Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Uncle Julio's

    2.9 (411 reviews)
    ModerateTex-Mex, Mexican
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Uncle Julio's Reservations

    Order Uncle Julio's Takeout or Delivery

    Uncle Julio's Photos

    Business Info

    UNCLE JULIO'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    More like Uncle Julio's

    Recommended Reviews - Uncle Julio's

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Fran B.

    This was my second visit. You can tell they are struggling with service. We waited longer than we should for our server to come to our table. I love the decor of this place! The furniture, pictures and color scheme are beautiful. It's also very spacious. I'm not a fan of their steak. First visit I had steak tacos and the meat was tough. Second visit I had the steak quesadilla and the meat was tough and fatty. I''m giving four stars for the chocolate pinata! What a fun experience! You're given a wooden stick to crack it open. You can't tap lightly. It's thick chocolate. Inside are strawberries, pineapples and churros. You're given chocolate sauce and whip cream decorates the board. The board is huge so you're need to clear the table before they bring it out.

    Fire-Grilled Street Tacos
    Byron C.

    Let's say you were in Frontenac for some reason, you wanted to eat Mexican food and you didn't want to go anywhere else, lest someone break the radio antenna off from your car and use it to smoke rocks. In that case, you might honestly want to eat at Uncle Julio's. The food is actually pretty decent, and it's reasonably priced by the standards of today's restaurant meals--which is to say that it's not at all financially responsible to eat there. But it could be worse! I've eaten there a few times over the years. Only once, the first time I ate there, was there more than a small handful of people there eating. I got takeout from there once on a Cinco de Mayo, and it was weirdly amazing in a way that it never was before or since. It tasted the way (literally any) food tastes when you're high on marijuana, but I was as sober as a judge. The last time I was there before today, I was forced to sit at the bar for a while until my table was ready, even though there was hardly anyone else there. Was the table not emotionally prepared? Once I was finally seated, I was given free guacamole as consolation. This was the best guacamole I've ever had in my life, with the caveat that I'm a savage and a brokie. I've hardly ever left the state of Missouri, and I may never leave again in life. In general, I'd say the food is good, but it's purposely engineered to appeal to decidedly unsophisticated people. All of the meat dishes are weirdly sweet, the way that they are at an Americanized Chinese restaurant, there's melted cheese, sour cream and what have you in places where it's not called for, as if this were a Taco Bell, and the fajitas aren't sufficiently charred. This time, I went with the street tacos, because you can't really go wrong with tacos, and because I'm trying tacos from different restaurants to compare them. I notice that more and more restaurants are carrying street tacos in addition to regular tacos, and indeed that is the case here. In addition to the street tacos, you can get tacos with flour tortillas or crunchy, Taco Bell-style shells, with various kinds of meat. They're all served with rice and pinto beans, which is mighty generous of Uncle Julio and prevents me from having to order them à la carte, or whatever's Spanish for à la carte. Usually, street tacos come with just meat, onions, cilantro and a squeeze of juice from a dry lime wedge that may have already been used, on a corn tortilla. At Uncle Julio's, you also get cheese melted down into the tortilla, fire roasted jalapeños, avocado and pico. Was the purpose of all this to justify the price? I wasn't about to ask if I could pay less for something more authentic, because I liked the waitress' hair and I didn't want her to think that I don't have a lot of money. As was the case with the carnitas fajitas I had on another visit, maybe the single worst thing I've ever had in a Mexican restaurant, the steak was weirdly, unnecessarily sweet. The cheese was also unnecessary, but I wasn't mad at it. It's cheese, so it can never be truly unwelcome, and it may have lent some structural support to the corn tortillas, which tend to fall apart. The jalapeños, avocado and what have you give it a different vibe from something you might get at a tacqueria. It's served with a habanero salsa that's shockingly good, the way that guac I once had was really good, but it kinda overshadows everything else. The tacos are honestly better without it. Service was weirdly inattentive, given that there was hardly anyone else there. The girl seemed nice enough, but I'd be curious to know where else she had to be. Personally, I wouldn't have minded if she stood there the entire time and watched me eat, in case I needed something.

    Fresca salad
    Shelly N.

    Pros: Stephanie is a great server Decor is nice Cons: The door was locked when we got there They have almost zero vegan/vegetarian options. They offered me a guacamole taco. Gross My salad was shockingly, even comically small. See pic. $14.25 for the equivalent of a side salad. My husband said his chicken enchiladas were "ok". So disappointing

    Charro beans
    Michelle H.

    It was a rainy day so we decided to venture out to a new place for lunch. We ended up at Uncle Julio's near Frontenac. It bills itself as a Tex-Mex fresh cuisine and it did a great job living up to it! The interior was sophisticated and made me think it would be a fun Fri. Night date spot for sure. For a rainy Sat at noon it was just starting to get busy . We were quickly brought complimentary chips and salsa that reminded me of the old Chevys chips and salsa if you were around for them. Our food was fresh, hot and delicious! The menu was limited and yet had plenty of options to choose from at the same time. We were pleased with the portions sizes and endless chips! Go give them a try!

    The Roberto's Combo Plate
    Michelle L.

    Nice restaurant located in Frontenac serving up delicious food and drinks. That have happy hour bar specials which are mainly drinks and a few appetizers. The menu is smaller which is nice not having to read a book to decide what to order. The food arrived hot and flavorful and a nice size portion, the taco was great and the chicken enchilada was full of flavor, moist and worth getting. Definitely a good choose for lunch or dinner.

    mixed berry margarita
    Timira M.

    I was actually shocked this place was so good. It is a very well lit, fancy, dining space. We were greeted by the hostess and seated immediately. Our waitress was a gem, and she allowed extra time for us to look over the menu since this was our first time being there. We settled on the mixed berry magarita, and they were really great. It was a good mix between the alcohol and other drink components. The berries were also fresh too. We ordered the El Dorado beef tacos, and my date got the beef enchiladas. He also added a side of queso blanco as well. All of the food tasted great. They give you chips and salsa( medium and mild). The medium had a kick to it, but overall, it was still good. Before we left, my date said I picked a good spot, so we will for sure be back. As always, until next time...

    Honey Chipotle Salmon
    Mzpink L.

    Food was actually great it was perfect for my mom's birthday. Definitely will go back 10 out of 10 Great servers very professional, very fast and understanding for a big party...

    These beans are yummy

    See all

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike F.
    207
    4
    0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Their margaritas are to die for! Great service and a fun experience to see the food be made/ingredients in the kitchen.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Emily N.
    45
    21
    10

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    I was so disappointed. The food was very flat, no spice. The service was good. The atmosphere was good. The food sucked. Sorry!!'

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eliza B.
    287
    10
    1

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dale W.
    95
    21
    3

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike S.
    132
    2
    0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    The service was horrible. Waited 45 mins for my lunch. I do not recommend this place.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Guest Management

    Guest Management

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Page 9 of 11

    Ask the Community - Uncle Julio's

    Is the patio dog-friendly?

    I saw a lady with a little shit dog. I don't know if they will allow anything bigger.

    How do I make a reservation?

    Website drop down

    How do I make a reservation?

    Access their website through the link and there is an option for reservations.

    View All 4 Questions

    You might also consider

    Taco Buddha - The Kingston

    Taco Buddha

    4.5(277 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    I took my Kiddos to the Museum of Transportation and decided to stop here after we left the museum…read more I've been wanting to try the restaurant out after learning about it as one of an upcoming Yelp Elite Events. This location was very close to where we were. It was the perfect time to try it! Especially since i won't be able to attend the Yelp Event. Ambiance: I really love the esthetics of the restaurant. The floral arrangements in the front is very inviting and added a great touch. I also loved the covered outdoor seating areas available, along with the indoor option. We surprisingly opted to sit outside, because heat is not my friend. The industrial fan definitely helped! I felt like I was sitting on one of friend's veranda in the carribean Food: I really enjoyed the food. Tacos are ala carte. For appetizer we opted for the Trifecta which came with guac, queso, and rojo salsa. Let me just say, their happy hour deals are a great steal! Order: There are a couple different ways to order & pay. Use the traditional way of having the server take our order by raising the card "Lets Taco Buddha it," or by scanning the QR code and placing order yourself & pay online. At first, I started the online order because I felt like this would allow me more time to read the menu and order on my own terms. I ended up raising my card and having someone take my order despite having it all in my cart. Tacos are served "family style" comes out on the same platter. We opted for the Baja ( battered pallock) & The Jodhpur (marinated grilled chicken). The kiddos opted for the quesadillas and fried chicken taco. Everything was flavorful (with the exception of their hot/mild sauces, those were flavorless, however not necessary to add). Not going to lie, I made a joke to my mom about the food being served on a surgical tray or "doggy platter." LOL lol. Service: They use a team model. I saw multiple staff going throughout the restaurant checking on needs & refilling water pitchers. Everyone was really nice, they had small toys for children to play with at the table and it's always a plus when they strike up a conversation with my kiddos. Parking: We arrived shortly after 4pm and there were lots of spots available. By the time we were leaving, there were two cars waiting for spots. It is also located alongside a busy street, restaurant did get packed for dinner on a weekday. Pricing: Prices does add up very pretty quickly, however 1 Taco can be very filling especially if you opted for appetizers. The only thing I would have changed is not to order my meal the same time as my appetizer. It came out almost together. I would have liked to enjoyed the appetizers prior to my entrée.

    Met up with some friends at Taco Buddha and absolutely loved the vibe and setup of the place. We…read moregrabbed a table and immediately started ordering way too much food because everything coming out of the kitchen looked incredible. First off, listen to your server when they tell you 2 tacos is enough! These tacos are LOADED. We thought we knew better and ordered 3 each anyway. No regrets though because they were ridiculously good. I ordered the Truth or Consequences, the McCausland, and the Nashville. I'd absolutely order all three again. The Nashville was really solid, but the Truth or Consequences and the McCausland are the real stars. Both are super unique and absolutely packed with flavor. I'll definitely be back to work my way through more of the menu. 100% love what they've got going on here.

    Photos
    Taco Buddha - Our heated and enclosed patio in Kirkwood. Keeping taco time warm and cozy all winter long.

    Our heated and enclosed patio in Kirkwood. Keeping taco time warm and cozy all winter long.

    Taco Buddha - The Taos

    The Taos

    Taco Buddha - Mexican pinto beans

    See all

    Mexican pinto beans

    Uncle Julio's - tex-mex - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...