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Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Foods
Categories: Restaurants Food Specialty Food Ethnic Food Restaurants, Ethnic Food [Edit]
5301 Camp Bowie BlvdFort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 377-2777
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
56 reviews for Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Foods
Review Highlights
56 reviews in English
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Review from Jessica A.
Fort Worth, TX
1/5/2012
Little pricy, but the food and service are usually good! Most of the time, the queso is amazing!! Tortillas are always fresh and so are the chips!
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Review from Dieter v.
Fort Worth, TX
1/24/2012
Not worth the money...
My daughter visited me today with her little daughter. For them, my son here and myself, we took out lunch from Uncle Julio's on Camp Bowie. My daughter had the "Guadalajara" (shrimp and beef fajitas plate); the shrimp was O.K., but the beef fajitas were quite raw in the center. The beans coming as a side dish were salty. My son had tamales. He also was not satisfied: too salty, meat was barely shredded. "The tamales out of the cooler section of Central Market are much better", was his comment. I had the soup of the day, "Poblano beef fajita soup". It better should have been named: "Potato soup with a very few pieces of meat". Also salty. The "Guadalajara" plate's price was $20, my daughter said. A waste of money. -
Review from Mike B.
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dios Mio! I come home to Fort Worth looking forward to a wonderful Uncle Julio's meal. Living in Connecticut, I can't tell you how many times I fantasize about being at this place having some outstanding Mexican food. WHAT HAPPEND?? I have NEVER had a bad meal here! Maybe it was because we got there at 2:00 PM after the lunch crowd? But... should I have to worry about that - no! I was really embarrassed with my group today... all I have done was talk about how wonderful this place is.
The only thing that met my expectations was the beans that came with my ribs. Those were exactly how I remembered. My ribs were dry and not very tasty. Two people ordered tortilla soup. I have never ordered it here. What a shock?! It was like no other tortilla soup I have ever seen or heard of... summer squash chunks in a tortilla soup? Hmmm... not for me.
Uncle Julio! Please tell me this was just a one time thing! I will absolutely give you another try, but only one! PLEASE let me update this review with the 5 stars I was expecting! -
Review from Kathryne B.
Fort Worth, TX
10/16/2011
This was one of the first Mexican restaurants someone took me to when I moved to Fort Worth. They said that this was one of those places you "have" to go, but I'm not sure why. I think it's over-rated. They have the standard Mexican restaurant menu, but the thing that first got my attention is how over-priced the food was. I'm not used to paying so much for Mexican food, but this was my introduction to over-priced Mexican food in Fort Worth. I've been several times with different people (they are always the ones wanting to go, not me) and it's always ok. Just average. Decent chips and salsa (that's kind of my favorite reason for going to Mexican restaurants). Fresh tortillas made in-house. Nothing to call home about though.
I do want to mention that the last time I was there with a girlfriend for a casual weeknight dinner, we had an adorable waiter who was no only really helpful, but he also brought us a complimentary order of sopapillas, and they were yummy! I wish I remembered his name, because I would ask to sit in his section I ever went there again. ;) -
Review from Patti E.
Pflugerville, TX
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
A popular joint that's a bit over-rated. Granted, I've only dined here once, but I wasn't overly impressed.
I ordered the chicken fajitas. They're famous for being mesquite grilled, which I was hoping would bring on the flavor! Not so much. The portions that were blackened from the grill were bitter, not tasty. The rice and beans served with the dish did not aid in the enjoyment of my meal, either.
I got a margarita - again, not impressed. They're most known for their swirl margarita, which is mixed with sangria. I tried a bit of that. It was okay, but nothing special.
I wouldn't be opposed to going back and trying something else on their menu, but if left up to me, could find other Tex-Mex joints that I know would satisfy. -
Review from Veera S.
Fort Worth, TX
7/18/2011
There are about 5 of these restaurants in the DFW area. I'd been there before but didn't know what the big deal with this place was. Then I tried the Fajitas and now I get it. Get the beef they are way better than the chicken. The tortillas are what makes this fajita so amazing (they are cooked in lard!). I'd recommend a fajita plate for 2 to feed 3 people.
Also, the margaritas are amazing!
The only reason this place lost a star is because the service wasn't the best.
If its your first time eating there tell the waiter and ask about the free sopapias for first timers. -
Review from veronica d.
Downey, CA
4/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
The salsa that was served w/the chips was delicious!
-5 stars for the salsa
Pretty crowded during lunch but there was plenty of parking.
The restaurant is big and there are tables everywhere.
My cousin & his wife brought us here for a lunch date and we enjoyed it. Had the lunch special and it had more than enough items to fill us up.
The beans I did not enjoy (I'm not a fan of black beans) but the rest of the meal was delicious. The lunch special were 2 carnitas tacos, rice, pico de gallo, guacamole, and black beans.
They ordered dessert which looked delicious but I could not have any because I'm allergic to the ingredients - it was a big scoop of vanilla ice cream covered in pecans and cajeta.
Our server was quick & attentive. -
Review from Alaina W.
4/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Say Uncle, SAY UNCLE!!
Oh man. Uncle Julio... the bf and I were introduced by a good friend. It's one of his wife's favorite places. Oh, and now one of mine.
Let me start off our fantastical edible journey with the amazing chips y salsa. The chips were very thin. I loved their texture and flavor. And though I am not a huge fan of salsa, I do try it. And then eat the good stuff. And I was eating this stuff. It tasted like someone just got done mashing all the stuff together in the back room. I mean, it was warm! Who has warm salsa? Uncle Julio's. And it's great. And lime-y.
Appetizer? Our friend picked the chile con queso. If you don't like cheese (you poor soul), then don't get this. Not very spicy, but had good flavor. And the cheese was super melty and greasy. Yay!
Shall we move on?
I was stuck with the menu. I wanted to get the Benito's Platter. It included a cheese chile relleno, a chicken enchilada, and a pork tamale. I have been on a tamale kick lately, so I kept looking for a plate with just enchiladas and tamales, but there wasn't one. I decided I'd be "that" customer and ask the server if there was a combo like the one I was pretty much wishing for that I just didn't see... No. No, there's not. But, he made one for me! Edwin was his name. Great server. I got Juanita's Platter with two enchiladas verdes and two pork tamales. THE TAMALES WERE FANTASTIC. I wish I could've just pigged out on four tamales. The enchiladas were good, but just a little different than what I'm used to. I may venture to say that what I've been eating thus far is Americanized.
The rice here was good. Hearty, flavorful, and no dry bits like you can get with other restaurants. Also, the Pina Colada was good-- not too strong and didn't have that fake plasticky taste that many Pina Colada drinks have.
...I'll pass on the frog legs, though, thanks. -
Review from Jose B.
Fort Worth, TX
4/24/2011
I really enjoy their queso and beef Fajitas. For groups of 4 or so, the Plato Gordo is perfect.
I've only tasted one margarita here and it was the classic made with patron silver. It is also the only margarita they make with fresh lime juice and not sweet and sour (atleast that's what the bartender said). It was above average, which is to be expected at $10.
It's one of the restaurants that stays in my family's rotation and deserves atleast one trip a month -
Review from Christine C.
Fort Worth, TX
11/15/2010 4 Check-ins Here
You want five star food?
Like quail and seafood in a Mexican joint?
Look no further. Up here atop a hill and easily visible from the highway is this gem. The food is always awesome and while this place gets busy, we've never had to endure a wait. The music, decor, and other happy tables make for a great ambiance. There's also ample outdoor seating, for those that like that sort of thing. Service has always been great. Also, if you ask for your drinks to-go, they put them in plastic cups (read: reusable). I've had fajitas, tamales, and enchiladas. My only disappointment is being too full to have dessert (yeah yeah, not a real problem, but I always try to make room for it).
Just get ready to pay for it. Our meals for two tend to hover around $50. -
Review from Ana W.
7/25/2010
We heard Uncle Julio's was popular, which is why we decided to beat the crowd and go around 4; surprise, surprise, it was already packed! This is a testament to the popularity and quality of the dining experience at Uncle Julio's.
There are plenty of reviews, and I don't want to be redundant, so my take on the restaurant will be quick! My sister and I split the vegetable fajitas, which are actually not made for two (at least not on paper), but provided more than enough for us to share. The margaritas were tasty and fresh, and the chips and salsa were delicious! The menu has great variety, both for vegetarians and omnivores alike, and the service is fantastic. The queso leaned on the velveeta side, but who doesn't like velveeta? All in all we had a great dining experience in a place that was very accommodating to the size of our group and all our dietary needs. Can't wait to go back! -
Review from Philip S.
Claremont, CA
2/25/2011
This is my favorite restaurant... You can't go wrong with their beef fajita, we usually order by the pound (about 1/2 - 1 pound for every 2 people)...
The food is probably not too authentic, it's better than authentic. They use really high quality thick, well seasoned steak for their fajita, not some thin slices of flank that other places use. The beef fajita is juicy and just mouth watering. Chicken fajita is not as good.
Their margarita (swirl) is awesome...
I've tried pretty much everything on the menu (and in different Uncle Julio's scattered in the United States), their platters are overfilling with good food with Tex-Mex flavoring... But nothing beats the beef fajita. I want that as my last meal on earth. -
Review from David V.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2011
Love "The Uncle"!
If you've never been, Uncle Julio's is very similar to Pappasito's. If that doesn't help, imagine upscale Tex-Mex with "upscale" prices to go along with the food. With that said, you definitely get what you pay for here!
Another good meal tonight. I typically get one of the combo platters which are large and delicious. But tonight I wanted to change it up, so I ordered the vegetable fajitas with chicken (1/2 veggies and 1/2 chicken fajitas). Strips of tender grilled chicken along with grilled zucchini, portobello mushrooms, onions, potato slices, red and poblano peppers.
I've ordered it in the past, but forgot how good it is! Muy delicioso!!! -
Review from James R.
Lockhart, TX
Updated - 3/7/2011
GRINGO Mexican food to the nth degree.
In North Texas you have two distinct types of casual Mexican food, "Old School" like Joe Ts. The Original and El Fenix and a bunch of 1990s+ CHAINS like this that sprung up mostly in the 'burbs where all the transplant Texans end up.
You can find this kind of crap in EVERY city in the United States, its that GENERIC. Anyone that puts 4 or 5 stars on Uncle Julio's simply is an uninformed and uneducated as to what "real" LOCAL TexMex food is about.
Do yourselves a favor and check out some of the "locals" Mex restaurants in Ft. Worth like Joe Ts. The Original, El Fenix, Caro's and El Rancho Grande.
The EASIEST way to tell if the place is a "locals" place? They will have been serving Mexican food since 1970 or earlier.
Joe Ts and the Original are over 80 years old.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/28/2010
In a town with GREAT Mex choices this place is simply a joke. It get a lot of TCU frat types who… Read more »
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Review from Nikki G.
11/24/2009
I remember when this place opened. I think I've been eating here since I was 10, and it's still one of my favorites. I live in Austin now, but I have to make a trip to an Uncle Julio's (this one or the ones in Dallas) anytime I'm in DFW.
I love the food here. It's not the most authentic Tex-Mex ever but it's always delicious. I usually order the chicken enchiladas with sour cream sauce, the chicken tacos or the bacon-wrapped shrimp. Their ceviche is quite tasty, as well.
Lots of memories associated with this place: I worked there as a hostess in high school, dated several of the waiters, attended many many birthday parties and graduation celebrations and just generally spent a lot of time here enjoying the swirl margaritas and the fresh, cilantro-laden salsa. Speaking of the cilantro: be wary of it if you go on a first date here. I learned that the hard way when it was plastered to one of my teeth. I wish the waiter would've clued me in but he (and my now-boyfriend) was too busy trying not to laugh. Oh well, we're still cool, Julio. -
Review from Ken T.
Los Altos, CA
11/18/2008
Fresh ingredients and great recipes made for some good eats.
The tamale and enchiladas both had plenty of well spiced, tender meat. The enchiladas had nice bits of onion in the mix. The taco was crisp and crunchy, protected from the various juices by its own bed of lettuce.
The chips were a bit thin and greasy but were hot and crunchy to balance that. The salsa was smokey with lots of flavor without being spicy hot.
I had a Negro Modelo which came with a lime (?) and without a glass. A pair of odd flubbed details on an otherwise well executed meal but not enough to put me off giving them the five stars. The food, for me, is the thing.
That said, the decor is festive but didn't make me think of Disneyland. I liked it.
I ate at the bar and the tenders were helpful and attentive without being in my face.
Very nice! I'll be back. The menu offered frog legs and several nice shrimp dishes to try on my return. -
Review from Colin B.
Arlington, TX
3/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
In the never ending quest to clog my arteries with the goodness of pork ribs, I give you Uncle Julio's ribs as one of the five best racks I have ever eaten. No lie, them some good ribs.
And in the land of Tex-Mex joints, if I had someone come in town from wherever, I'd probably take them to this Uncle Julio's as an example of good Tex-Mex. The fajitas are good, the rice and beans are good, the salsa is fire roasted, the aforementioned ribs are epic, etc.
I love this joint. -
Review from Alex M.
5/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been hearing about this place ever since I've moved to Fort Worth and I decided to give in and check it out. Now before I get into it I have to say that I picked a terrible day to go: Mothers Day.
It took about 45 minutes to get seated but I understood that everyone was taking their mothers out for dinner so I didn't mind too much. While we were waiting for our table there was plenty of open space at the bar so we went there to have a couple beers while we waited.
The bartender was awesome. He was really nice and despite the place being packed, got us our drinks quickly and kept checking up on us to see if we needed anything or to offer us chips and salsa.
Once we got our table our waiter greeted us and seeing as how it was my first time there gave me a tour over the menu. I know a menu tour seems like kind of a silly thing to write about but they have so much on their menu that it was great and helped me decide a lot faster.
Let me interject here and state that the saving grace of this establishment is the staff. The place was so packed but everyone was friendly and our waiter came back enough to make sure my drink was never empty and just to check on us, it was fantastic.
Now for the meal I decided to get one of their traditional meals with 2 beef enchiladas, 1 chicken taco, and 1 pork tamale. The food was good, not fantastic, but not disappointing. The beef enchiladas were strange for me because instead of using shredded beef they used ground beef which I just don't think belongs in enchiladas. The taco was good, had a freshly made, crispy shell and the chicken was decent but the star of the plate was the tamale. I'm not crazy for tamales but every once in a while I'll eat one and this has got to be one of the best in recent memory. Maybe it was because it had pork in it, I'm not sure, but when I decide to go back I'll have to get one of those again.
I think one of the major things I didn't like about the meal was the lack of hot sauce. I'm not saying I have a lead tongue or anything but I like my food to have a bit of a kick with it and when I asked for a hot sauce I was told they have Tabasco (which I'm not a fan of) or a habanero sauce that you had to request and was pretty hot. I almost thought about getting it but I really didn't want Montezuma's revenge the next day so I declined. I suppose I just wanted some home made salsa that had some spice to it.
At the end of our meal the manager came up and said because it was my first time eating here he'd comp us a free desert of sopapillas with honey to dip in them. Now despite me being stuffed to the brim I still had a couple and they were great!
The prices aren't too bad I suppose, a little more than I'd like to spend on Mexican food but it kind of goes with the territory of big restaurants like this. I think it'd compare to an El Torito. I got 2 beers and my meal (which i had to end up getting in a take home box) and it came to around $25-$30 bucks not including tip.
So overall, it's nothing insanely fantastic, it's just a nice Mexican restaurant with a good staff and decent food. I personally think you can get better food and less crowd at smaller mom and pop joints but if you want a night out with family or friends I don't think you'd regret coming here. -
Review from Julie S.
3/29/2010
Why do I want to wait over an hour for over-priced Mexican food when I can drive down Vickery Blvd and get the authentic stuff?
The crowds here are massive, expect over an hour for the weekends and some weeknights as well.
The fajitas are $19 per for a single serving and really aren't big enough to share. The quesadillas, however, at $13 are huge, but really? $13 for quesadillas? If you can order off the kids menu this is an OK place to go, but if your waiter refuses to let you, expect about $25 per person before drinks.
I was not impressed with their margaritas either, the sweet and sours was like water, so my margarita had a distinct tequila taste.
They do have fresh made tortillas that are yummy. -
Review from Carolyn B.
Keller, TX
8/11/2007
There is a ton of ambience in this cheerful, noisy, colorful, always crowded restaurant.
We were seated promptly, and our beverages came right away. The salsa served with the tortilla chips was excellent. I had enchiladas, beef and chicken. With every order beans are served (not refried, but good, good beans).
I'm still thinking about the salsa and chips. I'll bet most folks come out of that place with salsa on their shirts.
Like Mexican food? This one's a winner. -
Review from Jackie A.
New Orleans, LA
7/18/2007
Not the best Tex Mex in Fort Worth.
The atmosphere is really great, the building is beautiful, and the staff is wonderful. This is a great restaurant for large parties and fun times. Huge bar and good chips and salsa. And you definitely can't beat their tortillas.
But I just feel like the food is lacking. Standard at best... It's just plain ol' Tex Mex. The tamales are kind of terrible. I've ate here dozens of times and every time I always wonder why I didn't go to another, more delicious (and cheaper) Mexican place. And the drinks are so expensive! When I feel like some really tasty Mexican, I head elsewhere. But when I have some people to entertain or I want to sit outside and drink expensive margaritas, Uncle Julio's is the place to go. -
Review from Lucy L.
Winchester, VA
6/21/2006
I am a huge fan of this place. It's everything a tex-mex restaurant should be but few actually are. They have THE BEST fajitas and so many options from huge prawns wrapped in bacon and monterey jack to fall-off-the-bone ribs. As if that isn't enough, the tortillas are made fresh in the restaurant (yummmmm).
DO NOT eat the roasted jalapenos that are on the fajita platter. I challenged my father-in-law to this bet and lost miserably. It almost ruined my meal (good thing I had eaten 4 fajitas before I went for it).
I will probably be stupid enough to try it again though..... just have to work on my skills : ) -
Review from Mallory S.
Boston, MA
6/14/2010
This place is pretty consistent. Good service, great salsa, and excellent sour cream enchiladas. I wish they had a black bean option instead of just refried or charred, but the charred bean are tasty to I can't complain too much.
This is one of my usual stops during trips to the Ft. Worth area. -
Review from Scott C.
Dallas, TX
9/28/2009
Average, average, average.
Margaritas were average, they don't have a selection of top shelf frozen ones.
Chips were average, salsa was average.
Enchiladas were average
rice and beans were average
fajitas were average
Patio was nice but average since it faces a street with no view.
If you're the average mexican food lover then Uncle Julios is your place. -
Review from Jesse Lynn D.
Temple, TX
4/12/2010
I am in love with Uncle Julios:
Chips
Salsa
Queso
Margaritas
Not too impressed with the rest, or maybe ordering the Fish Tacos was a bad idea...
Regardless, this location rocks - the waiter remembered my party from last year!! The patio was a great way to end the night while waiting for a cab...due to the margaritas :)
I highly recommend this being your drinks/appetizer stop any day of the week! -
Review from Kevin D.
9/30/2007
I've eaten Tex-Mex in dozens, if not hundreds of restaurants and most southern states, and Uncle Julio's is hands down the best I've ever had.
Here's why:
1. The meat is delicious and never dry. It's cooked over fire with a very light mesquite smoke added. You can catch the mouthwatering scent of the grills from the highway as you drive by if the wind is just right.
2. They have the best costillas (baby back ribs) of any restaurant in the region - and I'm comparing them to the barbeque places as well here. They are perfectly seasoned, falling off the bone tender, lightly smoked, and just barely sweet.
3. The staff is fast, professional, and nice.
4. The tortillas are baked fresh on the spot. This isn't unique, but it's a definite must to be considered among the best.
5. The salsa is simply mind blowing. Nobody else even comes close. They start with all fresh ingredients, fire roasted peppers cooked slow over the grill, then simmer it in a huge pot all day long. I've never had salsa anywhere else like theirs. You could make a meal of it. The chips are super thin, made from white corn, and are served hot and lightly salted. They are also fabulous.
Everything I've had here as been delicious - and I've been dozens of times - but some things are even better than others. If you go, I highly recommend that you try the meaty dishes cooked over the fire and lightly smoked with mesquite. The shrimp, grilled chicken breast, the baby back ribs, and the fajitas are all mouthwateringly delicious.
If you order drinks, they are very good, but the best they have is the 100% frozen sangria swirl.
-Kevin -
Review from Will R.
Fort Worth, TX
3/9/2009
The wait is the only bad thing about Uncle Julio's (and can be over looked once you get your food), the Gordo platter is a great way to go if you have 3 or more people, it's a mountain sized platter of Tex Mex goodness.
It's better than average Tex Mex (Far better than Joe T's, which is utter cr@p and hyped up even more than this place) and honestly I would say the place is more of a 3.5 out of 5 stars...
Although the ribs are probably the only sub par item on the menu (there tends to very little meat to these, basically only a bone covered in spicy sauce) and why would you order ribs at a Mexican restaurant any way while in Ft. Worth... If you want ribs, go to one of the many BBQ places in Funky Town, like the Smokepit... -
Review from Cody T.
Fort Worth, TX
10/3/2010
If you like over crowded places with horrible service and overpriced mediocore margaritas this is a place for you. The parking is a nightmare and the food is ok at best. I will never go back .
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Review from Marjorie N.
Atlanta, GA
9/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
This was one of the first restaurants I went to when I moved to Fort Worth. I was craving some Baja fish tacos but there aren't any of those around (at least to my knowledge.) My husband said Uncle Julio's had really good fish tacos so I decided to give it a try. And I wasn't disappointed! The fish tacos were pretty good, albeit not the same. I was craving them Ensenada style (beer battered) but these were grilled. Service was excellent I'm pretty sure I drank three glasses of Cokes. (hey don't judge, that's just how well they kept my drink flowing...haha) The complimentary chips and salsa were tasty as well. Definitely be back to try the other stuff on the menu.
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Review from Mike R.
Crowley, TX
7/22/2008
I have been here more than 50 times and this place has always had very good food. My fav is to get the combo fajitas with shrimp that comes with the hot butter..... uummmmm.
The last time I went has been over 6 years ago. I went on a business lunch with a client and we both got fajitas. This day was very busy but the food still came out fast. My client had never been there b4 and was looking forward to it. I pulled out a hot tortilla and lathered it up w/ guacamole, sour cream, beans, and beef... rolled it tight and took my first bite. Very tasty. Then my client said, " oh my god, what is that?!" pointing to my guacamole. Just then we watched as a very large roach crawled out of my guacamole. He had been covered up in the green stuff and was wearing half of it as he walked across my plate. My client threw up as I asked my waiter for the manager. My waiter did not pick up our plates or the bug and after a long wait came out and said the manager was too busy to come out. We left and I have never been back. -
Review from Will W.
Fort Worth, TX
11/2/2010
Uncle Julio's delivers quality Tex Mex. They have all the usual faves like tacos, burritos and enchiladas but their fajitas are some of the best you will find and they have other options if you want something out of the ordinary. The costillas are better than the ribs you can get at a lot of BBQ joints around here and the shrimp brochettes are some of the best I've ever had, period. They also make my personal favorite tortilla soup, full of good veggies and tasty chicken chunks. This place is always busy, especially during weekends, so you should expect a wait but it's well worth it.
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Review from Lauren L.
8/28/2010
Oh man those tortillas! THOSE TORTILLAS! Little dougy discs of heaven in my MOUTH! I ate five.
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Review from Leigh M.
Austin, TX
11/15/2007
This place is huge and it was totally crowded at 2 p.m. That's a pretty good sign in a city with lots of Tex-Mex options. The salsa, queso, tortillas, and fajitas were all yummy. My only negative--avoid the sangria. It was served sans fruit and reminded me of cough syrup. Next time, I'll have a beer.
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Review from Eric C.
Arlington, TX
3/7/2010
For as long as I can remember this segment of Camp Bowie has long lived a colorful past. When I was younger, Blossom's Downstairs club was a stones throw away, jamming blues with greats like Stevie Ray Vaughan. There were many "joints" in the neighborhood and, from memory, I think Julios might have been a sleazy strip bar. The Ridglea theater, just up the street, is where my dad worked after school as an usher 70 years ago. I can't pinpoint when Uncle Julio's first opened, but little has changed the many times I've frequented here. The same faux Julio paintings and deer heads. Same tortilla machine that cranks out the awesome fresh tortillas. Same hostess stand, bar, and crowded waiting area. Same table set up, even though crowding in 10 more tables would make financial sense. Same crowded parking, hour wait, and delicious swirls. Same boots and spurs, lawyer, businessman, and average Joe crowd. It's not authentic, but I love the Tex-Mex from Julios!
As soon as you are seated a basket of chips and a small bowl of salsa arrives. The chips are thin and crispy and the way I like 'em. The salsa is a chopped mixture of tomatoes, onions, chili's, cilantro, and something burned black that gives the salsa a smokey flavor. Lean forward or apply a bib when eating salsa; it's juicy and will make a mess of your shirt. Delicious!
For many years I only ordered the cheese enchiladas. Nothing wrong with the rest of the menu. I simply love the enchiladas at Julios and I gauge all enchiladas to the quality at Julios. The sides of fluffy spanish rice and charro beans is perfect.
The mesquite grilled foods are outstanding, too. Ribs, carne asada, and the grilled shrimp are fantastic. The fajitas are really good, too.
For a chain restaurant, Uncle Julios in Fort Worth is undeniably my favorite.Listed in: Tex Mex - Corporate style!
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Review from Ryan B.
1/12/2009
If anyone in your dinner party says, "Let's go to Joe T Garcia's!" Promptly punch in the place you don't love them anymore, and drive to Uncle Julio's. Granted, you will have to stand around for an hour and pay something like $9 for swirls, but the food is light years ahead. Share the Gordo (?) platter with 3-4 people or get the bacon-wrapped-shrimp.
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Review from Vickie L.
Chicago, IL
7/16/2009
I take my clients out for lunch here practically every time I'm in the Ft Worth area. Food is very good, but we always go during lunch, and it is always so crowded, and the service is SOOOO SLOW. How long does it take to make and bring out 3 plates of tacos? I prefer Mi Cocina much more, the food is better and the service is way more attentive.
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Review from Mark C.
San Francisco, CA
2/18/2008
The food is a totally gringo-ized, even for Tex-Mex, but it's still really really good. Chicken fajitas with some queso added into the mix is better than anything I can think of right now. I used to come here on a weekly basis.
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Review from michael f.
Southlake, TX
1/11/2006 1 photo
i have been to hundreds of tex-mex and mexican resturaunts....but this is undoubtably the best.........YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!!
try the tacos....(you cant go wrong) : ) -
Review from pete g.
San Francisco, CA
7/31/2007
Veggie fajitas, yum. Always crowded. No reservations. Fun atmosphere. Killer margaritas. Great salsa. Food isn't overly special, but good. I bet Chevys or On The Border got their concept from this place. They even have a working tortilla "machine" by the bar.
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Review from Le E.
2/25/2009
this place is nothing but HYPE for me. you almost have to plan your day around it because forget a weekend dinner unless you want to wait around and watch all of the big hair, prada purses, and polo shirts chat about. the place gets so busy and so loud, you forget what you're eating.
there's nothing spectacular about the menu. tex-mex in a nutshell. my husband and i ordered a combo dish with bbq ribs/bacon wrapped shrimp/fajitas. the cost was a bit expensive. i could think of other places i'd rather go.
