Uncle Julios is a Tex-Mex restaurant chain known for its fresh, scratch-made dishes and vibrant atmosphere. Founded in Texas, it offers a wide variety of flavorful options like fajitas and guacamole, ensuring a memorable dining experience with a focus on quality ingredients and authentic recipes.
Menu Highlights
Uncle Julios menu showcases a diverse range of Tex-Mex favorites, including flavorful fajitas, fresh guacamole, and vibrant dishes made with high-quality ingredients to satisfy every palate.
2.1 Appetizers
Uncle Julios offers a variety of appetizers that blend tradition and innovation. Signature options include fresh guacamole, made tableside with Hass avocados, and the unique Pineapple Bacon Guacamole. Other highlights feature quesadillas, ceviche, and spicy queso, all crafted with fresh ingredients. These dishes set the tone for a vibrant meal, combining bold flavors and authentic Tex-Mex charm. Perfect for sharing, they provide an exciting start to any dining experience. The appetizers are designed to cater to diverse tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
2.2 Main Courses
Uncle Julios’ main courses showcase a rich selection of Tex-Mex favorites, with fajitas leading the way. Their mesquite-grilled skirt steak and filet mignon fajitas are standouts, offering tender cuts of beef cooked to perfection. The menu also features grilled specialties like mesquite-smoked pork ribs and salmon, served with sides that enhance the meal. For seafood lovers, options like shrimp and tilapia provide fresh, flavorful choices. Each dish is accompanied by traditional sides such as Mexican rice, beans, and warm flour tortillas. The main courses are crafted to highlight the bold flavors and quality ingredients, ensuring a satisfying and authentic dining experience for all.
2.3 Desserts
Uncle Julios offers a sweet and satisfying selection of traditional Tex-Mex desserts. Their menu features iconic treats like churros, served with honey and caramel sauce for dipping, and sopapillas, warm pastries sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar. For a creamy delight, the flan stands out as a rich and smooth custard dessert. Additional options include vanilla ice cream with toasted coconut, pecans, and caramel sauce, as well as a decadent tres leches cake. Each dessert is crafted to provide a delightful ending to your meal, combining classic flavors with a modern twist. Whether you prefer something warm, creamy, or fruity, Uncle Julios’ desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
2.4 Drinks
Uncle Julios offers a variety of refreshing drinks to complement your meal. Their margarita selection is a standout, with over 10 handcrafted options, including unique flavors like the Pineapple Margarita, made with jalapeño and agave tequila. For those who prefer something classic, frozen margaritas are also available. Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the selection of Mexican and domestic brews, perfect for pairing with spicy dishes. Additionally, the restaurant serves soft drinks, iced tea, and fresh-squeezed limeade for a lighter option. Their drinks menu is designed to enhance the bold flavors of their Tex-Mex cuisine, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for something tangy, sweet, or bold, Uncle Julios has a drink to match your meal perfectly.
Unique Features of Uncle Julios
Uncle Julios stands out for its fresh, tableside guacamole preparation and chef’s table experience, allowing guests to watch culinary creations firsthand in an open kitchen setting.
3.1 Fresh Guacamole Preparation
Uncle Julios is renowned for its fresh guacamole, prepared tableside with ripe Hass avocados, jalapeños, and spices. This interactive experience lets guests customize flavors, ensuring a fresh, authentic taste.
3.2 Chef’s Table Experience
Uncle Julios offers a unique Chef’s Table experience, allowing guests to witness culinary expertise firsthand in an open kitchen setting. This interactive dining option provides insight into the preparation of signature dishes, fostering a connection between the chefs and diners. The Chef’s Table highlights the restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients and scratch-made recipes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship behind their Tex-Mex classics. It’s an engaging way to enjoy a meal while learning about the culinary process, making it a memorable experience for food enthusiasts.
Specials and Deals
Uncle Julios offers exciting specials like Taco Bar Tuesday, where guests can craft custom tacos with fresh fillings. Happy Hour deals provide discounted drinks and appetizers, enhancing the dining experience.
4.1 Taco Bar Tuesday
Taco Bar Tuesday at Uncle Julios is a fan-favorite special that allows guests to create their own custom tacos with a variety of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The setup typically includes seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or vegetarian options, along with an array of toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced onions, sour cream, and salsa. Warm flour or corn tortillas are provided on the side, enabling diners to craft their perfect taco. This interactive dining experience is both fun and flavorful, making it a popular choice for families and groups. The Taco Bar Tuesday promotion is available at most locations and offers great value for a casual, customizable meal.
4.2 Happy Hour Specials
Uncle Julios Happy Hour specials offer a fantastic way to unwind with friends or family while enjoying discounted drinks and appetizers. The happy hour menu typically features a variety of margaritas, beers, and signature cocktails at reduced prices. Popular items include the El Jefe Margarita and frozen margaritas, paired with discounted appetizers like quesadillas, guacamole, and queso. The happy hour is usually available during specific weekday hours, making it an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a casual and affordable dining experience. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly service add to the appeal, creating a lively setting for socializing. Be sure to check your local Uncle Julios for exact timings and offerings, as they may vary by location.
Dietary Options
Uncle Julios offers options for various dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices, ensuring a diverse and inclusive dining experience for all guests with specific needs.
5.1 Vegan and Vegetarian Choices
Uncle Julios provides a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, catering to plant-based diners. Their menu includes fresh guacamole made with Hass avocados, sautéed vegetables, and flavorful salads; Veggie fajitas are a popular choice, featuring grilled peppers, onions, and mushrooms, served with warm flour tortillas. Additionally, vegetarian enchiladas and tamales are available, offering rich and satisfying meals. While the selection is limited compared to meat-based dishes, Uncle Julios ensures that vegetarian options are both delicious and filling, making it a great spot for those seeking plant-based Tex-Mex cuisine.
5.2 Gluten-Free Options
Uncle Julios offers several gluten-free options for guests with dietary restrictions. Popular choices include their famous fajitas, which feature mesquite-grilled meats or vegetables, served with fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and warm flour tortillas. Grilled chicken, steak, and vegetable dishes are naturally gluten-free and pair well with sides like Mexican rice and sautéed peppers. Additionally, their tortilla chips and fresh guacamole make for a satisfying gluten-free appetizer. While Uncle Julios does not have a dedicated gluten-free menu, many of their traditional Tex-Mex dishes can be adapted to accommodate gluten-free dietary needs. Guests are encouraged to inform their server of any restrictions to ensure proper preparation.
Locations and Prices
Uncle Julios is primarily located in Bethesda, MD, with branches across 11 states, including Texas, Colorado, and Florida. Prices are moderate, offering great value for fresh, high-quality Tex-Mex dishes;
6.1 Restaurant Locations
Uncle Julios is a Tex-Mex restaurant primarily located in Bethesda, MD, with additional locations across 11 states. Established in Texas, the chain has expanded to states like Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Known for its fresh guacamole and vibrant atmosphere, Uncle Julios offers a family-friendly dining experience with outdoor seating and full bars at many locations. The Bethesda location is particularly popular, but the chain has grown significantly since its founding in 1986. With over 40 restaurants, Uncle Julios remains a beloved spot for Tex-Mex enthusiasts, offering a mix of traditional flavors and modern twists in a casual yet inviting setting.
6.2 Menu Price Range
The menu at Uncle Julios offers a variety of pricing options to suit different budgets. Appetizers range from $7 to $14, while main courses, including fajitas and grilled specialties, are priced between $12 and $25. Premium options like filet mignon fajitas or lobster tail are slightly higher, around $30 to $40. Desserts and drinks, such as margaritas, are generally $6 to $12. The restaurant also features specials like Taco Bar Tuesday, which provides great value for diners. Overall, the pricing is affordable for a casual dining experience, with most meals falling between $15 to $30 per person, making it a great choice for families and groups.
