The Rio Grande Cafe is probably my favorite restaurant. The chips are excellent and the staff frequently refill chips and drinks. For a very long time my favorite items on the menu were the steak fajitas. However, after a while, it seemed like they started dialing down on how many fajitas were part of the usual order; as they are now I don't think the fajitas are worth the price for the amount of meat that you get. I've switched to the carne asada, which, as it turns out, is the exact same kind of meat, just uncut and more of it. It is delicious. Service is typically above average, but the wait can be dreadfully long sometimes. I'd suggest getting there around midday at the latest. The food can also take a while to come out sometimes, which is an issue, but it's worth the wait. The only other negative I'd mention is that the place is usually *very* loud. read more

I simply love this place. Definitely recommend the guacamole and chips which they make fresh right in front of you. The margaritas are also spot on, and I typically order the steak fajitas which come hot and fresh. The only issue I've had is that the service can lag at times due to the amount of people. read more

Chicken fajitas were superb. Friendly staff and fairly quick service for how crowded it was. However, I have eaten at many different tex-mex restaurants over the years and this was just like the rest of them. I would definitely go back though. Drinks were excellent and the bathrooms were clean. read more

Had a great time with family for Mother's Day our waitress AJ, was one of the best and most polite waitresses I've ever had. He is super nice too! The food was also amazing. I high recommend Uncle Julio's. Ask for AJ read more

I love this restaurant! It's a favorite for the food and their sangria/margarita swirl :) The only downside is that it's very noisy. It can be hard to hear the other people in your party if you're sitting inside. I suggest the steak fajitas and a seat outdoors! read more

We are going to uncle Julio's many times over the years and feel is not the same restaurant that used to be. For the last couple times we had ordered takeout and when we went to pick up the food,was charged 3 to 4 dollars extra for packing fees. We had objected to the charge and were told that it cost them money to pack the food up and all the containers they use for it. I am not aware of any restaurants charging extra fees for pick up and it dealt an awful lot like a money grab. After all we're not using their in-service dining which does cause them to clean the plates. Etc. The previous time we ordered takeout they did not charge the fee so we thought that this charge had had been stopped by perhaps other people giving a adverse feedback. Last night we ordered takeout for five people and we're nearing the completion of the order on the phone and I asked to be sure that they included extra tortilla chips. I was then told that if I wanted extra chips I was going to charge for them. I said if I clean your restaurant I can have as many chips in as much salsa as I want and we have five people I want to be sure we have enough. The person said that our company's policy and if you want them you have to pay for them. At this point I discontinued the order and ended up calling Chuys, another local Mexican restaurant. Not only did we get extra chips but they have multiple different salsa options and encouraged us to try a couple different ones. It appears to me uncle Julio's is utilizing aggressive pricing tactics and is trying to nickel and dime the customers for every penny they can get. read more

I've always gotten a seat. Fajitas excellent. Guac excellent. Priced fairly. Big fan! Go! read more

So it seems like an overwhelming majority of the review on Rio Grande are extremely positive. Well, that's cuz the place is awesome. But, you don't have to take my word for it. I'll tell you a little story about Jeremy, the Yelp guy. So, he's got over 550 reviews, and I'm sure he's getting comped at pretty much any restaurant in San Francisco, but everytime he comes back to Virginia, I'm like, "Where do you want to eat tonight?" Without any hestitation, he's says, "Rio Grande." That's after he had Rio Grande the day before already. Anyways, the other reviews are right. It's not mexican, its Tex-Mex. But more than that, its just good. read more

My boyfriend and I had a really great experience here. The staff was fantastic, especially our server Kevin and the manager. Both checked on us regularly and everyone was so friendly and professional. It's been a while since we ate here and the food was delicious as always (the fresh tortillas are amazing). We definitely plan on a return visit! read more

Calories be damned I love tex-mex! I also love any place where fresh chips and salsa hit the table almost as soon as your butt hits the seat. The steak fajitas have always been my favorite, but I tried the enchiladas this weekend and they're really good too. I'd recommend doing call-ahead seating on the weekend. read more

Ok so I've been sitting at Uncle Julio's at Reston Town Center for 10 minutes and asked for water twice and still yet to receive it as I watch the bartender who I asked do everything but provide me a glass of water as I decide what to order. I decided to order lunch at the bar thinking it would be quicker; negative, and they were not even busy. So I walk over to inform the manager that I asked for water twice and still have not gotten it and with a dumbfounded look he says, do you want me to get you some water; umm how about let's start with an apology; negative. He instructs me to visit their website if I want to make a complaint. I think individuals working in the service industry need to remember the key word, "SERVICE". I was told the manager's name is Glibert and the bartender's name is Leo. I walked out and will not be going back there! read more

(*sigh*) Oh how I miss Rio Grande! Ahhhhh, the steak fajitas are the stuff dreams are made of. Well, at least if you're a carnivore, they are. In fact, I pine for the heavenly combo of their steak fajitas and the beans that came with 'em. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. But in my case, the heart was already fonder before I left NoVA. How could it possibly get fonder-er? read more

I love this place. The bartenders, managers and even hostesses are all exceptionally friendly and helpful. Gorge at the bar most days is simply the best! I just had Victoria serve me forthe first time and she is awesome, too. Several times when I have been there, the manager on duty has comped my party or someone else nearby a table side guac (which is exceptional), a 321 Frozen Margarita (one of the coolest demonstrations of Mixology) or even their beautiful edible pinata dessert platter (think,chocolate every way imaginable). Their tequila is top shelf and they have so many different margaritas they can make for you, all thoughtfully crafted and appropriately proportioned. I learned to love Don Julio Repasado here, drinking with a seasoned tequila officianado one night at the bar. Vibe is always great, even when slow and they have 2 tv's at bar always on sports, usually one soccer and whatever the most popular sporting event is happening. A new favorite in my book! read more

I used to work at the Arlington location, and came here last week while working in Reston. I love to go back to restaurants I used to work at, because you know your way around the menu and also know exactly what you can expect from your server. In terms of Rio, you should be expecting quite a bit in terms of service and food. I was pleased again at the quality of my El Dorado Supremo (2 soft tacos with grilled fajita chicken) and the prompt, unobtrusive friendliness of our server. A word to the wise: the enchiladas aren't what is good here. If you want the best of Rio, only order something that includes the fajita chicken or beef. That means upgrading to "Supremo" whenever offered (you can also ask to have their fajita meat substituted for the ground beef/shredded chicken on most dishes). The extra 2 dollars is more than worth it, and can make the difference between having an unmemorable Tex-Mex lunch and whatever it is the fans are on. read more

2.5 Stars. Let me paint you a picture. Asked for a lime to go with my Negra Modelo. The waitress came back holding the lime wedge with her bare hands and tossed it on the table. All sides of the wedge touching whatever was on that tablecloth. Good start! At least the chips were warm and the salsa was decent. I've had the food here a couple different times. The food isn't bad. The service mediocre. read more

Great food, Great Service, awesome Queso! Will definitely back again! The 3-2-1 Margarita is really really cool, recommend this location to everyone!! read more

This probably the worst service I have had in this city this far while visiting. We were sat next to a door which the servers kept exiting in and out of while most of the room was empty. Then we ordered drinks and were just left alone for 20minutes.we had two children with us, who as kids are don't understand waiting. This of course lead to crying kids wanting food. We walked out after this upon which our waitress ran over attempting to apologize. Pathetic place and service if you like overpriced cold food and being ignored this is the spot!!! read more

Being from Texas and I think there is one of these in Austin, personally extremely over priced and for the price its a poor excuse for mexican food. sorry to be blunt, besides the $5 Tecates, $17 for a plate that had a tamale with little meat, enchilada was ok and stuffed chile cheese pablano was horrible, was battered in something that was cake like. sad thing is this place was busy and they have more than one....sorry Julio, you failed my test... read more

We had heard about this place from friends. About how this is real Tex Mex. Hmmm. The salsa was green and had a ton of cilantro. Not the best. We ordered queso dip that was good. It had chopped huge tomatoes and onions in it? Ok. I ordered tamales. Supposed to be wonderful. They were mostly masa and very little meat. I wouldn't chose to eat here again. It was just ok. Our waiter seemed a little rushed and impatient with us as well. read more

I'm generally a fan of Uncle Julio's and this location is just as good as all the rest of them. The chain It's nothing super special, but but you can count on it to be pretty good every time. The service here was fast, friendly, and attentive. They kept our sodas and margaritas coming, as well as the fresh chips and salsa, which are both quite good. People seem to have things they always get when they come here, at least among my friends. I always get the chicken fajitas - they're really good. The chicken is tender and well-seasoned and the veggies are fresh and not overcooked. The flour tortillas are great. A couple friends I was with always get the carne asada, which they say is excellent. Another friend almost always gets the veggie fajitas, which come with portabella mushrooms, zucchini, and other nice grilled vegetables. I have, on occasion, tried their specials, which have been consistently good, as well. Cactus Cantina in Cleveland Park has better food than the Uncle Julio's chain, for about the same price (Uncle Julio's is pretty overpriced), but for a go-to, convenient Mexican restaurant, you'll do fine with Uncle Julio's. read more

not sure what the draw of this place is. The acoustics are terrible -- it's loud. It's overpriced (IMO). The food is .... not all that; I've had much better at local authentic hole in the walls. Service ... well, I try not to complain about service -- because I've been there, done that. BUT, let's make an exception. You would think that a place that charges a premium and located in the RTC would be customer-oriented... However, Last time we went and had a *confirmed days in advance* reservation for a large party (12, I believe). Despite the dining area having plenty of room and available tables (at least half a dozen or even 10 or so empty 4-tops in the area), they *attempted* to split our party into two separate groups.... because, you know... who wants to sit next to those people you came with? I say *attempted*, because even after we complained about being split up (and did the whole, "we have reservations" dance), they maintained their folded arms, lower lip stuck out, firm stance -- "there isn't enough room to sit you all at one table!", they protested. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! We simply rolled up our sleeves, slid an extra table over and maneuvered some chairs and made our own table. All the while the hostess/manager/whoever-was-managing-our-reservation just stared at us slack jawed. Like, ohmygosh, these customers are rude, moving tables and junk. I guess my coworkers and I are actually hostesses with the most-ess-es in disguise. Was it really THAT hard?? We even did it without blocking any walkways or anything... a wandering Fire Marshall would have been proud of our table formation. So...... WHOMP WHOMP. Customer service fail. Anyhow onto the food. I ordered a bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer. I knew it was going to be small, but it sounded good, so what the heck. It was good (I mean, c'mon -- bacon and shrimp do it on their own) but it was 4 bacon wrapped shrimp for the low low price of $12.99. Yeah... just a plate, with 4 bacon wrapped shrimp on it. for $12.99. I think this place thinks it's fancier than what it is. The shrimp were okay, if not a little on the cold side, but they were not, "please, let me talk to the chef about it" good. To round out my shrimp appetizer, I asked for a side of cilantro rice. I figured if I had a side of rice to go with my shrimp, I could make it a small but tasty meal. Well, they brought out a side of rice on this tiny side plate with barely enough rice to hide about 63% of the bottom of the plate. It was almost as if the rice chef had painstakingly laid a single layer of rice across the plate. Seriously like a 1/4 cup of rice. Cheapskates. Please, don't over serve the man too much rice; like rice is some kind of precious commodity in this part of Reston. So for $15-ish I got the 4 shrimp and a portion of rice a kid would laugh at. The bright side, as there usually is... I left hungry so at least my waistline was happy. Moral of the story, if you like the mediocre mexican experience and money is no object.... have at it. ...and just to add for the sake of completeness, I've also had their fish tacos and tuna tacos, as well as a Mexican combination platter in the past and have been underwhelmed by them all, so I'm not basing my entire review off this one experience -- just the most recent and memorable one. All that being said, I generally like to end on a positive notes... so here it is: The star mints they have by the front door are actually very good... they are like cinnamon mint rather than just cinnamon or mint. Seriously, they are good, grab a handful on your next visit. read more

Cant go wrong with uncle julios... Great service, fast and courteous, I always ask for an specific plate that it's not on the menu, and I always get it the perfect way, I been coming to this uncle julios since 2003, I see people come and go, but the service is always great... Thanks to the chef for being able to cook my favorite plate... read more

In an effort to live adventurously, I thought I'd give Uncle Julio's a try. Surprised at such high marks Yelpers have given this place. Went there on a Saturday night. It was WAY too loud. The decor was confused. Chairs plucked out of a cafeteria. Tacky vinyl tablecloths. A droopy looking chandelier that had a big fat sticker from the manufacturer in plain sight. The music was blasting out of the speakers, and it was dance music with no dance floor and no dancers. We had to yell to speak, and there was only one other table that was in use, in our section. We ordered quesadillas. My friend asked for a simple cheese quesadilla with added diced tomatoes. The waiter said he did not know if they could make that happen. Really? He brought out the dishes, (mine was a veggie quesadilla) and my friend's dish was fish cold. Mine was pretty lukewarm as well. We asked for them to please be heated up. The waiter returned mine, before my friend's. I guess there was no more room in the microwave. What struck us both as the most ghastly was the lack of bussing tables. We looked around and in the course of a one hour dinner, up to five tables had not been bussed. The floor was dirty, and when our check arrived, we finally saw ONE person bussing everything. Granted it's a busy Saturday evening but by the time we were done, a lot of the patrons had poured out of the place. The only pros about this place were the smoky tasting salsa, and these pretty light boxes on the walls. That's it. read more

This review is for the food itself. If I was reviewing their drinks or happy hour, it would probably be 4 stars but the food is consistently terrible. I know better than to eat at Rio. But my flight home was late and there were limited options. I got a to-go order of the steak fajitas especial and a guacamole appetizer. The guacamole appetizer was more lettuce than it was guacamole. And as expected, the steak was fatty and chewy. I mean serious chunks of fat. And tendon all throughout. Be prepared to chew and chew and chew some more. Why do I do this to myself? I'll go with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich next time. read more

The pork tamales are soooooo good. Came here for lunch in a Friday. The chips are ok, salsa is ok. Margarita? Forget it. It sucked. Service was bad. Waiter seemed like he was doing us a favor by asking what we wanted to eat. Additionally, hostess didn't look up to greet us until I said 'HI TABLE FOR 2 PLEASE.' read more

Overpriced and greasy garbage. Went here one night for dinner. I read the reviews and decided to try it. Started out at the bar. The service was fast and friendly. Then they brought to chips and salsa. The chips were stale and the salsa tasted like something you'd get out of a homemade kit. Strangle flavor and not very fresh or authentic. Then came the worse part. I order a 20 dollar skirt steak and it was the worse greasiest toughest thing I ever ordered. I don't know what cut or animal it was, shoe leather soaked in oil? Definitely not a 20 dollar skirt steak. Save your money and go to Taco Bell for a better Mexican restaurant. read more

Ok...It has been several years since I initially reviewed Rio, and I realized that it is time for a revision. *Disclaimer* If you're looking for Mexican, real Mexican, not Tex-Mex, you are barking up the wrong tree. AND if you are even looking for the best Tex-Mex around, you may not like what you find. On to the review. Now that I have a child, I have a much more serious appreciation for this place. Its location is amazingly convenient, especially with new parking available right across the corner. They have call-ahead seating, which means that even though I have an impatient 11-month-old, I still barely had to wait at the restaurant. They have the best booster seats in town -- they strap on to the chair and fold up when not in use. It's the only place I don't bother to bring our own booster with all the toys on it! The staff is friendly, and more importantly, efficient. When I want a quick meal, and I know I don't have much time before our "baby expiration date," I head to Rio. On the more adult side of things, the food is pretty good, though I would definitely rate it at a 3 star (tops) level if only for the food. The salsa and chips are solid. They have all the necessary choices: tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, burritos. The veggie fajitas are nice because they aren't just peppers and onions like most places: there are yummy things like zucchini/yellow squash, portobello, and potatoes! The ceviche is very good too -- there are two different options, one with shellfish. The atmosphere is always a little crazy - loud and bustling, but sometimes that's just what I'm looking for. Who doesn't want to be somewhere where their baby can scream his head off and no one even notices? If you prefer a quieter scenario, check out their brunch. If you go early, you get delicious quasi-Mexi breakfast treats like potato-egg-chorizo tacos with fruit and sweet cream or huevos rancheros, and you won't get blasted by the noise. Finally, the margaritas are excellent. And when your baby is screaming his head off (whether the people at the table next to you can hear it or not), this is incredibly important. read more

I was shopping in Reston town center and was fortunate to find a parking spot next to this restaraunt.I had never been here so My curioisity was piqued to try a new place in town, theres so many choices here Tex mex is a fave of mine. I arrived and waited for the hostess to seat me and my son.It was 3 pm on a weekday and the hostess definitely looked bored, and her personality was less then warming.I sat down at the table and asked for a high chair and got the look.Guess shes not loving her job,thats always transparent, probably cant blame her but heck, fake it , enthusiasm is contagious. .I asked if they made guac at the table and got another look., Guess I got my tex mex reviews mixed up.Waiter came and saved me just in time.The waiter made up for it with a greeting smile and basket of warm chips and a tangy cilantro salsa.He welcomed me , explained the menu and was extremely professional and accomodating.He really was fast, friendly and sincerely helpful.I ended up ordering lunch trio with chicken tamale, cheese enchiladea, and beef taco.It came with beans and I ordered a small guacomole and tortilla soup.My only complaint was the soup was bland ,more vegetables, squash, then chicken, with a strange taste to it. and the guacomole at 4.95 was more like a small ketchup plastic cup size .Its a rare event I dont like tortilla soup.The meal was tasty and satisfying and wrapped most of it up as its alot of food.The tamale was my favorite it was covered in green tomatilla salsa verde .It has pretty medium prices for mexican items such as 18-22 an entree and 10 and up aps.Some people might be upset with this but theres not really a cap on tex mex prices it should be middle to low .I would say this place might be cheaper with specials and happy hour.I enjoyed the selection of seafood and would like to try cerviche and even option of frog legs.Alot of variety and great service with pretty decor and lighting.The manager brought me surprise complimentary sopapillos to go , asked me about my meal and thanked me for my business.He also came by my table and brought me more crayons.I like this place.A fun atmosphere and I like the decor and tortillas made in house.A nice change and when it warms up I like to try the outdoor dining option. read more

Wait time 55 min and the warm salsa was terrible tasting. I have eaten salsa many times, but this one takes the cake as being the worst. Still waiting for the dessert, hopefully it is better, may never come back here again. read more

WOW. This is truly one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. There are so many aspects about this place that make it enjoyable. From the lively atmosphere of the restaurant to the grilled-to-perfection fajitas, this restaurant has maintained its high standard of Tex-Mex cuisine. The waiters are constantly cordial, and the service is relatively quick, which is always a plus. Also, as soon as you are seated, you are greeted with crisp, warm tortilla chips and fresh, flavorful salsa, which put Tostito's to shame. I will keep coming to this restaurant, and definitely recommend it to those who have not yet been. read more

I had the fajitas and they were awesome. The service was extremely good. Nick, our server, was on the ball and very friendly. As noted by Jeremy, this place has a possible clone in Chevy's but this place is MUCH better. The salsa at Chevy's is extremely similar to Rio Grande Cafe which was odd to note. Great salsa. Wonderful interior. Fresh food. Perfect service! And if you have some time on your hands, definitely walk around the outdoor shopping center that Rio Grande Cafe is located...REI is just around the corner. :-) read more

Came here with a group of coworkers - and they all raved about the swirl and the fajitas. The Swirl is literally a swirl of a frozen margarita and frozen sangria. Delicious! The fajitas are fabulous and they sell them by the pound. The appetizers - queso is awesome. Guac is fresh and also awesome. The fresh-made tortillas are amazing. The restaurant in Reston is big and great for groups. They do allow smoking at the bar, so don't be shocked. Service is great. They kept the water and drinks coming. The food came out pretty quickly. I would definitely go back again! read more

it was the firts tine that I visited this restaurant. The iced tea was real good tasting.

The food at Rio Grande is consistently excellent, and know that cause i been visiting this place for years now.But I want to take this opportunity to say that there is a server whose name is Alfredo, he is probably 42 years Latin guy. He is very friendly, energetic, he became our favorite server and I am pretty sure many other people been served by him will share my opinion. I hope all servers were just like him. Our food is always on time, hot and the drinks are refill without having to ask. Alfredo you rock!!!!! read more

Absolutely love this place!! From the drinks too appetizers to desserts, I have yet to experience something I didn't like here. The service is also incredible. Being a vegetarian they are always very honest about their menu and meals and I could not appreciate that more! I have been eyeing their chocolate piñata dessert. Can't wait to try it!! read more

LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! I eat here about once a week, can't go longer than that without the queso and margs

Very disappointing. Dirty and chaotic. The food was unimpressive. Missed flavor and the menu seemed to big for them to be consistent. Won't return. read more

Fantastic restaurant, great ambience and attentive staff. Jose Carlos made our guacamole and was very hospitable and friendly. Would recommend for a birthday or special occasion! read more

I love Uncle Julio's but this one didn't do it for me. It was very tight. They had wayyyyy too many table and chairs in the restaurant. I'm sure some kind of fire code is in violation. We went on a Saturday for lunch and the food came from the kitchen cool. I'm wasn't happy. The restaurant was dirty. Will not return to this one--either Fairfax or Arlington from now on. read more

I have returned to Uncle Julio's once since my last review (my mother wanted to try it) and found that I was even less impressed this time than last. I had fish tacos, which were totally unseasoned and served with a bland slaw. My mother ordered one of their quesadillas, which she also found to be lacking flavor and generally not compelling. Especially at the price, this restaurant is one to avoid. read more