El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
Order El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria Takeout or Delivery
El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria Photos
Business Info
El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria Popular Dishes
EL SOL RESTAURANT & TEQUILERIA ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
Recommended Reviews - El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
This place is very small, but the food was pretty good. Prices were also reasonable. They start you out with some chips and a sauce that is not like typical sauces however, I liked it even better than a normal salsa. Food came out of the kitchen fairly quickly, but even though they were a busy, they let you sit there and take your time.
Mandatory tips = bad. Yet... it was puzzling because they scribbled that part out of the bottom of my receipt and didn't charge me. They also threatened to charge us $3.50 for every basket of chips after the first one, but they didn't. Which makes me think that it is selectively applied based on...the customer? Maybe because I'm white? Maybe the right kind of customer they "want." Feels... ripe for discrimination. If you end up getting charged for either of these, you should seriously question why other people were not... It's a tiny place, another "blink and you'll miss it" hole in the wall. A long menu of the same ingredients remixed into different dishes. Standard Taco Bell fair, nothing different than any other Mexican restaurant I had a well margarita and it wasn't bad. $12 margarita? No. Absolutely not, but it had alcohol. I got the three beef enchilada platter but it wasn't worth $19. A margarita, guacamole and chips, and enchiladas is not a $50 meal. But I paid $50 and will never return. This place is a rip off... the prices are exorbitant, the empty threat of charging me for a second basket of pathetic Costco chips, or the mandatory 20% gratuity, just added up to a shady experience. I can't trust them and because of that I can never go back or recommend. I mean, seriously, who charges for a second basket of store bought tortilla chips??!?!
Came here as a party of 6 on a Sunday night and we were seated right away. The menus were great with lots of pictures to show what kind of food you would get. We were given water pitchers and chips and salsa. The salsa was delicious -- some of the best I've ever had. The service wasn't the fastest, as they didn't take our orders right away, but the food that came out was absolutely delicious. The salsa was actually spicy! 10/10 food, would come back again, when I'm not in a rush.
Small little Mexican restaurant in the Shaw neighborhood, Stopped in and immediately could recognize this was pretty authentic. Their salsas and food were good and had a nice kick. I got a chicken burrito that was delicious. Really like the free chips and salsa, they kept refilling too. Overall a good experience, would come again.
Great Mexican spot! I've ordered their Chorizo con Huevo torta several times for takeout but this was my first time dining in. This time I ordered a burrito which came packed with protein and thought sauced up. Not to mention you don't need to pay extra for sour cream & guac. Pretty damn good! I also enjoyed their michelada which was good. Can't complain--it satisfied the craving but wasn't anything special. Overall, this is a great Mexican spot with a great quality-price ratio. Although I recommend against ordering the burrito for takeout as it is pretty messy (but also full of flavor)
Very fine Mexican spot in DC. The place in a casual hole in the wall with some decent outdoor spots when the weather is warm enough. It's not incredibly authentic, but it's certainly somewhat authentic and has some flavorful dishes that are good. The corn tortillas seem fresh and made in house, the salsa are fresh and made in house and quite tasty, and the mezcal margarita I had was quite tasty and a really good price. The food is just fine. Even at times disappointing. I had the steak fajitas, and they were okay. The beans are okay, the steak drier than you would want it to be, the peppers and onions totally fine, and the avocado is not really great by any means. It tastes good enough, but you don't want to come back or yearn for more. Same is true of the enchiladas, burritos, and everything else I've tried on the menu. The service is quick, efficient, and the place matches that. A decent place for a quick bite of mexican food. Just why can't it be done better like their margaritas are?
First time here on a Saturday night with friends for a total of 3. One of whom is Mexican American and we love eating together. She said it was authentic flavors and generally a bit of a "hole in the wall". There were no holes, the bathrooms were clean. So it isn't the trendiest of places, and more of a casual place. Loved that we got seated right away and there was a good selection to choose from. We got guac to share but it was a tad too salty for me. I think they're catering to the majority and in the US in general, we over salt things. But it was quite fresh. For $15, you don't get that much (maybe I am still hopeful for things to be operating on the pre Covid and pre inflation ) The birria taco dip also was on the salty side. I got the fajita mixta and enjoyed it. Piping hot and they were generous in giving me extra lime. I guess $25 is normal nowadays. And my friends chicken tinga taco was okay- she makes it better at home. So, would recommend stopping over if in the area, but I personally wouldn't make a special outing over.
Food is a 5. Service is a 4. Overall 4.5. Things were mistimed, they were understaffed, and the bartender seemed to forget about our drinks. Once they came, the margaritas were good! As a Californian living on the east coast, I have a hard time finding good authentic Mexican food, but these tacos tasted just like the incredible street tacos I love to get in East LA. With better quality steak though! The price was a bit higher than anticipated, thoughts . Will definitely be coming back buy less often than I
We were in DC trying to find a good place to eat and I decided I had to have some nachos. Thinking you can't really mess up nachos and boy was I wrong! I'm honestly not sure HOW THIS PLACE IS STILL OPEN?!? My husband placed the order and got a little over zealous. He order chicken nachos and 4 chicken tacos, 2 fish tacos and 2 chicken tinga tacos. The order didn't take long. Everything looked okay but when I say the driest chicken I've ever had I MEAN THAT. The chicken on the nachos was bad and I didn't think it could get worse but the tacos were awful. The chips were so crispy basically burnt. They used shredded cheese and no queso cheese. It lacked flavor and I would never eat here again. We got rid of it before pulling off from in front. Complete waste of money. 3/23
Delicious lunch here! Been looking for a star Mexican restaurant in DC for so long and all my Californian friends recommended El Sol. They were right! The free chips and salsa, the agua fresca, and the carne asada all hit the spot. The service was quick and the vibes were excellent (though a little empty for a lunc)! Honestly didn't mind that though, since i've heard it gets kinda crowded in the evenings and the space isn't too big. Would definitely come back to each some more delicious food. Side note- I took the octopus taco togo because i was craving it. Also worth it!
Very small place but busy. Staff were friendly. There were 4 of us eating today. The server said the burritos were not that big so two of us decided we needed a couple of things. I had the carne asada taco and a side of rice. There was enough meat in the taco to make two tacos and they served a lot of rice for a side order. The others ordered a carne asada burrito with a side of fries, chicken fajitas, torta de lengua, and a Pambazos which I had never heard of. lol. Everyone was pleased with their meal.
Amazing restaurant. The location is great and the vibe and energy in the restaurant is great. The employees were so kind and very attentive. Prices were good. The food was amazing. 5 stars. My girlfriend loved her burrito de asada. It was so full of flavor and tender asada. I loved my enchiladas de mole. The mole sauce was perfect. The rice and beans were great also. Finally the gorditos de asada was generational. Not only were they filled with great tasting asada and grilled veggies, but the plain Gordito literally brought me back to my abuelas gorditos she would make me growing up. Brought me to tears. I definitely plan to visit this location anytime I'm in DC. read more
This place is very small, but the food was pretty good. Prices were also reasonable. They start you out with some chips and a sauce that is not like typical sauces however, I liked it even better than a normal salsa. Food came out of the kitchen fairly quickly, but even though they were a busy, they let you sit there and take your time. read more
7 months ago
Mandatory tips = bad. Yet... it was puzzling because they scribbled that part out of the bottom of my receipt and didn't charge me. They also threatened to charge us $3.50 for every basket of chips after the first one, but they didn't. Which makes me think that it is selectively applied based on...the customer? Maybe because I'm white? Maybe the right kind of customer they "want." Feels... ripe for discrimination. If you end up getting charged for either of these, you should seriously question why other people were not... It's a tiny place, another "blink and you'll miss it" hole in the wall. A long menu of the same ingredients remixed into different dishes. Standard Taco Bell fair, nothing different than any other Mexican restaurant I had a well margarita and it wasn't bad. $12 margarita? No. Absolutely not, but it had alcohol. I got the three beef enchilada platter but it wasn't worth $19. A margarita, guacamole and chips, and enchiladas is not a $50 meal. But I paid $50 and will never return. This place is a rip off... the prices are exorbitant, the empty threat of charging me for a second basket of pathetic Costco chips, or the mandatory 20% gratuity, just added up to a shady experience. I can't trust them and because of that I can never go back or recommend. I mean, seriously, who charges for a second basket of store bought tortilla chips??!?! read more
Came here as a party of 6 on a Sunday night and we were seated right away. The menus were great with lots of pictures to show what kind of food you would get. We were given water pitchers and chips and salsa. The salsa was delicious -- some of the best I've ever had. The service wasn't the fastest, as they didn't take our orders right away, but the food that came out was absolutely delicious. The salsa was actually spicy! 10/10 food, would come back again, when I'm not in a rush. read more
Small little Mexican restaurant in the Shaw neighborhood, Stopped in and immediately could recognize this was pretty authentic. Their salsas and food were good and had a nice kick. I got a chicken burrito that was delicious. Really like the free chips and salsa, they kept refilling too. Overall a good experience, would come again. read more
Great Mexican spot! I've ordered their Chorizo con Huevo torta several times for takeout but this was my first time dining in. This time I ordered a burrito which came packed with protein and thought sauced up. Not to mention you don't need to pay extra for sour cream & guac. Pretty damn good! I also enjoyed their michelada which was good. Can't complain--it satisfied the craving but wasn't anything special. Overall, this is a great Mexican spot with a great quality-price ratio. Although I recommend against ordering the burrito for takeout as it is pretty messy (but also full of flavor) read more
9 days ago
Very fine Mexican spot in DC. The place in a casual hole in the wall with some decent outdoor spots when the weather is warm enough. It's not incredibly authentic, but it's certainly somewhat authentic and has some flavorful dishes that are good. The corn tortillas seem fresh and made in house, the salsa are fresh and made in house and quite tasty, and the mezcal margarita I had was quite tasty and a really good price. The food is just fine. Even at times disappointing. I had the steak fajitas, and they were okay. The beans are okay, the steak drier than you would want it to be, the peppers and onions totally fine, and the avocado is not really great by any means. It tastes good enough, but you don't want to come back or yearn for more. Same is true of the enchiladas, burritos, and everything else I've tried on the menu. The service is quick, efficient, and the place matches that. A decent place for a quick bite of mexican food. Just why can't it be done better like their margaritas are? read more
10 months ago
First time here on a Saturday night with friends for a total of 3. One of whom is Mexican American and we love eating together. She said it was authentic flavors and generally a bit of a "hole in the wall". There were no holes, the bathrooms were clean. So it isn't the trendiest of places, and more of a casual place. Loved that we got seated right away and there was a good selection to choose from. We got guac to share but it was a tad too salty for me. I think they're catering to the majority and in the US in general, we over salt things. But it was quite fresh. For $15, you don't get that much (maybe I am still hopeful for things to be operating on the pre Covid and pre inflation ) The birria taco dip also was on the salty side. I got the fajita mixta and enjoyed it. Piping hot and they were generous in giving me extra lime. I guess $25 is normal nowadays. And my friends chicken tinga taco was okay- she makes it better at home. So, would recommend stopping over if in the area, but I personally wouldn't make a special outing over. read more
Food is a 5. Service is a 4. Overall 4.5. Things were mistimed, they were understaffed, and the bartender seemed to forget about our drinks. Once they came, the margaritas were good! As a Californian living on the east coast, I have a hard time finding good authentic Mexican food, but these tacos tasted just like the incredible street tacos I love to get in East LA. With better quality steak though! The price was a bit higher than anticipated, thoughts . Will definitely be coming back buy less often than I read more
13 days ago
1 year ago
We were in DC trying to find a good place to eat and I decided I had to have some nachos. Thinking you can't really mess up nachos and boy was I wrong! I'm honestly not sure HOW THIS PLACE IS STILL OPEN?!? My husband placed the order and got a little over zealous. He order chicken nachos and 4 chicken tacos, 2 fish tacos and 2 chicken tinga tacos. The order didn't take long. Everything looked okay but when I say the driest chicken I've ever had I MEAN THAT. The chicken on the nachos was bad and I didn't think it could get worse but the tacos were awful. The chips were so crispy basically burnt. They used shredded cheese and no queso cheese. It lacked flavor and I would never eat here again. We got rid of it before pulling off from in front. Complete waste of money. 3/23 read more
Delicious lunch here! Been looking for a star Mexican restaurant in DC for so long and all my Californian friends recommended El Sol. They were right! The free chips and salsa, the agua fresca, and the carne asada all hit the spot. The service was quick and the vibes were excellent (though a little empty for a lunc)! Honestly didn't mind that though, since i've heard it gets kinda crowded in the evenings and the space isn't too big. Would definitely come back to each some more delicious food. Side note- I took the octopus taco togo because i was craving it. Also worth it! read more
1 year ago
Very small place but busy. Staff were friendly. There were 4 of us eating today. The server said the burritos were not that big so two of us decided we needed a couple of things. I had the carne asada taco and a side of rice. There was enough meat in the taco to make two tacos and they served a lot of rice for a side order. The others ordered a carne asada burrito with a side of fries, chicken fajitas, torta de lengua, and a Pambazos which I had never heard of. lol. Everyone was pleased with their meal. read more
3 months ago
1 month ago
4 months ago
8 months ago
Reasonable prices and delicious food! Worth a try in DC! The only thing is the interior is a tad small. Not great for a big group. read more
Walked in to a full dinning room. Tried to go upstairs but it wasn't opened. Took a seat at the bar, waited a while to be greeted with menu and water. There was only two people working. But they turned it around and provided good service and food. The waiter assumed I was splitting the chips and dip with my friend and automatically split it on our check, I wasn't a fan of that. read more
2 years ago
This place was definitely popular from what I could tell. I had a taco and and a Quesadilla to try both. And I want to say that the star of the show was that orange sauce with the tortilla chips. The Quesadilla didn't have much flavor to be honest but it was still ok. The taco didn't disappoint at all. My waitress was very attentive and sweet. I don't usually do Tex Mex so my flavor palette could be off. I would recommend this place for the Tacos and the ambiance. read more
This is a perfect neighborhood spot. It was my first time venturing to El Sol, and I was not disappointed. It's just a few blocks away from me on the border for Logan and Shaw. The food was exactly what I was in the mood for, and this burrito was massive. They have a variety of meal options and price ranges, which I always appreciate. A few house keeping items I would mention just so you're aware of some operational details. - Chips and salsa are free which we love - Gratuity is included in your bill (20%) - The inside lower level can get a little warm depending on the climate outside - Service was a little slower but they were busier the evening we dined, so that can be understandable We will definitely be back soon! read more
2 years ago
Great little place. Bar hold six people, about 24 seats and an upper level with more seats. Beef enchilada had a good flavor. The salsa and the red sauce on the enchilada was an odd orange color. Not really in my flavor expectation but not a deal breaker. Service was prompt. Price point fair for a city location, but not a fabulous bargain. read more
One of my favorite things in DC is the food. Whether you're looking for a fine dining spot or a delicious taco stand, there are so many options. On this trip we wanted to explore a few different parts of the city and we found ourselves at El Sol - this cozy, warm restaurant lit up by bright yellow and red decor. We started with a few staples - their guacamole and queso fundido which came out topped with caramelized onions, mushrooms and the hottest, freshest homemade tortillas. We all wanted to try their tacos which ranged from carnitas, pulpo, campechano, Al pastor, to pescado and huitlacoche. It took everything in my power not to order three more. read more
1 year ago
I stumbled on this accidentally, and I returned a couple of days later. The staff is super friendly; the restaurant is wicked clean; the food is notable--as are the beverages! Take a chance, and enjoy! read more
1 year ago
My friend and I got dinner here this past Wednesday because we wanted something more lowkey. She's been here in the past for drinks and noticed that all the food looked amazing. Overall, we had a pleasant experience here and the service was pretty quick. CHIPS & SALSA Yes, these are complimentary but they get their own section because they were the highlight of our meal. These chips were on the thicker side (not too thick) -- perfectly fried and lightly seasoned. The salsa was phenomenal. Definitely one of the best salsas I've had. While it's orange in color, it's not spicy. Just so much flavor all around and I just kept going at it even though I knew it would ruin my appetite for the entree I ordered. QUESO FUNDIDO (W/ CHORIZO) - 14.95 This came bubbling in a stone bowl along with four corn tortillas. The queso here is so stretchy, a truly incredible cheese pull. However, by the time it's cool enough to eat, it already solidified, which made it less fun to eat. I can see why it came with a side of tortillas instead of chips because the chips would definitely break. Overall, still good, but I'd try a different dip next time. LENGUA QUESADILLA - 14.75 The lengua quesadilla was good but not mind blowing. Some areas were pretty uneven and there wasn't too much meat. The lengua was tender. I asked for the sour cream on the side which was on the lighter side and not too thick. This is was good but I'd try something else next time. My friend got the enchiladas and they were good! She had enough to bring back for another meal. Realistically, in a few months, the only thing I'll remember fondly are the chips and salsa. Definitely would recommend if you're in the Logan Circle area seeking Mexican food and you want some chips and salsa that will blow you away. read more
I've heard great things about El Sol for awhile and finally got the chance to have a meal there this weekend! My whole group thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered. From appetizers, to drinks & entrees, everything was delicious. We experienced friendly and attentive service with a comfortable ambiance. The guacamole was fresh & tasty and was served with warm tortillas. I absolutely loved my carnitas burrito & the Al Pastor tortas was exceptional. Next time I'll add chorizo to the queso! Very excited to come back & grab El Sol for takeout soon since we live in the neighborhood! read more
El Sol has a special place in my heart. I first started coming here back in around 2016 when the restaurant still occupied only the basement portion of the row house-style building. I lived three blocks away and would come here regularly with my soon-to-be wife. It became our favorite restaurant in DC. We even had a large dinner here with both of our families a few days before our wedding. We've since moved away, but every time we come back to DC to visit friends, we make sure to have a meal here. The food is among the most authentic Mexican cuisine you can find in the DC area. The street tacos are especially delicious. My favorites are the shrimp taco and the steak taco, but honestly you can't go wrong no matter what you pick. This last time I ordered a chicken burrito just to change things up. It was great, but I still think the tacos are better. They also have fantastic guacamole and chips, and the drinks are relatively cheap by DC standards. The service is polite, attentive, and quick, although they don't take reservations so keep that in mind before you go. I will say that it's a little crowded so if you're not cool with small spaces it might make you anxious. Hope your experience at El Sol is as great as mine have been! read more
Had dinner here with a friend. The inside of the restaurant is casual. There's limited space inside so if you go with a large group, expect to wait for a table during peak times. Tried the Tacos De Mole, Al Pastor Taco, and Carne Asada Taco. The tacos were good but not amazing, definitely needed salsa as the meat was a little dry especially in the Tacos De Mole. The complimentary chips and salsa were good, and the Vuelve a la Vida and Maracuya margaritas were great for the price. read more
9 months ago
10 months ago
3 months ago
Page 1 of 20
More info about El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
1227 11th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
Shaw, Downtown
Directions
(202) 815-4789
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.elsol-dc.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
More Info
Health Score
El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
39 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
2 years ago
10 years ago
2 years ago
9 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
6 months ago
9 years ago
10 years ago
5 years ago
7 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
8 years ago
7 months ago
9 years ago
10 years ago
2 years ago
El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria - mexican - Updated July 2026
Best of Washington, DC
People found El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria by searching for…
Browse Nearby
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Restaurants near El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Coffee near El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Desserts near El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Things to Do near El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Parking near El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Tacos near El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Breakfast near El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Burrito near El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Shopping near El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
BEST of Washington, DC, District of Columbia Smoke Shop near El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria
