Uncle Julio's reopens at Bethesda Row

Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Cafe has reopened for business at 4870 Bethesda Avenue at Bethesda Row. Plumbing issues caused the restaurant to close all day Saturday. Plumbers worked through the night to make emergency repairs. A few brave souls are even dining on the patio, with temperatures in the mid-90s this afternoon. Hope they ordered Swirls from the bar!

Uncle Julio's plumbers work through the night at Bethesda Row

Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Cafe at 4870 Bethesda Avenue at Bethesda Row was closed yesterday due to plumbing problems, a sign in the window said. They weren't just making excuses; it appears the plumbing problems were indeed real. Last night, two vans were parked in front of the restaurant. Plumbers from Tech24 were working into the night to fix the problems as soon as possible. Uncle Julio's hopes to reopen today, June 23, 2024.

Federal Realty comments on future of Uncle Julio's at Bethesda Row

Property owner plans to keep restaurant as

"a fixture at Bethesda Row for many years to come"

When property owner Federal Realty recently previewed plans for future development at Bethesda Row that showed the site of Uncle Julio's being redeveloped as part of a new building, this led to much public discussion about the fate of the popular restaurant. I now have a statement from Federal Realty about this question:

"Uncle Julio’s has been a fixture in Bethesda for over 33 years and a partner with Federal Realty for almost 20 years. Amid the excitement of our proposed plan to add housing to downtown Bethesda at Bethesda Row, there has been some confusion about whether or not Uncle Julio’s is leaving the neighborhood. While we have taken the first steps toward seeking approval for a residential and retail project, it could take several years to bring to fruition. We value our relationship with Uncle Julio’s and plan to keep them as a fixture at Bethesda Row for many years to come." 

So it appears there is no closure imminent for Uncle Julio's (a.k.a. Rio Grande by many longtime residents). And as I mentioned in my coverage of the new development plans, there is always the real possibility that even when this development happens in the future, that Uncle Julio's could return in the ground floor of the new building or move to another space at Bethesda Row. 

One additional piece of context here: The cap on housing growth in the 2017 Bethesda Downtown Plan is impelling many property owners to seek approval of new buildings now, even if they don't plan to break ground at this time. Such approvals have a life span, and extensions on them can be sought. 

Therefore, Uncle Julio's isn't going anywhere anytime soon. And the future plans do not mean that the restaurant won't remain a Bethesda fixture into that future.

More details about new Bethesda Row development emerge at community meeting

UPDATE - March 8, 2021: This article has been updated to include a statement from Federal Realty regarding the future of Uncle Julio's at Bethesda Row

Additional details about a new development project proposed for 7070 Arlington Road at Bethesda Row emerged at a required community meeting that was held virtually last night. Representatives for property owner Federal Realty made a presentation featuring the renderings I showed you last week, and answered questions for about 50 participants, one of the highest number of people to participate in a virtual development meeting since they became the norm.

One key detail revealed was that the proposed building will be 100' tall despite the site being zoned for a 90' height limit. The extra floor will be made possible by the number of affordable units being included in the building. Federal Realty has not determined the dimensions of units yet, as they plan to respond to current market conditions - such as greater numbers of people working from home, and needing more living space for that reason.

Another prominent topic was the future of Uncle Julio's at the corner of Arlington and Bethesda Avenue. It will have to be demolished to make room for the northernmost wing of the building, but there is currently no set closing date for Uncle Julio's, nor a groundbreaking date for the new project. One attendee expressed a positive opinion about the existing Uncle Julio's structure.

In a response to public discussion about the future of Uncle Julio's, Federal Realty released the following statement:

Uncle Julio’s has been a fixture in Bethesda for over 33 years and a partner with Federal Realty for almost 20 years. Amid the excitement of our proposed plan to add housing to downtown Bethesda at Bethesda Row, there has been some confusion about whether or not Uncle Julio’s is leaving the neighborhood. While we have taken the first steps toward seeking approval for a residential and retail project, it could take several years to bring to fruition. We value our relationship with Uncle Julio’s and plan to keep them as a fixture at Bethesda Row for many years to come. 

Even the architectural design is not determined yet, Stefano Sani of architecture firm Hickok Cole said last night. The objective will be "warm, friendly textured materials with interesting articulation,” he said. Retail or restaurant space will be integrated into the building on the ground floor along Arlington Road. One architectural detail that is set is the through-building delivery and loading dock roadway on the Arlington Road side of the property. 

Balconies will be designed to connect outdoor and indoor living space for residents, and the corner of the property where Uncle Julio's stands is hoped to be a place for people to meet up. Attorney Patricia Harris said Federal Realty would like to design a corner similar to the one across Bethesda Avenue outside of Amazon Books, saying that corner areas are among the most interesting spaces in downtown Bethesda.

Also known is that parking will be underground, and an automated parking system is also anticipated for the rear of the building. It will be stacked parking run by a mechanical system. This will be the second development in downtown Bethesda to boast a robotic parking system if such a mechanism is delivered with the building (the other is the proposed residential building at the southwest corner of Edgemoor Lane and Woodmont Avenue). Some of the current surface parking behind the low-rise retail stores on Bethesda Avenue will be retained, as well.

As I described last week, retail trucks will enter the driveway from Arlington Road, parallel park on a drive lane beneath the building, and proceed forward to exit on the Bethesda Avenue side of the property. Moving vans and other delivery trucks will back up to the residential loading dock using the same pass-through, or will pull up in the automated parking system lane. All back-up activities are to take place off-street. Uber and Lyft vehicles will also use the same pass-through to pick up and drop off residents and guests.

Sani said that Federal Realty is seeking strong interaction between the outdoor and indoor spaces on the ground floor. Restaurant tenants may have roll-up front doors, for example.

Harris was asked about litigation "regarding actually meeting affordable housing in your properties." She said she was unaware of such litigation. Harris added that the only problem she has heard of has been MPDU condominiums that might charge high condo fees, and that this will not be an issue for rental apartments. The topic of developer contributions to Montgomery County Councilmembers was also raised at one point.

Uncle Julio's Bethesda Row: The big reveal (Photos)

The covers and scaffolding came off yesterday at Uncle Julio's at 4870 Bethesda Avenue, after months of remodeling. Uncle Julio's is still the place to see and be seen in downtown Bethesda. Here's a look at the nearly-finished product.

Uncle Julio's getting major renovations at Bethesda Row (Photos)

You could be forgiven for thinking Uncle Julio's was closed, with all the scaffolding, tarps and lack of signage on the their building right now at 4870 Bethesda Avenue. That's probably why they have a massive sign stating, "NOW OPEN" on the building, as well. The restaurant is undergoing a major renovation, but is still open for business.

UNCLE JULIO'S ADDS TABLESIDE GUACAMOLE AT BETHESDA ROW

If you haven't been to Uncle Julio's at Bethesda Row recently, stop by and try their new tableside guacamole - literally made just for you. Fresh Haas avocados, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, garlic oil, tomato, onion and salt go into the stone molcajete, and are mixed right at the table. Tell them to add jalapeño, if you prefer a hotter flavor. They are chopped fresh, as well.

Uncle Julio's

4870 Bethesda Avenue

(301) 656-2981

MAN-MOSAS, BACON AND LOBSTER: FATHER'S DAY AT BETHESDA ROW

Here are two of the best Father's Day brunch menus in town; they might even make up for giving a tie as a gift!

Forget the bottomless mimosas that make girls-brunch-out go by faster.  American Tap Room is offering the testosterone-friendly Man-mosa as its featured adult refreshment.

At Uncle Julio's, the magic words "bacon" and "lobster" will hit a home run faster than Bryce Harper.

Bethesda Row is the place to be for Father's Day, and don't forget about the Bethesda Central Farm Market from 9-1 today at Bethesda ES.

MEXICAN SHRIMP COCKTAIL!

It's not just Shrimp Cocktail - it's Uncle Julio's Mexican Shrimp Cocktail!

Forget about that little glass, this one can double as a light meal.

Interesting trivia:  Mexican Shrimp Cocktail was added to the menu by CEO Todd Conger.

Try this at Uncle Julio's at Bethesda Row tonight!

CINCO DE MAYO IN BETHESDA: THE BEST EVENTS

Cinco de Mayo is Saturday!  This is one of the most festive days of the year, all over the world.  And that includes Bethesda!

Primero, wherever you go, be ready to correct "that guy" who is going to announce this is Mexican Independence Day.  Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day!  (That's actually September 16, by the way).  But what can you do with a guy who doesn't know the difference between El Grito and a Chipotle burrito?

Bueno.  Now on to the guide!

THE BEST

GUAPO'S

I'm picking Guapo's as the top spot, because they're doing more for Cinco de Mayo than any place I've heard from so far.

Saturday evening, they will have an actual mariachi band in the house.  The Budweiser Girls will be handing out giveaways and beer samples.  And a DJ will finish out el noche from 10 PM to close.

It sounds like an evening of not only genuine Mexican atmosphere, but also fun, and that's what Cinco de Mayo is really about, right?

Guapo's, 8130 Wisconsin Avenue.  301-656-0888.

DATE NIGHT

OK, so what if you aren't single, and your date isn't going to be favorably impressed by Budweiser Girls?  I have the solution:

PLAZA DEL SOL

The Gazette said that Plaza del Sol has the best Mexican food in downtown Bethesda.  Their chef is the former executive chef of Lauriol Plaza downtown.  You may have heard of it!

What makes it a great date night spot, is that they are having a live, flamenco performance by guitarist Miguelito, and dancer Ginette at 7:00 PM Saturday night.

Plaza del Sol, 4932 St. Elmo Avenue. 301-215-4199.

BEST OF THE REST

Now, a number of places are keeping quiet about their plans.  I'll try to keep you updated here, and on Twitter at @BethesdaRow as late news comes in.

For now, here are some I've heard from, and in other cases, I have to channel Carnac the Magnificent to guess, because they're not sharing!

UNCLE JULIO'S

Every day is Cinco de Mayo at Uncle Julio's at Bethesda Row!  So I'm surprised their marketing for Saturday simply says, "Beer.  Margaritas."

I guess that's enough for certain target audiences, but don't forget, they've got great food, patio dining and - of course - their famous Swirls!

Uncle Julio's, 4870 Bethesda Avenue.  301-656-2981.

UNION JACK'S

Specials from 4-9 PM:  $3 Coronas, $15 Corona buckets, $5 Margaritas.  You get the idea.

They'll also have Game 4 of the Capitals vs. the Rangers on at 12:30 PM.

Union Jack's, 4915 St. Elmo Avenue. 301-6-JACK-61.

TIA QUETA

This is a family-owned Mexican restaurant in Old Town Bethesda.  The most distinctive feature of the restaurant, is their rooftop patio, the only one in Bethesda besides the Doubletree hotel!

They celebrate Friday and Saturday, with special prices on appetizers and drinks.

Tia Queta, 4839 Del Ray Avenue.  301-654-4443.

CALIFORNIA TORTILLA

Caltort is making it a 48-hour affair, too!  Make any purchase Friday, May 4, or Saturday, May 5, and you will receive a coupon for a FREE TACO, which you can redeem between May 6-15, 2012!

California Tortilla, 4862 Cordell Avenue.  301-654-8226.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo from Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row!

UNCLE JULIO HAS

SIGNED YOU UP

FOR A

REFRESHER COURSE

New Beverages Debut for Spring at

Uncle Julio's at Bethesda Row

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

When you think of drinks at Uncle Julio's, their many special margaritas may be what come to mind.

But Bethesda Row's popular Mexican restaurant and Happy Hour spot has a new lineup of Spring beverages for all ages.

The weather is getting warmer, and after a long day at work - or a hot workout at the gym - these new drinks will hit the spot:

MANGO PASSION LEMONADE - You'll be passionate about this hand-shaken blend of lemonade and Uncle Julio's fresh Mango Passionfruit puree.

STRAWBERRY GUAVA LEMONADE - An exotic blend of fresh strawberries, guava nectar and lemonade.

CHERRY LIMEADE - A collision of sweet cherry and tart lime.

RASPBERRY ICED TEA - Freshly-brewed with real raspberries.

RASPBERRY ICED PALMER - Want lemonade with that Raspberry Iced Tea?

Enjoy patio dining al fresco, and cool off with one of these refreshing drinks at Uncle Julio's today.