Hay Natasha in Illinois then can no longer add in 18 percent for 6 or more diners. I hope if your group ordered any alcohol it was the menu price. We have never seem a bigger check scam then this place. The IRS needs to look at the scams run here. The liquor prices are downtown Chicago prices for watered down drinks. C'mon do they really think people are that stupid??! In fact we wonder if they put any booze in drinks at all....then the check was not the menu prices for drinks. I think I'm going to call the Illinois department of revenue and c what they think about el sol. It's like eating in a gas station wash room and paying thru the nose gor toilet paper. Do they think people actually think they put liquor in their drinks?? Come on those filthy five gallon containers probably once contained floor cleaner. Gross!
(1)
CJ M.
Food was meh, and I'm a fan of cheap mexi. It didn't seem freshly cooked. Maybe it sat too long before they brought it to the table. Too many other places doing the same thing better, won't be back. Atmosphere was nice, service friendly. Maybe a good place to drink.
(2)
Diane P.
Fast service, good food. I always have the shrimp cocktail & tacos. (Fish, usually) It is a little pricey for what you get, but it's reliable and a nice local business.
(4)
Carlynn U.
El Sol has been my favorite Mexican restaurant for years. I am a non-meat eater so I really like ordering the "Nachos Supremos" for my meal. I have always loved the dish and have had no problems in the past with feeling like it wasn't up to par; however, on my latest visit, the beans tasted like ground beef. I couldn't understand it. I did find a weird piece of what seeemed to be "ground beef particle" that was very upsetting; I couldn't finish the food. I have always loved this place and the service is excellent. I love the Fried Ice Cream and the chips/salsa. I just wish their nachos were vegetarian. I will call and see what their policy is on their refried beans.
(3)
Kathy S.
More of a bar than a restaurant, I think. The bowl of chicken soup (caldo de gallina) was just right. Not big plates but decent. The chips and salsa are good. I went to the lunch buffet because they say it's 7 bucks or something- yeah 7 bucks. But some of the food served in the buffet was obscure- like I had never had it before, which may or may not be the traditional Mexican food. They also threw in some random pasta and American food in the mix of offerings, which I found kind of weird. So, just avoid the buffet and go for the menu plates or go get a drink there. There's always someone sitting at the bar but most of the restaurant portion is mostly empty each time I've been there.
(3)
Melissa K.
What a disappointment!!! No flavor food!! Just moved to Morton Grove wanted to support local business. Not this place!!!
(1)
Bee B.
Wow, really? I quite like this place. Its huge, and both times I've been there its been half empty and really relaxed. Perhaps I am a victim of the "margarita goggles" I described in my review of Garcia's, but I think their mushroom and onion quesadillas, beans and pico de gallo (the only things I have eaten here) are really tasty. They put sliced avocado in their pico, which, while if I don't know if its authentic is rather delightful. My dining companions have gotten more adventurous meals (chicken, shrimp, etc) and always enjoyed them. This is one of my favorite places to eat in the skokie/morton grove area.
(4)
Jesster A.
I feel your pain. We once reluctantly stopped in there while waiting for a minor car repair nearby. And to be honest, I think I would have rather eaten the leftovers from the oil change than the food there. - ok - maybe not. But I have unfortunately (in a similar no-choice) situation eaten at Denny's (ONCE) and feel confident that their Mexican is better (in fact I may have had something Mexican - but I can't remember.)
(1)
Elvira V.
We went here in hopes to find a diamond in the rough but we only discovered the latter. Grungy restaurant, flavorless food and way overpriced! Warning: They charge almost $2 for each refill of soda. I could only imagine the Mexican food at a Denny's is more authentic. Take a pass on this place unless you are loaded and want to throw $10 away on a burrito.
(2)
M. O.
Really surprised at some of the negative reviews on here. I've been coming to this restaurant for years and this is authentic Mexican cooking. My personal favorite is the taco dinner, which comes with three nice-sized tacos (I like steak) and generous portions of rice and beans. I also really like their chips and salsa (complimentary of course!). The salsa is one of my favorites because it's not too mild and not too spicy, just right! The prices are very affordable and I personally feel I'm getting more bang for my buck. The owner, Amelia, is very sweet and accommodating. This is a family-run business, so they understand the type of hospitality people appreciate at a restaurant. The drinks..amazing! I suggest trying their margaritas...frozen or on the rocks. Their pina coladas are also amazing. I cannot imagine ANYBODY not loving the drinks. Perfect mix of ingredients and fresh! Overall, I would highly recommend El Sol to everyone. Great, authentic Mexican food, great service, and fantastic drinks. Come on a date or as a group get-together. Friendly staff, warm ambience, and great food/drinks!
(5)
Mariane M.
Comfy atmosphere and great waiting staff.The chips were a bit stale, but the salsa was delicious. Being my first time, I decided to be adventurous and ordered the Mole - while the sauce was bland, the chicken was of better quality than some other similar establishments I have been too. Unfortunately, the horchata was extremely watered down as well as the alcohol we ordered. In the end, the quality of the meal didn't justify the price of my check. I'll be content with more consistent quality elsewhere.
(2)
Nilsa M.
I will NEVER come back here. I had the Sol Special taco dinner, I got sick to my stomach soon after we left this place. I was bent over the toilet all night and still as I type I am feeling sick. They never said the tortillas were fried, the steak was hard and had a rubbery chewy. The complimentary chips were cold and stale. The salsa however was good. Their Signature Orchata water drink taste like it's from a bag you can buy a Cermak produce. This was a horrible experience. Save your money and your stomach, do not go there.
(1)
Naushina R.
Food, ambiance, service, and prices just okay. Acceptable if you're in the mood for Mexican and don't want to drive into the city. Tip of 18% automatically added to our bill for our family of five.
(3)
Meghan S.
Hands down my favorite Mexican restaurant in the Chicagoland area!!! It could be because my boyfriend has dreams of "carne frita con chipotle" or the fact that his entire family LOVES this place that I have had the pleasure of eating and drinking here for a few years now. Either way the food is so good, the margaritas are extremely tasty and the owner and all the waitstaff are so cute and friendly. My favorite for a long time was the burrito because it is just that good. Believe me I have eaten my fair share of burrito's over the years in different states and these are the best. They are baked not friend-amazing! I finally decided to broaden my horizons and now my new favorite is Pollo Con Arroz! Phenomenal. There is some cilantro, which I can't stand, but it was large enough that I just removed it. I hear nothing but excitement over the Carne Frita Con Chipotle so if you like spicy things I would give it a try. Their chips and salsa accompany the margaritas very well. I even attempt to eat the salsa every time eventhough I hate spicy food. It gets easier every time I go, so I think that's a good sign!
(5)
A N.
This place is good the owners and withers are absolutely wonderful they have to be some of the nicest ppl I like how the place isn't so crowded there shrimp are delicious!
(4)
monica l.
I love the fact that there's a neighborhood Mexican restaurant in the area but unfortunately, I've been here several times and I can honestly say that this will be my last. The food was terrible. My beans tasted sour and the ground beef tostado tasted a little off. The salt was overpowering in the meat but there was some other flavor in the meat that made my stomach turn. Also, I truly hate restaurants that are stingy with the refills. My coke was flat but if I'm paying $2.25 for a beverage, I want all the refills that I can drink. Don't tell me after the fact that there are no refills on drinks except for Iced Tea. The two stars is for service but we were the only ones there so what would you expect. I truly hope that the food gets better. It's a great neighborhood spot but I wont be coming back anytime soon.
(2)
Michelle F.
We tried el sol years ago, and haven't been back because honestly, the food stinks. But I felt compelled to write a review now to warn people of the horrible experience my daughter recently had when she tried to have dinner out with a group of adults with special needs. The van carrying my daughter and her group of friends was stopped by the manager before they could even park. The manager stood outside the restaurant waving her arms and yelling "no no no you can't come here!" She then explained to the van driver that a group of people with special needs had previously eaten at the restaurant and been disruptive, saying that she didn't want that to happen again. My daughter and her friends felt humiliated and decided to go to giordano's next door, where they were treated with the dignity and respect they deserved. It is important for people with any kind of moral conscience to know the type of establishment that they are supporting when eating at el sol. So, save your stomach, your conscience, and your human decency and don't go to el sol!!
(1)
Frank M.
This place is a bit dated, but the price is right, food is good, staff is friendly . Note, I've never dined in only order carry out. Always satisfied, keep up the good work and consider a face lift on the decor.
(4)
Sonia R.
Eh. I really wanted to like this place. Bland food, stale chips, brown guacamole. Sorry. I'm a Mexican food junkie and wonder how this place got almost 4 stars.
(1)
Red P.
I passed this restaurant many times and decided to give it a try. It's big and has a nice atmosphere. I ordered a simple carne asada. It was served cold. The waitress was always busy talking to someone at the bar. So I didn't get any drink refills. I judge good service by how often my water glass is filled and it only happened when I managed to get the attention of kitchen staff passing. There were a few people at the bar and only a few others dining. So it wasn't busy. Given the atmosphere, it has good potential to be a good Mexican restaurant.
(2)
Pam D.
Christopher and I stopped here last Sunday to grab a quick bite while out gallivanting. I've gone past this place many times and never stopped, but maybe the cold rainy weather made me want to fill up on spicy Mexican food and drink margaritas. The salsa and chips were good. The salsa is the kind that at first doesn't seem really spicy, but the heat slowly builds. Still was not as hot as many salsas I've tried. I had one of their combo plates, which was a small carne asada, a cheese filled chili relleno, cactus salad and of course beans and rice. It was all pretty good and pretty standard. My steak was not very seasoned, but was fairly tender and topped with some nice grilled onions and peppers. Chris had their taco special, which was also good, but not outstanding. The margarita was not very good. It tasted like they used a cheap mix or something. I would not order one again, though I would eat here again. As an FYI, although the restaurant is large and very easy for a wheelchair to negotiate, the women's restroom is not wheelchair accessible without a good deal of assistance. It is narrow with tight turns and there is no handicapped stall. To me El Sol is one of a plethora of "OK" Mexican restaurants. A good stop on a cold rainy day, but not a regular haunt.
(3)
Penny L.
The only Mexican Restaurant in Morton Grove. Lunch b uffet meats and soup were too salty for me. Salad is fair. Fruits ok. Also ordered a lengua meal. That is worth a carry out. Free chips and salsa while dining in. Staff seemed bored. Need Chef Irvine for a Restaurant Impossible makeover. I'll be back in five years.
(3)
John G.
Took my girlfriend there last night for a night out. The location isn't bad, but ti was pretty empty when we got there. Its a tad dark, loud tv's blaring from every corner, and sad older drunks there. The food was ok, but a bit overpriced for my taste. The beef tongue tacos I had had the consistency of boiled tofu cubes. Everything was kind of bland, and my girlfriends chicken mole enchiladas sat there uneaten due to an off taste. I won't be going back to this place, but give it a try and you might keep on truckin.
(2)
Henry R.
I've lived in MG all my life and have always passed this restaurant up. For Mexican food, I always have traveled to Garcia's out in Lincoln Square.. Looks like I'll be continuing that trend.. I walked in on a Monday evening to see a total of 4 people, two of which work there. Since it was dead, I decided to take it out and ordered a steak burrito dinner and a steak taco dinner. I paid $25, which seemed a bit steep but I figured the restaurant could be my next hidden gem. Not quite. The food was just average IMHO. The steak was tender but there was just not enough flavor. The other items (lettuce,tomatoes,rice,beans,salsa) had more distinctive character but the meat remained mundane. I would give another dish a shot just to see if it could redeem itself. Otherwise, Garcia's will be ringing the dinner bell.
(3)
Erin W.
Hands down, best steak fajitas I've ever had. (And that's the same dish I order at EVERY Mexican restaurant!) Chips and salsa are delicious!! Not too spicy, just enough heat. The man who buses the tables, refills drinks, and brings more chips and salsa is always SO polite and attentive. We really appreciate him. The owner woman is very sweet and she always seems so excited to have us as her guests. There was a waitress that was recently pregnant (her name escapes me!) that hasn't been there the past several times -- she is one of the best waitresses I've ever had. Very sweet woman. El Sol has been my entire families' go-to Mexican restaurant for many many years, and many to come.
(5)
adam r.
If you only care about the food, then yes. The Bad: --Looks a little run down on the outside, gloomy and drab inside. It has been pretty empty both times I went, which may contribute to that appearance. --The bathrooms are a little too "authentic Mexico"...dingy and the urinal didn't flush, which left a lingering stale urine smell. The Good: --The food. I have eaten once from the main menu and once from the buffet. Both were strong. The buffet has a pretty eclectic spread, with a nice blend of unique and traditional options. Plus, it did very well to cater to my current low-carb diet. --Service seems prompt and polite, though they don't speak much.
(3)
William B.
I like this place as it is Mexican food as I like it - uncomplicated with fresh ingredients and great flavors. The salsa is among my favorites anywhere: always fresh, with just the right about of heat and has the perfect balance (I even like to take some to go). The burrito (be sure and have them smother it in their cheese sauce) is large, and it is all I can do to finish it. I am a sucker for enchiladas too, and those are always good. The prices are very resasonable, and the staff friendly and attentive - it is a family run place, and they treat you like family. My new favorite? Lunch special #21 which is an avocado tostada and a bean and cheese burrito.
(4)
Jason M.
Excellent food (pollo en mole best I've had anywhere), well priced, great place to bring kids.
(4)
Ron S.
My wife and I dropped in on a Friday afternoon. Looked like the place was still cleaning up from the buffet, but the tables were clean. The service was quick and the chips kept coming, even after the food came! The food was excellent and highly recommended!
(4)
Phil F.
Best mexican buffet I've been too. Maybe best buffet ever. Although its missing a vat of guac. But its only 7 bucks, so whatever. And it changes all the time too, but the lil baby enchiladas are always there waiting. Their beans and rice are AWESOME. They had mexican MEATBALLS this last time. Wha?! Yeah. So worth 7 bucks. And the staff is great too. Real nice. Good margs if you like tequila. ;)
(5)
Alex R.
Being Mexican, I know Mexican food and I'm picky about Mexican restaurants. I would say this place has some pretty tasty food if you know what to order. Their enchiladas, tostadas, and coctel de camaron (shrimp with red sauce/shrimp cocktail) are my favorites to get here. I took off one star, because it is pretty overpriced, even though the portions are generous on most dishes. I took off another star because every time I've been there for dinner, the place has been pretty empty, and yet, the wait staff was not the most attentive. Also, their margaritas are not the best. I respect the views of other yelpers, and to be honest I've tried their margaritas only once, so maybe it was an off night. Still, one start off for poor waiter service. Bottom line, some dishes are tasty and pretty authentic, but don't expect anything stellar from this place.
(3)
Elena R.
On 12/18/2010 I held a party at my home for 20 people and it was catered beautifully by El Sol. We have eaten there a few times in the past and my husband really wanted Mexican food for his birthday, so El Sol was the place we ordered from. I can't express how amazing the food was and how happy my guests were. They delivered the food right on time and brought it into the house in warming ovens and set it all up. They even offered to come back later if we needed more fajitas or chips. Can you believe that?! We ordered Steak and Chicken Flautas, Steak and Chicken Fajitas, Rice, Beans, Quesadillas, and Guacamole. All I said to them on the phone was that I needed food for 20 people and they brought plenty of food to the party. It really was a huge hit. The food lasted well all night and the flautas were the perfect "after many margaritas" snack. The steak was cooked perfectly and the Quesadillas flew off the table. Thank you El Sol for making this a great event at my home. We will definitely order from you again for our parties.
(5)
Tom Z.
I have seen this restaurant for years and have always wanted to stop in for lunch or dinner. Today was the day. I was nearby and looking for some lunch. I was there right around lunch time on a weekday. There were only about 6 people dining. They have lunch specials and also a lunch buffet. They started me out by bringing chips and salsa to the table. The chips were OK. Though, I prefer my chips warmed up and a little bit crispy. The salsa was very good. It was a little spicy, but not crazy hot. I decided to try one of the lunch specials. I had the Enchiladas Plate. It included two enchiladas, rice and beans. The enchiladas were OK. They were a bit on the small side. The flavor was alright. The rice and beans were average. I think if I return I will give the buffet a try. The staff was very nice. It was clean and comfortable inside. It was a little pricey for the amount of food. I think you would be better off going with the buffet at lunch time. I think I may return to give them another chance.
(3)
Ashley S.
My boyfriend and I love this place. Its usually dead so its nice and quiet. Which also means more attention to our table. We eat here about once a month. Lots of food for the money. Bartender gave us a free margarita last time too cause she recognized us. Hidden Gem!
(4)
Saidy G.
We (a party of 2) went for lunch buffet for around $7 which I think is fair. Food: Good authentic seasoning, I loved the chicken mole. Service: Worst than anywhere else, it looks like the only waitress there is the owner's daughter. She came to our table and only: Two buffet? and that's all she said, and then gave us the check without even asking if we would like any dessert. Finally when we decide to have something for dessert, she got us confused with the toppings and ordered one more topping she didn't walk all the way to the table just stretched her arm and set in on the table. No wonder why the place was very empty. We decided we will not come back again.
(3)
Elliott D.
It's just OK. Salsa=picante, enchiladas=mazacotes (doughy), meat=blanda (bland), service=neutral
(3)
Nick B.
Service is poor, and it's not like they were packed. Food quality is of the lower standard. There are many other restaurants which are better. Watch for wrong items put on the check. Also, their menu states that with 6 or more, they will charge 15% gratuity, but we were four with one child and were charged 18%. When we mentioned this, they had no answer. I did not want to argue for couple of bucks but where is the HONESTY !!!
(2)
John C.
When one walks into an ethnic restaurant, it always gives you a comfortable feeling when you see people of that particular ethnicity enjoying dinner with their entire family. Every time I've been at El Sol, I have experienced that south of the border authenticity. Like most restaurants, I feel that much of what people experience is based on their expectations. I respect the opinions of all the other Yelpers who have reviewed El Sol, but I must agree with the majority that this is a solid, authentic Mexican place with tasty food at an extremely good value. Great, fresh homemade salsa. Did I mention fresh? From scratch. Solid margueritas - 12oz. (regular tequila) at $3.95 each? Cuervo Gold at $4.95 each? Patron at $6.95 each? Sweeeeeet. Si, senor - just keep 'em coming every 10 minutes or so. Start with a Patron - another Patron - okay, now a Cuervo Gold - now a regular. Give it a try. Salud!
(4)
Will C.
I'm confused about the low ratings for this place......I love it! Salsa, flautas!!! YUM!!! one of the best mexican places I have been too.
(5)
Jessica O.
Well... actually, I would say a 3.5... but it's not an option! My good friend and fellow Yelper Bee B. took me here, and I have to say that I disagree with some of the reviews given. It is obviously not necessarily the fanciest place, and so it loses 1.5 stars due to the decor and ambience. It isn't fancy, but the food is very good and very reasonable! Where else can you get a Margarita for under $4? I got the shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce... and it was quite tasty! As was the salsa, guacamole, as well as that delicious pico de gallo with avacado! Yum. yum. Free-of-frill deliciousness. :0)
(4)
Michael P.
I don't understand all of these bad reviews. El Sol is the best Mexican ever! The Guacamole and Fajitas are my personal favorites and the Chimichaunga Dessert is the best. The service is great and the atmosphere is so cool! My only complaint is the washrooms, they don't flush! Fix your toilets for a 5-star review!
(4)
Terry C.
El Sol is a good casual neighboorhood Mexican restaurant. How casual? Your kids can wear their soccer uniforms after a game with no problem. It is not gourmet Mexican food nor does it try to provide this. It may not be exactly the same restaurant that you will find on your vacation to Mexico. But remember, food tastes better on vacation! Also Mexican cuisine has been altered throughout this country to accomodate American palates. So what is perceived as authentic in one place may be different elsewhere. El Sol does provide quality staple dishes with flavor: Carne Asada, enchiladas, tamales, shrimp, red snapper and other traditional dishes including Mexican soups. Rather than compare El Sol to what you've had before It would be better to try something you haven't had, like a big bowl of Caldo de Camaron y Pescado or Bistec a la Mexican. The food is flavorful and it is resonably priced compared to similar meals at like restaurants (entrees $8.95-$14.95, market price for snapper I believe. Lunch specials are cheaper starting around $4.50?). The wait staff is polite and efficient. It is not a Taco /Burritto house so you shouldn't expect those prices. There is a bar with a decent selection of Mexican beers, Margarita's etc. Television sets are on with sports, sometimes soccer. But I've seen couples pressed together in booths making a romantic albeit casual dinner together. They sometimes have live music and dancing There is a lunch buffet during the week for around $6.95. I've seen many nationalities here as the area is diverse. But I've also seen many Mexican families and couples here which to me means that EL Sol is on track with authentic flavors and dishes. Viva El Sol!
(3)
Jay L.
I would skip this place if i were you, bathrooms were disgusting..... Staff was not friendly, first thing you notice is the huge bar when you walk in, the decor is dark and dingy, food is over-fried, steak was dry and tasteless, there was not one thing good about this place.....There are way better Taco joints around that just smash this place.....I WOULD AVOID AT ALL COSTS :) After eating here, we found out the owner was missing for years and found in the concrete on the roof or something....SHADY, which describes how the place feels and looks...
(1)
Evan S.
Verdict is still out on this place. I had the 2 chicken taco lunch. The rice and beans were very good. The tacos were a bit dry. Next time I'll try the beef or the buffet. The complimentary chips were a little stale, but the salsa was delicious. I'm not a big person who cares about decor a whole lot so I didn't mind the atmosphere so much. It feels a bit dated, but fairly clean.
(3)
Kimberly C.
They would not honor a gift certificate that I purchased that day. Extrememly disappointed that they would not honor a certificate that they already have the money I paid for it. UNBELIEVABLE! This restaurant has gone downhill. We sat for a long time and finally had to ask for menus and we had a party of 10 on a friday night at 9pm. The food was bland and took forever. The coke was flat. I have been here many many times but will NEVER return!
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
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.
Alex J.
Hay Natasha in Illinois then can no longer add in 18 percent for 6 or more diners. I hope if your group ordered any alcohol it was the menu price. We have never seem a bigger check scam then this place. The IRS needs to look at the scams run here. The liquor prices are downtown Chicago prices for watered down drinks. C'mon do they really think people are that stupid??! In fact we wonder if they put any booze in drinks at all....then the check was not the menu prices for drinks. I think I'm going to call the Illinois department of revenue and c what they think about el sol. It's like eating in a gas station wash room and paying thru the nose gor toilet paper. Do they think people actually think they put liquor in their drinks?? Come on those filthy five gallon containers probably once contained floor cleaner. Gross!
(1)CJ M.
Food was meh, and I'm a fan of cheap mexi. It didn't seem freshly cooked. Maybe it sat too long before they brought it to the table. Too many other places doing the same thing better, won't be back. Atmosphere was nice, service friendly. Maybe a good place to drink.
(2)Diane P.
Fast service, good food. I always have the shrimp cocktail & tacos. (Fish, usually) It is a little pricey for what you get, but it's reliable and a nice local business.
(4)Carlynn U.
El Sol has been my favorite Mexican restaurant for years. I am a non-meat eater so I really like ordering the "Nachos Supremos" for my meal. I have always loved the dish and have had no problems in the past with feeling like it wasn't up to par; however, on my latest visit, the beans tasted like ground beef. I couldn't understand it. I did find a weird piece of what seeemed to be "ground beef particle" that was very upsetting; I couldn't finish the food. I have always loved this place and the service is excellent. I love the Fried Ice Cream and the chips/salsa. I just wish their nachos were vegetarian. I will call and see what their policy is on their refried beans.
(3)Kathy S.
More of a bar than a restaurant, I think. The bowl of chicken soup (caldo de gallina) was just right. Not big plates but decent. The chips and salsa are good. I went to the lunch buffet because they say it's 7 bucks or something- yeah 7 bucks. But some of the food served in the buffet was obscure- like I had never had it before, which may or may not be the traditional Mexican food. They also threw in some random pasta and American food in the mix of offerings, which I found kind of weird. So, just avoid the buffet and go for the menu plates or go get a drink there. There's always someone sitting at the bar but most of the restaurant portion is mostly empty each time I've been there.
(3)Melissa K.
What a disappointment!!! No flavor food!! Just moved to Morton Grove wanted to support local business. Not this place!!!
(1)Bee B.
Wow, really? I quite like this place. Its huge, and both times I've been there its been half empty and really relaxed. Perhaps I am a victim of the "margarita goggles" I described in my review of Garcia's, but I think their mushroom and onion quesadillas, beans and pico de gallo (the only things I have eaten here) are really tasty. They put sliced avocado in their pico, which, while if I don't know if its authentic is rather delightful. My dining companions have gotten more adventurous meals (chicken, shrimp, etc) and always enjoyed them. This is one of my favorite places to eat in the skokie/morton grove area.
(4)Jesster A.
I feel your pain. We once reluctantly stopped in there while waiting for a minor car repair nearby. And to be honest, I think I would have rather eaten the leftovers from the oil change than the food there. - ok - maybe not. But I have unfortunately (in a similar no-choice) situation eaten at Denny's (ONCE) and feel confident that their Mexican is better (in fact I may have had something Mexican - but I can't remember.)
(1)Elvira V.
We went here in hopes to find a diamond in the rough but we only discovered the latter. Grungy restaurant, flavorless food and way overpriced! Warning: They charge almost $2 for each refill of soda. I could only imagine the Mexican food at a Denny's is more authentic. Take a pass on this place unless you are loaded and want to throw $10 away on a burrito.
(2)M. O.
Really surprised at some of the negative reviews on here. I've been coming to this restaurant for years and this is authentic Mexican cooking. My personal favorite is the taco dinner, which comes with three nice-sized tacos (I like steak) and generous portions of rice and beans. I also really like their chips and salsa (complimentary of course!). The salsa is one of my favorites because it's not too mild and not too spicy, just right! The prices are very affordable and I personally feel I'm getting more bang for my buck. The owner, Amelia, is very sweet and accommodating. This is a family-run business, so they understand the type of hospitality people appreciate at a restaurant. The drinks..amazing! I suggest trying their margaritas...frozen or on the rocks. Their pina coladas are also amazing. I cannot imagine ANYBODY not loving the drinks. Perfect mix of ingredients and fresh! Overall, I would highly recommend El Sol to everyone. Great, authentic Mexican food, great service, and fantastic drinks. Come on a date or as a group get-together. Friendly staff, warm ambience, and great food/drinks!
(5)Mariane M.
Comfy atmosphere and great waiting staff.The chips were a bit stale, but the salsa was delicious. Being my first time, I decided to be adventurous and ordered the Mole - while the sauce was bland, the chicken was of better quality than some other similar establishments I have been too. Unfortunately, the horchata was extremely watered down as well as the alcohol we ordered. In the end, the quality of the meal didn't justify the price of my check. I'll be content with more consistent quality elsewhere.
(2)Nilsa M.
I will NEVER come back here. I had the Sol Special taco dinner, I got sick to my stomach soon after we left this place. I was bent over the toilet all night and still as I type I am feeling sick. They never said the tortillas were fried, the steak was hard and had a rubbery chewy. The complimentary chips were cold and stale. The salsa however was good. Their Signature Orchata water drink taste like it's from a bag you can buy a Cermak produce. This was a horrible experience. Save your money and your stomach, do not go there.
(1)Naushina R.
Food, ambiance, service, and prices just okay. Acceptable if you're in the mood for Mexican and don't want to drive into the city. Tip of 18% automatically added to our bill for our family of five.
(3)Meghan S.
Hands down my favorite Mexican restaurant in the Chicagoland area!!! It could be because my boyfriend has dreams of "carne frita con chipotle" or the fact that his entire family LOVES this place that I have had the pleasure of eating and drinking here for a few years now. Either way the food is so good, the margaritas are extremely tasty and the owner and all the waitstaff are so cute and friendly. My favorite for a long time was the burrito because it is just that good. Believe me I have eaten my fair share of burrito's over the years in different states and these are the best. They are baked not friend-amazing! I finally decided to broaden my horizons and now my new favorite is Pollo Con Arroz! Phenomenal. There is some cilantro, which I can't stand, but it was large enough that I just removed it. I hear nothing but excitement over the Carne Frita Con Chipotle so if you like spicy things I would give it a try. Their chips and salsa accompany the margaritas very well. I even attempt to eat the salsa every time eventhough I hate spicy food. It gets easier every time I go, so I think that's a good sign!
(5)A N.
This place is good the owners and withers are absolutely wonderful they have to be some of the nicest ppl I like how the place isn't so crowded there shrimp are delicious!
(4)monica l.
I love the fact that there's a neighborhood Mexican restaurant in the area but unfortunately, I've been here several times and I can honestly say that this will be my last. The food was terrible. My beans tasted sour and the ground beef tostado tasted a little off. The salt was overpowering in the meat but there was some other flavor in the meat that made my stomach turn. Also, I truly hate restaurants that are stingy with the refills. My coke was flat but if I'm paying $2.25 for a beverage, I want all the refills that I can drink. Don't tell me after the fact that there are no refills on drinks except for Iced Tea. The two stars is for service but we were the only ones there so what would you expect. I truly hope that the food gets better. It's a great neighborhood spot but I wont be coming back anytime soon.
(2)Michelle F.
We tried el sol years ago, and haven't been back because honestly, the food stinks. But I felt compelled to write a review now to warn people of the horrible experience my daughter recently had when she tried to have dinner out with a group of adults with special needs. The van carrying my daughter and her group of friends was stopped by the manager before they could even park. The manager stood outside the restaurant waving her arms and yelling "no no no you can't come here!" She then explained to the van driver that a group of people with special needs had previously eaten at the restaurant and been disruptive, saying that she didn't want that to happen again. My daughter and her friends felt humiliated and decided to go to giordano's next door, where they were treated with the dignity and respect they deserved. It is important for people with any kind of moral conscience to know the type of establishment that they are supporting when eating at el sol. So, save your stomach, your conscience, and your human decency and don't go to el sol!!
(1)Frank M.
This place is a bit dated, but the price is right, food is good, staff is friendly . Note, I've never dined in only order carry out. Always satisfied, keep up the good work and consider a face lift on the decor.
(4)Sonia R.
Eh. I really wanted to like this place. Bland food, stale chips, brown guacamole. Sorry. I'm a Mexican food junkie and wonder how this place got almost 4 stars.
(1)Red P.
I passed this restaurant many times and decided to give it a try. It's big and has a nice atmosphere. I ordered a simple carne asada. It was served cold. The waitress was always busy talking to someone at the bar. So I didn't get any drink refills. I judge good service by how often my water glass is filled and it only happened when I managed to get the attention of kitchen staff passing. There were a few people at the bar and only a few others dining. So it wasn't busy. Given the atmosphere, it has good potential to be a good Mexican restaurant.
(2)Pam D.
Christopher and I stopped here last Sunday to grab a quick bite while out gallivanting. I've gone past this place many times and never stopped, but maybe the cold rainy weather made me want to fill up on spicy Mexican food and drink margaritas. The salsa and chips were good. The salsa is the kind that at first doesn't seem really spicy, but the heat slowly builds. Still was not as hot as many salsas I've tried. I had one of their combo plates, which was a small carne asada, a cheese filled chili relleno, cactus salad and of course beans and rice. It was all pretty good and pretty standard. My steak was not very seasoned, but was fairly tender and topped with some nice grilled onions and peppers. Chris had their taco special, which was also good, but not outstanding. The margarita was not very good. It tasted like they used a cheap mix or something. I would not order one again, though I would eat here again. As an FYI, although the restaurant is large and very easy for a wheelchair to negotiate, the women's restroom is not wheelchair accessible without a good deal of assistance. It is narrow with tight turns and there is no handicapped stall. To me El Sol is one of a plethora of "OK" Mexican restaurants. A good stop on a cold rainy day, but not a regular haunt.
(3)Penny L.
The only Mexican Restaurant in Morton Grove. Lunch b uffet meats and soup were too salty for me. Salad is fair. Fruits ok. Also ordered a lengua meal. That is worth a carry out. Free chips and salsa while dining in. Staff seemed bored. Need Chef Irvine for a Restaurant Impossible makeover. I'll be back in five years.
(3)John G.
Took my girlfriend there last night for a night out. The location isn't bad, but ti was pretty empty when we got there. Its a tad dark, loud tv's blaring from every corner, and sad older drunks there. The food was ok, but a bit overpriced for my taste. The beef tongue tacos I had had the consistency of boiled tofu cubes. Everything was kind of bland, and my girlfriends chicken mole enchiladas sat there uneaten due to an off taste. I won't be going back to this place, but give it a try and you might keep on truckin.
(2)Henry R.
I've lived in MG all my life and have always passed this restaurant up. For Mexican food, I always have traveled to Garcia's out in Lincoln Square.. Looks like I'll be continuing that trend.. I walked in on a Monday evening to see a total of 4 people, two of which work there. Since it was dead, I decided to take it out and ordered a steak burrito dinner and a steak taco dinner. I paid $25, which seemed a bit steep but I figured the restaurant could be my next hidden gem. Not quite. The food was just average IMHO. The steak was tender but there was just not enough flavor. The other items (lettuce,tomatoes,rice,beans,salsa) had more distinctive character but the meat remained mundane. I would give another dish a shot just to see if it could redeem itself. Otherwise, Garcia's will be ringing the dinner bell.
(3)Erin W.
Hands down, best steak fajitas I've ever had. (And that's the same dish I order at EVERY Mexican restaurant!) Chips and salsa are delicious!! Not too spicy, just enough heat. The man who buses the tables, refills drinks, and brings more chips and salsa is always SO polite and attentive. We really appreciate him. The owner woman is very sweet and she always seems so excited to have us as her guests. There was a waitress that was recently pregnant (her name escapes me!) that hasn't been there the past several times -- she is one of the best waitresses I've ever had. Very sweet woman. El Sol has been my entire families' go-to Mexican restaurant for many many years, and many to come.
(5)adam r.
If you only care about the food, then yes. The Bad: --Looks a little run down on the outside, gloomy and drab inside. It has been pretty empty both times I went, which may contribute to that appearance. --The bathrooms are a little too "authentic Mexico"...dingy and the urinal didn't flush, which left a lingering stale urine smell. The Good: --The food. I have eaten once from the main menu and once from the buffet. Both were strong. The buffet has a pretty eclectic spread, with a nice blend of unique and traditional options. Plus, it did very well to cater to my current low-carb diet. --Service seems prompt and polite, though they don't speak much.
(3)William B.
I like this place as it is Mexican food as I like it - uncomplicated with fresh ingredients and great flavors. The salsa is among my favorites anywhere: always fresh, with just the right about of heat and has the perfect balance (I even like to take some to go). The burrito (be sure and have them smother it in their cheese sauce) is large, and it is all I can do to finish it. I am a sucker for enchiladas too, and those are always good. The prices are very resasonable, and the staff friendly and attentive - it is a family run place, and they treat you like family. My new favorite? Lunch special #21 which is an avocado tostada and a bean and cheese burrito.
(4)Jason M.
Excellent food (pollo en mole best I've had anywhere), well priced, great place to bring kids.
(4)Ron S.
My wife and I dropped in on a Friday afternoon. Looked like the place was still cleaning up from the buffet, but the tables were clean. The service was quick and the chips kept coming, even after the food came! The food was excellent and highly recommended!
(4)Phil F.
Best mexican buffet I've been too. Maybe best buffet ever. Although its missing a vat of guac. But its only 7 bucks, so whatever. And it changes all the time too, but the lil baby enchiladas are always there waiting. Their beans and rice are AWESOME. They had mexican MEATBALLS this last time. Wha?! Yeah. So worth 7 bucks. And the staff is great too. Real nice. Good margs if you like tequila. ;)
(5)Alex R.
Being Mexican, I know Mexican food and I'm picky about Mexican restaurants. I would say this place has some pretty tasty food if you know what to order. Their enchiladas, tostadas, and coctel de camaron (shrimp with red sauce/shrimp cocktail) are my favorites to get here. I took off one star, because it is pretty overpriced, even though the portions are generous on most dishes. I took off another star because every time I've been there for dinner, the place has been pretty empty, and yet, the wait staff was not the most attentive. Also, their margaritas are not the best. I respect the views of other yelpers, and to be honest I've tried their margaritas only once, so maybe it was an off night. Still, one start off for poor waiter service. Bottom line, some dishes are tasty and pretty authentic, but don't expect anything stellar from this place.
(3)Elena R.
On 12/18/2010 I held a party at my home for 20 people and it was catered beautifully by El Sol. We have eaten there a few times in the past and my husband really wanted Mexican food for his birthday, so El Sol was the place we ordered from. I can't express how amazing the food was and how happy my guests were. They delivered the food right on time and brought it into the house in warming ovens and set it all up. They even offered to come back later if we needed more fajitas or chips. Can you believe that?! We ordered Steak and Chicken Flautas, Steak and Chicken Fajitas, Rice, Beans, Quesadillas, and Guacamole. All I said to them on the phone was that I needed food for 20 people and they brought plenty of food to the party. It really was a huge hit. The food lasted well all night and the flautas were the perfect "after many margaritas" snack. The steak was cooked perfectly and the Quesadillas flew off the table. Thank you El Sol for making this a great event at my home. We will definitely order from you again for our parties.
(5)Tom Z.
I have seen this restaurant for years and have always wanted to stop in for lunch or dinner. Today was the day. I was nearby and looking for some lunch. I was there right around lunch time on a weekday. There were only about 6 people dining. They have lunch specials and also a lunch buffet. They started me out by bringing chips and salsa to the table. The chips were OK. Though, I prefer my chips warmed up and a little bit crispy. The salsa was very good. It was a little spicy, but not crazy hot. I decided to try one of the lunch specials. I had the Enchiladas Plate. It included two enchiladas, rice and beans. The enchiladas were OK. They were a bit on the small side. The flavor was alright. The rice and beans were average. I think if I return I will give the buffet a try. The staff was very nice. It was clean and comfortable inside. It was a little pricey for the amount of food. I think you would be better off going with the buffet at lunch time. I think I may return to give them another chance.
(3)Ashley S.
My boyfriend and I love this place. Its usually dead so its nice and quiet. Which also means more attention to our table. We eat here about once a month. Lots of food for the money. Bartender gave us a free margarita last time too cause she recognized us. Hidden Gem!
(4)Saidy G.
We (a party of 2) went for lunch buffet for around $7 which I think is fair. Food: Good authentic seasoning, I loved the chicken mole. Service: Worst than anywhere else, it looks like the only waitress there is the owner's daughter. She came to our table and only: Two buffet? and that's all she said, and then gave us the check without even asking if we would like any dessert. Finally when we decide to have something for dessert, she got us confused with the toppings and ordered one more topping she didn't walk all the way to the table just stretched her arm and set in on the table. No wonder why the place was very empty. We decided we will not come back again.
(3)Elliott D.
It's just OK. Salsa=picante, enchiladas=mazacotes (doughy), meat=blanda (bland), service=neutral
(3)Nick B.
Service is poor, and it's not like they were packed. Food quality is of the lower standard. There are many other restaurants which are better. Watch for wrong items put on the check. Also, their menu states that with 6 or more, they will charge 15% gratuity, but we were four with one child and were charged 18%. When we mentioned this, they had no answer. I did not want to argue for couple of bucks but where is the HONESTY !!!
(2)John C.
When one walks into an ethnic restaurant, it always gives you a comfortable feeling when you see people of that particular ethnicity enjoying dinner with their entire family. Every time I've been at El Sol, I have experienced that south of the border authenticity. Like most restaurants, I feel that much of what people experience is based on their expectations. I respect the opinions of all the other Yelpers who have reviewed El Sol, but I must agree with the majority that this is a solid, authentic Mexican place with tasty food at an extremely good value. Great, fresh homemade salsa. Did I mention fresh? From scratch. Solid margueritas - 12oz. (regular tequila) at $3.95 each? Cuervo Gold at $4.95 each? Patron at $6.95 each? Sweeeeeet. Si, senor - just keep 'em coming every 10 minutes or so. Start with a Patron - another Patron - okay, now a Cuervo Gold - now a regular. Give it a try. Salud!
(4)Will C.
I'm confused about the low ratings for this place......I love it! Salsa, flautas!!! YUM!!! one of the best mexican places I have been too.
(5)Jessica O.
Well... actually, I would say a 3.5... but it's not an option! My good friend and fellow Yelper Bee B. took me here, and I have to say that I disagree with some of the reviews given. It is obviously not necessarily the fanciest place, and so it loses 1.5 stars due to the decor and ambience. It isn't fancy, but the food is very good and very reasonable! Where else can you get a Margarita for under $4? I got the shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce... and it was quite tasty! As was the salsa, guacamole, as well as that delicious pico de gallo with avacado! Yum. yum. Free-of-frill deliciousness. :0)
(4)Michael P.
I don't understand all of these bad reviews. El Sol is the best Mexican ever! The Guacamole and Fajitas are my personal favorites and the Chimichaunga Dessert is the best. The service is great and the atmosphere is so cool! My only complaint is the washrooms, they don't flush! Fix your toilets for a 5-star review!
(4)Terry C.
El Sol is a good casual neighboorhood Mexican restaurant. How casual? Your kids can wear their soccer uniforms after a game with no problem. It is not gourmet Mexican food nor does it try to provide this. It may not be exactly the same restaurant that you will find on your vacation to Mexico. But remember, food tastes better on vacation! Also Mexican cuisine has been altered throughout this country to accomodate American palates. So what is perceived as authentic in one place may be different elsewhere. El Sol does provide quality staple dishes with flavor: Carne Asada, enchiladas, tamales, shrimp, red snapper and other traditional dishes including Mexican soups. Rather than compare El Sol to what you've had before It would be better to try something you haven't had, like a big bowl of Caldo de Camaron y Pescado or Bistec a la Mexican. The food is flavorful and it is resonably priced compared to similar meals at like restaurants (entrees $8.95-$14.95, market price for snapper I believe. Lunch specials are cheaper starting around $4.50?). The wait staff is polite and efficient. It is not a Taco /Burritto house so you shouldn't expect those prices. There is a bar with a decent selection of Mexican beers, Margarita's etc. Television sets are on with sports, sometimes soccer. But I've seen couples pressed together in booths making a romantic albeit casual dinner together. They sometimes have live music and dancing There is a lunch buffet during the week for around $6.95. I've seen many nationalities here as the area is diverse. But I've also seen many Mexican families and couples here which to me means that EL Sol is on track with authentic flavors and dishes. Viva El Sol!
(3)Jay L.
I would skip this place if i were you, bathrooms were disgusting..... Staff was not friendly, first thing you notice is the huge bar when you walk in, the decor is dark and dingy, food is over-fried, steak was dry and tasteless, there was not one thing good about this place.....There are way better Taco joints around that just smash this place.....I WOULD AVOID AT ALL COSTS :) After eating here, we found out the owner was missing for years and found in the concrete on the roof or something....SHADY, which describes how the place feels and looks...
(1)Evan S.
Verdict is still out on this place. I had the 2 chicken taco lunch. The rice and beans were very good. The tacos were a bit dry. Next time I'll try the beef or the buffet. The complimentary chips were a little stale, but the salsa was delicious. I'm not a big person who cares about decor a whole lot so I didn't mind the atmosphere so much. It feels a bit dated, but fairly clean.
(3)Kimberly C.
They would not honor a gift certificate that I purchased that day. Extrememly disappointed that they would not honor a certificate that they already have the money I paid for it. UNBELIEVABLE! This restaurant has gone downhill. We sat for a long time and finally had to ask for menus and we had a party of 10 on a friday night at 9pm. The food was bland and took forever. The coke was flat. I have been here many many times but will NEVER return!
(1)