Uncle Julio's Gaithersburg

** If I could rate this place "Are you kidding me?" I would.** Let me start by saying that I have eaten inside at this restaurant dozens of times over the last 20 years, and it has always been my go-to for Mexican food. I've defended it, recommended it, and practically paid part of their rent by now. However, tonight I made the apparently fatal mistake of ordering **to-go**. The order was simple enough that a distracted goldfish could've nailed it: * One chicken fajita for my niece * A salad for my wife * A MEDIUM RARE steak fajita for me After a one-hour round-trip drive, we opened the bag to discover a performance piece titled *"How To Ruin a Loyal Customer in Three Easy Steps."* * No dressing on my wife's salad * No chicken fajita for my niece * And a "medium rare" steak fajita cooked so far past well-done that it qualified as charcoal. Honestly, my niece made out better with her *nonexistent* chicken than I did with whatever incinerated mystery meat they sent. We called to report the missing and mangled order, only to be transferred like a hot potato and met with a surly tone that suggested we were inconveniencing them by asking for, you know, the food we paid for. We hung up when it became clear the only thing they were serving that night was attitude. Needless to say, this is the **last** time I will ever order to-go from this establishment. After two decades of loyalty, this was the culinary equivalent of a breakup text. Do better. Or don't. I'm officially out.

Three of us had a wonderful evening at the bar. The bar area always has a great vibe and the bartenders are always friendly and attentive and provide good suggestions for food and drink. The enchiladas and fajitas and chili rellenos on special were excellent. The chips and salsa are addictive. The chips are thin and served pleasantly warm. The salsa is flavorful and with a little heat. The margaritas are our go to. Both on the rocks and frozen. We had a lot of fun with our favorite bartender, Gigi, who always gives us sensational service. Ally also has been excellent. Both are efficient and friendly and always positive and smiling. We are looking forward to our next visit 😀

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Seems the menu changed and the new menu doesn’t have anything bc with Mushrooms anymore! Was my favorite item to get at Uncle Julio’s

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

Menu change was very disappointing 😞

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 4

Bad service.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

The vibe was nice, the ambiance is spot on, kind of wild they were playing salsa, but the salsa dip and chip was delicious. I would say the margaritas are 🔥🔥🔥🔥. But dinner will hit your head if you come unprepared.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Food and drinks were excellent. Traditional mexican cuisine paired with great service and atmosphere. The large dining room was crowded, but service was still on point and very helpful. Chips and guac were extremely tasy and fresh. The enchiladas were wonderful, and portion sizes and very good. Overall a great place, reccommend stopping by if youre in the area.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Never coming back to Uncle Julio’s. it just to be my favorite place , but few days ago I took out my family for dinner there. I ordered my favorite plate ( carne asada ) I saw half of the meat I used to get. And the price higher. I left hungry because my dish was too small. Now I have to order 2 dinners for myself! I asked our server why my dish was too small, she said “ that’s the way it comes” she didn’t even let the manager know or bring the chef to our table. I asked for regular water, and I saw little back pieces of dirt floating in the jar that she brought, I told her and she said “ok” but didn’t changed it. My crew told me no to leave any tip, but I left more than the server deserved.
Really bad experience.

I waited for the bartenders to serve me as they were doing to the people on either side of me but they just ignored me until I finally asked to order something. The chips have a nasty after taste and the food was bland. Oh well. I don't drink alcohol but I guess one would have to in order to think the food is good. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

Waiter came once and never again. Our water was also never given, he came once to give menus and decided to disappear. This is a first after coming to this place multiple times. Bad experience I had with my family starving.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The food is great. The servers could be better, more friendly.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

The food is great and I love sitting outside on the patio. It's just too loud inside for me.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always had a great experience over the years. Homemade tortilla helps so much and waitress are nice. Food is great, decor is fun. The portions did get smaller over the years but I personally still had enough but did ate everything. At my table the fajitas are always popular. Everytime I come to town on business trip if times allow I love coming here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Probably the last time I go to Uncle Julio’s. It went from one of the best most consistent restaurants, to a below average dining experience.
The swirl recipe has been changed and is not as good.
All of the platters, especially fajitas are smaller. The tortillas are not the same as the old fresh cooked ones.
The service was terrible and the outdoor dining terrace looked filthy and not up to their old standards.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 3

Had a birthday dinner with a party of 8. Server was quick with water + chips & salsa. We ordered some apps and drinks, all arriving in a timely manner. Placed entree orders and when they arrived had 3 mistakes for the table. The server was very nice and we could tell he felt bad about the mistakes. I actually think the mistakes might've been due to how noisy the restaurant was (I ordered the Maria's and got birria).
The manager spoke with our table and was very accommodating. We still had a great time and smashed open the chocolate pinata, highly recommend if with a group. Everyone enjoyed their food, the birria I had was delicious, just not what I had expected
I would go back here again and would believe the mistakes would not be an issue with a smaller group.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4