Tio Pablo Taqueria
1703 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA, 23219
Tio Pablo Taqueria Menu
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Address :
1703 E Franklin St
Richmond, VA, 23219 - Phone (804) 643-4828
- Website https://www.tiopablotacos.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Maya V.
The pros mmm tacos al pastor the tacos are pretty delish in general. guac is delicious- but expensive and a very small portion. House margarita- totally worthwhile The tequila flight was inventive, interactive and delicious. cute place (though the tables do lean) smells really good in there- not like some restaurants do in shockoe (raw sewage anyone?) the cons the salsa and chips are mostly onions and the onions are so strong you can't really taste anything after. They charged my order to a previous customer's credit card. (!!!) Luckily we noticed - but they were hapless to figure it out. we waited a long time for them to figure out what to do... and how to fix it... and they still charged us after making us wait. After all that nonsense- and basically destroying our confidence in their ability to be trustworthy with a credit card- they should have comped one of our meals. they were apologetic- but after such a huge mistake- they should have known when to comp a meal and try to keep a customer. There are very few vegetarian options I'd go again, but i'm hesitant.
(3)Casey Q.
Tacos del corazon, kidz. This place is REAL, not norteno-accommodation. Their margaritas are the real deal, too - no mix, real lime juice, and sized for those not seeking to get knee-walking drunk on one round. Highly recommend checking out the escabeche (spiced pickled vegetable salad) and the guacamole, which is among the best I've ever had. The tacos themselves are perfection. The corazon (beef heart for the non-cognoscenti) was perfectly seasoned, and the side-by-side of pescado and corazon was a great combo plate. I can't wait to go back!
(5)John D.
Slow service and bland reheated food. Inauthentic. Yelp , you done steered us wrong.
(2)Tyler L.
I thought this place was okay but not better than that. Maybe it was what I ordered (huevos rancheros). It was perfectly serviceable, but nothing outstanding - probably won't go out of my way to go here again. Service was just okay but a little slow, especially given that there was hardly anyone else there.
(3)Wes F.
I really like Tio Pablo... way more than Don't Look Back. Above, the Pollo Chipotle taco. They have a great menu, a very eclectic atmosphere, never too crowded, a community table and bars on both sides, and attentive service. And tacos are $3 each. They're not huge, but I eat 2 and I'm set. The ingredients are much fresher and better tasting than Don't Look Back. If you're looking for nopales or lengua - go here!
(4)Jacob K.
SQUEEEEEE!!!!!! As a refuge from Austin, I have to say that this is some of the first really good tex-mex food in town. Unlike what a lot of people believe, tex-mex is quite different from the (very tasty) americanized mexican food we commonly encounter, and just as different from traditional mexican or south american food. Highly distinct, with clear and bright flavors married to solid portions.
(5)Alice C.
I'd rather go to Moe's.
(2)Evy J.
The tacos were awesome. Great food for the price. It's a little dingey but it's downtown Richmond so what do you expect? I came on a Wednesday night and there happen to be a 12 top reservation which took up both of the actual stand alone tables in the place. The walls are lines with bar stools but we had children with us so we waited for a table. The Yelp page says kid friendly but really I wouldn't take small children here- no kids menu and the stools are too tall for little ones. I don't think there were enough menus in the place because it took a while for us to get any. When we finally got our food it was AWESOME. The guac was killer, so fresh, and I've never had cactus before but it was good too- kind of the same consistency as a sauteed green bell pepper. I had the shrimp taco and the mahi mahi taco. It was busier than I had expected it to be and the server was running around like crazy but it was a pretty decent experience. I would like to come back with some friends to check out the happy hour.
(4)Linda A.
The food was authentic and amazing! I had carne asada tacos. They were done perfectly. The 1st margarita was great! However the service here was terrible. After forgetting an entire meal and bring out 3 of the 4 meals, she then asked what it was that was ordered. Then she brought out the wrong sides. When we asked for the correct side it took 20 minutes to get it out, it was a cactus salsa that required no cooking or heating. While our drinks were empty the entire time, we asked for another margarita, when it came almost 30 minutes later it tasted like just mix, gross. When she was asked to remake them she argued about it, not once but twice. It took us 2 hours to get out of there and it wasn't busy at all! Overall food is amazing but be prepared for the worst service! The 3 stars is strictly for the food which deserved 5. Terrible service!!
(3)Nathan W.
Omfg best authentic tacos in Richmond my favorites there are the lingua and the juevos y chorizo. The guacamole is to die for and the crazy ginger running the place is fun to talk too!
(5)Jamie D.
Loved. It. From the graffiti-covered facade to the unpretentious atmosphere to the family style seating, Tio Pablo Taqueria won me over at first visit. Although this spot has become known for their tacos, the huevos rancheros jumped off the menu and caught my attention. So I skipped the tacos and went for the huevos. The boy ordered the fish tacos (special today), however, so I got to peep those beautiful babies. We barely said one word during our meal because we were too busy scarfing - I mean savoring- our food. Placed on top of corn tortillas, my eggs were slightly runny (just how I like 'em) and piled with black beans, peppers, tomatoes and cheese. The flavors were bold with the perfect blend of spice and freshness. The portion was large and I couldn't clean my plate, but that's not for lack of trying. In case the decor doesn't tip you off, this spot is super chill and not at all fancy. In fact, the silverware is actually plasticware and the plates are disposable. Bar seating lines both walls, one large table sits in the middle of the dining room, and two individual tables are housed in alcoves on either side of the entrance. It's a unique spot that makes you feel as though you've exited Richmond and entered another world altogether. Who's a fan? This girl. And next time I'm trying those tacos.
(4)Thuy V.
Yay for good food, enthusiastic servers, laid back atmosphere and good prices. Had the platter which is either two tacos or two tostadas with two sides for ten dollars. You can mix and match. I had the al pastor and the special "barbacoa" (a marinated beef..that kind of tasted like pork) tacos. The tacos are authentic on soft shells with onions and parsley. Flavorful! I enjoyed my fried potatoes side and also the beans with bacon. Besides the tacos and tostada (kind of like an opened face hard taco), there are a few entrees. I actually like that they have a limited menu and focus on what they are good at. The server we had was pretty passionate about the food and made it even more enjoyable. They also bring chips and salsa (a chopped veggies kind, not the runny/pureed kind). The atmosphere when I went was more of a laid back, eat and chill with a beer vibe versus say a more hipster vibe at Don't Look Back (just for comparison). Both are good. It's not a very big place and not very crowded for an early dinner.
(4)Ryan R.
Wow! This place has the best tacos in town for sure. I got the two tacos and two sides plate and was very happy with the taste. I thought my sides could of been just a tad bigger but no biggie i still got filled up. Customer service was great too. The bartender gentleman with red hair was very friendly and helpful. Thank you. I will be back.
(5)Richard B.
As far as tacos in Richmond, VA go, I have yet to find another restaurant that serves better than Tio Pablo. They have tacos that were comparable to the ones that I have had in California. Suggestion: Sure, you might want to stick to your comfort zone and order carne asada (delicious btw), but Tio's serves meats that other restaurants don't offer. Try the lengua (beef tongue), try the cecina, and so on. SIDE NOTE: their horchata is made in the store, and it is phenomenal. Will definitely visit again, and again.
(5)Princess B.
Good food, beautiful decor, and strong tasty margaritas! The Happy Hour is a great value. Carne asada and carnitas are the stars of this menu. The only complaint is how small the portions are, the sides in particular are tiny.
(4)Jenn J.
I've had the chance to eat at Tio Pablo several times now and I agree with those that say it is the best Taqueria in Richmond. Pay attention to the specials. They are often the best items available. For example, the tamales are amazing when they have them and the fish tacos are delicious. The tacos and sides are all terrific as well. Don't miss the potatoes. I so appreciate that the kitchen is 100% gluten free. It is so rare that i don't have to worry at least a little about cross contamination. And don't miss dessert! The tres leches us amazing (and gf). Don't let the crowds scare you off. Seats free up fast and it is so worth it.
(5)Anita C.
Do not go to Tio Pablos if what you are looking for is the "ground beef tacos with refried beans and rice"- style Mexican food. Do go here if you like flavor and authenticity. First tip - be adventurous. Not sure if you want to eat tongue? Do it. See Goat Tacos on the specials menu? Order it. There is care in preparation, thoughtful flavor combinations and terrific sauces. Second tip - try the sauces the server will bring to your table. They are of varying heat levels but each are delicious and fresh. Third tip - If you're there with a date or friend, split a Mexi-cola, they're big enough to share and worth the extra $$. The only "not-great" things I have had at Tio Pablo usually involved the chicken being a little too dry, but never on the standard tacos on the menu. Even with the rare dryness, the food is always good. Consistent good service, personable staff and great food? This is a favorite spot in RVA.
(4)Barry P.
Another great addition to The Bottom! Finally got the chance to try it for lunch today, like Dusty C., I was drawn in by Tio Pablo's Lulu's/Millie's Pedigree. Having lived for some time in California I am all too often disappointed with the local "mexican" restaurant scene in RVA (what's with the cheese sauce smothering everything?). A lot of decent places, but nothing great. And sure, plenty of bang for your buck at a place like Plaza Azteca or Little Mexico, but I don't find myself craving those destinations -- and they all kind of taste the same. That being said, Tio Pablo's food is not SoCal Mexican style, but it is a fresh, unique twist on it. For example: I ordered the Carne Asada House Special. It was a decent size portion of Rib Eye, well cooked and seasoned, topped with sauteed sliced Jalapenos and whole green onions with a side of the house rice (deliciously seasoned with bits of corn and sweet red pepper) and Chiles Gallos (chilled lime-cured onions and jalapenos). Somewhat disappointingly, my lunch companion ordered the same thing, so I didn't get to try anything else though I did get to scope out other dishes as they came out and all looked good. The food is not SoCal Mexican style, but the interior space, the style, the service, and the music most definitely is. No hostess here, sit where ever you like. There are two large tables in the middle of the room , and one corner window table for two, and a counter bar that lines each wall. One server handled the entire dining room and a good amount of take out orders. I'm not one to care about slow service when I'm in good company and in no rush. I will admit it did take a good hour for us to have lunch, so not sure I would recommend for those of you with limited lunch breaks. There is the take out option of course: call ahead, pick-up your order and eat there, or hurry back to the office. The interior is decorated in an old southwest style, with some contemporary paintings on the wall -- very cool. The bar looked very inviting. I cannot wait to find a day with some free time, to return for some tacos, mexican beer, and maybe a tequila or two.
(4)dusty c.
I can't help but give 5 stars for Tio Pablo, even though today was my first visit. I heard about it at work and knew I had to rush there immediately. When I heard that the people involved with Millie's and Lulu's had opened a taqueria in the old Papa Ningo/Boom Boom Burgers location, I was curious and excited. Everything was a s good as I'd expected to be, if not better. Love the decor, very festive and colorful with Mexican folk art and fresh flowers everywhere. The graffiti at the entrance seems just right somehow. Interior space is small but well arranged and there is wait service. There were quite a few people there at lunchtime, so word must be out. Menu is simple and straightforward: Choose taco or tostada fillings like carne asada, carnitas, chorizo, etc... ($3 each or try a "plate" of 2 with sides, for $10) and sides such as potatoes with peppers, or rice and beans, or even lime-marinated onions and peppers. I tried all of the above and it was a mouth-explosion of happiness and delight. trust me. If a mouth could see colors and light, mine was blinded. In a good way. All of the fillings I tried were meat-based, because I love meat! There must be vegetarian offerings, I'll check next time. There is also a bar with different tequilas, and no doubt awesome margaritas. I will return soon for dinner and investigate. I'm so happy this place is here, and so temptingly close to my office.
(5)Deb S.
Disgusting! With the rave reviews I've heard and the fact that it's gluten free, I was so excited to try this place. NEVER again. Had the Enchilada Verde special and the Verde sauce had turned! They didn't charge me but I'm sure I'll pay for it one way or another. The rest of my group didn't have much better luck. The food was greasy and bland. The service was non-existent, and they messed up the charges on two of our party's cards. If you're looking for authentic this is not the place. I've had better food in hole-in-the-wall dives in El Paso and Cozumel!
(1)Heather H.
Cozy cute place with great service. The food is some of the best, most authentic Mexican food I've had. So fun to have a jarritos mandarin and tacos...so many good memories from my childhood in San Anotnio. Excellent.
(5)Alan A.
This is seriously the next Mexican food I've had on the east coast. Excellent all around. They have a large selection of tequila, great daily specials, and an outstanding regular menu. As someone who grew up in the south west and had spent a decent amount of time in Mexico I would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Delia P.
I have been her for lunch and dinner many times. I usually do the 2 taco plate which comes with 2 sides of your choosing. The guacamole and salsa are very fresh tasting. I love that they have daily specials (like fish tacos or scallops). I'm gluten free and this is one of my top places to dine because the food is really good and affordable. They only have 2 smaller tables near the windows and then there are seats/bar style on both sides of the wall and a center communal table. Typical downtown hipster vibe, but service is good (not great). Also, the sides are small and so are the tacos so make sure you order the plate special if you're hungry.
(4)Dominic B.
I wanted some good eats. Having so many options in Shokoe Bottom, it's hard to choose a restaurant. I relied on my Yelp monocle to help me out. Tio Pablo Taqueria was the first restaurant that popped up.I walk past Tio Pablo Taqueria almost everyday. I didn't know it was a restaurant because of the graffiti outside. I went to Tio Pablo Taqueria for an early dinner. Once I sat down, my server brought me chips and pico de gallo.The pico de gallo was tasty and very fresh. The menu is limited. I ordered the taco plate. The taco plate came with 2 tacos and 2 sides(I added another taco). You can choose which meat you want inside your tacos. I decided to go with the grilled chicken and pork tacos. For my sides, I chose the fried potatoes with peppers and rice. The tacos were delicious. They had an authentic taste and all the ingredients were fresh. My rice was flavored well. My favorite side was the fried potatoes with peppers. The potatoes was flavorful and cooked to perfection .I could have eaten a whole plate of potatoes alone. The sides were small. I wish the portions were bigger (sides). You're giving three sauces with your meal (mild, medium, and very hot).I used the mild sauce on my meal. The mild sauce was my favorite out of the three sauces. I taste tested the medium and very hot. The medium was flames but the very hot made me chug 2 glasses of water. I really enjoyed my meal. The restaurant has an awkward layout. Its bar seating around the whole restaurant with a big family style table in the middle of the floor. My server worked the bar and the dining area. She was very attentive and friendly. She was passionate about serving the food. I greatly appreciate the good service. If you're looking for a fresh authentic meal, Tio Pablo Taqueria is a great choice. I'm glad I live close by, tacos for dinner regularly. I give Tio Pablo Taqueria a 4.5 rating. Two thumbs up to my Yelp monocle.
(4)Jonah P.
Great example of a restaurant that knows what it does well, and sticks to its strengths. Beers are $3-4 and the $6 house margarita is refreshing and heavy-handed on the tequila. Had a range of tacos. All were solid, but our favorites were lengua, carnitas and el pastor. The communal-style seating and uncoordinated service were small detractors, but we'll absolutely be back.
(4)Joey R.
My favorite mexican place I've ever been to! The food is more traditionally than most people are probably used to. So there aren't the standbys of things like cheese dip. The tacos are consistently good and very reasonably priced. The margaritas are small in size, but tasty and very strong. They are made with simple ingredients and not the pre-made mix. The staff is very friendly. The restaurant itself has a good atmosphere. Usually it's pretty tough to find a parking spot right next to the building, but that doesn't stop me from coming back
(5)Emilee N.
I absolutely loved it. The amount of food I had was deceptively small, or so it looked, but definitely filled me up. The pinto beans with bacon is stupid good. Their happy hour is great, all the sides we tried are great. The service was also great. Friendly and casual and laid back, but everyone was nice and great to talk to. We almost missed it because there isn't a big sign and it's a pretty small place but we will definitely be back.
(5)Bird C.
And my taco-eating arm is reinstated. Man. This is how it's supposed to be done: fresh, quick and with a set of homemade hot sauces. And GORDITAS. Which I get every time, because they're like pockets of love made just for me. The steak gorditas are particularly good - deeply flavorful steak strips, soft, almost sweet refried beans, salty Oaxacan cheese. In crisp-tender masa rounds. I should not have chosen to write this review at an hour during which they are not open. I'm going to have deprivation dreams tonight. Entirely unique: nopales, a sauteed cactus dish, and a massive homemade pickled veggie plate. Other super delicious choices: egg and chorizo tacos, gluten-free battered fish tacos (lost it on those, so damn good) and the just-smashed guac. And things are actually spicy. Ask for the bad daddy of the hot sauces because it's fantastic, but take some big bites of your food first to see if you're ready for it. Not to be missed. Let's keep these guys around for a long, long time.
(4)Kallie S.
Amazing tacos and the best pico de gallo!
(5)John E.
I was very pleased with Tio Pablo. I'm almost sure they're the best tacos you could get in this part of town, and could contend with most of the taco places in the greater Richmond area. I got the $10 plate and ordered the vegetarian taco and the al pastor, with fried potatoes and black beans as sides. The tacos and potatoes were excellent, and the black beans were not exceptional. One friend ordered the more exotic meats they had on special, specifically beef head and heart, and said the head was very good. N.b. they are very heavy on cilantro. The pricing is pretty good; individual tacos are $3, but sides and drinks are where they make up their money. We got there at 6:30 on a Saturday night and it was not at all crowded. By the time we left around 8, it was maybe half full.
(4)Ruby S.
Not your normal taco place which is a good thing! Great flavors. Some of the best Mexican food I've add on the East Coast. Taco plate is the best deal. Be sure to find out about the daily specials. Saturday brunch is amazing. Great prices and ambience. Friendly staff and quick service. Selection of three homemade hot sauces and lots of tequillas. Glueten free Restaurant in case that matters to you. Can't go wrong! Highly recommended!
(5)Amy S.
I thought the tacos were excellent! I got the chicken and the shrimp ones. The chicken was spicy, which i enjoyed. My sides were the cactus (very interesting and very yummy) and the fried potatoes! We also got an order of the guacamole. The food was delicious and the portions were pretty good for the price. The margaritas were above average, but not excellent in my opinion. Overall, I was impressed.
(4)Malcolm J.
What in the hell? I tried the shrimp taco 5 minutes ago. It was by far the worst taco experience ever. I vow to never eat here again. The taco was bland and dry. Horrible. I mean HORRIBLE. I never write Yelp reviews but I had to comment on this foolishness. I hope the food gets better. It would have to take a lot of convincing to get me to ever eat there again. Sorry Charlie.
(1)Bethany F.
After being seated, we were pleasantly greeted by our server with chips with pico de gallo. Sadly, our chips were cold and stale; maybe it was because we were "those" early diners and fresh warm chips were served later once traffic picked up. On the upside, the pico de gallo was fresh and spicy with noticeable bright chunks of jalapeno. I ordered a margarita and was on the mark with perfect notes of lime and the warm balance of tequila. The turnaround time for our food was quick; I was happy not just because I was hungry but also because I was fed up trying to make the cold chips edible. The portion size of the tacos and sides were perfect - not too little and not too much (hence Goldilocks analogy). The Al Pastor was fine, I was slightly bummed it only had a few pieces of pineapple and a more robust flavor was lacking. Luckily, my server stopped at our table to ask me "do you like spicy?" Of course my lady feels the urge to answer for me with a, "yes, she does." He ran to the kitchen and presented three different kinds of hot sauce - mild, medium, and hot (I think they called it 3 day sauce - still not sure what this is in reference to). The taco was great after the jolt of medium sauce. The De Camarones (shrimp tacos) were so-so. It's rare I order shrimp so I was a little disappointed that only little bits of it were stuffed in the corn tortilla. I did enjoy the creamy avocado slices mixed with the sweet of spiciness of the sauce.
(3)Guy L.
Bad new/good news. If you are looking for a large menu with many options, go somewhere else. If you want a booth, or just a table for two, go somewhere else. There is a giant communal table, bars against the wall, and the short bar. That's it. This place, structurally, is built for twenty-somethings on a party circuit. HOWEVER, what this place has food-wise is pretty good, provided you want either a soft taco or a tostada. (There are specials that venture outside that range.) The food is excellent. The biggest concern is what sort of place you want: This is casual. It is not a date spot, unless you want an informal date spot. It is not a special occasion spot, unless your special occasions are best celebrated by extremely casual spots. When I stop back by here, it WILL be because the steak tacos and pork tacos are excellent; it WILL NOT be because I felt like spending lots of time here. CAUTION: The "chiles gallos" is not at all like "pico de gallo." There are slices of jalapeno. If you like slices of jalapeno, have at it.
(3)Billy S.
My favorite Mexican place in Ric. Be warned, everything is not smothered in sour cream and cheese here (that's good!), much more authentic style street vendor type food. The daily special tacos have included beef heart, beef liver, and head meat tacos - all delicious. Also serve terrific margaritas - no mixers - only fresh lime juice. Great new local place in the Bottom.
(4)Patti E.
Yummy yummy REAL Mexican food, fresh ingredients and the best margaritas in Richmond. The only change I would make would be to exchange your plastic wear with real bowls or plates. Otherwise, you rock!!
(5)Darryl R.
Good drinks" nice service. Fish tacos were just good not great. Will go back again.the waitresses were very friendly.
(3)Joe T.
I was determined to eat in after a weekend of stuffing my face in Florida, however my refrigerator decided that wasn't in the works. Having someone else cook me tacos seemed more alluring than heading to Kroger. I've wanted to try this place out for a while so I headed out to get some takeout, expecting just a little hole in the wall. Tio Pablo however, was much cooler than expected. I got a little Taqueria meets Pirates of the Caribbean line queue, meets old west watering hole vibe. I ordered a 2 taco plate with frijoles charros and rice. At $10 it's a really good deal. I sat and waited for my carryout, but became jealous of the chips and salsa that people dining in were chomping down on. So I quickly switched my order to dine in so I could indulge. The server had no problem with my bait and switch. Add a Mexican coke to the order and I was ready to eat. Wow, the frijoles charros were so unexpectedly delicious. Rich, fatty, salty, and yummy. The best bean dish I've had in a long long time. The rice was really good too. The tacos? I had a pollo con queso taco and a carne asada taco. Both were really good, maybe only behind Habanero's for the best tacos in town. Overall... really good service, really good food, way cool, vibe. I'll be back often!
(5)Alan H.
Possibly my favorite taco in richmond???? That is a pretty bold statement. First off, I loved the decor of Tio Pablo. The outside sign is very unique and the inside just screams Richmond. It is a pretty small place but the place is nice and cozy. The staff was pretty helpful and really explained the details about the menu to us. Now onto the food. The pico de gallo that came with the chips was awesome! It is a bit spicy but that's how i like it! Free refills as well. I ordered the taco plate- 2 tacos and 2 sides for $10. Pretty good deal. I tried the al pastor and pollo chipotle and they were both excellent. The al pastor was definitely my favorite and would definitely recommend it. I also tried the huevos rancheros which tasted pretty authentic, which came with cactus. It's not your normal huevos rancheros so keep that in mind. The portion was quite generous and came with extra tortilla. I had a great experience and will be back!
(4)Megan P.
In one corner we have a southern Californian and in the other we have a Californian/Coloradan. We know good Mexican when we taste it. We ordered house margs, guac, and four types of tacos so that we'd get a good idea of what strengths/weaknesses this place has. Every taco hit the mark. Well seasoned protein with simple, fresh toppings. The guac though could have used a little something...jalapeño or garlic...we couldn't decide. The service was a little spotty but they were apologetic, which I appreciate in this town as its rather rare. The atmosphere is perfect. The food was amazing. I AM IN LOVE. Finally a good Mexican place in Richmond. Who'd ever think that possible?!
(4)Marco H.
Really good mexican food is hard to come by in Richmond, but i think Tio Pablo is going to be a hit. Not your typical messy mexican cusine. Nice clean flavors. It's a small place that probably seats about 30 people. I ordered the $10 lunch plate which includes 2 tacos (your choice from 5 options) and 2 sides (your choice from 6 options). The tacos are served in a soft corn tortilla with a nice portion of meat. The chipotle chicken and beef tacos were great. They're topped with a little bit of melted cheese, onions and tomatoes and cilantro. For sides: the rice was cooked perfectly with a bit of green peas and small lima beans. The spicy small red potato side was also delicious. I wasn't a fan of the salsa that comes with the chips. It was mostly chopped tomatoes, lime juice and lots and lots of onions. For dessert, I tried the cookies and chocolate ice cream. Excellent. I'm definitely going back.
(4)Maggie D.
Loved this place. Try the beef tongue taco-- so good. Friendly bartender and great service!
(4)C L.
Órale! As of right now, I will give this place a 8/10 and that is only because the consistency has been off several times that I have eaten here; Myself, and all those who dined on one particular day, were served tortilla chips that were beyond stale, and the tacos have been back and forth in terms of flavour intensity; some times spot on, other times, weak, yet enticing; like when your taste buds beg for more... From the muñecas to the repurposed materials and the vibrant, contemporary mexican art, this place really has it going in terms of style. The food is, by and large, fantastic. Another huge selling point for me, are the tostadas; they're great for on the go, and I consider them a stronger vessel than the soft, corn tortillas because they innately have great, crunchy texture... I just hate it when I come back for that one dish i love and when it finally makes it way to my greedy hands, its not what it was last time... its lacking everything that made it strong the first time I sank my teeth into it... Keep things consistent, please. There needs to be a chef tasting every morsel.... I am actually departing for Mexico D.F. in 6 weeks, mainly for gastronomical pleasure, but also because I have studied Spanish Language and Culture for much of my adult life and wish to continue my journeys through latin america.... I plan to eat here when I return to see what aspects of Mexico it truly embodies. hasta enero wey!
(4)Felicka N.
Staff is very attentive and friendly. Fast service. Tacos were good but, I was more in love with my sides (Chile gallos & napoles). Wish the position sizes were bigger, however.
(4)Jamie S.
Delicious. Our office ordered take out lunch from here today. It was definitely a surprise! I grew up in Nor Cal and know there is a major difference between east coast and west coast Mexican food. This is closer than most places in Richmond will get to authentic west coast Mexican.
(3)juan g.
Tio Pablo is rocking some solid tacos. I have ventured out to many different Mexican food places in and around Richmond but none seem to even come close to having yummy tacos. Tio Pablo succeeds where others have not. I ordered the taco plate with two sides and I put those two suckers down in a flash. They were good. I should have ordered more but then I probably would have felt like I needed to be rolled home. The service was attentive and friendly but you got the sense they are working the kinks out in the restaurant dinner service with the newly minted wait staff. We were seated at the bar (much like we are at every place) and no less than 5 times did people bump into in each other behind there while attempting to find cups, booze, mixer, or utensils. Had the place been busier they would have been in over there heads. TP is pretty dang good and can only get better.
(4)Clayton T.
Extra fresh salsa but there is no upper deck or patio. And the music is about as eclectic as you will get. That is the first time that I had to sit through Tom Waits wail on for 30 minutes on one song. Definitely a hipsters joint.
(4)Steven C.
People keep talking about the authenticity of tio pablo, and yea while it is more authentic than most mexican joints around, the flavors are a bit meh, portions a bit small, and overall just kinda meh. I think i spent $15 here and left still a tad hungry, and still longing for the rich and vibrant flavors of my normal taqueria. But i guess if youre downtown and want a more authentic taco, this is the only place you got. if you have an option, skip this place and go by regency mall and stop by habenero. Better tacos, better seasoned meat, more filling, and cheaper(3 tacos for $7-10 i forget).
(3)clay p.
Food 5 stars, service 3, Amazing food: Mole incredible, fried potatoes with peppers awesome as a side. interesting seating one common table with lining "bar" style seating and 2 private tables. Went there with 2 small children. I would recommend this restaurant without reservation.
(4)Fifty Something W.
The interior is very small, with two tables for couples and a large community table in the middle. The place is beautifully appointed with great art work and a tasteful Mexican flair. My friend had the Aqua Fresca, which was delicious. It was a melon flavored combination of juice and water that was served over ice. I will definitely order that when I return. It was expensive for a non alcoholic drink ($3.50), but worth every penny. The waitress brought us some tortilla chips with a delicious, fresh and chunky salsa. I had a taco with chicken which was spicy and delicious, and one with a seasoned pork. The pork one also contained a few little pieces of pineapple which worked perfectly with the spicy pork. My friend had the taco with beef tongue which was also scrumptious. The cheese on top of the tacos was especially good. Disappointing were the plastic silverware and paper plates. I could live with the paper plates, but would washing silverware be that much trouble? I can't wait until this place is open for dinner. They have the best Mexican food that I have had in RVA with the exception of La Milpa, which is also spectacular.
(5)The Dude Z.
I stopped in for lunch the other day when I heard they were open. I don't really care for the graffiti style logo and stuff on the front of the building, even though I know a lot of people probably do. It's hard to read and a bit overwhelming. but whatever..... Atmosphere was a little bland and slightly industrial, but not bad. Probably cozy at night. I ordered 2 of the Taco Al Pastor con Pina Asada, at 3 bucks each. They get big stars for the deliciousness of the tacos.....yummy and very flavorful........but they seemed a little small. I was still hungry after finishing. Next time I'll get the platter.......it comes with 2 sides. Of the 3 "Mexican" places in the bottom, so far.....these guys are the best. Traditional Mexican fare with no gimmicks. I'll be back for dinner soon. Welcome to the neighborhood Tio Pablo! I'm sure you'll last longer than Boom-Boom!
(3)Jeremy S.
I need to give this place a second chance. I wasnt blown away.
(3)J P.
Excellent, authentic, Mexican tacos! Try the tounge tacos - seriously, they're fantastic.
(4)Roger T.
4.5 Stars. Great location and ambiance. Excellent service and delicious food. Both myself and fiancé were very impressed. You get the sense of small business where every table matters and no bad dishes are served. Great experience and will definitely be revisiting. Highly recommend if you are in the area.
(4)David F.
The only good part of my visit here was the margarita. It was pricy but excellent. The bartender chatted loudly with his friends next to us the entire time and generally ignored us. Another gripe: There was no soap or paper towels in the restroom and the tortilla chips are stored in an open container in the hallway leading to the restrooms. That can't be up to code. The chicken tacos were not very good. The black beans and the potatoes were ok. To top it off they use disposable plastic forks and knives and the side orders come in disposable aluminum cups. You should be ashamed of yourself, Tio Pablo!
(2)Shulamite L.
I went here last night with a friend and it was fresh and very tasty. I really liked my shrimp tacos topped with slices of avocados. $10 for two soft corn tortilla tacos with two small sides was well worth it. They even gave us a small shot glass of horchata which had excellent flavor. My friend ordered two tostadas and said they were alittle bland but she enjoyed them nonetheless. We then ordered flan and tres leche cake which were okay. I would definitely go here for again.
(4)Kate P.
Ok - now that I have been back here a half dozen times - it is a SOLID 5 stars. Make sure to ask if they have any specials - there have been some really great tacos lately on special - fish, tripe and beef heart - if you are adventurous!
(5)Lee R.
Just like SoCal!!! GO....
(5)Mina M.
Best tacos in RVA. We had the shrimp, tongue, sausage, carne and cactus tacos. They were all fresh, juicy and full of flavor. The cactus is great for vegetarians. Its a little out of the way but worth the trip. They portions are decent and the price is great. Only 3 dollars a taco. You can't beat that for the quality of food in each taco. The actual restaurant is small and well decorated as the music is really fun. There's a large table in the middle of the restaurant which is perfect for large parties. Our favorite Mexican restaurant in the city, hands down.
(5)Kris B.
The tacos are awesome and side of potato and peppers very good! Must have charro beans with bacon! Staff is great! Have not tried happy hour , but spoke to owner and he assured us margaritas are the best! Would have given 5 stars, but only get 2 small tacos(need to add 1 more) and chips for the fresh pico need to be warmed! We will go back!
(4)Jeremy W.
The food was great. I had the lunch combination which included the al pastor and pollo tacos. The frijoles (cactus) was also delicious, but reminded a bit of a pasta salad with the dressing, cheese and olives. The place is a little pricey for lunch (around $12 with a drink), but a great place to go treat yourself. The down side is that there is limited seating and limited staff, we ended up sitting facing the wall and waiting a while to have our order taken.
(4)Brian H.
Small space didn't bother me, but the crusty cilantro/lettuce on the edge of my glass did. I did get a replacement. Food was good, but I can get the same tacos at Don't Look Back for the same price. For $10 a plate, I think we could serve the food with actual silverware instead of plastic knives and forks. Manager needs to hire more waitstaff - I never got a refill on my iced tea, and the two folks with me who did got warm tea with no ice. They're trying, but much would have to change before I'd go back.
(2)K. M.
Friendly service, and they are quick at lunch time!
(4)Lauren C.
Great addition to the lunch scene in Shockoe Bottom. The tacos are some of the best in town and the service is speedy and friendly. Not for those that are afraid of spicy food!
(4)Jami T.
Interesting food, great atmosphere, welcoming and helpful staff. Pork was outstanding, loved the cactus, and perfect margarita.
(4)z y.
Had the 2 taco plate with 2 sides. Carne asada taco, nothing special. Chipotle chicken taco with oaxaca cheese was good. Salsa that came with chips was fantastic but they give you very very little, and you have to pay $2 for a second, same size, helping. Black beans side was good, guacamole was not good, no flavor, needed cilantro, garlic, salt, lime. Margarita was the best tasting in Richmond thusfar but a bit pricey. Service was extremely slow. Won't be returning even though I would have loved to support another of Millie's restaurants, this just isn't anywhere near being up to par.
(2)George J.
I have been here four times and out of those times only once did it make a favorable impression. I really want to like this place. I had high hopes for it given its affiliation with another reputable restaurant in Richmond. But it's been consistently a disappointment. The space is nice and creative but not necessarily comfortable. A small bar in the back serves cocktails and a majority of the dining room is taken up by a community table. There is also seating along the walls and two small window booths. In all I think it's a practical use of the space, but certainly not intimate. The food. I've had every side and taco on the list. The sides are too small and at times have even come across to me as a joke (excessively watery beans to name one) the chile relleno was a big disappointment as was the tamales. The relleno was too greasy, not hot. The tamales were charred on a grill and the masa had become hard and dry either as a result of this finishing technique or from its initial cooking preparation. Either way they were both an overpriced fail. The tacos have been good on occasion. The first time I went I proclaimed them the best in town. But since then I've been disappointed the last three times. On my most recent visit the shredded beef was so saturated with fat and grease, I couldn't stomach finishing it. What little I did eat left a queasy feeling in my stomach for the remainder of the day. Another thing that bothers me is the pricing. Tacos are meant to be an affordable street food. At Tio Pablo expect to pay $20/person. Save your money or make it go further by making the trip to La Milpa on Hull Street. At least there your only disappointment will be your lack of skill at speaking Spanish.
(1)Grace D.
I came here a few days ago with some friends and we all ordered something different. My boyfriend ordered the huevos rancheros, which just turned up being a lump of bread in bean soup. Everyone else's food (including mine) was good, but it was EXTREMELY expensive for the portion size. Also, apparently a table of 6 or more can't split checks. We initially came in with 5 people and another friend joined us after a few minutes. Instead of mentioning something then, the waiter told us right as we about to pay which caused a lot of confusion. He didn't even know how to use the credit card machine..
(2)Angela P.
I REALLY want to LOVE this place, but try as I might, I just cannot. My first few visits were good - the food is excellent and I dig the atmosphere and paintings on the wall. The dishes (including the beef tongue) truly have fantastic flavor, fresh and spicy, their quac is my favorite. Each time I left I felt satiated, although my wallet stung just a little tiny bit. No matter - I will pay $15 for lunch for that quality food....until my most recent visit. Let's be honest - the side portions have shrunk since my initial visit soon after they opened but the last time I went was, for me, the last straw. I went with a small group and everyone ordered the same sides, except for me - I ordered black beans instead of potatoes. When the dishes came, all of the sides were in a small container -think salsa cup or sour cream take out sized, as is standard for Tio Pablo, no real problem there....except for the black beans. They came in a TINY (think what you serve a side of ketchup/mustard in, approx 2 tablespoons) container. I kid you not, I got two spoon fulls of beans. I do not consider that an appropriate "side", that was a taste. Oh, and we were charged for an "extra" basket of chips - we had 6 people, two baskets weren't enough, especially when you all have a side of guacamole...There are other delicious taco places around town, comparable in dishes and price and I for one will be taking my $15 elsewhere.....sorry Tio Pablo, trust me I am probably more disappointed in this than you are.
(2)Danielle B.
Awesome, pretty authentic stuff. Will be back often.
(5)Jennifer K.
My husband brought me here after reading a review in a local magazine. We arrived right around 4:00 when they opened for dinner service. I loved the atmosphere. It was very casual and authentic. It reminded me of a bar I had visited in Mexico. There was a loud group of people there for an after work party, but it didn't really detract from the atmosphere. It actually helped contribute to the open, community feeling. The menu was simple, offering tacos and tostadas with your choice of filling and two sides, or house specialties. I wasn't starving so I only ordered two tacos with chipotle chicken and Oaxacan cheese. My husband ordered the carne asada plate with chiles gallos and guacamole. To drink, we each tried the aguas frescas; coconut and strawberry. We didn't have to wait long for our food, but they still provided tortilla chips and fresh pico de gallo. Our aguas frescas weren't bad, but I found that it was too sweet for me. The food was very good. It was the right amount of spicy without sitting heavy in your stomach. I sneaked a taste of my husband's food, and I really loved the roasted jalapenos with the carne asada. It was very good overall, and I think next time we go back, I'll order a tequila to go with my dinner. The waitress said that they'd only been open for dinner service for just two and a half weeks, so I recommend going before people start discovering how awesome this place is.
(4)Jesse W.
Went here with my wife for dinner and got a full plate with a carnitas tostada and a Chipotle pollo taco. Service was fast and food was fresh and amazing. The tortilla was made that day and I wish I had ordered 5 more to go! First time, but certainly not the last.
(4)Amanda P.
This place has high reviews, but they may be a bit outdated. Unless it's mainly a night spot, we walked in to an empty restaurant. I ordered the plate (like a sampler) with a tostada with carnitas and a gordito with the chipotle chicken. Carnitas could have had more flavor, but the dish had a nice crisp and cheese tasted well with the toppings. Maybe I am not used to corn tortillas, but I did not enjoy the flavor of the gordita wrap. I expected the chipotle chicken to be slightly spicy, and it ended up being very sweet and I ended up not finishing it. My side of black beans probably had the tastiest flavor and the rice was good with a taste that you would expect it to be. I had a bite of the carne asada and it was definitely one of the more tasty choices! I also had a bite of the thinly sliced beef and that was also more on the sweet side. Service was very friendly and attentive, but based on the flavors I had that day, I'm probably won't return or reccommend it.
(3)Alixandra G.
Love love love this place. The people who work here are really friendly, talkative and welcoming. This is the kind of place that I'd gladly and comfortably eat at solo. The food is generally really good and tasty. I've liked certain tacos more than others but I've never had anything I didn't like. Their chicken tacos are amazing. They have a variety of specials going usually and their sides are delicious. It's also well priced and you get a good sized meal. The decor and ambiance is trendy, communal and good for conversation. Best of all, their kitchen is completely gluten free. They understand and accommodate allergies without hassle. Coming from California, I'm impressed.
(5)Tony A.
Tio Pablo aka Uncle Paul is a cozy little spot near the 17th street market. It's a funky little dive and I've been here no less than four times in the last 2 months. It's all about working the system when you order Americanized Mexican food in Richmond. You have to know what to order. In my case it's the carnitas. I order the carnitas because they can't destroy this dish by covering it in shredded lettuce and drowning it in some disgusting white sauce. It comes out the way Our Lady of Guadalupe intended it. Slow cooked pork, Spanish rice, and charro beans (cowboy beans for the white boys reading) I'd like to say the carnitas are exploded with flavor; I'd like to say that. The Spanish rice has a texture that is perfection. Only my grandmother (God rest her soul) made her Spanish rice that fluffy and perfect. It's an art form and Tio Pablos nails the rice texture in spades. Sadly, the flavor is just not there. I suspect they're using a bouillon cube and not blending up fresh ingredients. Lastly the charro beans are the BEST I've ever had. Some people in my dining party felt it had too much bacon. I'm afraid it's impossible to have too much bacon in life. Tio Pablo gets 4 starts by the skin on your teeth. The rice texture and charro beans are perfect, just need that carnitas and rice to have more flavor. Don't be shy with the spices, garlic, onion, etc. Braise that pork in Modelo Negro if you have to, don't cheat the system, make it a labor of love. You can do it!
(4)Nicole D.
Real Mexican food! What a wonderful find for having just moved from SoCal. The tacos were delicious and close to what I am used to eating having lived so close to TJ and Baja for years. I also tried the gorditas; which are bursting with delicious corn flavor and whichever tasty filling you choose. And they have nopales! My boyfriend had one of the specials (which happened to be chicken mole) and the mole sauce was wonderful. It had depth, a kick of spiciness, and lots of flavor. Yum! I also loved that they carry a nice selection of tequilas and make a from-scratch margarita without the powdered sour mix. I will definitely be back to enjoy this gem! Delicious!
(5)Jeff Y.
My friends were dining at Tio Pablo and invited me to join. Even though it's so close to me in the Bottom, I had never been. The interior is definitely really spiffy, with an artsy flair. The menu itself isn't very long, but almost everything is gluten-free (a requirement for one of the friends). Our waitress took a while to come take our order, but that was because she thought we were still waiting for one more person in our party. For the rest of the meal, she was fine. We munched on chips and salsa (salsa was fairly spicy by the way). I ordered the gorditas plate (two gorditas plus two sides), and chose beef tongue and cactus gorditas with grilled red onions and guacamole. The gorditas were fun and a nice change from tacos, and the onion and guacamole sides were great. I also ordered an horchata to drink, which was only medicore in my opinion. For dessert, I tried the flan, which was tasty, but had more of a bread pudding consistency instead of being custard-like. A tad on the pricier side, but decent quality food and friendly service.
(4)Kinsey H.
BEST. MOJITOS. The best I've had. Even better than when I was in Mexico. Also love the carne asada tostadas and they have amazing cheese dip. Limited seating, though.
(5)JA H.
A fabulous experience with great food. I took a friend out for Mexican to this place. It was small, but nice and festive. We did not wait long to order and our food arrived quickly. Everything was well prepared and hot. The pico had a little too much onion, but nonetheless still good. I would have given them 5 stars, but they don't have hard shelled tacos. What Mexican place doesn't have hard shelled tacos?
(4)Courtney C.
I am extremely allergic to wheat so I was overjoyed to try this place! Everything we had was amazing and the staff was extremely friendly! The margaritas are awesome!
(5)Jason O.
Friendly staff, great margaritas and authentic food make this a great spot. Early evening is quiet, even on Fri & Sat - good time to go. Oscar and Marianna are the best!
(4)Paul Z.
Legit salsa. Yummy cheese. Will go again to try rest of the menu and update review. Not life changing but worth the second trip.
(4)Slash C.
Zero to Mucho Grossness in 3.3 Seconds Flat Having just arrived from NYC a few months back where the taco standard is set pretty high, I tried old Uncle Pablo out based on a friend's recommendation. I can walk to it from my apartment which is an extra bonus. Two months ago, it was 5 stars all the way, baby. Oh, yeah! From the food to the service to the vibe! It was that good. I was thinking, "Who needs those freakin' great NYC tacos?" However, I digress. I went back today on a relatively quiet Friday afternoon and it's hard for me to find the strength to muster one star. How could a place go from Zero to Mucho Grossness in 3.3 seconds flat? To recap. We got our menus. Opened them up. Are they actually covered in sticky salsa and onions and some other mysterious substance? Yes. No biggie. I asked for different menus. (Remember, I prefer hole in the walls) Ordered my glass of Horchata. It came. Are those gross hard green chunks stuck all over the inside of my dirty glass. Yup! No biggie. I told the waiter I didn't want it and didn't want another one. (Remember, I prefer hole in the walls, but I was having my doubts now). Chips come. Taste like the oil hasn't been changed since the last time I was there. Are chips supposed to taste sour? Tacos come. Is that a big, gooey, mealy, rotten cucumber on my plate? It is. I flick it off. I'm doubting my taco experience at this point. Actually, I'm wondering about all kinds of things now. Food poisoning. Cleanliness. Are there Zombies working in the kitchen? Oh, Chorizo y Huevos taco, I love it when you have the flavor of tasteless fluffy air. I understand your 2nd string cook was not told where the spice cabinet was. But, I can't blame you or the waiter or the cook. These things happen during a secret Zombie Apocalypse, I'm sure. Fish Taco. Uggh. I'm not sure what really happened in my mouth - It wasn't pleasant. Mr. Waiter. You seemed like your punishment was to serve me. Please wear your eye glasses next time. I will, next time I walk right by your place on the way to better tacos.
(1)Darrah M.
After handling some errands in Shockoe Bottom, a friend and I scoured Yelp for the location of the best taco joint in the area. Rating and location signaled out Tio Pablo. Street parking and a short walk is to be expected in this part of town and I was able to park about a block away. In my opinion, hole on the wall type restaurants are usually gems and from the outside this is what the restaurant appeared to be. The exterior and interior is well lit and decorated. However red flags went up when the unkempt waitress advised us to "seat ourselves," and many of the individual tables were in need of cleaning. We chose the window seat and asked for the waitress to clean off the table. She pulled out a dry cloth and wiped off the table top, leaving a small sticky area in the middle of the small table. The chips that came out first were stale. I was told they are cooked fresh but I know what fresh tortilla chips taste and look like. The fresh salsa was mildly redeeming and I thought things might get better. I ordered the 2 taco plate and chose fish and carnitas. And because I like to try new things and at the suggestion of the server I tried the cactus side. The cactus tasked like cold rubber bands. And the fish taco was just dry. The carnitas taco was edible but far from savory. *sigh* I hate to write bad reviews, usually there is something redeeming that I can highlight but if I could give this restaurant zero stars I would. The only thing worth mentioning was the salsa and still isn't enough for me to return. As far as the entrees, I've had much better tacos come out of a kit from the grocery store.
(1)Richie W.
I came across this place while doing a search for tacos. What a nice find. The food was fresh and tasty. I got the 2 taco plate which came with 2 sides. It was $11, which is priced slightly high for me to add it to my regular lunch rotation. If they had a lunch special they would probably get more of my business. It is located in a hip neighborhood next to the main train station. There are lots of little wine bars and places to eat.
(4)Nick C.
The food is great and the drinks are cheap. Service is good and the atmosphere is fun. Good Mexican food, reasonably priced. I'd recommend the Mexican Gorditasif they are available!
(4)April G.
Had the pescado taco and chicken tostada combo. While the flavors and sauces were ok, the meat tasted pre cooked and my chicken was cold. Husband ordered the steak with sides of pickled onions and grilled onions, not realizing that his dish came with them already. Bummer
(3)Steve D.
Loved it! Great Food, Service was great for a taqueria. drinks were great, i loved that you can get margaritas there! Will be back! Supporting small businesses!
(5)Brenda R.
This is one of our favorite places to visit!! we really love this place because we can still stay on our diet since the whole restaurant is gluten free. They have the absolute best pico de gallo, very fresh... all their food taste fresh. My 1st time trying cactus, it was very yummy. Also beef tounge is really good. Some unusual stuff but its awesome. I will also like to point out that the Margaritas are made with real juice and sweetened with agave! AMAZING! Only downside is I wish it was a little bigger. They should expand. Its hard to come in with a big group, its a solo or couples place.
(4)MaryAnn F.
We love this place! Queso is so tasty, and the tacos are just what I want when I am hungry for Mexican. The wait staff is super nice and welcoming. Pollo chipotle and de cessina tacos are my jam! My friends and I come here a lot.
(5)Michelle S.
We came in Thursday night. As we walked in, there was a large group who used the entire main table. After sitting in the corner at a 4-top, we realized it was a little too tight for 4 people. The large group soon left and we moved to the large table. We ordered a couple margaritas and guac. The guac is super small portions for $4. We ordered another as it was good, but wish they were more generous portions. They do not have queso. I ordered the shrimp tostada and then the chicken and cheese gordita. Everyone loved their meal. The atmosphere was a little weird and was a mix or older couples and business men. At first we didn't think we would stay for dinner because the atmosphere was a little odd, but after a couple drinks and apps, I'm glad we took a chance on dinner.
(3)Therese T.
Tio Pablo is a funky American-Mexican dive that served everything gluten free. The menu is short and consists mainly of tacos. My favorites are the pork and pineapple, Mahi Mahi, and beef tongue. The meat was veryy tender and well flavored. They were about $3-4 a taco. You can also order a plate of two tacos and two sides for $12. The free chips and pico de gallo were great too! If you are feeling adventurous, they have tequila flights here around 15-20$/round! Since it wasn't a weekend nor night, we passed on that and ordered margarita instead. Love it! It was very fresh and had a decent amount of alcohol. I would come back to this place again. :)
(4)Farmingdale T.
Tried this place for Cinco De Mayo and loved it! We have always just walked by this place and didn't know if it was open or not. So for Cinco De Mayo we wanted to try it. It was packed!! We got super lucky and walked in right as a table was leaving and grabbed their table. The place is very small and doesn't have much space but it was a great time and great food!! I loved that it wasn't just your ordinary Mexican food that you can get every where. Everything we got was amazing and we loved it. They even gave us Free Tequila shots for having to wait a little for our drinks and chips since it was so busy! This is totally a hole in the wall worth trying. The flavors and atmosphere are awesome!!
(5)Lisa G.
Got the shrimp taco (2) plate with rice and black beans for $12. It's not a lot of food, but it's delicious. Service wasn't awful, but it wasn't consistent. It's not a large place... not a lot of tables, so neither the kitchen nor the staff should ever be slow. My friend enjoyed her food, too... something off the specials board... carne asada something... something like the equivalent of a Salvadorean pupusa.
(4)Juan G.
Great Mexican food, service can be a little slow when it gets busy. Great tacos and margaritas!
(4)Sonia H.
Hands down... BEST TACOS in RVA!!! I had the tacos al pastor...the pork and grilled pineapple was so great! And I had the chipotle chicken which was also very good. The chips & salsa...the salsa was fresh and home made. So good. The potatoes were to AMAZING! It had grilled jalapeños and onions and yummy...so awesome! The house Margarita was $4.00 cause it was happy hour. That margarita was just perfection! Going there on a Monday evening was fun. My fiancé and I got to talk to the bar tender/ hostess and that was fun! Loved her. Corky & so cool and awesome Margarita maker! We will be back and so glad we checked this place out! I'm one happy gal! Great little find!
(4)Princess Leia S.
Mushroom quesadilla is bland! And the Oaxaca cheese is just rubber. Utensils and dish ware are all plastic... Portions are on the smaller side. Pretty art is their forte... Otherwise I found it pretty mediocre.
(2)Gabriel C.
$3 tacos? Definitely caught me by surprise since I'm used to the $1 or $1.50 tacos out in CA/WA. However, the tacos were quite delicious. I ordered cabeza, carnitas adn cesina (never had this last one). Overall, they were similar to the tacos I eat on the regular - just pricier.
(3)Charles R.
I got the taco plate with 1 carne asada, 1 carnitas, guacamole & black beans. The pork in both tacos was incredibly tender, guac was fresh & the service was quick & friendly. Best tacos in Shockoe. Definitely coming back. Highly recommended!
(5)Samantha B.
Somewhat authentic, I suppose. However, the portion sizes were quite small for the price. I felt like the black beans were right out of the can with a dash of some generic seasoning. The salsa wasn't good at all. The horchata was clearly made from a powder mix, which was incredibly disappointing. I doubt I'll go back.
(2)Navia G.
A friend and I popped in for happy hour for our first time visit. The graffiti'd Tio Pablo sign on the outside already clued me in that this place was going to be funky and eclectic and the interior did not disappoint. It's a smaller spot, but they make great use of the space by having bar-style seating across both walls and a long, single table down the middle of the room. It's a great representation of a modern taqueria. There were discounted drink specials for happy hour, but no food specials. I had a Jamaica (hibiscus flavor) agua fresca drink with vodka. It was very unique, delicious, and super cheap for happy hour. My friend had the margarita on the rocks, she said it was good. She ordered chips with salsa, and the salsa that was included was a very spicy pico de gallo which I prefer on tacos, not chips. I had to ask for salsa verde, and that was excellent, not to mention unlimited. The tacos were the best ones I've had in a while. I ordered the taco plate (2 tacos and 2 sides) and got one al pastor and one carne asada. The meat was so tender and super flavorful, and the corn tortillas were perfect. I think they left out the pineapple that should have been on my taco al pastor, but no big deal. The frijoles charros (beans with bacon) were so flavorful and a great choice. My friend ordered the tostadas and those looked delicious as well. Authenticity abounds here. The only reason I didn't give them that extra star is because the portions are small. I didn't leave feeling full. And I brought my husband home a taco plate as well, and he was underwhelmed because of how little food there was. The taco plate is a good lunch size, but if you're really hungry 2 tacos is not enough. Next time, we will definitely order more. And there will absolutely be a next time.
(4)Kristy W.
On our way back from Colonial Williamsburg, the craving for Mexican food strikes. What to do? While outside the beltway I usually spring for a three-course meal of Taco Bell, but that wasn't on the docket today. I wanted something real. Something fresh. Something where I was sure of its origins. After turning to my friend Yelp, Tio Pablos seemed to be the place to be. Everyone raved about their margaritas, and rightly so. Slightly sweet, slightly sour. Happy hour (yes, that rhymes). We got a sampling of tostada meals, and each of the meats and sides were well-cooked and delicious. Happy girl. The chips and guacamole was really the only place where I felt a little let-down. The guacamole came in a tiny container and was pretty expensive. The chips weren't hot, but were flavorful. Just didn't seem to jive with the rest of the experience. Makes me wish I had a Tio Pablo of my very own.
(4)Christine H.
Came during happy hour, service was amazing. Tried four different types of meat (lengua, pastor, carne asada, and chicken) all were mouthwatering! The tortillas were also very delicious and you can't beat 4 dollar margaritas! Really cute neighborhood! Definitely coming back!
(5)Steve C.
Fantastic tacos, pico de gallo, and service. Between my friends and I we had the Pescado, Carnitas, Carne Asada, Pollo, and Camarones. All were fantastic and and 3 tacos plus chips and fresh pico de gallo was enough to fill up the tank. Pacifico on tap was a huge plus! I would alsp avoid the Mezcado drink special they have (Mezcal, Avacado, Triple Sec, Agave nectar), it was a little off putting. This is definately going to be a go to spot in the Bottom.
(5)Melissa H.
The tacos at Tio Pablo are something to taco 'bout for sure! I'm something of a taco addict and have tried just about every taco in Richmond and these are probably the best. They are pretty close to authentic Mexican tacos though sometimes they struggle with consistency. They can often be too dry or not very spicy but given the number of times I've been I'd say on average they are pretty freaking good. My favorite tacos are the carnitas but the carne asada is also very good. They offer some pretty good specials as well and the salsa they serve with the chips is also incredibly fresh. Also they do a pretty good house margarita that's pretty cheap for happy hour.
(4)Heather L.
Another great place with a gluten free menu...amazing! I've had the tacos mostly, and my faves are the shrimp and beef tongue...both fantastic. The tongue is tender and flavorful and the shrimp is tangy and tasty. For sides I've had the fried potatoes and peppers, rice, nopales (cactus), and guacamole -all delicious. Their homemade chips and salsa are always fresh. The real star though are the margs...tequila, agave nectar and lime juice, the way it should be. Expensive but so worth it!
(4)Ian C.
Went to Tio Pablo on a whim and was so impressed. 16oz pours, killer tacos, and Tres Leche cake. How can you go wrong?
(5)Chris B.
Great food. Seating can be a little awkward if you arrive in a group - with seating along the walls bar style, or at one community farm table. The tacos are extraordinary. Friendly staff. Good gluten free menu. Like this spot
(4)Jayson J.
I've been a huge proponent of this place. I loved it and referred countless friends and co-workers. Sadly tonight I realize Tio is done. Looking back I think it was mostly Zack the Ginger that made the place great, but he left. (My son left something there once and Zack shuttled it over to my work at VCU on his bike!) The food was bland. The service was uninspired and we did not feel welcome or well cared for. At one point we were the only people in the place and we had to ask for refills, ask for, water, ask for the check. Last and certainly not least the beer list is totally uninspired. Beer matters these days and whoever is choosing the selection is doing a terrible job or simply doesn't care. I loved Tio Pablo. I'm sad to cross them off my list.
(2)Brian M.
I struggled in writing this review. I thought the food that we chose was amazing, the food the server recommended was not so good and the server was horrible. However, its the food that we ordered that was just that good. This is a great taco place; in my opinion if you come here for tacos you will never leave disappointed. I ordered the De Pollo Chipotle (roasted chipotle chicken with cheese) and the De Huevos Chorizo (scrambled eggs + chorizo). Both were outstanding tacos. That had to be one of the best chicken tacos I have had in RVA. The huevos taco was delicious! It was breakfast and lunch wrapped in a beautiful corn tortilla. My wife ordered the De Lengua (sautéed beef tongue). She promised me a bite and proceeded to wolf it down without sharing. She comments were that was the best beef tongue she has had in a very long time. We had also ordered the Huevos Rancheros and that was just utterly disappointing (our server would not stop talking about this). It came out on a plate and it just looked like nothing that we could recognize. The egg was invisible and very difficult to pick up in the meal. The cactus was sweet and tasty but overpowered many of the elements in the Rancheros. We couldn't find the beans in the dish and our cheese was your typical melted cheese but blocks that were sitting on the plate waiting to be mixed in (but couldn't because of how thick the cheese was). Again not something I would order again or recommend. Overall meal would of been 2.5-3 stars. The Tacos alone were 4.5 to 5 stars. I will do an updated review after I come back for Tacos only.
(4)Mike D.
Great experience! Delicious hand made Gorditas with authentic fillings and out of the box like duck and rib eye...and awesome margarita's. In town on business and was dining solo. Will be back again.
(5)Sam K.
I am surprised at the mixed reviews this place has received. I liked the food which was an eclectic mix of Americanized mexican. The ambiance was very casual and the service was excellent and informative. However what really stands out for me is those two divine salsa bottles I brought to my table. One was a pico de gallo which was good but the other verde bottle was just orgasmic. when I dream I have a set ..a la universal studio sets Today morning I dreamt again and I was accompanied by A Banderas and S Hayek who were upto something fishy at the table next to mine. The mariachi was playing at another table. I was casually dresses and this was one of those regular date(s) with my girl. All the standard stuff. But what really caught my attention before I disconnected with the other realm was that bottle of salsa verde waiting to smother my three fish tacos sitting there. but then I wasn't able to. Well I guess I need to finish it off. Who doesn't like happy endings? Tio Pablo....Here i come...just make sure you stock up on the subtle greeny goodness
(4)Carla R.
Tacos are the real thing... Place is nicely decorated... A bit overpriced. Service is average. I would go back if I'm craving tacos. It just did not blow me away. Give it a try. The aguas frescas were good. Tres leches tastes like it had been on the fridge uncovered and a little dry. Has potential, but there is big room for improvement!!!
(3)christina m.
Why I love Pablo's... The server taught my son how to balance a chair on his chin (he used to be in the circus). And the food is awesome! Huevos rancheros are so authentic and the tacos camarones are so fresh. We were extremely excited to finally find an authentic Mexican restaurant in Richmond!
(5)Patricia B.
When you own easily the most popular brunch place in town, how do you branch out? If you're Paul Keevil, the Brit-born owner of Millie's, you open a ... taqueria. Yeah, I'm confused too. But here's the kicker--it's a GOOD taqueria. Tio Pablo's--that means "Uncle Paul's" if you're not up on your Spanish--is located in a colorfully graffitied building in Shockoe Bottom, the former home of Boom Boom Burgers. Like its sisters Millie's and Lulu's, it sports colorful artwork and interesting music, Mexican-based, of course. But one comes for the tacos, and they do not disappoint. I like the carne asada, but I REALLY love the lengua even if I am making out with a cow by proxy. The lengua tastes like the tenderest pot roast ever, and with a judicious shot of sweet-hot habanero sauce and some guacamole ... washed down by a Mexican Coke, hell yeah. Service can be a bit leisurely and I have a feeling this is more of a neighborhood bar than anything, but if you're looking for good tacos in downtown Pablo's your tio.
(4)Jessica L.
-- 4.5 stars -- Oh. My. Goodness. Tio, why have I not visited you sooner?! Great decor, check. Amazing margaritas, check. Flavorful tacos and salsas, check and check! Seriously, I am so sad that I only just discovered this authentic Mexican taqueria durin
(4)Chris A.
Great Service for lunch time. Portions were appropriate and the flavor of the De Pollo Chipotle and the De Carne Asada were spot on. Will be back
(5)Kelly C.
Muy delicioso! Never could I have imagined that the graffiti'd store sign I passed by on multiple occasions was actually the entrance to a delightful Mexican restaurant, but indeed it was. I know, mind blowing! The place had great food, good yet sometimes psychedelic sounding music, and a fair amount of seating consisting of bar-seating lined around the walls of the restaurant and two large tables in the middle. Might not be THE place for a large group, particularly since it is crowded during lunch time; however, this is a definite go-to joint for those taco cravings. Recs: 1. Free chips & salsa. Always a plus as you wait for those adorable slow-poke friends of yours (aka yours truly) to join. ;) 2. The 2 tostadas/tacos + 2 sides combo ($10). My picks were--Al Pastor (pineapple, pork?, lettuce, salsa...SO GOOD) and El Pollo Chipotle (chicken, quite spicy sauce/jalapenos, lettuce, salsa, etc...not as good as Al Pastor but good nonetheless). Sides--Napoles (seasoned slimy-ish cactus which sort of tasted like green bell peppers...not the best), Guacamole (AWESOME), Fried potatoes + peppers (heard it was too spicy for most) 3. Drinks: plenty to choose from. The horchata was excellent according to a fellow diner. Service was awesome, nice sunny setting, yummy food, and good music. Certainly worth a trip.
(4)