If you’re looking for a tasty, family-friendly restaurant that has foods other than the usual American foods like hotdogs and hamburgers, Uncle Julio’s is a great option for you. My experience at Uncle Julio’s was very pleasant, and I recommend it to anyone.

When we first got there, I was embraced by the smell of authentic Mexican food and warm welcomes from the hosts. My mouth instantly started watering for just a taste of the hand-made chips and salsa that were on the table right next to the hostess desk.

When we told the employees working the desk how many we had, they knew how many kids’ menus to provide for us. The kids’ menus were very kid-friendly as they kept the four kids content during the whole dining experience.

“Where is our food?” or “Can you tell them to hurry up; I’m hungry” are the two common phrases shared by young kids at dinner when dining out, and fortunately, at Uncle Julio’s, those two phrases weren’t even mentioned during our dining experience due to their fast service. Our party of 11 was served within ten to fifteen minutes when we went to Uncle Julio’s. Therefore, if a family is looking for a quick, authentic restaurant to dine-in at, Uncle Julio’s is the place for you.

On top of all of this, the decor throughout the entire place made me feel like I was dining at a restaurant in Mexico. The brick walls and the vegetables hanging on the wall made me know the food was authentic and not processed. My favorite decor was the lights hanging from the ceiling on a wood board. Although this made the place dimly lit, it still made for a pleasant dining experience.

The steak fajita was by far one of the best, if not the best Mexican food I have ever had. Just by eating this, I want to come back as soon as possible and get another one. The steak was a little overdone, but still really tasty, and it was accompanied perfectly by the vegetables.

Uncle Julio’s recently opened up on N. Milwaukee St. in Vernon Hills. They’re open every day of the week, starting at 11 a.m. They close at 10 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and Sunday. However, on Fridays and Saturdays, they open at the same time but stay open an hour later until 11 p.m.

They offer appetizers, soups and salads, a lunch menu, a kids’ menu, grilled foods, Mexican classics, desserts and drinks that are from $3.99-$21.99, and the food is worth the price.

Even if you don’t have time to dine-in, they offer party packs to-go that come in all sizes with prices ranging (according to size) from $29.99-$146.99.

On top of all that, they have a benefits card called the “Amigo Especial Loyalty Program.” As a member of the program, you earn points for each dollar you spend at the restaurant, and those points translate to rewards you can redeem at the restaurant. Some of the rewards include a complimentary tableside guacamole or something as big as $250 in credit toward an Uncle Julio’s meal.

Due to their fast service, great food and family-friendly environment, it would only make sense for me to call Uncle Julio’s a special friend as well, which is why I give them 4.5 out of 5 for my rating.