Booked online for 5pm-6.30pm, unfortunately weather turned colder. Be sure to check your bill, I realised as we paid the bill we'd been charged £4.00 for a Lime & Soda (listed as a Large Juice). It was nice to get 2 for 1 Cocktails, but £11 for a simple Starter Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla or the £4 Lime & Soda aren't really realistic pricing outside of Mayfair or Belgravia. We ate at Nando's across the road a week before, (Saturday so no Voucher Discount). That bill came to £32.10, so this was almost double that read more

My second time here First time wasn't to bad food was fine. Again. I am coming from CA. Where Mexican food is a big things. Today. I asked for chicken burrito It's sad. Very sad. No taste. Dry. Never again read more

Really nice mexican with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Went to Cafe Sol Dos on a Sunday for a hungover eatathon, this place was great! It wasn't too busy so there was excellent service too. I can recommend the sizzling fajita's which came with a variety of dips to add, mmm. The loaded potato skins were amazing!! Also good for the summer month's there are a few table's outside...unfortunatley we didn't get one of these so almost fell asleep (after eating our body weight) in the slightly dark cave like back end of the restaurant. Perfect end to the meal if you ask me zzzzz. read more

Cafe Sol - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

I have found it hard to really enjoy Mexican food since I moved to the UK. It might be that I've been to some of the best Mexican restaurants in the US and the food is to die for. But I'm always open and when a friend suggested Cafe Sol I was up to try it. I enjoyed the food at Cafe Sol, the tortilla chips are delicious and the salsa a nice blend of tomato, cilantro, and onion. The burritos are pretty authentic and with a bit of guacamole and sour cream it's yummy goodness! What really surprised me was that as the night went on the tables slowly disappeared and the restaurant turned into a bar/club...complete with dance floor. So after stuffing ourselves with delicious Mexican food we were able to jump up and dance off the calories. The margaritas flowed and the music was pumping, all and all a great night out! read more

Cafe Sol - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

Last night a DJ saved Madonna's life on the dance floor, and a few nights ago Cafe Sol saved my night with a song. A few songs actually. I nearly keeled over with the avian flu when I met up with my friend for her birthday and she informed me we'd be going to Infernos. (If you'd like my opinion on Infernos, see my previous review on the subject). Well praise be the lordy when we walked to Infernos and the line was discouragingly long. "Let's go to Cafe Sol" I encouraged my friends. "My roommate told me it was fun." So we went. This place is apparently restaurant by day, bar and dance floor by night. It's like superman - news worker by day, hero by night. Or, it's like me - intern and reviewer by day, astronaut by night. (Didn't know that, did you?) So, Cafe Sol. The place was pretty full - it was a bit hard to get drinks at the bar. The crowd though was good natured, some people were dressed up in costume, others were not, but all were,, happily, dressed. The music was pretty good - mostly dance songs like Shakira or Michael Jackson, but also some Gypsy Kings. And Volare me away if I don't love them Gypsy Kings. This place is a far superior option for dancing in Clapham than Infernos. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Clapham, slap yourself the cured rump of a pig and then go to Cafe Sol. read more

See all

In my never ending search for a mighty Mexican meal in London, I was taken to this place for a friends birthday. The dimly lit room and extensive cocktail menu caught my attention straight away and then it was the hottie of a waiter who further fueled my enthusiasm for this place. I can here as part of a group, 7 peopl in fact, and as much as I thought this place was 5 stars of Mexican imitation joy if you are coming her for a date definitely ask to sit at the front - the back is somehow colder and less intimate. So to the meal, the menu would make any Mexican blush, it's mail tex-mex but I did see some authentic looking fish dishes (no fish tacos unfortunately!) but wow did I have a meal! I ate chip with homemade didp and a pile of perfectly cooked meat. I sunk my teeth into a rack of ribs, chicken bits and a deep fried wrap thingy which was surprising light. The cocktails were brilliant but quite pricey and the best thing on the drinks menu is the Sangria, homemade and like nothing I have tasted before. It's their secret recipe. I really liked this place, great food, good staff, nice atmosphere, great value. Apparently it turns into a late night bar when all the eating has finished and the Salsa dancing commences. I was a little to hungover to stay for this but I have been informed its a fantastic night out. read more

I really like the variety of food and cocktails here, because staring at the menu half an hour before ordering is totally my thing. There is something different to try any time and it fun to experience new meals and flavours. The place is usually overcrowded, so you may want to book a table if you don't feel like waiting. The food is super tasty and the portions are hugeee. I always leave with a full tummy almost incapable of moving. What's good is that they offer a lunch special for about £7, so you can get a main and a drink which is completely enough. The deserts are also a must-try. read more

Simply wow. How do you turn away tourists because of kids? Wanted to eat Mexican food on our first nite in London. Found this place on yelp,read good reviews and wanted to try it. As soon as we walked up we were ready to get seated but turned away by the other waiter ( a short paisa looking dude). He told us that they don't serve kids on weekends. I'm like wtf compa I thought these were my people. I'm a paisa he's a paisa. I guess not. But how do you turn away money. I don't get it. Well anyways, if your a tourist with kids don't bother going here. They will turn you away. read more

Not a fan. I came here on a night out as it is a club, my friend seemed to like it but I wasn't convinced at all. Located in Clapham, there's plenty of choices for clubs and I'd strongly recommend going to a different one. The inside of Cafe Sol is tiny, they charge £10 per person for entry and they cram so many people inside that it's impossible to dance. Really can't say I enjoy places where I'm shoved around and battered by other girl's clutch bags on the dance floor. I noticed that you get certain types of people here as well but I won't go into that. Will I be coming here again? No thanks! read more

Sadly, even with the environment and atmosphere being brilliant, the food left much to be desired. The only thing that I wanted was not in season, went with sole and it was beyond bland and overcooked. Our waiter was very accommodating and I even had a chat with him in Italian. Services was very good. Wine was lovely. I have had better Mexican food in London, but in all truth, I'm not all that big of a Mexican food fan. However, friends have always spoken well of this place and so I might give it another go. read more

I will definitely come back to this place... WHY? Salads! Yes... proper salads! I had a blacked shrimp salad with red wine vinegar. Mexican... nope! But it was on the list. Proper salads are a tough find in London. So I was ecstatic to find that that salad was on the menu! Terrifying at first... fearing that would bring out a ice burg branch, and some salad cream. To my surprise... it was up to my standards. I didn't have a burrito or anything really Mexican, I feared that a London Mexican wouldn't live up to my standards. But I'll have to return and try something new... if I can keep off the salads. It was yum! Loaded with prawns! I also had some stuffed hot peppers. It wasn't what I was used to, but to my surprise not and hot! My date couldn't handle it and drank 3 glasses of water like a little baby girl. he he. read more

As an American who loves loves loves authentic Mexican food, I was pleased to find Cafe Sol. It's not quite as authentic as you'd find in the US (and certainly not quite like the food *in* Mexico) but it's as close as I've found. The refried beans were more like baked beans in that they were still in bean form (whereas refried beans should be cooked down to mush) and the pico de gallo was a bit too green and cucumbery, but the food was tasty overall and the coconut sorbet for dessert was scrumptious. A bit noisy and the servers seemed a bit confused as to what table dishes were to be going to as multiple servers were working with multiple tables at the same time. But all in all a good place. I've been twice now and plan to go back. 3 stars thus far, and we'll see if further visits improve my vote! read more

I love Cafe Sol. It's great for midweek mexican when it's not too busy. It's a good place to take those visiting parents. It's a good for that first date. It's a surprisingly good option for those that live in the area for late night! (They shift all the tables and chairs away later on a Friday and Saturday night to make a dance floor where it's been known to get pretty loose). It's good for a lazy Sunday pig-out session. Book ahead at the weekend though! read more

This place made me happy when I lived in London. The portions were great and yummy. Plus they do a great lunch deal! Double plus, it is next to the Socialist bookstore. Woooo hoooo!!!! read more

On our way to Revolution to watch the game last week, some friends and I were suddenly struck by a craving for Mexican cuisine. It's not as widely available here as it is at home so Cafe Sol was a welcome, delicious little haven. Prompt service and great food. I had the shrimp taco salad (sans the fried tortilla bowl) which was packed with not only a healthful number of jumbo prawns, but a dose of baby shrimp as well. The salad wasn't overly dressed or loaded with cheese, so I felt relatively heathy. My flat mates got an assortment of enchiladas and burritos, all of which looked scrumptious. As did the guac and salsa. The price wasn't awful, in fact I felt it to be relatively reasonable for quality Mexican food. My friends split a pitcher of fruity sangria, which they reported was wonderful and a good value. Recommended if you're in the area, in fact we might make the trek from South Ken sometime soon! read more

Cafe Sol is one of those places to go when you're feeling a little down and just want to dance the night away. Don't expect anything more than that! In the evening up until around 10pm it is a Mexican restaurant. I have to say the food isn't the best but it is fairly cheap and everyone is up for a fun night who comes here. The tables are then cleared to make way for a dance floor and that is where you will usually stay until closing. I did notice though, after going 2 weeks in a row that the music was identical to the previous week and in the same order - most people would be too drunk to notice - yes, it does attract lots of groups of the same sex, strutting their stuff to impress the groups of the opposite sex. You know the drill! The bar is fun though and definitely good for a fun and cheap night out. The White Russian cocktails are also very pleasant. read more

Food is pretty good (can't expect much from London Mexican food unless it comes from the Whitecross van anyway), but the service is some of the friendliest I've ever had and it's a great casual environment. Nice selection of Mexican beers. Didn't sample the cocktails this round... but def next time. Nachos - We got the ones with guac, sour cream, jalapenos and salsa. Simple but great way to start. Love the fact that they use real cheese (not the fake nacho cheese). Steak and Chicken fajitas - Very filling. Come with all the fixins. Perfect meat/tortilla portion. Spicy chicken enchilada - Great kick to it and yummy flavors. Definitely just need 2. This was just the right amount, if not even a little too much, for two people. And prices were just right. read more

It ain't Mexican. It is, however, a solid Tex-Mex oasis within that desert of proper Mexican cuisine known as London. It was good enough, in fact, for me to come back when I have that all-too-familiar Mexican craving. Decent and nicely warm tortilla chips (though you have to pay for them), with actual fresh tomato salsa (a rare thing here). You could tell they added too much sugar, however, to make up for a lack of ripe tomatoes in the winter, but what can you do? I had fajitas (mix of chicken and steak), and they were nice! Served with various toppings and warm flour tortillas. Rob H.and I had just come from having a few drinks at the YEE at The Loft across the street, so I am wary of alcohol-induced yum bias here. BUT I had my leftover fajitas for dinner the next night and they were equally tasty, so I'd say I was not that influenced by the lemongrass cocktails consumed earlier in the evening. Not far from Clapham North Tube Station, so I'll certainly be back when that time of the month hits! (No... my monthly Mexican craving. Don't be gross, please). read more

One of those "safe as a fallback" places in Clapham - very friendly staff and great value food always well prepared. The blackened tuna is a particular favourite that somehow always finds it's way onto my plate even when I'm in the mood for a more traditional burrito read more

Been here twice in my time in Clapham and both times I've been happy with this Tex-Mex restaurant. I love Mexican food, being a native Californian, so I'm a little critical, but the fajitas are great, the ribs are tasty, wine is tasty, (subtract one point for weak mojitos), and service is fantastic. I have a feeling this may become a regular spot if we continue to live in Clapham! read more

Now this place is one of those places that you say does exactly what it says on the tin! And does it very well! If you're in Clapham or the surrounding areas this place is brilliant for proper Mexican food! It's not cheesy and over entertaining. It's good simple Mexican good done brilliantly! I popped in here for my monthly catch up with a ground of old mates and we were all really happy. The service was good, staff were quite attentive, but it was busy so I understand why they were running around. We didn't have starters this time although when we have in the past, the nachos are good and also the potatoes skins are special! I had a burrito with chicken, black beans and rice. It was brilliant! The only reason this place doesn't get a five out of five was because the service was good but not exceptional. Aside from that, a good night out, good food and a good catch up. Definitely worth a visit! read more

I love my Mexican food and this place is Clapham is okay. They have a wide range of dishes, their salads are particularly good as are the ribs with the meat falling beautifully off the bone. The service is also good and I've never been sat there dying of thirst waiting for my actual sol to arrive. It's not the best Mexican place but it is very atmospheric and very good for large groups as there is a really good party atmosphere here which the staff help engender and maintain. Best of all is when they turn this place into a late night dance hall. It attracts a really mixed crowd who are always up for it and you can not fail to have a good night here. read more

I really like everything about this place, to be honest, apart from maybe the price. Great cocktails to start with, and the nachos are huuuuge. I went for the fried potato skins, and whilst they weren't really skins, and more...actual chunks of potato, they were still really good. For the main I had a chicken enchilada, which was awesome - covered in cheese and salsa and definitely big enough to satisfy my appetite. The chicken inside was really tasty, as were the refried beans it was served with. The next day I missed it so much I ended up making my own one at home! read more

Great little restaurant, lots of choices on the menu, all the classic mexican dishes, with slight twists. Portion sizes are quite generous, and prices are not too steep - especially if you take advantage of some of the special offers earlier in the week. Staff are plentiful and friendly enough... read more

This is an okay Mexican restaurant (sorry, I'm a bit biased as I grew up in Texas). There are better ones in London, but you could also do far worse. They are one of the only places I have found that do queso (melted cheese for dipping), so that was fantastic. The burritos were passable - nothing to write home about. The margaritas were also okay - mine was actually kinda sweet - like it didn't have enough tequila in it. I'd probably go back, but only because it's close to where I live. There's better out there, but if you're not picky, you'll enjoy it. read more

I've lived in Clapham for years now and this restaurant is one of my staple favourites that I come back to time and again. To me, Mexican food is all basically the same ingredients, just folded differently. So I find it hard to go wrong with any of the menu choices. If you want sheer wow factor then get the fajitas as they come out sizzling all over the place. Everyone will stare like it's the first time they've ever seen such an event. Get out more people! The service is good, the food is above average, portion sizes are big and you'll leave full and dreaming of cheese and nachos. The marghirita's are dangerously easy to drink...a jug will set you back £18 but it's good for a group of 3/4. I'm not an expert so I can't judge whether they are strong or not, but I've had a pretty bad hangover from them so I'm guessing they are potent enough. The atmosphere is always lively, there's usually a couple of big groups or birthdays in there - and because it's open really late it's a good option for that meal that just keeps on going. read more

I've never actually eaten at Sol so it might seem a little odd that i'm writing a review. But come 11pm on a Friday and Saturday night, this place turns into a late bar (quite random!). The chairs and tables are all stacked away and the main space becomes a dancefloor and it's pretty popular. On a Friday night it's free to get in and on a Saturday it's only about £3. The staff are really friendly (until you take your shoes off they don't appreciate this) and it's a nice crowd. My only gripe is that if you buy spirits, they come as a double as standard. And so if you ask just for a single, you still will get charged for a double, which is a little bit naughty. But overall, a fun night. And being right on the high street, if you want to move on, there's plenty of options around. read more

Its a very solid restaurant. The location is alright. It's a very big space hosting a lot of people. Meaning it's very loud. The service is great, very friendly and quick. The food is average. It is good but not very impressive or special. Therefore I give it am ALRIGHT ;) read more

Cafe Sol - Tequila Salmon - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

See all

I'm wavering. 2 or 3 stars. I mean, it wasn't BAD, but it wasn't amazing Mexican food. Too spicy yet strangely bland. Oh, and the guacamole portion was pathetically tiny. It was a bit loud too, come to think of it. On the plus side, if you could call it a plus side, the menu wasn't just Mexican, it had all the regular burgers/ribs/stuff on the menu that more picky eaters will indulge in like I once did. I would say it would detract from the authenticity, but It wasn't really a mexican restaurant. It was more like it was a restaurant you would find in the Magic Kingdom. In zorro-land, obviously. JUST 3 stars. Just. read more

The restaurant is run by Italians and the menu has both burgers and ribs on it, if that tells you anything about the kind of establishment this is. I mean, burgers and ribs? Really? I overheard someone at the table next to me say, 'I don't know if I should order a burger or a chimichanga...' Um, I know what you should order at a Mexican restaurant. And I'll give you a hint: it's not a burger. The restaurant itself was fun and inviting and got me in the mood to eat some delicious food. The margarita I ordered was strong and delicious, served appropriately with just tequila, triple sec and lime juice in a low-ball glass over ice with a salted rim; however, the cost of this pleasure was a steep (and a bit shocking) £5.95. We got some tortilla chips and guacamole for the table. The tortilla chips were thin and crispy (excited face), but they were WAY over-salted. Still good, though. The £1.85 side of guacamole was served in a teeny tiny sauce ramekin (really, terribly sad and weeping face), although it was pretty good (but I don't know how I really feel about the addition of raw onion. At least it wasn't red. Yeah, I'm looking at YOU Wahaca!). After looking over the menu, I realised the only 'Mexican' food from which I could choose was a chimichanga or an enchilada. Although, the chimichanga wasn't really an option for me, as the menu did not advertise its vegetarian option. I ordered the spicy vegetable enchiladas. They arrived on a plate that looked good, but as soon as I put my fork into them, they disintegrated into nothingness. And they were REALLY F*CKING SPICY. I mean, I like spicy things, but that's all these enchiladas were. Spicy. The only thing I could taste was spicy. What kind of vegetables were in it? I have no idea, as the filling looked and tasted like unidentifiable mushy matter of spicy spiceness from Spicytown (with some corn kernels, because we all know that corn kernels can withstand everything). I suppose I should quantify this; it wasn't the spiciest thing I've tasted in my life, nor was it so spicy that I had to drink water while eating it. No, it wasn't that spicy. What I mean to suggest is that 'spicy' was all this enchilada had going for it. The spice overpowered any other flavours that may have been going on in there. And that's just not pleasant. I love Mexican food because of the simple ingredients and clean, feel-good flavours (yes, with a bit of spice in there too), but there was very little to like and enjoy about those enchiladas, because I couldn't taste anything other than chilli. The accompanying pinto beans were average (and, sadly, not refried), as was the plain white boiled rice, although the melted cheese on top of these items made them the highlight of my meal. Overall, disappointing. But such is what we have to work with in London, I suppose. So, two stars. Yes, I have experienced better. I'd rather go to Cafe Pacifico. (If they'd served me that guacamole in a big ol' bowl, I might've given them three stars.) read more

I think that my search for Mexican food in London has struck gold. Actually my wife discovered this place. It is not a typical Mexican restaurant. I've never had alligator in Los Angeles or Mexico. Nor have I seen sangria at any other Mexican restaurant. Well they have both, along with chimichangas (vegetarian as well). They also have an extensive drink menu. This is not Mexican street food. It is fusion of styles and dishes from Mexico and it works really well. Right when we walked in the door we were greeted and taken to our table. The place smelled wonderful. The open kitchen allowed the aroma of bell peppers, sauces and roasting meet float through the dining area. The wait staff was superb. Cafe Sol is busy but not crowded. We never felt rushed. The staff was great and the food was well worth it. The whole package came together very well. It's a good place to take a date or a group of friends. As a foodie an Angelino and a lover of Mexican cuisine, I recommend Cafe Sol. read more

My boyfriend loves Mexican food and is constantly on the lookout for a decent Mexican restaurant. So when we were invited to Cafe Sol for a friend's birthday he had high hopes. Fortunately the food was pretty good- we started off with the regular tortilla chips and salsa. So far so good- the salsa actually tasted homemade and not out of a jar. I ordered the chimichangas and my boyfriend went for the beef burritos- both were tasty and full of flavour. However I am yet to find a Mexcian restaurant which beats the food I've had on the Mexican food stall in Camden market. Cafe Sol has a lovely atmosphere and the food was good but not amazing. read more

Café Sol truly deserves these five stars. I would even go as far as saying that it's the only authentic and sincere place at the sea of Clapham High Street pretentiousness. If you aren't a regular, you could easily miss it on the high street since there is so much going on in the evening. And it doesn't look as flashy as the other establishments nearby - but let's clarify that this is a good thing! I have spent so many Friday and Saturday nights there that I should receive honorary membership of some sort or at least half price offer on their amazing cocktails. You can go there during the evening for a quiet meal (by the way, it's the best Mexican in London I have tried so far) or wait till around 11pm when the staff moves all the tables to the side to create a dance floor for a bit of boogie. And between you and me, it's the best place to be! No entry fees, no stuck-up attitude and no sleaziness. I just love that place! It's fun, vibrant and easy on your pocket. read more

Wow, what a place, every type of cocktail possible and a menu ranging from typical nacho's with salsa to a side of alligator! It does beg the question, where exactly do you find alligator around London? But I choose to ignore this and focus on the facts, amazing food, amazing cocktails and for some reason which I am yet to discover, a large amount of very attractive men who seem to dine there! So if you fancy a night of excellent food and drink, reasonably priced, with eye candy thrown in for free then I seriously recommend it! read more

I've been here a number of times and twice for the same friends' birthday. The fact he chose it twice and is a chef is testament to the quality food the restaurant offers. It's got a really authentic feel and a laid-back but bustling atmosphere, with cheerful mosaic decoration and yellow walls. The Burritos are wonderful, but my friend, the chef, will always opt for the chilli. Be sure to order a Tequila too. read more

Went here last night for dinner and drinks. Sat outside and it was pleasant. The food was nice - nachos a really good portion size and very tasty. The Monterey Jack cheese sticks were delicious took the quesadilla was average. Prosecco is well priced at £24.50 a bottle. Would return. read more

Been to agee mexican restaurants but this by far is the best. Good food and place to eat and after 11 or 12 they push the tables back so you can shake a leg or 2. nice staff and friendly enviroment read more

Café Sol is a Mexican restaurant / bar on Clapham High street. I've eaten here in the day and the usual Mexican menu was pretty good. At night they clear away the tables and it turns into a kind of disco. Its free to get in so it's a good night if you're short on cash! read more

Good solid Mexican food, very predictable but fine. Fajitas are hot and sizzling, guacamole is tangy, sol is cold, and the music is latiny. It's not mexico, but it's pretty good for SW4 read more

Although a Mexican restaurant foremost, Cafe Sol comes into its own when the tables (sometimes with people still eating) are swept to the sides to make way for a cheesy dance floor. As already mentioned it's free to get in and beats the hell out of Infernos for a spot of late night drinking and cheesey dancing. Drinks are reasonably priced and my friend never tires of bringing out the bottles of Sol in Cafe Sol. The outside is good to sit and chat in the Summer when you want a break from the dancing. What you see is what you get here! read more