Tio Pablo image

Tio Pablo

Restaurant Bar Mexican restaurant Catering service Taco restaurant Gluten free restaurant

Hip, contemporary taqueria serving traditional Mexican quick eats, plus tequila, margaritas & beer. People often mention good, tacos, great, time, staff,


Address

1703 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23223

Website

www.tiopablotacos.com

Contact

(804) 643-4828

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (746 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 4 to 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 4 to 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 4 to 9 PM
  • Thursday: 4 to 9 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (13) tacos (12) great (12) time (8) staff (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Andrew F. 1 year ago on Google
    WARNING: 20% mandatory fee. Tio Pablo attached a Mandatory 20% fee to my ToGo Order. I consider this a DECEPTIVE PRACTICE as they do NOT tell you this when you place your order. By the time you add their FEE and TAX (admittedly out of their control) you are paying MORE than 33% over the advertised price. Additionally, the sides you get included with the item are very very small. The potatoes on the left were a separate item while the ones on the right were the included side for my entree. Neither one is very large, but the side for the entree is downright tiny.The food is good, but not worth the anger I felt over the entire transaction. If you are going to have a 20% mandatory fee for ALL food delivered OR picked up then just increase your prices. I would not be mad if that was the case. Yes, I would have ordered less food to keep my bill within budget, but you would have had a customer that sang about how good the food was, not how deceptive your pricing practice is.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Mini J. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was not good at all. The drinks were overly price which had no alcohol content in it. I promise you it will not sneak up on you. You would be sitting there thinking I'm going to taste it. I asked the waiter if They were non alcoholic drinks she says no. If it was They it was half a shot. Food had more lettuce then anything in it. Over all wasted about $30 on drinks and a automatic tip.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brianna J. 7 months ago on Google
    First time dining here. The house margarita was tasty and is a good value. Their selection of tequilas seemed impressive. What was not impressive were their sauces/dips. The guacamole was absolutely flavorless, the pico just tasted like watery diced tomatoes, and their house-made hot sauces all tasted extremely bland. I appreciate that they had a selection of sauces though. We got tacos and those were pretty good... I really just wanted a nice hot sauce to set it off! The frijoles charros were pretty good as well.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris B. 10 months ago on Google
    You know I have been to this place from back in the day and here lately. I have to say that the service here regardless of who's who is absolutely amazing! Also it's nice to see how they all work together and help eachother out with all the guest who come in. It's such a tiny spot and everyone seems to love giving everyone a great experience. The food when they first opened again was a little on the bland side but here recently it has taken a turn for the best! The churros got really good and the seasoning on my tacos was perfect. I also always used to eat each taco with only one of the 2 tortillas it comes with but not now! They are making them perfect with the combo of w it's so hard not to eat! The margaritas are the best in town and if I had to pick 1 I would say the spicy mango margaritas with the blistered jalapeños is right in point with a warming sensation and flavor and spice! The nachos are so worth every penny but brace yourself! It's ginormous! The specials have been making a debut late and I can't wait for some epanadas, or some Tomales! Anyway checkout this spot. It might not be for everyone but it could be for you! Oh all GLUTEN FREE!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 william t. 11 months ago on Google
    A GREAT Latino themed food and drink experience! This place has an awesome staff and combined with the fantastic food and cool decorations help made each visit a wonderful experience! The guac is great, the tacos are great, the nachos are great and that's just the beginning! It as great for lunch as it is for dinner and drinks...stop in and soak in the atmosphere!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amit P. 1 year ago on Google
    Great decor and wait staff (super friendly). Enjoyed the tacos. Plantains were nicely made, not greasy.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicolas F. 1 year ago on Google
    What a great find. The homemade masa tacos are delicious. Fantastic atmosphere and staff. Looking forward to the next time. Great place for Celiacs the kitchen is 100% GF
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 D'Atra M. 2 years ago on Google
    You know when you go without something for a long time and then when you have it again it makes you feel like an idiot for going so long without it?? Or is that just me? Either way, this place is amazing! If you’re reading this and don’t know what to get, get the carnitas tostadas. They were so good! Make sure to get the onions and jalapeños with them! My husband got the steak burrito and loved it! We’ll definitely be back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Becca G. 2 years ago on Google
    Celiac. Completely gluten free restaurant. Easily accommodated both vegan and kid needs in my party. Good tacos.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Edward O. 5 years ago on Google
    Seemed like quality ingredients and well-intentioned recipes but man, it was really lacking in flavor and spice, especially tacos al pastor (pork). Service was meh. Prices are fair and lunch portions were very sensible. I would return to try other dishes, but not in a hurry.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jasmine G. 11 months ago on Google
    GONE DOWN HILL. Used to come here often with my husband for authentic Mexican food. Sadly since it’s reopening and change in ownership the food has taken a turn for the worst. Upon our first time back we excitedly ordered tacos de Al pastor, carnitas, asada, and chorizo, EACH ONE lacked flavor and salt. We tried to compensate with the salsa provided which unfortunately also lacked flavor. The once handmade tortillas are now thick, crispy and muuuuch smaller. We’re extremely disappointed that one of our favorite Mexican restaurants now tastes authentically American. A huge loss for the Richmond community.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole 2 years ago on Google
    Atmosphere was great! Such a great vibe! Great place to drink and eat with friends or the perfect date spot. Food was AMAZING! Highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anna N. 2 years ago on Google
    Food was great! The service was okay. Overall great place. We were first time customers so i wish the service was better...(update) we went again today 08-11-2021 and we sat outside. The tent shaded us but there was no fan. It would’ve been okay if I didn’t have my baby with me.

  • 4/5 Alton A. 5 years ago on Google
    Food was delicious...tried cactus for the first time. Had what i thought was very authentic tasting papusa..and i doesn't hurt to be able to watch the cook making the right thru the opening in the wall into the kitchen..

  • 5/5 Muniza S. 1 year ago on Google
    We loved the elote! It was spicy, cheesy, and critusy all at the same time. SO GOOD

  • 5/5 Tim F. 2 years ago on Google
    Tacos 🌮, margaritas and it’s all Gluten free! This place had atmosphere and great house margaritas. I had the carne asada Gordita, the tacos el pastor, a carnitas taco and a chicken quesadilla (Togo) and for my desert the tres leches! The flavors reminded me immensely of being back in Mexico! Friendly staff. If I’m ever back in Richmond I’ll be visiting!

  • 3/5 Jamie Kanell- B. 11 months ago on Google
    We ate here yesterday. The fresh corn chips were okay- they could have been elevated with some salt. The queso dip is good, the house salsa was passable, but the guacamole was bland. The Chile relleño was really tasty and had a good balance of flavors. The carne asada taco was a little tough and bland. Great gluten free beer and very nice tres leches cake. We would come back to try different menu items and repeat order the items we enjoyed.

  • 5/5 Shelly P. 8 months ago on Google
    Fully gluten-free never tasted so good! My niece is a celiac, it's so relaxing to know she is completely safe when she visits. It really is spectacular and affordable!

  • 5/5 Janet M. 6 months ago on Google
    We stopped by for a quick afternoon snack and were pleasantly surprised at how quickly we were taken care of. In spite of the fact that there was only one waiter and many tables occupied, Gavin did an exceptional job with an excellent attitude. The food was delicious; the extra plus is the restaurant is dog friendly. I’d definitely come back!

  • 4/5 Whitney 7 months ago on Google
    The staff was great! Everyone was so pleasant. Happy hour menu was small but the drinks were pretty good. We had the fish & chicken tacos, both were good & filling. I do recommend. Not wheelchair accessible is one negative. And after happy hour ended one margarita cost a little over $20🙄

  • 5/5 Laurie B. 8 months ago on Google
    Tio Pablo is 100% gluten free. The tacos were delicious, and the staff was friendly and kind.

  • 3/5 Summer C. 6 months ago on Google
    Service and quality have declined lately. I wish they would get back to their old quality and service, because it feels like they are cutting corners now despite their semi-limited hours. Drink quality has declined as well, which is really disappointing.The only thing that keeps me coming back is the gluten free kitchen, homemade tortillas, and pork belly tacos.


Call (804) 643-4828 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Happy hour food
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Counter service
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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