Don Julio

Service ok. Food not so good. Seemed like the cook was having a bad day or just didn’t care what he or she was serving. My favorite type of food but We won’t be going here again

The food was delicious and the atmosphere was very nice. We have been to several Mexican restaurants in the area and I would have to say this is one of the best. Service was also excellent.

First visit when they opened, excellent service and food. Second visit the service was poor and food okay. I will try again, hoping it will return to the first impression.

This review is from my family’s first visit to this restaurant. Service was prompt, the wate staff was friendly and ensured we had full drinks and chips. Food was tasty. The chips and salsa was reminiscent of what was served by the now closed Tortilla Factory in Herndon VA.

Surprised to read the few bad reviews especially about the raw chicken with posted picture. Yeah, that’s pretty bad although I don’t understand how the breading can be so brown but chicken so raw. How is that even possible?
Anyway, this is our 2^nd time eating here. First time was decent especially for just having opened. This visit was outstanding. I am pretty simple and one for routine and usually get the same thing at every Mexican restaurant; combo of two consisting of an enchilada, chili relleno (both stuffed with ground beef), rice, and beans. The enchilada is good (I think one would have to work hard to make it bad) but I absolutely destroy the chili relleno. Next time I’ll probably get two. Wife got a steak and cheese burrito which she enjoyed while my daughter got her usual taco salad. Wife said the taco salad is the best she’s ever tried. It was decently busy this time compared to the first so that is a good sign.
I am a huge fan of La Rancherita at Crabtree mall and have no issues making the drive from Wake Forest. That’s how much I enjoy La Rancherita as no other place in between compared including La Rancherita’s 2^nd location on Six Forks rd. Don Julio and La Rancherita share a lot of similarities especially in the salsa. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s the same owner. I’m just glad I have a new favorite so close by. Hopefully the staff will get the kinks worked out in time to retain the existing customers and gain new ones by word of mouth. I am actually disappointed in the number of negative reviews just because I enjoy this place so much and look forward to continuing dining at Don Julio’s. I am a tough customer and have no issues writing critical reviews as well.

RAW CHICKEN!
I’ve lived in Wake Forest for 15 years, and love all of our Mexican restaurants… except this one. I don’t write reviews, but I’m livid from my experience tonight.
Today, my dad and I brought my 4 year old son to «Don Julio» and decided the give them a shot for the first time. I ordered chicken tenders and fries for my little one and my father and I did the «create your own combo».
First of all, I noticed that it took a while for our food to come out; it took about 20 minutes. Honestly, I’m okay with that because fresh food takes time, right? It’s just not typical of this style restaurant. Plus, I think they’re newer, so that’s to be expected.
When the food came out, it looked fine, until I checked my sons chicken (usually needs to cool down anywhere else). Much to my surprise it was completely RAW. That’s right folks, edge to edge raw. I’m not talking about cutting it in the middle and seeing a raw center, or a little pink; I’m saying the entire tender was «very fresh». The only cooked part was the breading on the outside.
I’ll be honest, I got up with the plate and found the manager and asked if they were kidding. I’m sure they would have taken care of us if I didn’t get up and leave after that. But I was mad. What if my four year old bit into that? Raw chicken is no joke and can be particularly dangerous.
Maybe it was a fluke, a ‘one off’, so to speak. Or perhaps not. There has to be some serious deficiencies in the kitchen for something like this to happen and I wouldn’t recommend anyone give this place a shot until they’ve established themselves properly.
I hate online reviews. Some of the ones I see are base off of some sort of misunderstanding. I’m really trying not to do that here. I’m a real dad who lives in Wake Forest and am just going to call this what it is… more of a rant than a review.
I’m sure this was my individual experience, but please, please, check your food at this place before biting in. Sorry, but not sorry Don Julio, you guys permanently deterred me from ever wanting to eat at your restaurant again.

Can officially say my son loves the shrimps and scallops in a pineapple and my wife loves what was named at one time the «tropical special «with talapia and shrimp with veggies and rice. Scallops were really good today

The food we ordered was so delicious and worth every penny. Some of the best Mexican food we have ever had. The salsa was fresh and had corn, onion, and cilantro and it was delicious! The chips are pretty standard and come with any meals.
I ordered a pollo yucatan. For the price, you get your money’s worth. That could probably feed three people and I will definitely be taking home leftovers. That was the biggest chicken fillet I’ve ever had— really juicy and well seasoned! I don’t like squash but I ate all my veggies because it was seasoned so well. The sauce they use, whatever it was, I will be back for this dish!
My fiancé ordered pollo fundido and his plate was also equally large though he had less food. The guacamole is pretty good and the chicken and cheese was in good proportions.
Not to mention, the AWESOME service. The food was out in less then 15 minutes and every booth around us was filled when we sat down. With so few empty tables we worried about a wait time but they say us down right away. Clean and professional. We spent just as much time deciding what to get as we did waiting for our entrees. Never had to ask for refills and they are so positive and welcoming. The vibe is perfect for a family gathering, dinner with friends, date night, etc. Casual and relaxed but still very classy!

Love the place… Good has been awesome and drinks are good and reasonably priced. Have them make your margarita!

All you need to know is this place is yummy! I love Mexican restaurants, chips, salsa and especially table side guacamole. I love having another option in Wake Forest. Everything was delicious, the environment was better than expected considering its part of a strip mall and the staff were extremely pleasant and helpful with the menu. We will go back!

Quick recap: the atmosphere is relaxing and inviting. Food is mediocre at best and service was not up to par. Long waits even when it didn’t appear to be busy. Do not recommend.
First walking in, the atmosphere appeared great. Clean tables and interestingly designed chairs tables and paintings. Friendly staff seated and greeted us. This seemed to be getting off to a great start but that’s where the good ended.
We ordered fresh guac to be made at our table. It was bland. Not bad, but nowhere good. Then four of us ordered simple dishes. Then we waiting nearly 45 minutes for our food.
Turns out the enchiladas do not come with rice or beans. A first that I have ever seen. I assume that was a mistake but if that’s how they do it, that’s how they do it.
Again waiting about 15 minutes after being handed the check for our server to take the credit card. While the staff was friendly, they moved in slow motion.
Before we left, the manager asked us if everything was good. We pointed out that the service was rather slow especially after ordering our food and his response was ’ oh the cooks are probably hung over ha ha ha ’ and then walked off. I don’t plan on returning here any time in the near future.

We went to Don Julio’s on November 25^th, the day before Thanksgiving. It was a new place with a few great reviews in a space that hasn’t done so well housing restaurants in the past so we were excited to try it. Seemingly affirming our good choice, the restaurant was nearly full when we arrived.
The dining experience was great — the menu had plenty to offer, drinks were super cheap ($ 1.99 blue moon and $ 3.99 margaritas!), and service was prompt. I ordered the nachos supreme with beef, which was a pretty standard plate of nachos (if somewhat unimpressive), the others I was with ordered a chicken quesadilla and arroz con pollo (chicken and rice, per the waiter’s recommendation).
We left happy, problems didn’t start until the next day when we all woke up feeling a bit queasy. Apparently I should have gone with the chicken though since I was the only one to get a full blown case food poisoning. That’s right, folks — I know it was Don Julio’s since I didn’t eat anything else the day before and nothing else the day of Thanksgiving except Thanksgiving dinner (now isn’t the time to reprimand me for my poor eating habits). And shortly after eating it, my delicious and lovingly prepared thanksgiving meal came right back up. My stomach felt like a wreck the rest of the night and all of Black Friday.
I hate leaving such a nasty review for a new restaurant that seems to be doing everything else right, but I feel others should be warned. Also, both my Thanksgiving and my 15 year long non-​vomit streak were ruined so I feel a little unforgiving.

We had lunch here a couple of days ago and were pleasantly surprised! Tried the tableside guacamole and it rivaled those we’ve had in the Dallas area… fresh and flavorful! Our server provided excellent service, always checking on us with a smile, and he made great guac. Wish we had gotten his name. I had the quesadilla fajita, it was yummy. Chicken was perfectly seasoned and with the melted cheese, it was a great combination. I will order it again. My husband’s Speedy was also very good and we left full and satisfied. My husband asked for the manager and told him how much we enjoyed our lunch and that we’d be back! This is the best Mexican we’ve had in the Wake Forest /​North Raleigh area.

Not only was service great but the concept of working as a team was so well implemented here that each server helped everyone. From the clean crisp ambiance to the professionally dressed staff not a nook or cranny was missed in designing this place.
Our adventure started as with many Mexican restaurants with the chips and salsa. This salsa although it had a hint of freshness was a bit too thin, although still good. Our cups never went dry and the chips kept coming.
For entrees it is one’s humble opinion that the fajitas graced over the pineapple is a must try. The seasoning was perfect and the flavored were just right. Now upon special request we were given the chipotle sauce that had just the right amount of flavor and heat. What was even better is that they made it fresh and it was perfect.
Moving on into the wonderful experience tex mex entrée was not a favorite but was just ok. Perhaps they just need to work out the kinks because the shrimp was a bit over cooked.
Now one cannot be true to their full analysis without trying dessert and dessert we did try. For dessert we were teased with the best flan one could grace their tongues on. This flan was so good the plate needed to be licked clean.
With all that said we surely will be back for more.