Julio's Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Texas

Been in Woodlands a long time. Live close to 1488 so 7 Leguas was our go to for years . Now close to Grogans, past year and half. I seldom like big Chains, too expensive, usually not that good. Been going to place near Rayford and Budde snice moved here. It is okay, not a chain but connected to along term place in Jersey Village. Issue inconsistency!

Last week doing something on Google Maps, see Julio's pop up it is about 3-4 minutes away. Have seen it for sometime, but tucked way in corner at Budde and Rayford Shopping Center on North side Rayford and West side of BUdde. Where old Randall's used to be by the Pet Store. You have to be looking for it.

Finally took the time to read reviews = 240 4.5 Stars. Seems like my kind of place, small, more local, inexpensive, near by, and of course Good !

Went there this evening 03/07. Found nice crowd but not too busy that there was a wait. Nice, clean and lots of staff. Friendly people, pointed to a couple of table and told us whichever we wanted.

Speedy service, drinks, chips and salsas. Light fresh tortilla chips, typical green salsa and a darker red, thick, but NOT Chunky red, served warm. I don't like Chunky, it reminds me of Pace! .

Had my usual 1 beer, XX on tap in very cold mug, reasonable price. Good selection, prices not bad, a family could afford to go there! Standard Tex-Mex fare, many choices, combos, A create your own with beans and rice, plus 2 or 3 items, for me single cheese enchilada, single crispy taco, single flaute. Wife,Tampiquena, if not aware is an enchilada , single serving of fajita or other meat.

Food came quickly and overall was what I would expect ! Flauta and taco very good, cheese enchilada good but ..for me..could have been a little hotter (heat wise).

I was grew up in family that started in Dallas, owned, made Tex-Mex a thing in the 40-80s. Acknowledged with their original recipes in Smithsonian, 100 restaurants, 6 states, introduced Tex - Mex not only to Texas but World . Served Presidents at White House, Princess Grace of Monaco in ..Monaco and 1964 Worlds Fair in NYC.

Sorry now back to Julio's, mentioned above only because I have been eating Tex-Mex and home cooked Abuelita food since I could chew.

Julio's cheese enchilada's are good, no cheap greasy cheese, good chili gravy and I am pretty sure, if I had ask, they would have run them back through whatever they use to heat up some, but not that big of a deal.

Wife's Tampiquena good, meat well flavored and tender, cheese enchilada good.

See lots of reviews 240 with 4.5 stars, lots of good comments, followed by negative or two. That's Ok, as I have no idea where they are from, what their expectations of Tex-Mex ae and so on. I also noticed people complaining about service, food quality, with no mention of talking to manager. Makes no sense, telling a bus boy, waiter or cashier usually get you nowhere. Ask for a manager and get it resolved if everything else is good.

OVER ALL WE WERE PLEASED AND SHALL RETURN,...

Julio’s is an amazing place to eat with awesome people and a great, cozy atmosphere. If you want good tex-mex or even some great Mexican food in general, this is the place to be. I’ve had food in various parts of Mexico that did not taste this great. Service is lighting quick, almost like a Chick fil a or a McDonalds it’s so quick. I’ve been here numerous times with my girlfriend and my family and I am just salivating at the thought of going back. Everything is well seasoned and well worth it. They will not hold back on spices and even have a secret menu. Do not skip this place, you will be disappointed in yourself if you decide to go to a Rico’s or a Cilantros. Very well priced as well considering the quality of food they give you. It really seems like they care about their jobs and their customers. Kudos to the staff, and kudos to you if you decide to go.

Post Script: My favorite thing on the menu is either the verde enchiladas, the street tacos, or the Chimichanga with ranchero chicken. The latter being my go to. The beef gravy they put on the chimichanga is absolutely delicious and the chicken on the inside is always incredibly moist and full of flavor. This is also one of the only Tex mex/Mexican places where I actually eat all the rice and beans as well. These people deserve to have lines out the door for their food. Guacamole is also just delicious as well I could write a dang novel on how good this stuff is. 10/10 service and food for sure.

Edit: Thanks for the response from the owner! I was close to moving away from the sawdust area.. and this restaurant would be greatly missed, happy to say I am staying, and would even travel a considerable distance to come back to this place! You will see...

I ordered the carne guisada and it was EXCELLENT! It came with perfectly cooked tomatoes, bell peppers and carrots. I have been telling everyone I can to come here for the BEST MEXICAN FOOD in the area! I come here 4 times a week at least. Funny how the ppl who left the bad reviews about the carne guisada were all sitting at the same table, ATE ALL THEIR FOOD, then cried when their lame complaints didn't get them A FREE MEAL. I wonder how many restaurants they try to pull that at. The carne guisada and EVERYTHING ON THE MENU IS EXCELLENT. Why do you think the restaurant is packed night after night? Cuz good ppl know good food. Cheapskates try to disparage places for freebies. This restaurant holds more events for the community than any other I have ever known. The manager is so sweet and accommodating to everyone. Do not listen to bad reviews from ppl who complained cuz they only got 50% off instead of the FREE MEAL they were after. If the food was as bad as you claimed WHY DID YOU EAT THE WHOLE DAMN PLATE? What scum. This is quickly becoming Spring's MOST POPULAR RESTAURANT for many reasons: delicious food, excellent service, great game nights, fun community events and GREAT music! It is packed all the time...