Julio's Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Texas

My New Go-To for Authentic Mexican Food

I finally made it to Julio's Mexican Grill on FM 1488 after hearing so many friends rave about it, and I can honestly say it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with the most incredible aroma of sizzling fajitas and warm, friendly smiles.

We started with the Chile Con Queso, and it was a game-changer. It’s clearly homemade, perfectly creamy with just a little kick, and nothing like the processed stuff you get elsewhere. For my main course, I took a chance on the "Alambre de Arrachera" platter—skirt steak grilled with bacon, bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese. Let me tell you, it was absolutely phenomenal. The steak was tender and flavorful, and the combination with the smoky bacon was a stroke of genius. Every bite was a delight.

My dining companion ordered the classic Chicken Fajitas, and the portion was incredibly generous. The chicken was marinated and grilled to perfection, arriving at our table still audibly sizzling. The homemade flour tortillas were soft, warm, and the perfect vessel for building our own perfect fajita bites. We also appreciated that the standard accompaniments—refried beans, Mexican rice, guacamole, and sour cream—were all fresh and tasted homemade.

What truly sets Julio's apart, besides the outstanding food, is the atmosphere. It’s a family-owned spot that feels genuinely welcoming and unpretentious. The staff is attentive and seems to take real pride in what they serve. The restaurant is clean, brightly decorated, and has a comfortable, lively energy that makes it perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal with friends.

I left completely stuffed, happily carrying a to-go box, and already planning my next visit. If you're in Magnolia and craving authentic, delicious Mexican food made with care, you simply must try Julio's. It’s a local treasure that I'm thrilled to...

I didnt like my margarita. I wasn't expecting amazing margaritas but I was still disappointed. I couldnt drink it. I ordered my favorite, the stuffed avacado with chicken and my sister the beef. Once our food arrived when we cut into it, it was not hot at all. At BEST it was slightly warm.... But Not even really that.

The only good thing I can say was that our waitress was very kind. She took back my margarita and both mine and my sister's avacadoes and took all 3 items off our ticket.

HOWEVER another member of stuff brought the avacadoes back with a thermometer sticking out of the open avacodo claiming they were perfectly warm. I suspect they microwaved it before returning with them to the table to kindly call is liars. The food was NOT perfectly warm when it was originally brought to us. I am not a hard person to please and I very rarely return food because as a person that works the food I industry I understand how irritating THOSE people can be. But when a mistake is made, I do not become confrontational with the customer. I apologize, ask if there is anything I can do to fix the problem.

I took ONE bite of my food. All I wanted was to have it taken off my ticket. It was quite simple to just admit a mistake and move on. I will not be eating here again based solely on how I was treated by that member of staff after THEY made a mistake. I can forgive a bad margarita. They are hit or miss at any establishment. I can forgive cold food, mistakes are made. I will not forgive my sister and I being called liars. If that is how they treat customers I would not suggest anyone else...

The food was so gross. I trusted the reviews of this place and was greatly disappointed. If you know true Mexican food, trust me. DO NOT DO IT. It even puts Tex mex to shame. I realize those that think this food is amazing haven’t experienced what true authentic Mexican tastes like.

The chips and salsa: the sauces tasted store bought. Not authentic at all. Like La Costeña or Herdez brand. And not even a little bit of spice.

Refried beans tasted off. Rice tasted like they added a bunch of knorr chicken bouillon. Tasted like chicken ramen noodle flavor. Charro beans tasted like they came from a can. The chicken/beef fajitas tasted like they came from the frozen food isle at the supermarket. Processed meat. My son’s corn dog was burned at the top. My other son didn’t complain about his ground beef taco. I won’t lie. Husband said his ranchero enchiladas tasted ok. Tortillas did taste great. Like they were handmade. The Fanta tasted like just carbonated water.

The service was good and the ambience was good. The food sucked. Also, receipt only gave 20, 22, 25% for suggested gratuity. Typical tipping even at restaurants with bad service is 15-20%. Suggesting more is in bad taste. Not...