This Uncle Julio's location is way better than the old orchard location for sure. The host desk people were both very friendly from the get go and when we were seated the manager came promptly and asked if we were waited on yet. Nice. Our server was very nice and accommodating and even brought us a hotter salsa when we said we like hot sauce. I ordered the bacon wrapped shrimp stuffed with cheese and pepper. I usually order the shrimp diablo which is similar but without all that stuff and I wish I ordered that instead. My dish wasn't bad but the bacon just overpowered the shrimp. I'll order my go-to dish next time. My only complaint is that I ordered the tres amigos margarita and it was supposed to have 3 types of tequilas but it just tasted weak because it didn't even give me a proper buzz. Anyway shout out to the manager because I know for a fact it's because of his leadership this UJ functions way better than the one at Old Orchard which is a shit show. read more

We waited a couple weeks to try this place because every time we drove by it was packed. We went on a Sunday afternoon about an hour after they opened. It was already super busy. Parking is a pain, I could see lots of potential accidents happening, but at least the valet is free. The wait wasn't too bad and we were seated at a comfortable booth that had an outlet which I thought was neat because my phone was dying anyway! The menu is small and prices are big. We ordered queso, guac, and got the complementary salsa. We thought all three were good and the chips were just okay but very thin. My sister ordered carnitas fajitas and I ordered the chicken fajitas. Smelled and looked amazing but the meat was terrible. My sisters was extremely chewy and fatty. Mine was fatty and had lots of pink spots. I was hardly able to eat the chicken and for $16 that shouldn't be the case. I didn't complain as our waitress didn't let us finish our sentences when she did come around. They only brought us 3 tortillas for the both of us to share and again the waitress was hard to find in order to get more. At least the tortillas were homemade and tasted good. The side of rice was extremely dry and over cooked. After one bite of the beans I decided they weren't worth it, they looked and tasted like baked beans for some reason. $62 dollars later (for two people, no alcohol!) we left and could hardly get out the door there were so many people waiting and blocking the entry. Overall I was very underwhelmed and I don't know what the fuss is about. Considering the higher prices and food quality I doubt I'll be back anytime soon. read more

Let me just preface this review by saying that I rarely take the time to actually write a negative review, but in this case I feel obligated to... My husband and I went here for dinner last night. We sat at the bar and were excited for their happy hour specials. First, we were told that 2 out of the 3 beers listed were not available..really? While waiting to order our food, it seemed like the bartenders were more interested in socializing with each other than paying attention to the paying customers at the bar. We finally ordered; I got the enchilada special and my husband got the carnitas tacos. It seemed like the bartender wasn't listening when I specified cheese AND onion in my enchilada so I reiterated, to which she said yes, etc. Well sure enough my enchiladas came with cheese only. But this is only the beginning. I don't know what type of cheese was used in my enchiladas but I can tell you it was not authentic Mexican cheese. Also, some type of liquid cheese was poured over my beef enchilada, and the beef itself was SO bland. No spices. Honestly eating at Taco Bell or Chipotle would have been MUCH more satisfying. I turned to my husband who said, "Are carnitas supposed to be hard?" I took a bite of his carnitas and clearly they were sitting out for hours. By that point I was actually nauseas at the lack of effort put into our food preparation. I was disgusted. We will not be going back to this establishment...ever and the staff should be ashamed of the quality of food they're serving paying customers. read more

I love mexican food and I would not say this place is quite authentic Mexican. I would say its more generic tex mex that is a step above on the border and the prices are a little high. There are some dishes that stand out. The bacon wrapped shrimp or honey glazed salmon are good dishes to get. The tacos, enchiladas, tamales are average. For some reason this place is always packed for sub par food. Make reservations if you want to diner here. read more

Wait to go till they get a little more experience. Gaucamole was tasteless. Sent the quaso back twice for being water consistancy, never came back corrected. Server forgot my water, asked twice. Then delivered Fajitas with no tortillas and no plsye. Never did get the plate. Chicken/beef combo Fajitas inedible. BAD quality beef and chicken, not at all the textures beef or chicken should ever be. Just bad. read more

Uncle Julio's is one of my wife's favorite places to eat. So much so that she chose to go there for her Birthday dinner. I am sad to say we were very disappointed with the experience. We had to send 2 steak fajita meals back because the steak was over cooked. What surprised me most was the lack of celebration for my wife's Birthday even though I told our server when we sat down. Usually restaurants will offer a free dessert to the birthday person and sing with us. Nothing was offered even when we ordered desserts. We had to ask if the might have a candle to celebrate and she brought one out and stuck it in a puff pastry dessert that we had ordered. Then we sang. It fault pretty anticlimactic and I could tell she was disappointed. So if you do choose to celebrate there, then make sure you bring your own cake and plan on your own celebration. read more

I really liked this place. Steak and chicken fajitas were both excellent. Salsa has a smokey flavor which I loved. Beans were quite good and the Patron margarita is made from fresh squeezed limes not margarita mix. I eat a lot of Mexican food and this is a place I will definitely make a point to go back to. read more

First time there and it wasn't bad but it certainly wasn't that great either. Got there at 6:00 pm with plenty of time to order our drinks and get "happy hour" pricing. Ordered a skinny margarita at 6 and got it at 6:18. 18 minutes for a margarita???? The salsa is different, I did enjoy it but it's definitely not what you think of when you think of salsa. Ordered the skirt steak fajitas and was told they are served medium rare ( which is how I like my steak cooked), they came out well done. Very small portions for the price as well. The service was extremely slow, and our server was not good. My husband ordered a beer which never showed. All in all, just ok. Go to casa bonita in Libertyville for some great Mexican food with great service! read more

Came here for the soft opening and I am impressed. The food is made fresh. We had table side guacamole, quesadillas, steak and chicken fajita and the Juanitas sampler not to mention the perfectly done margaritas. The ambiance and design of the restaurant is really nice ... With valet. They really did a great job on design given that this used to be an ugly office building. All in all great food ambiance and the staff was wonderful .... Hope they keep up the good work and I feel it's a great addition to Vernon hills. read more

Uncle Julio's - Mexican Near Me - Vernon Hills, Illinois

Service was great and super helpful, guided us on menu items. Food came out quick. Main issue: Food not that great. Everything was okay, but nothing special. There's a lot of other great Mexican food options around the area. I got the Carnitas Tacos - guacamole was good, rice okay, meat was a little dry. Not huge flavor. My dad got the tuna tacos, which were ever so slightly seared. Decor was awesome though! read more

The only reason I'd even give this place 2 stars was because the service was good and the raspberry margaritas were delicious. The food was disgusting. The queso we ordered tasted like cheese wiz. I ordered the cheese and onion enchiladas and I forced myself to take more than one bite. It was stuffed with more of that cheese wiz stuff and topped with globs of cheese. I was looking at a heart attack on a plate! The beans that came with it were so salty it tasted like I swallowed ocean water. I've never had such poor quality food at a Mexican restaurant before. There are so many better tasting Mexican restaurants out there that are half the price. Save yourself a trip and go somewhere else. read more

The best place ever I would highly recommend this place. Great food great staff. Wonderful environment and good drinks. Price is reasonable and plenty food. read more

this location is a bit more busy than the one near my home I love that they have outlets near the table so that you can charge your devices. The music is loud and high energy. I've visited this location during lunch and dinner and both times I felt it was too dim in the dining area, the food is ok nothing to write home about. the gaudalajara entrée or the salmon entrée is usually what I get and enjoy. the beans and rice are a favorite with my family I've never tried it. overall this location is good for lunch when its not that busy and the food isn't rushed. read more

I went here for the first time during lunch rush and I must say, I was impressed. The decorations and seating are great. A ton of space to accommodate large and small groups. We got seated immediately and got chips and salsa (that is bottomless by the way). The chips are light and crisp. The salsa is unique. It's a spicy smoky salsa which at first I wasn't sure about but ended up loving. We also got their fresh guacamole which was amazing. For the main dish, I got the spicy Ahi Tuna tacos and they were amazing! Spicy but not too hot. Good portion size for the price. They have a large margarita selection but since it was lunch, I sadly didn't get to try. However... I will absolutely be back for dinner or lunch on the weekend so I can try out their drinks. If you are looking for a new Mexican restaurant to try in the Vernon Hills area, you must give this one a try. read more

First off, we love Mexican food. We are cool with cheap Mexican food or willing to spend extra for better service and quality. The food was pretty good. I had the fajitas and the waitress was EXTREMELY helpful with my Atkins diet (no shells, extra cheese, etc.). She was awesome. Fajitas were good. Rest of family liked what they had. Chips and salsa (I cheated and had a couple!) were very good. All that being said, it was really no better than places like On the Border, etc. We paid $100 ($120 with tip) for what we would have paid about $30 less for at On the Border, Tacos El Norte, etc. If you don't mind the money and wait, go for it. Otherwise, once was probably enough for us. read more

Let me start by saying that the food was good, not fantastic, and the service was good as well! We liked our server - he was very friendly and attentive. The drinks were a little overpriced for the size they give you. It's basically a $10 margarita in a rocks glass. Also, parking was terrible. They have free valet, which I guess is nice, albeit, weird because it's the suburbs and a decent sized lot, so maybe valet is a little pointless...? So we valeted it because we basically had to, and then when we went to leave, they told us the keys were in the car...so we got the car ourselves, but what bothers me is that they left the keys in the car the whole time! So we tipped them to leave the keys IN THE CAR WITH THE WINDOW OPEN!!!!! Were they watching the car the whole time?? How did they know that a random person wouldn't just come by, stick his hand in the open window, open the door, and steal a car? That was ridiculous! So IF I go back, I'm definitely parking in another lot because the food is not worth getting my car potentially stolen. read more

We've been waiting to get in for a while, they have been very busy! The decor was very nice and the service was good The $10 margaritas were weak. That was probably the biggest disappointment. The food was OK to Good. The chips and salsa were pretty good. We didnt get the tableside guac because it was expensive and we didnt want to fill up I had the ceviche which i would NOT get again. It needed avocado or something more- The shrimp was OK but the other fish was a little mushy and fishy. BAD My husband had steak fajitas & they were good. However, there were hardly any peppers/onions. It was just steak. I would go back but not regularly since it was a pricey and not amazing read more

We went to Uncle Julio's a few weeks ago for our co-worker's going away lunch. It turned into a going away 2.5 hours. The service was friendly enough but was wrong at every turn. It took us 45 minutes to get our table side guac and another half hour to get our food. When we got our food, 4 of the 7 orders were wrong including one that didn't come out at all. When they tried to bring that last one out, it came out completely wrong. By the time they got it right, we had to leave because it had already been over 2 hours. In the mean time, we watched the table next to us, who got their food right when we got there, get their order delivered 3 more times. Each time, they politely told the waitress that they already had their food and sent it back. 10 minutes later... Out came their order again. The food was mediocre. Certainly no better than their competition up or down rte. 21. The service was chaotic, slow, and clearly disorganized. I hope that this is just normal growing pains, but I'm not going back again to find out. read more

Gluten-Free Review -- Went for a late lunch on a Monday afternoon to check this place out at the Vernon Hills (IL) location for the first time. Service was adequate but the place was pretty empty. We sat in a booth. Lighting was kept dark to the point it was difficult to read a busily designed laminated menu. They have no gluten-free menu, which makes the GF decision process that much more difficult. Our waitress was helpful and seemed to be trained in GF issues, but you have to run everything by (her) in the decision process to make sure it is safe (as a full celiac) to eat. Every alteration we discussed involved removing things. That is a pet peeve of mine. Excluding and still paying for what is removed -- which means, less meal and/or less flavor. Why do so many restauranteurs not get that? Who goes out to dine, to get an unsubstantial flavorless (or flavor-lowered) meal? The first major disappointment for me was that they have no GF beers or ciders. Their wine selection didn't meet my basic quality standard -- better than basic corporate winery brands (like the kinds you find at a 24-hr drug store or Wal-Mart). For example, for $12 per glass, their premium chardonnay offering is Kendall-Jackson. You can certainly do a lot better elsewhere for that. After that, they could only offer harder alcohol choices. Not for me on a Monday afternoon, so I settled for an Arnold Palmer. #2 was that the chips aren't gluten-free -- they're fried in shared oil. And they don't have a separate GF-dedicated fryer to specially make any. So far, only the music and decor are making it a Mexican restaurant experience for me. I got the Acapulco Seafood Salad with about a half dozen spicy tuna slices on it. (I'm trying to eat somewhat healthier.) It was fresh, light and refreshing, but not very filling. As a salad entree, I felt it should have been. It was mostly romaine lettuce. About half an avocado was sliced very thinly; a handful of halved grape tomatoes; and, some thin wisps of jicama topped the greens. For $15, it should have been more substantial --Iike adding some chihuahua cheese or queso fresco, etc -- and/or something else. The tuna wasn't overly spicy but had a latent warm heat that may surprise some. My wife (not GF) had the Chicken Fajita Cobb salad, which was also fresh and more filling for her. But the three-pepper ranch dressing overwhelmed the salad with spice. She used what was left of my citrus vinaigrette to finish. While there didn't appear to be any issues with the quality of our ingredients or service, they need to offer more than that. Overall, it's a meh. For what they charge, they were lacking. I don't mind paying a bit more as long as I get my money's worth. It's evident where they're cutting corners to maximize margins. And they need to make the gluten-free experience better for me to want to return. There are many more places elsewhere now that get the GF experience right. If I'm in a group with my friends or on a department outing, I'll recommend we go somewhere else. read more

It was my first time there. I kinda liked the atmosphere but I change my mind quickly. We had to wait for about 40minutes to get a table and another 50minutes get our foods. We asked server a few times but they kept saying it should be out soon. Even the manager didn't care much about our feeling. One of the server even told us if we want to cancel the order -all after we waited for an hour? The foods are good but the service is really bad I'd rather go to On the Board just cross the street any day. You lost my business and all my friend's. read more

With the continued wait that we observed over the last couple of weeks we expected greatness when we finally tried this place. We were seated almost immediately but that's where it ended. We ordered shortly thereafter and after 45 minutes no food had been dropped at the table. I will update this review after I can taste the food. Edit: All of the food was just OK. Certainly not worth the wait. We'll still be going to Casa Bonita for better food and better, more experienced service. Total site time for 2 adults for Sunday lunch is 1 hour 20 minutes. Unacceptable. read more

Love the food hear. Table side guacamole is s must. Prices are little high but the food is good. Nice portions.

Food is okay but the drinks are good! I came here for my 21st for my first legal drink and I recommend the strawberry margarita. However I got it in a small cup instead of the original margarita cups, still good though. Service was great! The manager even comes up to check on you to see how you're doing which really shows they care about the service they provide! I give this place five stars mainly on the service because I wasn't a huge fan of the food but I would definitely come back for the drinks! read more

Good food but way over priced. The people of Mexico would revolt if they knew what was happening here.

Overall, a disappointment. The salsa tastes like BBQ sauce. The Tableside Guacamole was the best part of the meal. It's a keeper. I ordered the Cozumel (shrimp tacos) and a few of the shrimp were over-spiced. Thank goodness for the mango's sweet counterbalance. My husband ordered the Jalisco fajitas and the steak tasted a lot like the salsa. The shrimps were large, but dry. Overall, I'd recommend to go somewhere else. read more

Uncle Julio's - Jamie preparing the Tableside Guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Vernon Hills, Illinois

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Service was great. decor and atmosphere where favorable. Got seats we wanted on a Saturday evening. My husband had the Tuna salad and the tuna was bland! It looked beautiful & appealing but one bite and we had to send it back. I had the flauta plate which was absolutely delicious! The rice was flavorful cooked to perfection and the beans had pork Bits, had very gourmet taste. I also had a skinny guava margarita which was a little sloppy on the rocks but tasty & did the job. Would I come back? Meh. Good Mexican can be found at way better prices & equal/superior quality if you just head down towards Mundelein. read more

Uncle Julio's - Ahi tuna salad. Tuna was bland... - Mexican Near Me - Vernon Hills, Illinois

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Food is consistently great. The steak is always cooked to perfection. I can eat the chips and salsa all day. The tableside guacamole is always delicious. The atmosphere is very festive and the outdoor patio is perfect for summertime. Servers and staff are very friendly and attentive. I have not had a bad experience here. This is a great place to come with family or to meet friends after work. I highly recommend this location. read more

Took the family to dinner there recently, and it was OK. Food was decent enough, but the service was awkward and uncomfortable (socially awkward server). I don't think it's a great value compared to other mexican restaurants in the area. read more

Maybe it's just me, but this place is overrated and WAY overpriced. While the atmosphere was nice, paying $15 for tacos that were just "OK" is a bit ridonculous! I admit the margaritas were tasty, but again, prices were way too high for those too!!! I personally like the little "hole-in-the-wall" Mexican joints where you can get tacos for $2! These places know what's up, and don't break the bank! Unless I do not have a choice, I do not plan on returning and if I do, I will stick to the margaritas... at least I will get something out of it! ;) read more

Now that Illinois is opening up we expected a little bit more cleanliness. Walking into the restaurant we saw food on the rug entering. A lot of crumbs. The staff was amazing and service was good. The silverware (all 5 roll ups) were dirty. I'm sure the kitchen staff was getting used to cooking again but the food was just mediocre. They are not making the chocolate piñata yet but hopefully soon. read more

Ohhhhh! This place is my favorite!!! Guacamole made in front of you. Great choice of tacos. Happy hour with extended hours during which you can get cheap margaritas and foods. Centrally locates. I usually stop by here before the movie which is at the same plaza. Also it's good for holding business meetings and just dinners with friends. Love it! read more

With this place having such a long wait all of the time, I expected it to be at least good. To claim to be "authentic" mexican food, I'd beg to differ. To start off the salsa is pretty good if you like the roasted taste. The chips were chewy- yes chewy. About half of our basket was so greasy that they were chewy. I got the lunch special of the tortilla soup and steak taco al carbon. It was so very bland, nothing special, and thus very overpriced even for a lunch special. I mean I guess the ambiance is nice for a meeting with friends, but that's what you're basically paying for. I wouldnt come back here by choice. There are way better restaurants with better food in the Vernon Hills area. read more

Uncle Julio's - The lunch special- tortilla soup and tacos al carbon with a side of fruit. Nothing special. Could make this at home. - Mexican Near Me - Vernon Hills, Illinois

Just mediocre and over priced its not authentic and kind of flavorless. And I'm good on the $15 Guac and I don't anyone to make it at my table. read more

Had 2 shrimp tacos with habereno sauce. Kathy had Chicken nachos. Good food, good price and very good service.

I arrived with my family (5 adults, one 5 year old, one two year old) at lunchtime on a snowy Sunday. We were seated immediately, and the host and wait staff were friendly and helpful. We had excellent service. I usually opt for my favorite, steak tacos, but decided to step out of my comfort zone and get the shrimp tacos with jicama and mango salsa. Everyone's food was really delicious. The manager stopped by to see if we were enjoying our experience, which we were. My only problem was with paying the check. I used a device that I controlled and put in my own credit card. I admit that I am not very tech savvy, but the touch screen was the worst, and there was no stylus to use. It took way too long! Is that enough to make me head to other Mexican restaurants? No. I will definitely be back! read more

Awesome drinks and food!!! Little pricey but WORTH IT!! This was out 2nd dinning experience there, once again, it was great. We'll be back for a 3rd visit. read more

Great food and excellent service! Atmosphere is great for a family dinner on weekdays or weekends!

Customer service is good but food was sub par at best and I wouldn't say authentic. Carne Asada was of good quality, rice bland and the pinto beans tasted like chili. Not the kind of place I think of going to when in the mood for getting some authentic Mexican food. read more

really good food big portions. and a friendly and attentive waiting staff. like the concept fresh food made daily. I recommend the waiter Trevor he was awsome read more

If you are looking for good Tex -Mex food this is the best place to find it. Good food , big portions, great services, pleasant atmosphere ! Strongly recommended their chicken tortilla soup! Table side guacamole it's a must! Everything was delicious! read more

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