Checked out this family friendly Mexican restaurant in Carbondale. Don Sol is like your standard strip mall place with margaritas, burritos, and more. It hardly is that authentic, but it's not trying to be though. Honestly it's better than it looks. The prices are kind of expensive unfortunately. Basically this is classic Mexican American food. It's got a few locations, including this one. This has the feel of a big chain to it, though. Anyway, the drinks and food are okay if not expecting much. The high prices make it hard to be satisfied. It's about $12 for a margarita. The Blue Lagoon is made with Blue Curaçao and it got us lit for sure. Food is even more expensive. It's about $15 for the Taco Salad Veggie. This comes in a crispy tortilla bowl, and is filled with broccoli, cheese dip and sour cream which I left off, guacamole, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and zucchini. Good stuff but certainly not worth the charge. The rest of the menu has typical Americanized stuff like fajitas and tacos. For sure it's not bad food. It's located on Giant City Road by University Mall. There's some things okay for vegetarians. read more

Don Sol - Blue Lagoon And Taco Salad Veggie - Mexican Near Me - Carbondale, Illinois

Very authentic and delicious Mexican food. My wife and I have eaten there several times and each time find a new delicious item on the menu that satisfies our desire for excellent Mexican food. read more

Vegetarian fajitas. Real good just needed some shells for fajitas but really good . I don't eat vegetarian all the time but was a nice choice from the normal. We will be back. Working in area. Staff was great place very clean read more

See all

Don Sol made a cold gray day feel warm and sunny. Terrific service, a varied lunch menu, and a pleasant interior all contributed. Entrees were pretty standard, which is not criticism. My Pollo Mix included perfectly grilled veggies, plus rice, refried beans and a tortilla-thin piece of chicken. I asked if the chicken had been forgotten because it looked so much like a tortilla with the vegetables in top. The server laughed good naturedly and pointed it out. Still, the thinness had evaporated much of the flavor other than what was soaked up from the vegetables. The lunch was just the right size meal--the size I wish a lot of supersized dinners were--and a very good value for the $7.50 price. read more

Don Sol - That "tortilla" is actually the grilled chicken beneath the veggies. - Mexican Near Me - Carbondale, Illinois

See all

This is the best Mexican restaurant in Carbondale. The food is delicious and the employees are all nice. They are fast and my cup never got empty. read more

Super bland. Ordered a tostada and it didn't even have cheese. Who does that?! I guess my husband liked their steak salad - that's why they get two stars, but he would give them 4 stars for his food. read more

Nice fresh chips, still warm and slightly greased from the fryer. Salsa is served in individual containers, so double dipping can live. But you do have to ask for more salsa as you eat all yours, or at least we did. Nice varied menu, with a large number of seafood options. My chili relleno was very good, with enough egg to sort of make one think of an omelet. Also very mild, which is how I like it. Others who want spice may differ in their impression. Chorizo burrito was also enjoyable. Pretty much just chorizo in a tortilla, with white cheese sauce on top. But tasty. Chorizo can be a bit rich by itself, though. So consider that when ordering. read more

This is delicious authentic Mexican food. Margaritas are good, food is delicious and service is great read more

I was very disappointed. Their enchiladas were very bland. I actually threw it away. My friends wanted to go back so I did. I got their fajita bowl. It was actually pretty good! It was cooked well and seasoned nicely. It depends on what you order and which location. read more

Let's start with the chips and salsa, standard free appetizer fare at every Mexican restaurant in America. These chips are fresh and crunchy and amazing. So good in fact that I needed to ask, "are these made fresh?" They are and the difference is noticeable. The salsa fresca is awesome. If you're brain washed into thinking that thin flaky chips and thick pasty salsa is good, you're in for a shock. After lunch, my wife and I went back for dinner because of the chips and salsa. Other bonuses: The margaritas were good. Strong. A** kickingly strong. The food was tasty, but I don't know if it was exceptional. The service was a little slow. I wish they brought more than 2 flour tortillas per meal. Candidly, the chips and salsa are so good that everything else came in second. read more

Don Sol - Mexican Near Me - Carbondale, Illinois

As a vegan, I regularly eat at Mexican restaurants as I can always get some options without meat or dairy. Veggie fajitas as a go-to (no cheese or sour cream). I ordered that here, and had them add potatoes (almost never an option). This might be the the best I've ever had...sure, your peppers, onions and tomatoes. But also mushrooms, broccoli, squash and zucchini. And two varieties of onions...yellow and green. And black beans on the side! I can't believe how many Mexican restaurants only have canned refried beans! Oh, and $8 pitchers of margs on Wednesday's. Well played. read more

Don Sol - Mexican Near Me - Carbondale, Illinois

Sol is soul food!!. For lenten meals they offer plenty of meat free options that all sound very delicious! I got fish tacos with tilapia and a side of refried beans as well as a uniquely fantastic drink called a margarona which is a classic margarita with a mini bottle of Corona beer in it. The fish was super juicy and flavorful as was the Spanish rice. Refried beans could have used more flavor... the chips were good but thick, salsa was good but could use more quality. Loved the drink and loved the food!!! read more

Don Sol - Poster - Mexican Near Me - Carbondale, Illinois

See all

Loved the guac! But where's the spice in the entrees?

Best Mexican restaurant I've been too in the Southern Illinois area. The food is really good and the service is top notch. read more

See all

We tried Don Sol for dinner after seeing a movie in Marion. Based on other Yelp reviews, I decided it was worth a shot. When we walked in, the restaurant was very crowded. On a Tuesday night, that's a good sign. We started with some margaritas. Their chips are very clearly homemade and quite tasty. The salsa was good, if a bit mild. The margaritas were so tasty that we each had two. For dinner, I had the seafood over rice. It's basically shrimp, scallops and rice with cheese sauce and beans covered with a guacamole salad. It was really good, and quite interesting with the scallops added in. The guacamole was soooo good and is a must have. My dad went with the Mi Rancho plate with shrimp. He liked it, but the chile verde sauce was a bit too spicy for him, so beware. I thought it was great, but I love spicy food. This is a nicer version of your typical Mexican restaurant, and their authenticity is illustrated by the fact that they have so many dishes with seafood in them. They use high quality, fresh ingredients. The guacamole was evidence of that, as they allowed a fresh avocado to be the star of the show with just a touch of lime and some salt. We will be back! read more

Don Sol - Mi Rancho Plate - Mexican Near Me - Carbondale, Illinois

See all

Such a good selection and prices are always fair. The salsa is always very tasty and the atmosphere is always nice. Service is excellent and it's usually crowded. Margaritas are a hit! read more

A great place and service is excellent. The only issue is that this place is always packed!! Maybe in need of a second location in Marion, IL. There is sometimes a wait, especially on busy weekend nights. The food is always great (if not on the pricey side) read more

Huge portions and reasonably priced. I wouldn't say this is terribly authentic (no menudo, no elote), more on the tex-mex influence. The free chips and salsa are great - they are actually homemade tortilla chips! I liked the enchilada, but the chile relleno had too much of an eggy batter, to the point where it felt like an omelet was wrapped around the pepper. Not very good. Our server was very attentive. read more

Nice and greasy Tex mex meals with a late closing . Convenient and affordable, but greasy

Cheese dip was 1/2 price that day and tasted great with the complimentary chips and salsa. The Fajitas Don Sol was awesome with shrimp, chicken and steak. Came with two tortillas, but you just ask for more tortillas as you go. Very tasty, and I would definitely order this again. read more

See all

I love it and the staff is friendly and fast! The shrimp chimichanga is divine! The drinks are also tasty!! Mmmmmmm

Okay, this place is far from fine dining but it's pretty good. The food is excellent. The waiter was very good. It's kinda a glorified burrito place but hey if you're in Carbondale and hungry this will work. read more

This used to be my favorite place to eat out. I came here and the Marion location every Friday for months. There has been a change over the passed 6 months. Veggie fajita started getting skimpy. Last time 4 times at Carbondale I had to send back plate due to not being cooked to my specifications even after emphasizing very clearly how I want it. Today will be my last visit and either location! Sent back plate again. Black beans taste sour and I had to wait 12 minutes for tortillas. I work retail and I'm not hard to please, everyone can't be perfect but this has been consistent and I'm done. read more

Food was fantastic! Meat was grilled to perfection, and the chips and salsa are great. The chips especially. They are hot upon arrival, sturdy enough to hold the largest amount of salsa, but once they enter your mouth they fall apart with ease. Service was excellent too. Our waiter was quick but not pushy, and was very kind. We got refills on our drinks just when we needed it, not too early and not too late. Atmosphere is very cool, and it has a nice style. And I usually don't comment on menu layouts, but the way the menu is set up is stellar. Very easy to navigate and has a cool design. Very, very good Mexican place to eat, and reasonably priced. I highly recommend it. read more

Great food! Great attentive service with equally good price. The decoration is very nice, great atmosphere, and clean. Meat was grilled very nicely. Chips were very nice read more

This place was great from the start. The food and our waiter was amazing. I overheard that he was new to waitressing but he did an amazing job. We also had a $50 gift card that I won and it was giving them trouble. They easily fixed it and we all went on with our night. Also, I loved the managers makeup and now our plan is to go every Friday! Thanks to the staff at don sol! read more

Don Sol - El Comal & Carne Asada plates - Mexican Near Me - Carbondale, Illinois

We ate here last night and it was absolutely wonderful! Great atmosphere, food, and drinks! Reasonable prices. read more

Don Sol - Mexican Near Me - Carbondale, Illinois

First time ever trying here and it did not disappoint, very clean, nice workers and great food and prices.

Not the best. Chile rellano was weird - egg coating was non-eatable. Guacamole had no flavor. Tostada was good so was the watermelon margarita. Service was bad. Very little English - but I guess that's expected, but service was still poor. Won't be back read more

I used to rant and rave about Don Sol and that in terms of authentic Mexican food, it was above all the other similar restaurants. That was until the last couple of visits. They nickle and dime you for everything. Ordered the carne asada tacos but asked for lime wedges. $1.50. A tiny bowl of hot sauce, $1.50. My wife ordered fajitas with flour tortillas. It only comes with two. We asked for additional tortillas, $3.00. The service was slow and our waitress was emotionless. They have another location in Marion that is hands down better than this. I'll take the trip there instead. read more

Camarones Don Sol baby! The service is very very good here . Be sure to look over the entire menu because there's lots of ill gems of choices all over it. This place is very vegetarian or diet friendly if you just tell what you want because there's lots of grilled items and varieties of good veggies available. Be adventurous and order something besides a chimichanga! David is a great server with awesome skill. read more

Don Sol - Camarones Don Sol baby - Mexican Near Me - Carbondale, Illinois

Bomb chips with a sweet salsa. Quality rice. Mind-blowing presentation. The best staff. So kind and a great atmosphere. Definitely recommend! read more

I fancy myself an aficionado of Mexican Cuisine because I eat it so often, have had some really good, some really mediocre and some pretty bad (no quiero Taco Bell). Don Sol is a favorite of mine & my family. When I go to Southern Illinois to visit my parents we like to hit this place up for some chips & salsa, a little queso(cheese) dip and whatever else tickles our fancy on the menu. Pretty much everything I have eaten here is pretty fabulous and if you speak a little Espanol with the waiters they will give you an extra smile. The service has always been above average. If you are looking for some Gringo (American) favorites or something off the beaten path you will find it here at Don Sol. Get past the fact that its set back in a little strip mall sort of situation. Its a great restaurant for Mexican food in Southern Illinois. Muy Delicioso! read more

See all

This is one of the best Mexican restaurants in the area! They are always great with service and quick. Great selection of food. Good outdoor area for dining now also! read more

Awesomely delicious!! I'm rather particular about Mexican cuisine. But this place hit the mark for authenticity, ambiance and most importantly...cleanliness. The staff was friendly and the food was great! We will definitely be back. read more

Food was very good coming from a a few Texans who live on Tex-Mex back home. Chips were good, a bit thicker than normal. Salsa was pretty good flavor. Nice portion size for price point. Service was friendly and stayed on top of drink refills. I had pick your own:tamale, beef enchilada, hard shell taco, rice/beans. Not really any complaints. Use to a bit more flavor back home in Texas. Craving some Mexican food come here. We were at hotel just behind it. Highly recommended. read more

Don Sol - Rice/beans, tamale, beef enchilada and taco. About $16n good portion side and full not skimpy. - Mexican Near Me - Carbondale, Illinois

I really enjoyed the food at Don Sol. From the outside it looks like a small place nestled alongside several stores. Going inside it's much bigger, with a mom and pop feel. The food is tasty and fresh, the prices are fair. When in Marion and I want some good Mexican food, it's Don Sol. read more

Don Sol - the front entrance of a restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Carbondale, Illinois

See all

Best Mexican in town. Great service and traditional Mexican food. Free chips & salsa.

Terrible. Servers were rude, slow, and incapable of doing their jobs. Chips were burnt. The window has a bad draft. Had to request tortillas and was charged for them when they were supposed to come with my meal. Just a flat out bad experience. Small portions. Food not fresh or tasty. Save your time and money. read more

My family and I have been to this restaurant twice. Both times we have had great food and service. We will be going again.