Julio's Barrio Mexican Restaurant

3.0 star rating
46 reviews Rating Details

Category: Mexican  [Edit]

10450 82 Avenue Northwest
Edmonton, AB T6E 2A2
(780) 431-0774
Hours:

Mon-Wed, Sun 11:30 am - 10 pm

Thu 11:30 am - 12 am

Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 1 am

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take Away:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good For:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Very Loud
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "...of my favorite restaurants on Whyte Ave, as the food never..." In 10 reviews
  • user photo
    "...Flautas, Barrio Burritos and Stuffed Jalapenos are some of..." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "The nachos are enough to feed you for life." In 11 reviews
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46 reviews in English

  • Review from Emily S.

    • 2 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    3.0 star rating
    4/24/2012

    Firstly I have to say that the waiting times for this restaurant are ridiculous, and when we tried to call ahead for a reservation we we're told they were fully booked ALL WEEKEND, despite us passing by and seeing that it wasn't "fully booked"!
    I also have to complain that there is no where to sit while you wait!

    The seats aren't comfortable - we we're sat on the high stools and there is literally nowhere to put your legs! The washrooms aren't great either, very small with only 2 stalls and they felt very dingy!

    The food was good but not great - you can get this quality food anywhere, HOWEVER I loved the virgin margerittas and the huge bowl of nachos. We also had really good service.

    I would go back, but only because they have closed the Chilis on Whyte ave.

  • Review from Matthew W.

    • 3 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    3/23/2012

    As far as mexican restaurants in Canada go, this one was pretty decent. I am fairly familiar with authentic mexican food after living in the soutwest U.S for several years and becoming friends with many mexicans. The salsas were really good, i particularly enjoyed the salsa verde. I had the enchaladas, and the chicken were fine. the beef ones however were ground beef?? They should be shredded beef of course...the crema sauce was decent, but not as good as my own lol...
    The staff was very attentive and friendly :)
    wish i could find a mexi place that served tamales and chili relenos...

  • Review from Jason O.

    • 3 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I take it all back. I guess it's been a while since my last visit... like 5 years. I was never overly impressed. Never in a hurry to go back. My girlfriend had never been, so we decided to give it a shot.

    Chicken fajitas and a chicken quesadilla were ordered. Both extremely good. Maybe not the most authentic, but truly delicious Mexican dishes. Missing is the fresh salsa, and warm tortilla chips made while you wait like you'd get in Mexico but it saves you airfare, so I'd head on down. I wasn't expecting the world but they certainly delivered. It was like a little mexican orgasm in my mouth. We'll be heading back.

    Gracias.

  • Review from Melissa H.

    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Springfield, MO

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    5/15/2012

    Unexpectedly pleasant surprise in Edmonton! We had been told there was no good Mexican food in Alberta...and we found this spot on Yelp! Man are we glad. The place was packed wall to wall with a hip crowd, the front patio was buzzing in the warm air, the decor was fun- and my 4 grande crunchy beef tacos were fresh and out of this world! I travel to Mexico a lot...and I was so impressed with the authenticity of this place. The chips are warm, and the salsa is tasty. You won't regret a visit to Julio's!

  • Review from Brooke M.

    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    3/31/2012

    The food is good, the atmosphere is fun and laid back. Everything you would want as an older 20-something reliving their college days with some good mexican food and yummy flavored margaritas. Will go back.

  • Review from Laurel P.

    Edmonton, AB

    2.0 star rating
    10/31/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    I don't mean to incite a battle of Alberta here but now that I've been to both locations of Julio's Barrio, the one in Calgary comes out ahead (and it's no gem itself).

    The menu at either location is nothing special. It's about as authentically Mexican as eating at a resort buffet in the Mayan Riviera. The food isn't any better. I ordered the stuffed jalapenos and got some freshly-unfrozen jalapeno poppers with a side of salsa; definitely not worth $10.

    The signature bulldog drinks are what tip my review in favour of the Calgary location. Every time I've been there for drinks the bulldog margaritas are always well blended and tasty. However the bulldog I had tonight was subpar at best. It didn't have nearly enough ice and it tasted watered down which made me think it must have been sitting on the bar for a while before it made its way to me.  As most of the reviews indicate, the drinks are the "best" part of this location so I was definitely disappointed.

    There's still a good chance that I'll be back to this location; not by choice of course. This is one of those restaurants that people seem to get excited about when planning group outings.

    "Oh em gee! Those drinks with the upside-down beers!!!!"

  • Review from Bee R.

    • 0 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    2/28/2012

    not killer food and certainly not authentic but damn tasty and always a fun time.  I've been to the Whyte location probably 40 times and it's always been a great night.  During the day in the summer it's a great place to people watch and awesome to bring a date.

    Great times.  Just thinking about it - makes me want to go this weekend and rip it up a bit.

  • Review from Masha P.

    • 1 friend
    • 9 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    5.0 star rating
    2/23/2012

    I absolutely LOVE this place during summer!!! Have never had more fun than here! They make a special drink out of every regular drink and their food!!!... Ooooh so good!  The atmosphere is so fun, laid-back, so cool! It is one of my Edmonton's fav spots!

  • Review from sarah l.

    • 24 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    8/24/2011

    I also agree with the others....Not authentic Mexican food by any means. BUT It IS GOOD. and the drinks are awesome. The nachos are enough to feed you for life! LOL! I like it...I dont mind the noise when it gets busy and the music get louder. Its more like being at a block party than anything...It's fun...
    It's also on Whyte Ave which is nice. VERY popular part of our city. Full of all kinds of  unique stores and finds.

  • Review from N D.

    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    2.0 star rating
    3/15/2012

    If you're looking for a loud bar with OK food, this is the place to go.  While the drinks, esp. the margaritas with the beer tipped in them are fun and have some touristy charm, the food is worth passing on.  While other reviewers have stated that the food here is Tex-Mex, it's really not even that.  It's inauthentic Tex-Mex that's passable and that becomes more palatable with each drink that one consumes.

  • Review from Gina I.

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here

    One word: Bulldogs. Another: Margarita. And another: Sangria.

    Julio's is not authentic mexican, obviously. It's good for appetizers like flautas, nachos and such, but I don't think their big meals would have satisfied me. The atmosphere is very laidback and sometimes partyish.

    The music is too loud though (OH MY GOSH I AM OLD!)..

    Drinks: GOOD.

  • Review from Brittany K.

    Edmonton, AB

    3.0 star rating
    6/24/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I had always had a positive idea of Julio's in my head, maybe because I was never big on Mexican food growing up, so I didn't blame Julio's for having an unappetizing menu.

    But my palettes have expanded, and I like Mexican food, love spicy food, and I still can't find anything remotely appetizing on the menu. Maybe it's just the nature of Mexican food, but it seems like there's sour cream and cheese on every item on the menu here. I just can't seem to find a way to eat healthy here.

    Julio's is not all bad. They have the best Bulldogs in town, and my waitress last week was actually pretty awesome.

    It's an easy spot to go out with friends for summertime drinks if you're all fans of nachos.

  • Review from Katie R.

    • 7 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Fairbanks, AK

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    11/10/2011

    Great vegetarian options, even moreso than usual at Mexican resturants.

  • Review from Mike W.

    Edmonton, AB

    3.0 star rating
    3/5/2011

    I found Julio Barrio very average for the food. OK but nothing really special.

       What I do like is the open atmosphere when the front windows are open. If you can get one of these seats near the front of the restaurant it is great for having some Mexican pub grub and to sample the bar. You get the entertainment of viewing the Whyte Ave action from here while enjoying the bar.

       Cheers to the bar!!!!! They have the regular beers in buckets and normal drinks but they also have many mighty fine types of Tequila you can order and sample. They have numerous different qualities and grades of Tequila from cheaper brands to high end brands. I do not know of anywhere else that you can try different Tequila like this. Amazingly there is a big difference in the brands and quality. The high end brands are so smooth.

    So order a plate of Nachos, a couple Cervezas (beer), few shots of excellent  Tequila and enjoy your time at Julio Barrio!

    Whewwwwwwwwwwww and YES you can get the TEQUILA HIGH,,haha

  • Review from Tasha A.

    Atlanta, GA

    USA
    3.0 star rating
    6/26/2011

    I agree with pretty much everyone else here that Julio's is good, but not extraordinary.  

    The weather was garbage yesterday when we went so the outside patio wasn't open.  I ordered a watermelon margarita - fantastic I must say.  I was a little surprised when it came out only because it was like white in color & not red, BUT it was awesome.  I like the chips & salsa along with the chip salsa bowl.  What didn't really impress me was the chicken fajitas that I ordered. They were good, but I was expecting like small chunks of cut up chicken, instead I got pretty big strips of chicken.  Thankfully I read the menu and asked them to ax the bacon.  I have never in my life heard of bacon in fajitas.  What made our experience decent though was our waitress.  She was super friendly, she gave pretty good recommendations on drinks which helped a lot.

  • Review from Amy W.

    • 9 friends
    • 42 reviews

    Medicine Hat, AB

    2.0 star rating
    3/18/2011

    Julio's is more of a novelty than an actual restaurant. The only real plus about this place is the patio and the Bulldogs (if you want to spend a huge portion of your drinking money on one drink, mind you..). I use to take people here from out of town before I actually moved near Whyte Ave and realized this wasn't the only patio place to go (how naive of me!). The last time I went there someone had there Great Dane tied up while him and his date drank at the table near it. The poor dog sat there staring and whining at him while the rest of us didn't know whether to have pity on the dog (or ourselves) for winding up here.

    Julio's is a kockoff for sure so if you're tempted to sit on the patio, just order a drink and move on. The food is NOT worth it.

  • Review from Jamie F.

    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    7/21/2011

    This is one of the best Mexican restaurants in town, and it's located right on Whyte Avenue in the heart of the action.

    This venue also has a popular lounge and great margaritas. The food is pretty good, but most people go to see and be seen on Whyte Avenue.

    Personally, the Fried ice Cream is the best I've ever had.

  • Review from Aditya R.

    Edmonton, AB

    2.0 star rating
    9/26/2010

    I've never understood why there's always a big crowd around Julio Barrio.  I wish some of them would get into Yanni's, instead of waiting to be seated!  

    It's quite a rubbish joint.  Ordinary food, ordinary service, semi-O.K. margaritas at best, but definitely a substandard overall experience.  The only reason I give it a 2* is because I've eaten worse Mexican food! :-D (check out my review of Sophie's Mexican Kitchen in Grand Canyon NP).

    I give them credit, in that they explicitly call themselves a bar, since their main clientele would probably be bar hopping folks wanting to get some margaritas and chips before moving on.  Can't imagine anyone going to this place for the food, although for some reason, almost every time I walk by this place, I see some sad, disgruntled couple on a date out there!

    If I were to give this place a makeover, I'd go with the bar idea with some unusual margaritas on the menu and some small plates (tapas) to keep company.

  • Review from Emma W.

    • 5 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    3.0 star rating
    11/19/2010

    As the winter chill has set in I set out to fight it with a trip to my local Mexican Cantena (well Tex Mex)... Julios Barrio!

    I hadn't been since the heat of the summer so I thought it would rekindle thoughts of those wonderful sunny days. Its funny how after 3 months you forget about how poor service is or how poor and simple their food quality is. They do however have wonderful drinks and probably most wonderful of all the "Bulldog" a frozen margarita in various types of flavours with various types of beer submerged into the glass.  Possibly the best cure to any bad day!

    I usually go for the most non Mexican thing on the menu so keeping with tradition I opted for the Taco Salad. What always makes me laugh is that Julio recommends this salad as opposed to his name sake salad the "Julios Salad".

    Following my 15 minute wait for my Bulldog this salad arrives cascading out of a tortilla shell covered in sour cream, salsa and balsamic dressing. I know its not authentic at all but it beats the $23 Fajita.

    After another 30 minute wait the server finally wanders over to find out how the food was and if our table would like another beverage on a very quite night.  We all know I have a rubber arm so I decided to opt for a simple Strawberry Margarita which promptly arrived in less then 10 minutes. I consider this a feat unto itself. My bill for the 2 drinks and the $17 salad was not a cheap night out which also left a bad taste in my mouth as to what I could have spent the money on but none the less I had an enjoyable night out with friends.

    If you want authenticity perhaps I'd recommend not opting for this "Barrio" but if you must do it in the summer. Grab a seat on their 'patio' and pay $50 minimum to people watch.

  • Review from Adam D.

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    7/6/2011

    BULLDOAGS all the way, you have a few and feel fine but when you stand up...bam back on you ass. Great nachos great atmosphere, my prestop to going out on a Whyte ave party evening.

  • Review from Brennan W.

    Edmonton, AB

    3.0 star rating
    9/4/2011

    I really like Mexican food, but this is the only place that gives me heartburn. So this is a toss up. Great food, but for my escouphogous pays for it lateresophagus

  • Review from Tim R.

    • 6 friends
    • 243 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    2.0 star rating
    1/12/2010

    I used to like meeting with friends at Julio's Barrio; they had big portions and low prices. Unfortunately as they became more popular, everything changed. Their portions have significantly grown smaller yet their prices have been raised.

    Their food quality has also been decreasing. I was recently there and had their nachos tasted like something I could get at Hudsons. I did not like the service there either; the waiter was barely there and felt like he was ignoring us. I have had authentic mexican food, and trust me, this stuff is FAR from it.

    It's also annoying how you easily loose cellphone reception in here as well...it makes it harder to coordinate with friends you're suppose to meet with.

    I enjoy coming here for drinks though, especially during the summer time. They have no front doors or walls, so everything is opened up to Whyte Ave, which provides a different dining experience in Edmonton, and you can sometimes catch a nice breeze.

  • Review from Lauren N.

    Edmonton, AB

    5.0 star rating
    10/16/2008 1 photo

    Julio's Barrio is one of my favorite restaurants on Whyte Ave, as the food never disappoints. I love the constant lively atmosphere of this place; you can't come here for a quiet meal, that's for sure! I came here once with a friend, and we had to scream our conversation because the music and crowd was so loud. But I didn't mind, I still love this place.

    I've had the enchiladas and the Barrio burritos, and both were delicious. Loaded with salsa, sour cream and cheese, just the way I like it. The tortillas are stuffed to the point of bursting, and they're so fresh and chewy. Julio's also makes a kick-ass blue curacao! It's the drink I'm going to order next time too. I find very few restaurants can get the food and drinks right, so when I discover one that does, it's like hitting the jackpot.

    The service is always great. Sometimes it's a bit of a wait because they can get pretty busy, especially in the summer, but it's not too bad. If you get there during peak dinner hours around 7pm-ish, there might be a bit of a line. I had to wait awhile once, and there were so many people that I had to stand near the entrance of the Met, the hotel next door. But the hostess still came around the back of the line to find me, which I thought was awesome. Other places would usually just call your name maybe twice and then move onto the next person. Five stars for Julio's Barrio!

  • Review from Garnett S.

    • 10 friends
    • 44 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    2.0 star rating
    10/2/2010

    Now I know what it feels like to pay $17 for an Old El Paso burrito.

    First of all, as almost every previous reviewer has noted, this is not a Mexican restaurant.  Easy way to tell: no Mexicans work or eat here.   This is tex-mex food.  And only barely passable at that.

    This restaurant also suffers from Earls Syndrome, a condition where they can only hire attractive younger women as hostesses and waitresses.   I think it's about time we collectively quit allowing restaurants to use attractive women to mask mediocre food.

    Beer in a margarita?  Now I've seen everything!  Why not put a crocodile head, stop sign, and traffic light on the wall to decorate the place.

  • Review from Kevin D.

    • 52 friends
    • 112 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    3.0 star rating
    4/5/2010 1 photo

    A BEER IN MY MARGARITA? DON'T MIND IF I DO!

    Julio's Barrio is home of the "Bulldog"; a frozen Margarita with a beer submerged in the glass (see my local photo). It's actually quite refreshing as the beer cuts the sweetness from the sugar-slush mixture of the frozen Margarita. If that doesn't suit your fancy, fork over the extra 2 bucks to get the real Margarita on the rocks. They have a homemade bar mix in this one that is much more authentic and potent.

    As for food, one order the nachos could feed the entire Brady Bunch and still have enough left over for Alice to enjoy as well before she polishes the tureen.

    I can't wait to try this place when the front windows are opened fully to allow proper Whyte Avenue flair. Ole!

    PS- Monday is Margarita Mondoy, offering $1 all Margaritas..

  • Review from Liv V.

    • 56 friends
    • 137 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    1.0 star rating
    3/31/2011

    My raison d'etre is not to be critical for the sake of being critical, but rather to give constructive feedback. Try as I might, I could find very little to say about Julio's that was positive. The atmosphere is obnoxious, the music is too loud...and the food? Don't go there. You're better off at Taco Bell. It would be an insult to call this Mexican food. I have not gone there by my own free will but only because of invitations and honestly, have always left with severe gastric distress. 'nuff said.

  • Review from Jeanette B.

    • 25 friends
    • 361 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    3.0 star rating
    10/9/2008

    I had only been told, from numerous people, positive things about Julio's Barrio. And since I am a lover of Mexican food (well, Taco Time, and that's probably not real Mexican), I was really excited to check this place out.

    When I visited Julio's, I wasn't crazy about the atmosphere. It was a very loud and happening place, but I prefer something a little more quiet. First I had a virgin strawberry margarita, and that was so good. Then I ordered the Barrio Burrito. The waiter asked me if I wanted chicken or beef. I assumed that this came with the meal, since he didn't say, "Would you like to ADD chicken or beef?" Later I found out it did not come with the meal, and I was charged extra. I was pretty annoyed by that.

    Then it turned out that I hated the beef. I thought it would be ground beef, but it was shredded beef, and there was so much of it. I'm not big on meat in the first place, so it was just kind of gross to me.

    My experience wasn't the best, but I am willing to try it again. I really want to like this place!

  • Review from Maria F.

    Edmonton, AB

    5.0 star rating
    10/20/2009

    The best place to come to with a large group of friends! Julio's Barrio is so festive, and the food is fantastic! Who doesn't like tacos, nachos and enchiladas?And who doesn't like having a cold Corona or two on a hot summer day in a good company of friends?
    The menu is mouth watering. Sopa de Tortilla, Flautas, Barrio Burritos and Stuffed Jalapenos are some of my favourites. Make sure to try Nuclear Salsa to see if you can handle it. Fiesta Sampler is also a good choice when you are unsure what to order and want to taste a bit of everything. I find that one Fiesta Sampler is good for two people, and bigger compay may require two or more orders.
    The food is hearty, always makes me feel extremely full, and thus Julio's Barrio is a guilty pleasure for me.

  • Review from Betty D.

    • 1 friend
    • 18 reviews

    Spruce Grove, AB

    1.0 star rating
    11/26/2010

    I honestly dont know why or how this place is so popular. The food is absolutly horrible!! And not very authentic. I thought I was going to have hard attack from the amount of grease and cheese.
    The patio is a disgrace and justs creates way too much traffic on an already busy side walk.
    Why people think its hip to be at a bad, prentious restuarant is beyond me

  • Review from Jack G.

    • 21 friends
    • 836 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    11/26/2009

    If you go to Julio's on a HOT summer day and eat inside you will feel like you are in Mexico and that's why I am a fan.

    Forget about the food, which is not bad at all, but they have the furniture, the set up and the bar just right. The best is that they don't have a door. The entire front wall stays open in the summer time giving it an authentic Mexico feeling.  

    I urge everyone to check it out in the summer time, it is a pretty great feeling.

  • Review from Francesca K.

    • 9 friends
    • 416 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    1/22/2010

    I think this Mexican hangout is a great place for dinner with friends. It is definitely a funky-place and I wouldn't go here for a one or one or anything formal. The place is bumping with music and the atmosphere is one of fun and relaxation. The prices are okay for the portion sizes I think. A lot of the food is great for sharing. My favorite is the nachos with beef.

    Margaritas here are also awesome. There is a margarita size labeled "fish bowl" if that gives you the idea of how substantial it is.

    The summer is the best time to go to Julio's. The patio is great because everything is open and spacious. The patio is pretty much a strip of whyte ave, so the opportunity to people watch is endless.

    Put on a sombrero and join the party at Julio's Barrio!

  • Review from Nicole B.

    • 24 friends
    • 733 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    2.0 star rating
    10/17/2009

    I love Mexican food but Julio's just didn't do it for me.
    I am always disappointed when I go to Julio's Barrio.  I love Mexican food so much that I've been back about 3 times, hoping that they've changed something but, alas, I always leave dissatisfied.  I don't know what it is exactly, but the food just doesn't make the grade.  It's not that good.
    The atmosphere is fun and the music is great (I always do a little dance when I walk by Julio's on my way down Whyte). Julio's patio is a great place to have a drink with friends in the summer but other than that, I wouldn't recommend it.

  • Review from Matt B.

    Stony Plain, AB

    5.0 star rating
    7/18/2011

    Im surprised not everyone has voted this 5 stars. Its one of my favorite restaurants in Edmonton. Not only are the bulldogs awesome, the food and atmosphere is great. If you're between 18-40 years old, you'll love this place. Or if you like Mexico, you'll like this place (obviously you dont get the Mexican servers though...)

  • Review from Natalie M.

    Edmonton, AB

    3.0 star rating
    12/21/2009

    If you like Mexican food then you'll love Julio's Barrio.  It's a great place to gather around with friends over some good spice food and some yummy drinks.  During the days when Edmonton actually experiences warm weather you can sit outside, or because the doors and windows are open you can enjoy the warm spring/summer air inside as well.  If you want to eat something try the Taco Salad to start, the Nachos are good for sharing (we eat them all up pretty quick), if you like spice in your life try the Stuffed Jalapenos or the Spicy Breaded Shrimp.  The Quesadillas are always good; they have a veggi lovers version also!  If you can save room for dessert then try the Mexican Caramel Cheesecake or the Comida de Mono; which contains a hot banana rolled in pastry, cinnamon and sugar and then dipped in chocolate (this is so fantastic!).  

    Prices are moderate and the service is pretty good.  No complaints about either one.  I do have a problem with some of the seating!  I'm pretty short and it can be a bit of a struggle to get in their high raised chairs!  LOL, I know, so sad!  Also it would be nice if their tables where larger so that all the food we order can fit on them!

  • Review from Jason L.

    • 42 friends
    • 154 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    2.0 star rating
    6/2/2010

    This is a bar and not a Mexican restaurant.  Nothing on the menu is prepared in an authentic or even truly edible manner.  If Mexicans ate food like this, they'd all be 300 lbs and die of heart attacks by 30.  

    You can always tell when Mexican food is authentic or not: it's usually not greasy and not salty or covered in an inch of cheese.  It's usually lighter and distinctly spicy, hot (chili) and flavourful.  It's not a heart attack waiting to happen.

    Not a bad place to have a few Margaritas with friends in the Summer.  Stay away from the food.  It's terrible, not very good for you and simply dishonest in claiming to be Mexican. (Fajitas, quesidillas are Tex Mex, not Mexican.)

  • Review from Scott D.

    Phoenix, AZ

    USA
    2.0 star rating
    12/15/2009

    As a native of Edmonton that has spent the past 17 years living in Arizona, it's fair to say I've had my share of good and bad Mexican food. It is my conclusion that the farther north you go, the worse the food is that can be passed off as Mexican. I spent part of a sunny afternoon last summer sitting on the patio at Julio's drinking a few beers. Unfortunately I couldn't drink enough beer to help pass this off as Mexican food. Should I ever have the balls to move back to the cold, I will most certainly make an attempt at bringing real Mexican cuisine to those deserving folks in Edmonton.

    BOTTOM LINE: Go to Taco Bell, and get some cheese fries, it'l be more authentic (Yes, they have fries at Taco Bell in Edmonton!)

  • Review from Amanda C.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Fort McMurray, AB

    3.0 star rating
    3/5/2011

    This is a nice place to go with a few friends for some drinks and a decent meal.  No, it isn't gourmet fare.   Or even real 'Mexican'.   But the food is edible, and the drinks are fantastic.

    The thing that sets this place apart for me in the service.   We were just there Thursday night, and the waitress was helpful, friendly, and made sure all our needs were met.

  • Review from Brian S.

    • 40 friends
    • 98 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    3.0 star rating
    3/31/2011

    I'd agree with many of the reviewers here that Julio's Bario was pretty average food. I ended up with the taco salad for lunch, and it was decent, but not fantastic. The ingredients were fresh, but it just all tasted a bit bland. And I did order some extra guacamole, but I swear that guac had never seen an avacado in it's life.  I would definitely compliment them on the service. Our waiter was attentive and fast, although it wasn't that busy. (Lunch on a Wed)

  • Review from Gwynnie B.

    • 3 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    2.0 star rating
    1/12/2010

    I used to love Julio's - sharing a plate of Mucho Macho Nachos after work with friends over a couple of margueritas...

    But I have to say that over time prices went up, serving sizes got smaller and quality went down - to the point it didn't feel like we were getting decent value for the money.  

    Don't get me wrong - it's still nice and a good place to people watch on a nice day. But it's gone from pretty great to nothing special for me.

    You gotta love the loaner sombreros though!

  • Review from Angela N.

    • 8 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    2.0 star rating
    4/6/2010

    I spent a lot of time at Julio's when I was a student a the U of A more than 6 years ago and used to love going back to re-live old times. I went back tonight after about 3 years away and was sorely disappointed. The service was fine but the food was really not very good. The menu has changed from the original and when I got the food it was over-cooked and dry. I felt especially bad since I had told my husband how wonderful it was as we were walking over. Never mind that they slapped an 18% gratuity on the bill because we were 8 people. I don't mind the automatic gratuity for a group but don't assume the food and service are worthy of 18%. It really wasn't.
    I don't think I'll be reliving Julio's memories any time soon.

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