If you don't care that the food is not towards the Mexican side, and more Texan/American style, then this place might be right up your alley. If you want to introduce someone to Mexican flavors, but not overwhelm them, this night be the spot, but it definitely wasn't for me.
I wanted to try as many things as I could, so I orderd a combination platter, a whole lot of food for the price for sure -Chill Relleno was exceptional, beautifully executed -Shredded Beef Enchilada, tasted like Birria, was yummy nonetheless -Chicken in the Tamale was a big chunk of a chicken breast which was dry as the Sahara dessert, wish it was shredded, and wasn't covered in Salsa Verde and Cheese, couldn't really taste the masa - Not a fan of the yellow rice, parboiled, box rice, wasn't Spanish Rice -Pinto Beans basic, hardly and flavor
The soul of a Mexican restaurant can be found in Rice & Beans, a basic staple of the cuisine, it was lacking here... but it is Tex-Mex, so maybe this is why it's different?
I was very excited to see one of my favs on the menu, so I ordered the Tomalito, a sweet corn Tamale. It was absolutely inedible, I actually had them take it back. It was dry, dense, hard, heavy, and actually crispy on one end. Was it microwaved? Never had a Tomalito so bad.
I was very impressed with the decor, ambiance and grandeur of this establishment, it's beautiful, great for a large banquet or evening with family and friends.
Large bar area, great selection of drinks, cocktails for happy hour too
The staff was most kind, hospitable and very attentive, could be that I was the only one in the dining room, but I enjoyed it. Martin my server was awesome, as well as my other waitress, who kept my chips replenished. They were delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Maria da Sivla
The entrance stinks of sewage. It really does. My friends and I call it “El Stinky Tio”. The drinks are overpriced too. They charge as if they are the Capital Grille of route 7. But ppl are nice and polite, so I guess it’s ok.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Louis Simonen
My family loves this place. Food is consistently good and the staff are fantastic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Richard
El Tio offers a fun, family‐friendly Tex‐Mex experience with generous portions, solid fajitas, tasty enchiladas, and lively margaritas. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere works well for casual dining or drinks with friends. On busy nights it can get noisy, and consistency is hit or miss—but it’s still a go‑to when you want good Mexican‑style food without pretension.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
craig
Have been numerous times, the food, drinks and service are always excellent. Wife loves the tableside guac.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Susan Kelly
Luis was so friendly and attentive!!! Definitely will come back as a result of his service!!!! His margarita is awesome too!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Swift
El Tio has excellent food and a fair price point. The service is great too.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Connor Rhodes
Fantastic Tex-Mex. A staple any time I come back to Nova. Our waitress Jocelyn was welcoming and attentive. Happy to see my old favorite restaurant still killing it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joshua Mahuna
Ordered to go and did not feel well afterwards. Food tasted old, was not spectacular, and overly salty. Won't be returning. Sorry.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
maria marquez
First time here and the food is amazing service on point andarmosphere was great not crowded at all
Ridiculously overpriced, mediocre food with slow service and off-putting fellow patrons
Nicolas Aguila-Mandich
Really everything is great other than the food. It’s just standard no zazz food that is way overpriced which is disappointing. Really want this place to be better with the prices they have. Atmosphere and service are great, but won’t come back as food and drink are way overpriced for the quality
Jason \u0026 Kelly Siwek
Best margaritas in the whole DMV. Staff are fantastic, friendly, and take time to remember your name if you are regulars. Food is the best. My husband and I have been a number of times and keep coming back. Also a great family friendly atmosphere!
james bowie
Awesome food Awesome atmosphere Awesome services Thank you for some great tasting food... see you guys next time im in town 💚💚💚
If you don't care that the food is not towards the Mexican side, and more Texan/American style, then this place might be right up your alley. If you want to introduce someone to Mexican flavors, but not overwhelm them, this night be the spot, but it definitely wasn't for me.
I wanted to try as many things as I could, so I orderd a combination platter, a whole lot of food for the price for sure
-Chill Relleno was exceptional, beautifully executed
-Shredded Beef Enchilada, tasted like Birria, was yummy nonetheless
-Chicken in the Tamale was a big chunk of a chicken breast which was dry as the Sahara dessert, wish it was shredded, and wasn't covered in Salsa Verde and Cheese, couldn't really taste the masa
- Not a fan of the yellow rice, parboiled, box rice, wasn't Spanish Rice
-Pinto Beans basic, hardly and flavor
The soul of a Mexican restaurant can be found in Rice & Beans, a basic staple of the cuisine, it was lacking here... but it is Tex-Mex, so maybe this is why it's different?
I was very excited to see one of my favs on the menu, so I ordered the Tomalito, a sweet corn Tamale. It was absolutely inedible, I actually had them take it back. It was dry, dense, hard, heavy, and actually crispy on one end. Was it microwaved? Never had a Tomalito so bad.
I was very impressed with the decor, ambiance and grandeur of this establishment, it's beautiful, great for a large banquet or evening with family and friends.
Large bar area, great selection of drinks, cocktails for happy hour too
The staff was most kind, hospitable and very attentive, could be that I was the only one in the dining room, but I enjoyed it. Martin my server was awesome, as well as my other waitress, who kept my chips replenished. They were delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
The entrance stinks of sewage. It really does. My friends and I call it “El Stinky Tio”. The drinks are overpriced too. They charge as if they are the Capital Grille of route 7. But ppl are nice and polite, so I guess it’s ok.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
My family loves this place. Food is consistently good and the staff are fantastic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
El Tio offers a fun, family‐friendly Tex‐Mex experience with generous portions, solid fajitas, tasty enchiladas, and lively margaritas. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere works well for casual dining or drinks with friends. On busy nights it can get noisy, and consistency is hit or miss—but it’s still a go‑to when you want good Mexican‑style food without pretension.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Have been numerous times, the food, drinks and service are always excellent. Wife loves the tableside guac.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Luis was so friendly and attentive!!! Definitely will come back as a result of his service!!!! His margarita is awesome too!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
El Tio has excellent food and a fair price point. The service is great too.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic Tex-Mex. A staple any time I come back to Nova. Our waitress Jocelyn was welcoming and attentive. Happy to see my old favorite restaurant still killing it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ordered to go and did not feel well afterwards. Food tasted old, was not spectacular, and overly salty. Won't be returning. Sorry.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
First time here and the food is amazing service on point andarmosphere was great not crowded at all
Restaurantji Recommends
Ridiculously overpriced, mediocre food with slow service and off-putting fellow patrons
Really everything is great other than the food. It’s just standard no zazz food that is way overpriced which is disappointing. Really want this place to be better with the prices they have. Atmosphere and service are great, but won’t come back as food and drink are way overpriced for the quality
Best margaritas in the whole DMV. Staff are fantastic, friendly, and take time to remember your name if you are regulars. Food is the best. My husband and I have been a number of times and keep coming back. Also a great family friendly atmosphere!
Awesome food
Awesome atmosphere
Awesome services
Thank you for some great tasting food... see you guys next time im in town 💚💚💚
Great all around good prices as well!
Loading...