As a long time and loyal customer I become more and more disappointed with this place every time I eat there. I have been dining at Uncle Julio's since the one in Reston, VA opened. I always thought of them as being on an elite level of Mexican restaurants...as the king because they separated themselves from all of the smaller places with their food, staff and service. Sadly, this is no longer the case!! Every time I walk into this location, the hostesses are not friendly. I recently requested to sit in a certain booth and was told in an unfriendly manner that that section was closed. It was 7:30pm and you mean to tell me that you have a section that is closed?? Isn't that prime time for dinner?? That is ridiculous!! The appearance of the staff has completely gone to the dogs!! Everyone previously looked so nice, neat and professional. Now the staff has the look of sloppy and unprofessional accompanied by hair that appears to be out of control. Neat is nowhere near!! It is really disappointing to see that they have lowered their standards down to this level. I can enter any Mexican restaurant now and see staff members that outdo these by two to one!! Not only has the appearance standards been lowered, the service standards have been lowered as well!! Each time that I have dined here in the past year, service has been horrible. However, I continue to eat at this restaurant because I love their food. Out of all of the bad, my most recent experience was just unacceptable. My friend and I had dinner here. We ordered a queso dip, a salmon entree and a fajita entree. We waited an excessive amount of time for the server to arrive at our table. When he did, he acted annoyed. Our drinks, a water and a soda, took forever to be delivered. The food came out and there were no tortillas. We waited and waited until finally the server stopped by. By the time the tortillas arrived, it had been at least 10 minutes. We finished eating and informed the server that one of had a free dessert that we wanted to take advantage of. He acted like that was a bother but said he would put the order in. It took at least another 10-15 minutes for the dessert to be brought out. The server just dropped it off at our table and walked away. We ordered the cajeta and he did not even bring us a spoon. We waited and he never returned. So I got up and went to another table where there were clean forks and took two forks back to my table so we could eat our dessert. Once we had finished our dessert, someone stopped by our table with a cajeta and said, "here is your dessert." I CAN'T EVEN!!! Seriously...GET IT TOGETHER!!! The server brought our checks, we paid and left. I am posting a picture with one of the checks in hand and also a table full of dirty plates...pay attention...the check is in my hand and not ONE dirty plate had been picked up!! This is horrible poor service!!! Twenty years ago this would have NEVER happened at Uncle Julio's!!! This is a disgrace!!!!! Also, I love how I received an email (different visit) inviting me to leave a review on Yelp. When I chose 2 stars, the link wouldn't take me to Yelp but to the restaurant's email instead. I thought that was strange. So I chose 4 stars and the link took me straight to Yelp! Not sneaky at all, is it? I chose not to use their link but rather to log on and leave my review. I wish that I didn't love their food so much because this place doesn't deserve my patronage for the way that they have lowered their standards!!! But I will continue to dine here as I cannot find fajitas that compare elsewhere. I will just enter the door each time knowing to expect a scenario like this. read more

.When we arrived, we were seated really quickly. The customer service here was awesome! I was saddened that they didn't have sweet tea. However, our food service was very quick. Our main course came in about 5 minutes. We didn't have appetizers so that was ok. The food was fresh and hot. So no complaints there. The food wasn't the best Mexican food I've had. The chips and salsa were ok. Their salsa is on the chunky side I.e. Big chunks of tomatoes, onions, and corn. There wasn't a kick to it or anything. I had the chicken enchiladas with no beans and the red chili sauce. I expected it to be a little spicy but it wasn't st all. My husband had a combination platter with a chicken enchilada and beef taco. I have to add that the beef taco is shredded beef and tastes like pot roast. It was the most amazing taste ever. We both never had that type of beef on a taco! Great recommendation if you ever order. Finally the Tres leches cake (3 milk cake) was good. I was disappointed at the size because it's a was a $6.00 piece of cake. I expected it to be a little bigger. Also bathrooms were clean! Overall I give them 4-stars! read more

I've been here two times. The good: The food is definitely a little higher quality than some other local Mexican restaurants, and service the second time I visited was quite attentive and quick (it was an "off time" when the restaurant wasn't crowded). Portions are large and food both times was properly cooked (and enjoyable). The bad: The food is at least twice as expensive as those small local Mexican restaurants (e.g., El Paso). Is it twice as good? I don't think so. So, while the food was good, I definitely ended up feeling like I would have been better off somewhere else. Also, service the first time I visited was extremely slow (I don't know whether it was that particular day but they seemed badly understaffed for a very crowded weekend lunch crowd). Perhaps if you have company visiting, and they wanted Mexican food, and you were trying to impress them, you'd go here. It's "fancier" than other local restaurants serving similar food. But, it also hits your wallet harder. read more

The only reason I come here is my wife likes the flank steak fajitas. We haven't been here for a year because I was disgusted with the service. But tonight I broke down. You know how it is. Yes dear. Anywho, she got the usual and it was good. I got the ceviche. Bad choice. Even if I hadn't been spoiled in Texas, any fool could tell the shrimp had been deep frozen prior to the Cold War. I'm not sure what the other chunks of seafood were but they were equally abhorrent. We ended up sitting at the bar because there was a 30 minute wait to be seated for a table of two. It was about 15 minutes before we were acknowledged at the bar. Only one bartender the whole night so I understood. He's making drinks for the whole restaurant. The other tables around the bar were empty the entire time and had not been bussed the entire time we were here. Again. Understaffed for whatever reason, but as I had feared, nothing had changed from our last visit. read more

I guess it's my fault cause I'm a glutton for punishment .... I tried the carry out this time thinking I would get better service.... It takes me 20 min to get from my home to the resteraunt ...... I waited on hold the entire time ..... And no one ever took my order ...... ... When I got to the resteraunt I asked for a manager it took another 7 mins for one to appear .... Her name was Stephanie ... She is the only thing that saved the evening she was just kind and understanding of the situation and rushed rushed it !!! She was sincere in her apology and I was In and out in 20 mins!!! I might consider going here again only if they hire more staff like her that knows what good Costumer service is !!! They defiantly need to improve their basic Costumer service skills with the rest if their staff if they want to keep my business !! read more

I visited Uncle Julio's and placed my drink and meal order right away. Unfortunately, our server, Spencer Henry, appeared distracted--frequently watching the Capitals game--and forgot to submit our food order in a timely manner. When he realized the oversight, he rushed to retrieve the food, but it was cold, clearly having sat out for a while. We requested that the meal be remade from scratch, but it was obvious it had only been reheated or quickly thrown back on the grill. We asked to speak with a manager, which took an additional 10 minutes. When Manager Davin arrived, he was unhelpful and dismissive. I informed him that I would not be accepting the food under these conditions. Overall, the service was disappointing and did not reflect the level of quality or attentiveness expected from a restaurant like Uncle Julio's. read more

Server: Fatima I rarely leave negative reviews, but our experience at Uncle Julio's was truly disappointing. From the moment we were seated, the service was inattentive and unprofessional. We were a party of 15 (reservations were made ahead of time) Our server, Fatima, seemed overwhelmed and uninterested in providing even basic hospitality. We waited far too long for drinks, and when our food finally arrived, it was cold and poorly prepared. We tried to express our concerns politely, but they were met with indifference. What should have been a pleasant meal turned into a frustrating and uncomfortable evening. For the prices they charge, we expected much better service and food quality. Unfortunately, we won't be returning, and I hope management takes steps to improve both staff training and customer care. read more

Very tasty Mexican food. The food is always perfectly seasoned. Their drink selections are the best i've seen. Out of this world margaritas and a drink called -321 which smokes. I looked like a dragon devouring my drink! They have some presentations as they serve some of the food and drinks that are very entertaining and will have you feeling like a kid or royalty at that. The decor is bright and colorful which sets the mood. There is also the chocolate pinata which is presented on a beautiful artistic layout with decorations of chocolate and caramel designs aligned by whipped cream. they give you a stick to break open the pinata full of fruit and churros. Very tasty! This place is very unique and I love coming here when I can. read more

Uncle Julio's is a Tex-Mex restaurant chain known for its authentic Mexican cuisine with a Texas twist. They offer a variety of dishes, including fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, and signature margaritas. With a lively atmosphere and friendly service, Uncle Julio's is a popular choice for Tex-Mex food enthusiasts. Uncle Julio's is indeed known for its fresh chips and salsa, which are often served as complimentary starters. The crispy chips paired with flavorful salsa can be quite appetizing. It's always a good way to kick off a Tex-Mex dining experience. Enjoy your meal! read more

Food is overrated as well as the drinks. There's only two 'cocktail drinks' part of Happy Hour. The queso has no flavor. I highly recommend trying the chips and queso from the Alamo cinema down the street. Also, who brings out the queso first and then the chips/salsa 10 min later. Thanks! Now my queso is warm at best. Anyway, I already didn't care for Uncle Julio in general from past experience, but Bar Louis and Firebirds were both packed, so I figured I'd give them another shot. The only positive thing was that this recent experience gave me revalidation. read more

This place always disappoints me. I think I am finally done going. It is in a great location, and the atmosphere appeals to you initially. The food though, is just outright terrible. Shrimps are so tiny and always under-cooked it seems. The steak with the fajitas is so chewy and flavorless. The staff there, especially at night, always seem to be sneaking around and getting drunk or stoned or something, it is truly insane to watch. I can't return here, and I wish I could because again it is in such a great spot. read more

I have eaten at Mexican restaurants in different parts of the country and I would say Uncle Julio's is one of the best. Even though they are based in Dallas,TX, you get the same great quality. I've actually eaten at the original Uncle Julio's on Lemmon Ave. If you've never been, I would definitely order the beef fajitas. They are consistently the best thing I've eaten. The restaurant has ample seating as well as a call ahead list which I would recommend doing on the weekend. read more

Uncle Julio's is one of my top favorites to have drinks on a Friday or Saturday night and tonight was unexpected for. The bartender who's thick built with a pony tail and a beard was disrespectful towards employees and called someone a mother fucker and was very loud and belittled some of the employees. This may be the last time I come here. Writing this exhausting because I do not do this but this time it was necessary. Please correct or you will lose guests. read more

Just had lunch here with my mom and it was fantastic! It's hard to find good authentic Mexican food but they nailed it. The waiter was very nice and attentive and everyone was polite. Our food literally came out after 10 minutes from ordering which was great because I am always hungry! One thing I've noticed is that when you come on the weekends the wait time can be a little long but other than that it's always a great time. read more

First time dining here, and what a great first impression! Nikki made the experience memorable with her upbeat personality and outstanding service. I wanted to try something different, which she recommended the jefe margarita which was spicy and delicious! I ordered the Guadalajara which was amazing as well. Great quality food and drink. Will be returning again soon! read more

Guillermo was our server. His talent towards service kw exceptional. I have eaten in fine dining restaurant and regular casual restaurants and by far Guillermo exceeded my expectations. I felt in a fine-dining, white table cloth restaurant. We will come back again. I hope this review gives him the credit he deserves. read more

Not great. Food middling and service sub par. Oil soaked chips, cold fajita plater and watery salsa make for an average dinner at best. While the fajita beef was excellent and onions were raw. Team service with only one player. They did have an interesting way to make Margaritas using nitrogen at your table. read more

Went here once and that was enough. The best part about this establishment is the sign with the crazy dude's face on it. Food is crap, service is crap... the location is good, but you're much better off trying one of the other restaurants in the shopping center or hell, even Taco Bell! read more

If I could leave 0 stars I would. This place has 50 servers walking around but none of them actually wait on you. The food tastes like cardboard. This is like a rich white guy decided to open a Mexican Restaurant. It is one of the worst restaurants in Northern VA. read more