(Dined/Drank 06/15/26 MO @ 4:00pm): El sol brillaba intensamente sobre este restaurante familiar!…read more
An old friend from elementary school reached out to me out of the blue and invited me to El Sol Family Restaurant to catch up and to also see other longtime friends and former colleagues over happy hour. Apparently, my friend and other mutual colleagues/friends still kept in touch with each other on a regular basis (I wasn't good about that) and met here fairly often on Mondays. My schedule was always difficult, but on this fateful date, I was available and geeked to hang out with people I haven't seen in over a decade easily. Having served Montrose since 2002, they have since become a pillar of the community with their family recipes and fresh homemade cuisine. I was surprised I'd never heard of this place since I grew up in the area and still relatively frequented it. Would my first time at the sun be my last, or would the family feel (and happy hour!) bring me back!?
PURCHASE(S)
Chips & Salsa (COMP): Both homemade, the chips were crispy and warm while the salsas were spicy and warm - arriba!
Blended Mango Margarita Blended ($7.00 HH): Mango flavor throughout with enough tequila, this was a nice way to start my imbibing on this hot day!
Asada Street Tacos 2pc ($5.00 HH): Marinated tender beef with diced white onion, this was simplicity at its best!
Carnitas Street Tacos 2pc ($5.00 HH): Same as the asada tacos but chicken!
Strawberry Margarita On The Rocks ($7.00 HH): Fruity and sweet with just enough tequila but more ice than I liked.
Bean & Cheese Nachos ($5.00 HH): Hot beans and melty cheese, this was very basic but served its purpose.
Peach Margarita On The Rocks ($7.00 HH): Refreshing but same as the strawberry version.
Cheese Quesadilla + Chicken ($5.00 + $1.00 HH): Another dish that helped to absorb the alcohol with a decent amount of chicken.
Bohemia Pilsner Beer 4.7% ABV 12floz Bottle ($5.00 HH): Bright amber color, malty aroma, light body, malty sweet warm watery flavor, crisp finish, and light malty sweet watery aftertaste. A slightly elevated Mexican cerveza - salud!
Pacifico Clara Lager Beer 4.5% ABV 12floz Bottle ($5.00 HH): Bright amber color, malty salty aroma, light body, malty warm watery flavor, clean finish, and light malty watery aftertaste. An easy-breezy beer!
SERVICE
Warmly greeted by a young gentleman who ended up also being our server. I was the first to arrive, and when I mentioned my friends' names, he took me to their standard booth, gave me a menu, a glass of water, and complimentary chips and salsa. He returned moments later, took my first of many orders, and as our ever-growing party kept showing up, he was on us with such ease while he kept his head on a swivel as orders came from all directions. He was the bomb - muchas gracias!
PARKING
(FREE): They shared parking within a small strip mall that featured a handful of other businesses such a laundromat, a liquor store, and more. Otherwise, there were many spots along the main drag of Honolulu Ave. - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A casual clean somewhat packed floor plan with two dining areas (the main front and the side) filled with a mix of booths and partitioned tables, I didn't notice an actual bar, and minimal cultural decorations added some splash along with some 2026 World Cup fever. Plenty of natural lighting entered through the front doors and windows while an assortment of electric ceiling lights would've covered the rest as it got darker. There were several low-volume TVs throughout while I couldn't recall any background music.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I had a fun time at El Sol Family Restaurant mainly because I caught up with so many people I haven't seen in so many years and to be introduced to a new business to me with a very good happy hour. I hoped to join them for more happy hours and actually try their full menu. The food was yummy, the prices very affordable, the menu was rather sizable, and the service was awesome. Plus, I preferred to support small mom & pop businesses whenever possible. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $60.00 BEFORE any discounts, points usage, and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS