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Tex-Mex chain serving mesquite-grilled fare & margarita-sangria swirls in a hacienda-style space.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 13920 Promenade Commons St, Gainesville, VA 20155
Phone: (571) 445-4700
Website: https://unclejulios.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: tripleseat.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Uncle Julio’s Mexican Restaurants – Fine Mexican Food
Make fresh memories with us at Uncle Julio’s now. Enjoy our authentic fajitas and made from scratch chocolate piñatas. Reserve a table now.
Uncle Julios (Gainesville) – Prince William County
Uncle Julios (Gainesville) · 13920 Promenade Commons Street Gainesville, VA 20155 · 571-445-4700.
Uncle Julio’s – Updated 2026, Mexican Restaurant in Gainesville, VA
Additional information · Dining style. Casual Dining · Price. $30 and under · Cuisines. Mexican, Tex-Mex, Mexican / Southwestern · Hours of operation. Lunch …
Reviews
Tria F
I recently dined at Uncle Julio’s and unfortunately had a very disappointing experience with the food.
I ordered the carne asada for $31, and it was absolutely terrible. The presentation looked great — everything came out beautifully plated and visually appealing — but that’s where the positives ended. The flavor was extremely poor. It was so bad that I didn’t even take it home with me. I ate maybe 5–10% of it at most (as seen on the images of before and after dining). I honestly don’t think I’ve ever left that much food behind at a restaurant without boxing it up. That’s how bad it was.
The chips and salsa at the beginning were delicious, and the guacamole made fresh at the table was decent — not amazing, but okay. My son’s entrée was also disappointing. Thr fries wasn’t crispy as it should have been and was already soggy when it arrived. The quesadilla tasted fine, but nothing memorable.
The biggest letdown was the carne asada (medium) spread. For $31, I expected quality, seasoning, and flavor. Instead, it was completely inedible. In total, I spent about $80 including tip, and it truly felt like money wasted. I walked out feeling frustrated and disappointed, which is not something I say lightly.
On a positive note, the service from beginning to end was excellent. Everyone was very kind and attentive. Our main server was handling a large party but still made sure we were taken care of as best as she could. The staff really did their part — the issue was entirely with the food.
Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be returning based on this experience.
5 stars for the service and their effort.
Less than 1 star for the food.
… moreI ordered the carne asada for $31, and it was absolutely terrible. The presentation looked great — everything came out beautifully plated and visually appealing — but that’s where the positives ended. The flavor was extremely poor. It was so bad that I didn’t even take it home with me. I ate maybe 5–10% of it at most (as seen on the images of before and after dining). I honestly don’t think I’ve ever left that much food behind at a restaurant without boxing it up. That’s how bad it was.
The chips and salsa at the beginning were delicious, and the guacamole made fresh at the table was decent — not amazing, but okay. My son’s entrée was also disappointing. Thr fries wasn’t crispy as it should have been and was already soggy when it arrived. The quesadilla tasted fine, but nothing memorable.
The biggest letdown was the carne asada (medium) spread. For $31, I expected quality, seasoning, and flavor. Instead, it was completely inedible. In total, I spent about $80 including tip, and it truly felt like money wasted. I walked out feeling frustrated and disappointed, which is not something I say lightly.
On a positive note, the service from beginning to end was excellent. Everyone was very kind and attentive. Our main server was handling a large party but still made sure we were taken care of as best as she could. The staff really did their part — the issue was entirely with the food.
Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be returning based on this experience.
5 stars for the service and their effort.
Less than 1 star for the food.
Rachel
We came, we ate, and the portions were great. I forgot to take a photo beforehand… so you’re seeing the some of the aftermath!
The staff was on point for a busy Saturday night. We had reservations, checked in easily, and were seated within minutes despite how crowded it was. Our waitress was attentive and genuinely thoughtful—she checked on us multiple times after the food arrived and even made sure our kid was taken care of without us having to ask (which, let’s be honest, is rare).
As for the food: fantastic. My husband ordered the fajitas and immediately noticed the difference …the onions were perfectly caramelized, not burned or overly charred. And yes, I fully appreciated the sizzle. I ordered the quesadillas, and they were cheesy, well-filled, and cooked just right and you can tell the tortillas were fresh! We will be back!
… moreThe staff was on point for a busy Saturday night. We had reservations, checked in easily, and were seated within minutes despite how crowded it was. Our waitress was attentive and genuinely thoughtful—she checked on us multiple times after the food arrived and even made sure our kid was taken care of without us having to ask (which, let’s be honest, is rare).
As for the food: fantastic. My husband ordered the fajitas and immediately noticed the difference …the onions were perfectly caramelized, not burned or overly charred. And yes, I fully appreciated the sizzle. I ordered the quesadillas, and they were cheesy, well-filled, and cooked just right and you can tell the tortillas were fresh! We will be back!
W. Watts
Food was pretty decent. I had the ribs n steak. Everything tasted fresh. Steak was a little skimp on seasoning but wasn’t bad. The strawberry Lemonade was amazing.. fresh lemon and strawberries.. Very sweet though. If you dont like sweets dont mess with it.. its probably made to have liquor in it.. The service was outstanding, the staff was super nice.
… moreSam Lacson
My waiter today was Amir and he did a FANTASTIC job!! He was so kind and provided opinions with each question we had. If I was a manager, I would give him a raise. Food was good too.
… moreLisa Seeley
I took my niece to Uncle Julio’s for her 21st birthday and we had the best time!
Our server, Nick, was excellent ! Fajitas were great, margaritas were perfect and Paulette and her team went out of their way to make everything super special!!
… moreOur server, Nick, was excellent ! Fajitas were great, margaritas were perfect and Paulette and her team went out of their way to make everything super special!!
mattwhrowralse sr z
The food at this establishment is above the bar for sure, but the highlight of the evening was our waiter, Amir. He lit up the room and lightened the mood with his jokes whenever he could. Uncle Julio seems to only hire the best, and Amir is evidence of such. Thanks Amir!!
… moreNavid J
THIS PLACE SHOULD BE ON KITCHEN NIGHTMARES SHOW:
This isn’t one bad night — it’s a pattern: wrong orders, cold food, careless remakes, weak service, and management that doesn’t seem invested in fixing any of it. As longtime guests of Uncle Julio’s and people with restaurant experience ourselves, this is far below what the brand should represent.
Corporate seriously needs to step in because this Gainesville location is damaging the reputation of an otherwise solid restaurant. Plenty of better Mexican options nearby — unfortunately, this one isn’t worth the risk anymore.
This is hands down the worst Uncle Julio’s location in the DMV right now. Between my husband and me, we’ve given this place four separate chances over the past month, and every visit has been disappointing in a new way. At this point, it feels less like bad luck and more like a serious leadership and kitchen problem.
Visit #1:
We came in about 40 minutes before closing, knew exactly what we wanted, and ordered immediately. The server clearly wasn’t happy to have a late table — sighing, rushed attitude, and making us feel like an inconvenience. Our order still came out wrong, and although we didn’t push it because they were closing, the lack of professionalism was obvious.
Visit #2:
Ordered appetizers but weren’t given plates or silverware for about 10 minutes. By the time we tracked someone down ourselves, the food was already cold. That’s basic service that shouldn’t need to be chased down.
Visit #3:
Steak fajitas ordered medium rare came out well done. When they were sent back, they returned suspiciously fast and even more overcooked — very clearly reheated instead of remade. That’s just lazy kitchen execution.
Final visit (the last straw):
My wife and her friend ordered fajitas that came out room temperature with zero sizzle. After sending them back, the plate returned about a minute later literally billowing smoke — not fresh fajita steam, but excessive smoke that filled the table area. They were coughing, couldn’t see each other across the table, and their clothes smelled strongly of grease afterward. The entire section noticed it.
My wife has over 15 years in the hospitality industry and said she has never seen such blatant kitchen retaliation toward a table. Instead of concern, the manager reportedly defended the kitchen and showed little urgency about the situation. That response alone was extremely disappointing.
… moreThis isn’t one bad night — it’s a pattern: wrong orders, cold food, careless remakes, weak service, and management that doesn’t seem invested in fixing any of it. As longtime guests of Uncle Julio’s and people with restaurant experience ourselves, this is far below what the brand should represent.
Corporate seriously needs to step in because this Gainesville location is damaging the reputation of an otherwise solid restaurant. Plenty of better Mexican options nearby — unfortunately, this one isn’t worth the risk anymore.
This is hands down the worst Uncle Julio’s location in the DMV right now. Between my husband and me, we’ve given this place four separate chances over the past month, and every visit has been disappointing in a new way. At this point, it feels less like bad luck and more like a serious leadership and kitchen problem.
Visit #1:
We came in about 40 minutes before closing, knew exactly what we wanted, and ordered immediately. The server clearly wasn’t happy to have a late table — sighing, rushed attitude, and making us feel like an inconvenience. Our order still came out wrong, and although we didn’t push it because they were closing, the lack of professionalism was obvious.
Visit #2:
Ordered appetizers but weren’t given plates or silverware for about 10 minutes. By the time we tracked someone down ourselves, the food was already cold. That’s basic service that shouldn’t need to be chased down.
Visit #3:
Steak fajitas ordered medium rare came out well done. When they were sent back, they returned suspiciously fast and even more overcooked — very clearly reheated instead of remade. That’s just lazy kitchen execution.
Final visit (the last straw):
My wife and her friend ordered fajitas that came out room temperature with zero sizzle. After sending them back, the plate returned about a minute later literally billowing smoke — not fresh fajita steam, but excessive smoke that filled the table area. They were coughing, couldn’t see each other across the table, and their clothes smelled strongly of grease afterward. The entire section noticed it.
My wife has over 15 years in the hospitality industry and said she has never seen such blatant kitchen retaliation toward a table. Instead of concern, the manager reportedly defended the kitchen and showed little urgency about the situation. That response alone was extremely disappointing.
william giampa
Once again uncle Julios disappoints. This carnita de la casa was awful! Dry pork! Cold. They no longer have regular schrimp without hot pepper inside. Only spicy large schrimp. Super expensive and even another modified menu with less choices. No more Jalisco entree. Idk if im ever comming back!
… moreS S
UJ’s has gone completely down hill. This used to be our go-to and my son’s favorite. For 8 years straight we had his birthday dinner here. Here’s why it will not happen again:
The Great: Bacon wrapped shrimp, chips
The Good: Service
The Bad: where do I start..Host staff was more worried about joking around than working
Rice & Beans: no flavor and not even hot
Tortillas: cold and hard
Fajitas: all onion and 1 piece of pepper which were completely raw and not even cooked. The fajitas came out not even sizzling which explains why my veggies didn’t cook. They forgot the chicken for my Chicken & Steak.
Margarita: ehhh pass for me. Sour mix tastes chemically not natural. No salt on the rim like I asked.. oh yeah that’s because it was at the bottom of my glass waiting for me to take my last sip of what tasted like ocean water. You’re popular for margaritas, learn how to salt a rim
Sorry Uncle J… it was nice while it lasted but never again for me.. too many places around putting up way better food
And don’t lets the owners response fool you “this is important and we will address it”.. look months back at all of these comments, if you cared the trend wouldn’t be continuing
… moreThe Great: Bacon wrapped shrimp, chips
The Good: Service
The Bad: where do I start..Host staff was more worried about joking around than working
Rice & Beans: no flavor and not even hot
Tortillas: cold and hard
Fajitas: all onion and 1 piece of pepper which were completely raw and not even cooked. The fajitas came out not even sizzling which explains why my veggies didn’t cook. They forgot the chicken for my Chicken & Steak.
Margarita: ehhh pass for me. Sour mix tastes chemically not natural. No salt on the rim like I asked.. oh yeah that’s because it was at the bottom of my glass waiting for me to take my last sip of what tasted like ocean water. You’re popular for margaritas, learn how to salt a rim
Sorry Uncle J… it was nice while it lasted but never again for me.. too many places around putting up way better food
And don’t lets the owners response fool you “this is important and we will address it”.. look months back at all of these comments, if you cared the trend wouldn’t be continuing
chloe wickert
Fantastic. Our waitress was very funny and checked in at the right times. Can’t remember her name but she’s on the bigger side so if u get her as ur waitress just know you’ll have a great time and a good laugh. Food was fantastic and so were the drinks. Highly recommend going during happy hour.
… more