepared homemade smokey salsa and the fresh hot tortillas. The restaurant has gorgeous decor and nice heated patio area which feels good even in chilly days! read more

Unfortunately this location doesn't serve weekend brunch like the other two in Reston and Woodbridge. Too bad, as their brunch is tasty.

Love all of the margaritas, and definitely love the lunch menu tacos. Anything with the flank steak is superb. Love the seating on the patio. read more

Hubby and I sorta stumbled across Uncle Julios tonight. Maybe it was because it was early and a Wednesday., but the staff was very attentive. Having never been to this chain before, we compared it to other Mexican restaurants we've been to and this won hands down. Granted, it won't be an everyday restaurant, but when in the area (we live 45 minutes away), this will be a treat. Iced tea was fresh, the salsa is made from grilled veggies and had a wonderful smokey flavor we loved. Chips thin and crisp. We ordered the steak and chicken fajitas. The meat was incredibly flavorful, the tortillas fresh and altogether some of the best we've ever had. I haven't mentioned the guac yet, but it was incredible - so fresh! We are fans of this restaurant and look forward to our return trips. read more

This was our third visit here and my wife and I have come away quite satisfied each time. Some of the menu items are a little pricey, but I get Juanita's Platter every time and I love it. My wife got the Carnita's Taco this time and was quite happy. We had an excellent server, Eric, attentive and well mannered, who felt we'd been waiting too long for our meal to arrive and promptly summoned Dawn, the manager on duty. She was very professional and profusely apologized, making things right, and Uncle Julio's is still our favorite place to go for Mexican food. read more

The food here is very inconsistent. The service is slow. Two times I have ordered fajitas that came out with no tortillas. We waited and waited...our food was called by the time we received the tortillas. We have also received under cooked lobster. I don't think I will be returning. The other locations are much better. read more

Wow. Bud, Thank You! I've been here a couple times, the first was for my rehearsal dinner. Almost a year later and my husband and I left full and very much pleased. The food came out freakishly fast and was super tasty. But let's get back to the reason for my Yelp... Bud. Thank you for being so attentive and kind. You are the reason we will be coming back far more frequently. We will obviously be asking for you. We told the host how amazing you are and he said he'd pass it on. Keep it up, you rock! read more

The market for Mexican food in this area is rather saturated, so I'm pretty surprised this place is still around considering the experiences I've had the two times I've dined here. Appetizers are generally pretty good. The salsa is delicious, although the chips tend to be pretty greasy and not always fresh. Tableside guacamole here is great. Had the chicken tamale appetizers the first time I went and they were very good, also had taco soup which was alright but nothing special. Second time I went I had the shrimp tacos. Wish I could take that back. The shrimp themselves were good, very well seasoned and nicely grilled. That's where the good part ends. The tacos were overloaded with cabbage and waterlogged. The mango salsa was overly sweet, not well seasoned and didn't taste fresh. The taco shells were horrible - bland, stale and fell apart easily. The sides seemed like they were an afterthought. Beans were way too salty and had little flavor otherwise, and the rice, while well-seasoned, was hard and dry, like it had been cooked hours ago and left out in the open. Overall, the food is alright, pretty hit or miss, but it is seriously overpriced. If I were judging this place on the food alone, it would get a 2.5, but the service really knocks down their rating. Servers are always running around but can't seem to check on your table very often. The second time I went, we ordered an appetizer and it never came. When we complained, the manager came out to ask if we still wanted it, but didn't offer us a discount or anything complimentary. Since our entrees were already out, we decided not to have them make the appetizer - but then they still put it on the bill! After we pointed it out, I saw our waiter trying to chase down the manager to fix our bill. I guess she had better things to do. There's plenty of great, authentic Mexican food in the area with much better service, for a more reasonable price. If that's what you're looking for, try El Tio, El Vaquero or La Parrillada and skip Julio's. read more

This party of 5 loved the guacamole, the hot crispy chips, the fajitas for two, the kids chicken fingers, and the great waiter. The kids thought they hated guacamole until they tasted this version, then they couldn't stop eating it. However, we were divided on the salsa. I liked their salsa, the kids did not...but that's ok...again, the guacamole made up for that! read more

My husband and I went here for dinner on a Sunday night around 8pm and it was the perfect choice. We are new to the East Coast and hadn't heard of Uncle Julio's before so we were pleasantly surprised with the outstanding service, delicious drinks and quick and yummy food. When we first arrived they had seating near the bar but I asked for a booth so we waited for about 10 minutes. As soon as we were seated we had a waiter bring us warm tortilla chips and salsa and take our drink orders. The tortilla chips were so thin and good. I got the Swirl which is a frozen margarita and sangria. We got our drinks very quickly and then he was back to take our orders. We got the bacon pineapple guacamole which was good but nothing too special and a little pricey. Next time we will probably just get the regular (cheaper) guac. I order carnitas tacos which were great. My husband ordered the carne asada and it was the most tender delicious meat. Also seemed to be the quickest we've received our food after our order was taken which was a plus because we were both pretty hungry. While we were eating it was fun to watch tortillas being made. The fresh food and awesome service gets 5 stars! read more

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