Uncle Julio's Hacienda

09/30/09

Amazing

by iamjacksshrink at Citysearch

I don't see why people are complaining about the authenticity. If you take the five seconds to click on the link to their website it clearly states "Border-style Mexican Food" aka Tex-mex. This business casual restaurant is great starting with the unique grilled salsa all the way to the freshly made desserts! Everything tastes very fresh and the few times I've had a problem it was handled right away without a problem. Obviously this place wouldn't be so packed after being open for 17 years if it was so horrible.

• Pros: Best carne asada and grilled shrimp period!
• Cons: Can get loud

09/17/09

Authentic Mexican???

by lolo711 at Citysearch

Food not Authentic Mexican as advertised, Pepe's would have been a better choice. Taco's dinner price is outrageous @ $16.00-$17.00 without tax for only two (2) Taco's and if you like Sour Cream it will cost you an extra $2.00. The Sauce for the Enchiladas had a Funky taste which left an extremely bad after taste.

Chips were light and crispy but Salsa had been processed to a liquid form. No wonder it was free!

I do not understand how this establishment received high reviews. I would not recommend Uncle Julio's to anyone!

• Pros: Chips light and crispy
• Cons: Very costely $$$, food not as advertised and service poor

12/18/08

Tasty Margaritas in a Festive Environment

by Angeline Vuong at Citysearch

Big portions, ample seating, and special plates that involve creative uses of frog legs, help make this Lincoln Park restaurant a big draw amidst the other shops and restaurants on this strip of North Avenue. The food is moderately priced and more along the lines of Tex-Mex versus authentic Mexican cuisine, but the strawberry margarita is packed with lots of flavor and fresh fruit. Parking can be difficult, so opt for the valet lot, which is free before 4pm.

07/15/08

Great food!!!!

by NikkiB007 at Citysearch

When I first arrived, I didn't know what to expect. The place was packed. We had the valet to park our car and entered. This was a Friday night and the house was full. The chips and salsa were the bomb!!!!! We had the Margarita Swirl, and I must say this is the first frozen Margarita where I could actually tell there was Tequilla in it. The food was very very good. I tried the Juanita's platter, others at my table tried the carne asada, frog legs, and the ribs & fajita's. Everybody truely enjoyed their meals. They give you sooo much food for the money, we ended taking doggy bags home. I can't wait to go back and would recommend Uncle Julio's to all.

PS. Our waitress was awesome as well!!

• Pros: parking
• Cons: to far from my house

01/02/08

Fast great food (but def. not fast food)

by rk675 at Citysearch

I've gone there a few times a month for the last 3 years. Sure it's not the most authentic place, but it's clean, the food is GREAT, and it's served surprisingly fast even when it's busy (which is all the time). Try the tamales, pochogo do pollo, and the crispy tacos. For the drink, skip the swirl and go for the Uncle Julio's Gold Margarita.

02/12/07

Enchiladas & Swirl!!

by newtolp at Citysearch

I don't know what everyone is complaining about! I love this place and actually order extra chicken enchiladas to bring home with me for later. The service isn't about kissing your butt; however, they are extremely attentive. The always refil my drinks promply, make sure I have enough sauce and refill the free chips as well. Ask for some chips and salsa to take home for free. And order the Swirl for a drinK!! Yum!

• Pros: Enchilada Sour Cream Sauce
• Cons: Not a great first date spot

12/18/06

Brutal!

by phish50 at Citysearch

This place is terrible. The food is awful. The service stinks. I wouldnt send my worst enemy to eat here. Youd have a better time at Taco Bell and at least it would taste better.

• Pros: the drive home
• Cons: the wait for terrible food

10/26/06

Really?

by onceiwasafish at Citysearch

Beef- Unseasoned hamburger

Beans- These were in no way Mexican, These would be better served with cornbread

Service- Hello? Is anybody here? Hello?

Prices- Holy c**p!

• Pros: None
• Cons: Uncle Julio's Hacienda

12/04/05

Only for the swirl...

by peachvixen at Citysearch

Quite honestly, the service is not great, the food is average, and there is rarely ever any parking. But the only reason why I keep coming back is for the wonderful nacos and a couple of swirls. This is a very creative and tasty drink. It is worth every penny. One sip and you are in love!

• Pros: drinks
• Cons: service, parking

08/19/05

User review by brookntwink

by brookntwink at Citysearch

I have been going to Uncle J's for over 8 years now. I have to say that the food was a little better back in the day. Even still I really like this place. It is not authentic mexican food it is more mexican american food. Their carne asada is greta as well as their beans. The chips and tortillas are always fresh and the drinks are wonderful. I like the swirl it is a must if you visit the restaurant. The wait can be long but just hit the bar.

• Pros: good food, nice crowd, good service
• Cons: wait can be long to b