For sure my favorite Mexican restaurant. The staff and the food certainly deliver each time! This place is always busy and typically packed. There is no waiting room, so be prepared to stand in the door watching others devour their delicious meal. Their staff is amazing. Super friendly and HARD workers. They are always busy doing something. They have a vested interest in the success and operation in this business. There are times that this place is so busy, that we have to wait a while to get our bill to leave....something I can over-look. Food: I have eaten at a ton of Mexican restaurants. El Sol's dishes are always on point, fresh, hot, and full of flavor. A typical meal can run around $10, however their portion size is huge and we typically need a box to take home. Can anyone say 'leftovers'? While waiting for the food we snack on chips and salsa. There are times when the chips may be a little stale, but that doesn't stop us from eating a gazillion baskets. At times we splurge on the white queso dip. I love it, but the rest of the fam typically just devours the salsa. I absolutely recommend the fajitas. Son and I usually split the steak and chicken fajitas. Make sure to ask for another order of tortillas if you are going to split. There is a small fee for extras, but worth it since we are splitting. Another favorite is the steak quesadilla. This has a large tortilla filled with steak strips and white cheese. Each meal comes with a plate of refried beans, rice, and a little salad with pico. I could live off the rice and beans. The rice is just that, rice and flavoring, no little weird things in it (aka vegetables). My fam and extended fam have probably tried everything on the menu and there has never been a complaint about the food. A couple of side comments. Parking can be challenging. There is a small parking lot across the street, but usually full. The restaurant itself is small. If you have a large group, tables will be pushed together. You will be close to other tables. No privacy if you are looking for something intimate. ****Closed Mondays**** read more

See all

Authentic, delicious, the best!!! I am from Arizona and El Sol tastes and feels like home. I have to make the trip from Mt Vernon every time I'm in town! read more

This is our family's favorite Mexican place! Great service and atmosphere. Everything is bright and clean, including the bathrooms. Fantastic food and consistently delivering a lot of smiles and satisfied tummies for our family. read more

Went to Solon for the city wide garage sale and was disappointed not to find the things I was looking for, but I definitely wasn't disappointed in the meal. Both orders of fajitas were very tasty, and the portions are huge. mine lasted me 3 meals..be sure to order more tortillas to take home with you because they are delicious. The food was out quick, and the staff was very attentive when we were out of water which was extra appreciated since it was a very toasty day. The one thing keeping it from being a 5 is it was a bit pricier than I'd expect between the two of us it came to over $50..Mostly dude to sodas being very expensive which is also my fault since I didn't notice the price. read more

El Sol Mexican Cuisine - two plates of food - Mexican Near Me - Solon, Iowa

See all

I just had a plate from a catered event. Delicious! The fajita chicken was extremely tender. The chips light and delicate.

Great mex joint in Solon. Waitstaff were quick and attentive, ambiance was relaxed and food was quality, not rewarmed from a box or can. Just wish they made the salsa chips fresh instead of once a day. Overall it's a solid 4 star place to eat for a quick bite. read more

If you're chasin a magnificent burrito, you've chosen the right casa! The Burrito Grande, in either a chicken or steak, is a can't miss selection. Chips cheso and salsa are fresh and delish, a cold longneck or Margarita sends you home a happy camper. Let me add, those smiles and service you get from the staff makes this your go to for authentic Mexican in the Corridor. I've lived in Solon since 2008, these folks do it RIGzHT.... read more

Looks like free kids meals on Sundays turned into half price kids meals on Sunday :T, still very cheap though ($2.50 for a kids meal!). And for some reason my tacos didn't turn out as big as they did the first time I came. Food still tasted great though and will return. Surprisingly I really enjoyed the shrimp taco this time. Usually the shrimp and fish tacos at these places come with lettuce and cheese instead of the traditional cilantro and onions, so they aren't usually my favorite. I ended up enjoying the shrimp taco better than my al Pastor taco and steak taco (this ended being a little on the dry side) because the shrimp was grilled really well and was really tasty. read more

See all

El Sol is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Solon! The food is amazing and the staff is always accomidating! The other day they had my meal ready in just 5 minutes!!! Thanks guys! Appreciate you. read more

See all

THIS PLACE NEVER MISSES!!! everything's so so good and it's super cute in there. food comes out quick too read more

El Sol Mexican Cuisine - vegetarian burrito - Mexican Near Me - Solon, Iowa

We stopped in today for lunch after I heard about how great the burritos were. It did not disappoint. I ordered the seafood burrito (shrimp and crab) with rice and it was the best seafood burrito I've had in my 50 years, including several trips to Mexico for authentic meals. The flavor of the shrimp and crab came through and was not lost in the delicious cheese sauce. The rice was tender and flavorful and if I could of I would of licked the plate clean. I also had the Michelada which came with some shrimp, cucumber and lime. Very tasty without being super hot. I can't wait to go back again, this time I'm ordering a dinner sized meal. Quick and friendly service. read more

El Sol Mexican Cuisine - a bloody drink with donuts - Mexican Near Me - Solon, Iowa

In our continuing quest to find a good staple Mexican spot, we finally found one that may be worth coming back to. This place actually made me reconsider and lower the ratings of the majority of other Mexican places we've been to - it's that good. The journey started with signage outside the restaurant declaring, "Now we open for lunch on Friday's" - Score! The Margaritas to start out were exceptional! No too sweet and good size for $3.75. They had about half a dozen beers including the standard south of the border favorites. The food was excellent - straight up! My better half had the molcajete and it was legit. Ribeye strips, avocado, cheese, onions and a concoction called "cactus salad" were served up in a molcajete (a stone bowl) shaped like a pig! Everything was excellent and the cactus salad strangely complimented the other flavors very nicely - a little like a sweet pico de gallo. I had the tacos al carbon and they too were great. Just he right amount of spice in the sauce and really good meat was the burried treasure within! The waiters were very helpful and quick, in spite of the place being packed the whole time we were there. They made a couple good recommendations in broken English - a plus at any Mexican spot! Great food, great service and another solid restaurant in a small town outside of Iowa City! Aside from Banditos, this is the best place in we've found in the area and it's worth the trip. read more

El Sol Mexican Cuisine - Mexican Near Me - Solon, Iowa

Love this place. Stopped by to get food to go before going to the Cedar Rapids airport. The food was great, flavors and taste were spot on. However, it is kind of slow so factor that into your time to go to the airport! Wish I could come more often but I don't live in Iowa. I'll take what I can get whenever I'm in town. read more

El Sol always serves a quick, tasty meal in a relaxed atmosphere! We have been there for lunch and dinner, and well as called in takeout and have never been disappointed in the meal we've received. The staff are friendly, the salsa and chips are fresh and we will continue to frequent the restaurant as long as we live in the area! read more

Came here before going to lake MacBride. The portion size was great as well as the taste. Started off with free chips and salsa. I Ordered a steak burrito and wow it came out in under 5 min. Delicious! I do wish the burrito came with a little extra meat. My SO ordered a combo fajita and said it was good. We got a margarita to go. If you are craving Mexican food give this place a shot. read more

El Sol Mexican Cuisine - Lunch Fajita combo - Mexican Near Me - Solon, Iowa

See all

This is my favorite Mexican in the state. Being a Texan, my benchmark is fajitas. And they were pretty darn good. Also liked the margaritas! Fresh chips and salsa, good service. No more need be said. read more

I'm almost reluctant to rate this restaurant because I like to think it's our little secret. But they are tops in my book. My husband loves their Cherro Poyo weit jalapeños. He also asks for their extra hot salsa. I love their chicken soup, and the Solon Burrito is to die for. Service is quick and friendly. With so many Mexican restaurants in the area, El Sol is definitely our go-to place. read more

1st time there & we were excited to try it. The Open light was on so we walked in at 11am - the first thing that hit us was a sulfur like/ bad bathroom smell. Nobody greeted us. Waitress was unrolling floor rugs , no hello or "be right there" . There were a couple guys behind bar who looked at us but did nothing. We went ahead & sat down to see if someone would bring a menu or get drink order. After being ignored for 5 minutes we got up and walked out. I will not go back to a place that doesn't even try. read more

Large variety and authentically made. A great taste of Mexico! I love the ceviche the best.

This is one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in town. The staff is always friendly and service is quick. We've never had a bad meal always consistently good. The flavor in the parrillada is amazing! read more

See all

Great food in this small town, meat is well seasoned and spiced...You will hear me say this a lot in my reviews of Mexican restauranst because it is HUGE for me. If you go to any city were there is a competitive market, you most likely not have that problem. No bland food here, tried ground beef, carne asada, pastor, and grilled chicken tacos all excellent and full of flavor, really impressed with their cooking skills. The enchiladas with mole sauce are the best I've had. Typical menu, food is done right here. Good choice for great Mexican food, one of the best in the surrounding area. read more

I can't say enough good things about El Sol. The food is great, the staff are great, and the prices are great. If you want to make a change to a dish on the menu they can generally accommodate. Very extensive menu! Whether it's street tacos or Parrillada they are sure to please. The margaritas are on point, but the coronarita is a thing of beauty! Simplemente lo mejor! read more

The Mexican waiter was fun to talk with in Spanish and hear about his home town. Then the food was the best Mexican we have had in awhile. The large guacamole was fresh and tasty, with lots of cilantro. The camarones al mojo ajo (shrimp with garlic) with sweet grilled onions was excellent and reminiscent of wonderful Yucatecan meals in Puerto Morelos. On the side was rice and lettuce salad, very traditional. My spouse had the pork tamale with mole sauce, which was chocolaty and tasty. Plus the chicken tostada was flavorful and fresh. We will go back soon. read more

See all

Wide variety of options. Shrimp Diablo is rich and delicious. Service is always good.

Seriously the best Mexican food I've had in a long time! Our server was very nice and accommodating. The food was fantastic!!! I can't wait to come back here again! read more

El Sol Mexican Cuisine - Fajitas with chicken and beef- so much food!! - Mexican Near Me - Solon, Iowa

Wonderful Peach Marg's just for starters, the salsa is great and fresh, they have a green salsa that is excellent too. The place is spotless and the food is as good as it gets! read more

I have been coming here since they opened and enjoy the food. The service is great. Favorite dishes include fajitas, camarones a la diabla, and molcajete. The only disappointment is in the taco salads that include beans in the bowl. Many restaurants are doing that, however, but it lowers that dish to a par with Taco Bell. It's a salad, so why lace it with tons of carb-laden beans? All of the dishes are prepared to order and are very tasty. The spices are unique and different than most other restaurants. There are plenty of delicious options for carb conscious people. The waiters are very accommodating in that regard. El Sol is very popular in this town and for good reason. For reasonably priced, tasty Mexican food, you cannot beat it. It's a fun place for locals to hang out and out-of-towners to drop by. read more

such a cute and amazing restaurant! I used to live in New Mexico and have been craving mexican cuisine for a while, so I decided to try it with the fam. it definitely exceeded my expectations! i got the vegetarian fajitas and highly recommend them. super delicious. and you can either get a "single" or "double" size, which is kinda nice (the "single" size is plenty, fyi :) ). lots of options, huge menu. good prices. and there's happy hour monday thru saturday from 3-6 with discounted drinks. go!! read more

Wonderful Mexican food in a small venue. Great service. Always good food, on point pricing. Oh and they have great margaritas! A must try for your next Mexican cravings! read more

This place was AMAZING! Good service, margaritas were amazing, food was quick and SO delicious! Will definitely be going there again!

Great food! Very nice people! Reasonable prices. Nice atmosphere and very clean. I had an excellent Margarita!

I'm giving this review based on a catering experience today when I attended a baby shower on a very snowy day. The food was fabulous...especially the guacamole...but I'm writing about the catering. People who wipe their feet at the door on snowy days are wonderful! People who take care with their set up are appreciated. BUT, those who notice lots of leftovers and bring take out containers are the best! I haven't any idea of price but the service and food were great. read more

We tried El Sol when they first opened and the vegetarian options were great. They understand what vegetarians are seeking in Mexican food and the food was tasty and inexpensive. Family friendly place. read more

My friend, -who took me to El Sol-, lives in Iowa City yet she does not mind traveling to Solon just to eat at El Sol. I could really see why. The place has very authentic Mexican food. I am Mexican so, believe me. Highly recommendable. read more

I live in Iowa City - so no shortage of Mexican restaurants to compare to. El Sol is hands down my favorite. Warm chips and very good salsa. Very nice wait staff. Poncho Limon is wonderful - never had anything like it! It is a bit of a drive to Solon, worth it for either dine in or carry out. read more

The food and service are excellent. We hadn't stopped here for several years, but it was just as good today as I remember it. We had some queso with our chips and it was a perfect consistency - not too drippy but didn't get solid too quickly. I had the Mexican flag enchiladas and my husband had a lunch combination platter. The chicken enchilada with the green sauce was our favorite. We will be back! read more

Authentic flavors, great staff and tasty margaritas! Enjoy a nice cold Mexican beer, chips and salsa and maybe a shot or two of their top-shelve tequila. Try their specials and always check the board to see what is new. read more

Our family was passing through town and gave this spot a try. The kids devoured the kids menu tacos and I had the huevos rancheros. Service was extremely fast and the food was excellent, authentic, with just the right amount of spice. I will stop again when passing through Solon. read more

In going here I expected a much different experience because of the high praise it receives. But alas, it is the same food from Los Portales or any other Mexican food restaurant in the area for that matter. The menus are essentially carbon-copies of each other's menu. The space is small, and that's what creates the line you'll see outside sometimes. It simply can't accommodate that many people looking for a cheap meal with unlimited chips and salsa. The food was still good. I still liked my server. I'm probably going to go there again someday. I won't say it's amazing because it's the exact same food as any other Mex joint. read more

I have tried this several times always with great results. The food is above the usual Mexican fare which usually is decent but tastes the same. This place is different and offers unusual dishes. They serve Negro Modelo which is the best Mexican beer there is in my opinion. The food is spiced nicely and will not disappoint. read more