It's your average Mexican restaurant chain, with the added bonus of being in the Rio and by the water with outdoor seating. I went during happy hour on a Thursday and sat at the bar while waiting for my husband. The service was quick and helpful and two bartenders checked in on me just enough without hounding me. Margaritas and the happy hour prices are decent for the area. I wasn't planning on eating but I can't say no to good (or any) chips and salsa - and the salsa was very tasty. I normally like chunky salsa best but they had a very thin salsa that had a nice flavor. My big complaint is the food service window that goes from the outside into the bar, which basically creates a wind tunnel. I wasn't even seated that close and every time it opened I had to hold onto my napkin/menu/everything. The menu of the people sitting next to me flew away and hit me in the face at one point! The bartenders basically said that was the way it was while acknowledging that it's obnoxious. read more

More like "Uncle Screwlios" Went here at 9:30P on a Friday, hostess took my name and said it would be 15 minutes and shed give us a call. Never called and when we showed back up, they told me they were closed. Went back a second time to give another chance and they seated us at a table hidden in a corner and waited for 15 minutes in 98 degree heat with no waiter contact. Went up and told the manager our grievances/told them they lost a customer and my girlfriend said the manager rolled his eyes as I was walking away. Save yourself the trouble and eat at the dumpster behind for better service. read more

Online ordering website is easy to use. When I drove up, I easily noticed the curbside pickup designated parking. Upon parking, I texted their number and food was brought out in a flash by a masked and friendly associate. Food was delicious. I had the fish tacos that rivaled the freshness and quality I've tasted at 5 star resorts in Grand Cayman. This place is the real deal. 5 stars all the way and I highly recommend Uncle Julio's. As Arnold Shwarzenegger once said in the Terminator movie - I'll be bach read more

Don't do curbside. We waited for 30 minutes for our food to be brought out after the time it was suppose to be ready. Texted that we were there and waited and waited. 5,10,15,20,30 min later..... We finally went into the restaurant and someone brought it out from the kitchen. It was ready but no one running the orders to curbside? Plenty of cars waiting for their curbside orders to be delivered too. Communication would have helped. We are backed up something. To curbside or not? NOT... read more

this is the best restaurant around, I've been going there ever since it opened. when my office was close by I would take all my business clients there for lunch. all of the workers there are wonderful they're very pleasant, always welcoming and the food and service is fantastic! I recently moved to Bethesda Maryland so I hadn't been to the Rio location in about a year but as soon as I came in and sat down the general manager came over to my table and welcomed me back! it was so nice of him to do, he went out of his way to make me feel appreciated! I now actually drive from Bethesda to the Gaithersburg location whenever I eat at uncle Julio's which is several times a month, even though I live in an apartment right across the street from the uncle Julio's Bethesda location! read more

Best Jalisco sizzling fajita plate. Great service especially in the cocktail bar area, these guys have been here for years and really care about their customers and it shows. Highly recommend. read more

I hadn't been to this location of Uncle Julio's before, but would not consider it worth visiting. We visited for drinks and casual fare and were not remotely impressed. The food was very poorly presented and none of it appeared to be very fresh. One of the items we ordered was the guacamole which was presented in an unsightly blob that looked as though it had come from an expiring container. The drinks were passable and at least freshly made . The service was okay but overall, the experience and quality was not what we have come to expect from Uncle Julio's. read more

I feel bad giving this review because the place was absolutely packed because it's the holidays and I don't want to seem unappreciative of the lunch my team was treated to or the staff, who genuinely seemed to be trying their hardest, but they could do far better here. Pros: The queso was good and I enjoyed the salmon I ordered for the most part, even though the presentation wasn't that great and the portion was way too large for an item on the lunch menu. Would've been completely happy with half the fish but double the quality at the same price. Cons: Many. We were seated nearly 20 minutes after our reservation. To be fair, there was quite a large group in there that day and the staff seemed to be having a hard time turning the tables over. The cocktails my coworkers ordered were exceptionally weak. The server did offer to have them remade but it wasn't worth the hassle. We ordered queso and guac for the table of 7 and rather than having the forethought to bring us small plates ahead of time, we had to request them. I will say everyone generally enjoyed their meal but the execution and food quality could use some work. read more

It wasn my friend's birthday and I wanted to throw a party. She said not to bother because all she wants to do is the chocolate piñata at Uncle Julio's. And when it landed on our table I finally understood why. It was epic. She smacked the chocolate balloon a couple times and churros and strawberries and amazing chocolate balls landed on a board with caramel sauce and chocolate dip and whipped cream. I'm usually not a fan of whipped cream but this yumminess was a different story. Sharing this dessert with a group of friends is an awesome way to celebrate ones birthday. Wash it down with margaritas or frozen margarita and sangria swirl or that yum strawberry lemonade. read more

Uncle Julio's - The cracked chocolate lovers pinata before we ate ALL of it. (I need some more of those chocolate balls... wait... of everything) - Mexican Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Fast friendly service and good food. Ate at the RIO restaurant so the place was crowded but received our food in a short amount of time.

This place is fucking garbage. Made reservations for 6:30. Made us wait 15 minutes for a table. Why take reservations if you cannot fulfill them? Strike 1. Get seated and then wait another 30 minutes for a waiter to even speak to us. No chips, no water, half of the silverware missing from the table. No acknowledgement from any staff. Strike 2. We finally order. 20 minutes go by and food comes out. It's wrong. Appetizers brought out with the main meal, completely wrong dishes, no cheese, no tortillas. We wait and wait and wait and wait and wait. No server, no manager, no one. Finally we get ahold of a server and ask her specifically for the manager. Another 10 minutes go by before the "manager" comes. Says she will fix everything. Strike 3. Doesn't fix anything. Instead packs up the missing food and give it to the person who never got their meal. Didn't ask for it to go. Just came out boxed and in a bag. At this point. We just want to leave since it has been such a shitty experience. Still takes another 15 minutes to get our check. Biggest waste of time and money. First time back in 4 years and they fuck up it. Another 4+ years till I give a fuck to even attempt to go back. Sounds like Guapos or nothing from now on. read more

If you want to eat dinner at a normal time on the weekends you HAVE to make a reservation. We made reservations on "Open Table" for 7pm and when we showed up there was up to a 2 hour wait for some party sizes. We ordered the Tres Amigos Margaritas which has 3 different tequilas and taste so good! They are $13 but are on the larger side and well worth it. During happy hour they are $7. The fajitas, enchiladas, and quesadilla tastes great and the service is just as good. Overall everything is great and would come back again for happy hour! read more

This is the second time I tried this restaurant and it failed miserably again. I gave it a second chance being that I figured what I ordered wasn't good. However the food is just absolutely disgusting. Also I ordered a steak quesadilla and there was barely any meat on it. read more

The ambiance is excellent! They have an extensive selection of tequilas and margaritas. Staff was great and so was service.

So, I love the food here. All of it! Always sat in the bar area and experienced outstanding customer service. Try the Cadillac Margarita, it's not on the menu but it's a crowd pleaser. read more

Uncle Julio's - Mexican Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Nothing really stood out for me here. The complimentary salsa that came with the chips was pretty good. It had a nice, smoky flavor, but it was so watery it slid right off the chip. If you order the fresh guacamole, they make it in front of you which is probably the only exciting thing about ordering it in the first place. The fajita platters they serve here are pretty standard. It has your usual choice of grilled meat (steak, chicken, etc.) and other fillings (guac, cheese, sour cream) to create your own tacos with the side of flour tortillas that come with it. The food is nothing spectacular and doesn't really stand out from the other Tex-Mex places in MoCo, but it does the trick if you don't want to walk all over Rio to find a spot to eat at. My experience here was just average. The service was okay & the food was alright. Uncle Julio's hasn't won me over yet. Maybe I just have to explore the menu a bit to find the right thing for me. read more

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Good food with good guacamole made table side. I like that instead of fajita bread they suggested lettuce wraps. The chips are VERY OILY but the dips are good. Great tequila selection but VERY expensive as most all the good stuff is $11 a shot. Much more than average. read more

The chips are really thin and crispy, hot. The salsa was good flavor but too runny and wound up mostly in my lap. I ordered the 3 pepper guac. Habenero, jalapeno and bell pepper. Good and spicy..needed a bit more garlic for my taste...but liked that they had a spicy version of guac! Love the patio here. It is central, and it is a good people watching area! Can be loud on weekends, but it was rather tranquil today because of the impending storm..Sandy. I come to the "Rio" to walk and for the sheer beauty of the place. It is so tranquil. I love to walk around the lake and shops. Most of the eateries have a patio with a view of something. The theme for the Rio area is it for kids...young kids...they have a mini train ride for kids and a nice playground. I was surprised that they don't try to court Build a bear or Chuckie Cheese as a tenant here. read more

Uncle Julio's - 3 pepper guac - Mexican Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

One star because they have good chips and salsa.. everything else is bad. NOT MEXICAN FOOD

If you enjoy waiting 45 minutes AFTER your reservation time to get seated (while mosquitoes feast on you in the waiting area), 20 minutes for food and 15 minutes to get your bill then this is your place. The food was decent and so was the ambiance read more

This is the best spanish restaurant for me at all times. Sometimes the service can be on and off but the food is perfect at all times! I love their fajitas and the portions are huge! and I am a big eater and I can't even finish whole fajita plate by myself. and the meat is so juicy and tender unlikely other places. ( must get the filet Mignon fajita!) Chocolate Pinata is also good (sometimes it came little cold), but It's good entertainment for people who have birthday party. The Swirl drink (which is frozen margarita with frozen sangria ) is soooo good! but it needs to take time to sip it because you are going to get brain freeze! and Their Mojito is also good! unlimited refills on that chips and salsaaaaaaaa!!! read more

Great food, atmosphere and location. Will be adding as a go to spot anytime I'm in D.C! I found this area by accident while going to Target in Gaithersburg. There is a really cool shopping district called Rio Washingtonian Center near Uncle Julios. All of the shops are near the water which is a perfect area for families. There are paddle boats and a merry go round not to mention the great chips and Salsa at Julios! read more

Uncle Julio's - Mexican Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

This location offers a consistent experience every time; which is why we find ourselves coming here a lot when we want a good meal and don't want to spend time scouting for another place. The fajitas for two offers a good portion for two people, the only downside was our plate was missing the Mexican butter and it never got brought out after we asked but aside from that you can't go wrong with this plate! The blackberry margarita which is their flavor of the month for October was delicious! Not overly sweet or strong but just perfect. The grapefruit margarita was equally great with a bit more tartness. The waitress explained to us that there was two types of guacamole's, a pre made option and a freshly made option so we opted for the freshly made which fell flat in flavor. The jalapeños were brought out on the side not mixed in which led us to believe we got the pre made for the freshly made price. It was bland with no salt or lime but after asking for salt and lime seperate and mixing the jalapeños in, it was good. All in all this is a place we will come back to despite its small kinks because we always have a good to great experience here! read more

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Tasteless food. This place has gone downhill over the years. Today was my last time here. I rather go to Mi Rancho in Germantown

I can't stand Uncle Julios. Seriously. Nothing tastes or looks fresh here. They got so fortunate to have the awesome view of the water. They have the best outdoor seating. Which earns them the 2 stars. But it just bugs me to eat here. The service is sooooooooooo slow. Every SINGLE time I go. You have to ask for refills repeatedly. Once I finally went to the bar and asked for a water refill. Definitely don't come here if you actually have a "lunch HOUR" The only things I can stand to eat are the shrimp quesodilla (which ps I am NOT recommending) and the tamales which were surprisingly tasty. I also don't like their greasy thin chips nor their cooked brownish watery salsa. I would rather go to Guapos. read more

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What is the point of calling ahead to put your name on the waiting list and still have to wait 2.5 hours?! The food is not that awesome! Granted our party was 10 people and we did call at 5pm to put our names down. Got there at 6pm... waited.. waited.. ask the hostess how much longer... no estimated time..waited some more...even went across to Joe's for a drink... did some more waiting and finally by 7:30pm we were done. I spoke to the hostess expressing my disappointment. She informed me that all staff members inform parties that are larger than 10 to be expected to wait for a longer period of time then normal. I told her that message was never relayed at 5pm when I phoned or the numerous times I have asked how long the wait was. Ah! read more

Started badly with us. Waitress was rude and the manager did not do much to improve the situation. Maybe that's how it is in the big city Was told I couldn't order something without peppers even though a cheaper version is available that way?? Water was served with no ice....but sodas had plenty of it. We got the manager and he was a not do nice word about anything. I would take my dog to this place. read more

I only come here during lunch so there is no wait and the service is great. So, I can't comment on dinner service. Their lunch menu is a lot smaller now, but the only thing I eat here are the fajitas and enchiladas. They always refill my soda and water in a prompt manner and the food comes out really quick. We always go here when celebrating a co-workers birthday. Has something for everyone - we have vegetarians in our group, but they always find something tasty to eat. read more

Uncle Julio's - Fajita special :) - Mexican Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Yes, I've been here a few times and I'll keep going back. The guacamole is incredible and I've eaten a few guacamole trees throughout my life. Tio has a great bar scene after work, mostly locals or travelers on business. The food will not disappoint and the drinks are spot on, just tell them how you want it made and you won't be disappointed. read more

These chain used to be one of my favorites but after last night's service I was thoroughly disenchanted. Its super busy, super LOUD and servers run around with like chickens with their heads cut off. It should not be like Frogger when you are eating there not knowing if you or your child are going to get run down. It took them a good 5 to 10 minutes just to greet us and drop off chips.. The food used to be my favorite. The guacamole was bland and my entree arrived lukewarm. Honestly as busy as it is you would think the food is constantly pushed out thus should be proper temperature. My daughter 's kidsadilla was barely melted.. Its a shame that a once great place is slipping severely. You pay too much money here for them not to give you a decent meal. read more

Uncle Julio's is a typical Mexican restaurant chain, where food is bland and prices are high. I have been to Uncle Julio's a few times and at different locations with similar experience. While I have no complain with the service, the food is a whole another deal. If you're looking for vegetarian options, then there are very few to began with and those too not appetizing (plain cheese enchiladas? I love cheese, but that's too much even for me!) I have had veggie fajitas before and that's decent. This time, I ordered veggie quesadillas and I felt like I could have prepared them much better at home. It barely had any spices or flavor. My husband felt the same way about his dish. It's definitely not worth the price. read more

Uncle Julio's - Veggie Quesadillas - Mexican Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

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For location and to be an ambassador of the Latino gastronomy, as a latina I would expect WAY more, even presentation on plates such as "Huevos Rancheros" should look more presentable and not so cheap, where homemade potatoes looked as if they were frozen ones, where overeasy eggs where not cooked at all and the tortilla was serving as a plate for the eggs; as Latinos know we don't serve our food on top of tortillas unless this tortilla is a TACO, BURRITO, BALEADA, QUESADILLA, OR MEXICAN ENCHILADAS, and we Latinos sure know this, since tortillas are our bread. To follow, when I saw reviews here I was expecting; to much probably. I felt kind of proud that such restaurant was representing "Mexican food" to see reviews here was kind of inspiring, we should always expect the best of food anyways, food should enter our eyes and nose in a way we are suppose to fall in love for it. But when you see the pictures you will feel NOTHING for that food, not love nor appetite. As Latinos, we should criticize Latinos restaurants that are located in places like this, and where their cheaper plate is not as cheap because is 12 dollars plus taxes (not included). And where the community ends up believing that's the way our food is made, coming from a country where food is the expression of care and love to our own, this place should have a really good critic from Hispanic heritage come and review this place; and demand more. I love food, and when I go places like this, reminds me why I drive to Riverdale once in a blue moon, just to eat REAL Mexican food, it is an honor that in places that hidden and we get to fund them food is served with such care and such great taste. I sure now know NOT to come back to this place again; since I ended up inside "Corner Bakery Cafe" way better. read more

Uncle Julio's - Huevos Rancheros, Lame presentation and cheap potatoes. - Mexican Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

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Truly a amazing place! Best Tex-Mex I've ever had! Prices are higher than a typical Mexican restaurant but then again...you get what you pay for! I got my money's worth and more. read more

Uncle Julio's - Happy campers. - Mexican Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

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You go here not for the food, but for the drinks. The breakfast here is appalling, most of the food tastes microwaved, but they do have decent pork tamales (closest thing to homemade as you'll get in this area) and swirls. Again, drinks and company here, not food. read more

My mother and sister really like this place. The decor was really cute, and pretty spacious, if you are into mexican food this would be a great place to take a large party. I saw the drink menu look pretty exciting. I ordered tacos, I got three for $9.95, my sister ordered beef and chicken soft tacos 3 for 9.95, she requested that they did not shred her beef and chicken and so they charged us .75 for the beef and for the chicken to not be shredded..wierd. She also ordered a big ol dollup of sour cream that was 1.49 extra! (we actually had no idea we were being charged for this stuff until we recieved the bill) On there menu they have soups but you can only order the soups by the day So the soup I wanted I couldnt get. =( My mom ordered some enchilladas which were really good, i mean it doesnt seem to be too hard, beef, cheese, tortilla stuff, and boom 11.99 on a plate right in front of you. Honestly I wish I ordered hers instead of mine. My tacos were dull, a little bit of beef at the bottom covered in salad and diced tomatoes, not exciting at all, I wanted like some kind of sauce to spice it up a little bit, but they only had hot sauce, which just made my dull taco, a hot dull taco. My server was nice and polite. I wont visit again, even if im not paying. read more

Uncle Julio's - soft tacos - Mexican Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

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Came here again the other day for lunch with a bunch of co-workers. I really like how this place is great for seating large parties comfortably. LOVE their chips and salsa! We kept getting refills.. basket after basket.. you just can't stop eating them! We also got the chile con queso and guacamole to go with the chips. I love guacamole! yumm! I think I can eat just that for my meal =P I got their combination fajitas again. It's as good as the past few times and I was happy. I can never finish the whole thing because there's so much meat! I would definitely recommend the fajitas.. I think it's one of their best item on the menu. It also come with a side of rice and beans. So much food! Co-worker ordered a grilled salmon and it looked really juicy and declious.. and not to mention, huge piece of salmon! For Mexican food, this is probably the only place I would go to in the area! =) Prices are very affordable.. and you can even go walk off your meal around the lake or walk to Target and shop... or get a cup of coffee at Starbucks.. yup! HH is great there too as I have mentioned in my previous review. get their queso and/or quacamole!! sooo good! *thumbs up* =) read more

Do NOT go to this restaurant! They are COMPLETELY unprepared for covid19!! We went there and we asked for an outside table. The said okay. And then PARADED US THROUGH THE HEAVLY PACKED RESTAURANT TO AN OUTSIDE SEAT. This, of course defeated the whole purpose of eating outside. All they had to do was take us outside and seat us, but instead they took us through over 100 people crammed inside the restaurant, without a single person wearing a mask. Then the waiter came, and his mask was below his chin! They are 100% unprepared for Covid or anything else of significance. So I warned you, you don't want go to this place. Stay safe!! read more

The food was wonderful! I had a -321 margarita. It is frozen with liquid nitrogen. It is fun just watching them make it. After they make the drink, they take rasberry meringue and put it in the liquid nitrogen. The liquid nitrogen makes them puff up. When you put it in your mouth, you push it on the roof of your mouth to crush it up. It makes smoke come out of your nose and mouth. I just wish that you could get more of them. The cowboy queso was good, but only came in one size. Some of their entrees came in orders for multiple people. There are only certain days that they make some meals. I would like to come back on a day that they have the lobster. We also had the chocolate lovers pinata. It was really good and really filling!! Crystal was a good waitress. I definitely want to go back again!! read more

Always a good time here. I wanted a Margarita so bad since it's been a while since I got a chance to go out. The service was excellent, and the drinks were on point!! read more

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A great spot for any occasion. It's lively and the food is delicious. I always order the fajitas and they come out steaming hot and full of flavor! read more