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Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Cafe

Mexican Restaurant$$$$

Ballston - Virginia Square, Arlington

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8.0^/10

290

ratings

Ranked #3 for Mexican restaurants in Arlington
"... place for a date, the swirl margarita's are awesome, great Mexican restaurant!"(3 Tips)
"Get the Lucky Horseshoe margarita and special fajitas."(11 Tips)
"Try the Lucky Horseshoe."(2 Tips)
"... in the face. Get the strawberry margarita if you want something a lil less intense."(3 Tips)

72 Tips and reviews

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margaritas
Mexican food
lucky horseshoe
happy hour
good for groups
great value
casual
sangria
good for dates
desserts
outdoor seating
tequila
quesadillas
healthy food
dinner
meats
brunch food
queso
lunch
good for special occasions
(15 more)

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Cameron DoolittleJanuary 28, 2010
Brunch on weekends is a best-kept secret.
RajeshAugust 4, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Go. As a Texan I can vouch this place is the most legit Mexican food in the area. Get the Lucky Horseshoe margarita and special fajitas.
Richard BowersSeptember 21, 2014
Shrimp and Lobster soup on Fridays, and Fish Tacos, are always great. We often come here for goodbye lunches and other office occasions, because of their ample and flexible seating.
Pod FaceJuly 19, 2013
It seems pricey until you realize that a fajita platter for one easily feeds two and that's coming from a guy with a healthy appetite. You can also ask for extra tortillas at no additional cost!
MeshaMay 12, 2018
Good and fresh food, queso blanco with chips👌🏻. Service is perfect.
Stephanie DeDeckerJuly 30, 2016
Best Mexican in Ballston - love the margarita and sangria swirls and be sure to try the fajitas
Lefteris HazapisFebruary 23, 2015
I've loved this place since it opened 20 years ago! Best Mexican food and margaritas around!
Morgan HaightAugust 30, 2012
sit on the patio if you want decent service during happy hour, which is the only time it's worth it since this place is overpriced. Our waiter was awesome and gave us a free round of margs
Eric GoedtelMay 24, 2013
Yowza, the swirl is quite punchy, as someone said. Loved it and it came in a reasonable size (8-10oz)
Tavon .August 10, 2017
Nice happy hour atmosphere. The fajitas and the service were excellent.
Erica HallApril 12, 2014
Been here 10+ times
The swirl meltdown is the best and the mango passion rita. Pulled chicken quesadilla yummy
Bethany WillardJune 7, 2011
The Guacamole and Chorizo Queso along with the Margaritas are divine! My favorite place to spend a sunny afternoon.
Laura B.February 3, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Best Mexican food in the area. Guacamole is super fresh and delish! Can't get enough of this place.
Tony FreeJuly 31, 2014
Try the Lucky Horseshoe. Awesome margarita!
Jessica HuffJune 2, 2013
Great cheese and beef enchiladas, but the chicken ones are mediocre. Queso is your basic velveeta. Mojitos are excellent, sangria is syrup-y and gross.
Lassine DoumbiaSeptember 1, 2015
The food and services was superbe
Suga BabeeMarch 30, 2014
Be sure to get a margarita! This place has great margaritas!!
Margaret PorterJanuary 20, 2015
Best chicken tacos you will find anywhere!
Missy HJanuary 2, 2011
Been here 25+ times
The Baja Gold sounds funky but it's delicious. Try it with Negro Modelo
Zac NAugust 2, 2016
Cool place, flautas were very tasty.
Matthew KurňavaAugust 30, 2017
Queso and Guacamole great . Waitress very kind but slow customer service
Frank EscamillaNovember 23, 2015
Not authentic Mexican food. Beans are gumbo-ish, rice is dry, fajitas are flavorless. Guacamole was the highlight of this visit. Comparing to Texas Mexican food so my standards are a bit high.
Carmie RMarch 12, 2017
Been here 5+ times
Best fajitas around! Enjoy!
Kim PanianMay 18, 2010
Go to Uncle Julio's and get the Swirl frozen margarita! After finishing your meal, ask to take home extra salsa - they'll give it to you for free! Read more
Michelle FeinbergNovember 15, 2013
We ordered an appetizer and then our entrees shortly after and they came out way to fast. Wait til you're ready to eat before your order
Claudia MoonenSeptember 7, 2011
Great place for a date, the swirl margarita's are awesome, great Mexican restaurant!
StellaSeptember 2, 2013
Make sure to check you received flour tortillas :)
Betsy AlafoginisJanuary 12, 2013
I love the frozen margaritas! And fajitas.
Erica HallFebruary 2, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Chips and Salsa delicious drinks good
MichelaNovember 21, 2012
The shrimp and beef fajitas are to die for!
RebeccaJuly 7, 2012
One of the loudest restaurants in the metro DC area. Be prepared.
hadolaSeptember 17, 2012
Been here 5+ times
revamped menu has a spicy guac and decent skinny margaritas.
NikuNovember 24, 2010
The swirl margarita is a punch in the face. Get the strawberry margarita if you want something a lil less intense.
Andrea GrossmanMarch 2, 2012
Get a margarita. The margarita/sangria swirl is tasty too!
Tyler MAugust 15, 2014
The food was reheated and probably cooked that morning, at best. Can't complain about the swirl margaritas though!
Jacqui B.April 20, 2014
Amazing margs!
Stephen MJune 26, 2012
They went all Tex Mex. Not bad for the area. Go with Juanita's platter.
NakiaMay 1, 2011
Try the "Jalisco" if you like fajitas...grilled shrimp is really good!!
Svetlana PiskounovaJune 16, 2012
Fresh made tortillas are great!
Lydia K.April 26, 2013
$2 off all "on the rocks" margaritas until 6:30!
Anita BarkFebruary 3, 2012
Get the queso, then sopapillas for dessert! Yum!
Acórea SimsSeptember 7, 2010
Fantastic restaurant...and their margarita is the best! Check out the "Juarez" dish!
Stan RodiaAugust 11, 2015
Best Mexican food in Arlington...
Mary K.June 5, 2012
The shrimp ceviche is to die for!
Madison Levin-EpsteinNovember 17, 2011
Get one of the platters - best bang for your buck
Sade RauchJanuary 19, 2013
It was really good we enjoyed ourselves
Spicy Candy DC (Carlis)March 12, 2012
Their fish tacos are pretty amazing!
Erica HallApril 12, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Meltdown is yummy
Masha BuFebruary 9, 2014
Cactus is better
Nicole StahleckerDecember 2, 2015
Table side guacamole

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