This review is based off two visits. I ate here twice in a week, it is that good. The chips are crispy but not warm. The salsa is spicy, it is a sauce full of seeds versus salsa I am used to with tomatoes, onions, etc. Overall I rate these pretty high in flavor and being satisfying. My first time I ordered steak and shrimp fajitas. The fajitas were very good; they really give you a lot of steak and shrimp. I like the meal a lot and would order it again. The next visit I got the enchiladas and they were great; I also had a steak taco and it was killer. Next time, I may go for tacos and nothing else as they were awesome. My server, Javier, was young, polite, industrious, attentive, and helpful. read more

Restaurante El Sol - Chips and salsa verde, regular salsa guacamole and chips. - Mexican Near Me - Woodstock, Illinois

Very good Mexican restaurant attached to a small market. We were immediately served some homemade chips and a couple of salsas, I really liked the smoked tomato/habanero version that was sweet, smoky and spicy. I then went with the carne asada and a side of beans. The serving was very large and came with five corn tortillas, grilled jalapenos and onions. The meat was perfectly cooked and very tender. The salsa verde accompanying it was perfect on the tacos. Service was very pleasant and the prices are great for the large portions you receive. read more

I was in the area and I wanted to grab some lunch so after seeing all the good reviews I stopped by and I'm glad I did. The place is unassuming from the street but the place is very nice on the inside and looks fresh and clean. The place is odd because half is a restaurant and half is a neighborhood market. The place has nice booths/chairs with great dark wood table tops. The walls look fresh and the floor have nice large tiles. It's not your stereotypical Mexican looking place but upscale looking. I knew I was in a good place because I was the only non Hispanic person out of the four tables that were in service. My service had no issues and I had a young woman and an older gentleman helping me. I started with a traditional lime margarita on the rocks that was very good and it was very refreshing on a warm summer day. I liked that it was not the sweet mix kind but more like a great cocktail, see my picture. I ordered the cochinita pibil because it sounded good. It's slow roasted marinated pork shoulder with rice, beans, roasted pepper, roasted onion and home made tortillas, see my picture. No joke that this was a big plate of food, two large 1/2 inch thick slices of the slow roaster marinated pork. This was the most protein I have been served in a Mexican dish by far. The beans were good but a little to loose for my taste. The rice was cooked perfect with all separate grains, no sticking or clumping. The roasted pepper was a great complement in my assembled tacos with nice heat. The house made tortillas were thicker and denser which made for a great base for the tacos I made. The slow roasted marinated pork shoulder was amazing because it was tender/moist with good flavor. The generous pork took up almost half of the oversized plate and I left with enough for dinner. The reason I ordered the cochinita slow roasted pork shoulder is because I have not seen this on any menu before and it was amazing, I would recommend this dish if you stop by for sure. Overall this may look like a neighborhood Mexican restaurant but with the quality drinks and food I left feeling that I had more of an upscale dining experience. If I lived here this would be my go to Mexican place. Even as left overs it was very flavorful and and hit the spot. Nice job because you knocked it out of the park today. read more

See all

Went here for the first time tonight to check out the new Mexican place in town. Overall, we were satisfied with the service and dinner, and the price is comparable to that of El Niagara. Specifically, the green and red salsas were excellent and flavorful with a perfect amount of spicy kick! The chips were fresh. The enchiladas, rice and beans were average but as mentioned the salsa was what set it apart. The margaritas are authentically flavored with real fruit and have a salty tang. No sugar added here! Personally, I'm still a fan of El Niagara (or Taqueria Las Cumbres if I'm in Crystal Lake), but this place is definitely worth a shot so you can decide for yourself! read more

See all

It's been some time since my last post. I consider myself an epicurean who leans towards spicy food. I stoped in for lunch on a Monday at 12:30 to find myself alone in a clean restaurant. I started with chips, salsa, and a can of coke. The chips are homage and large, but were thin so proportioned correctly. The salsa was more of a picante style and I prefer tasting and seeing my onions, cilantro, and tomatoes. The taste was just fair. The refried beans were a little salty but were homemade. They were served with a yellow cheese on too( not a fan). The rice wasn't hot and seemed boxed although that's doubtful with the beans being homemade. The guisado de puerco had potatoes integrated that were under cooked. Flavoring was Good but pork a littThe homemade tortillas were a little on the thick side. Service was average for Mexican food. read more

Yep it's a 5!!! They even cater a variety of foods; Mexican, German, Italian- Ask for Manuel, the chef, when visiting. THE BEST tacos and enchiladas in the area,, the best tortillas,, slightly toasted, the steak was moist, tons of flavor and a slight crisp on the edges,, juicy,, delicious! The beans and rice were perfect,, home made for sure and you can tell! The salsa is delish, best around,, home made chips,, warm and crispy,, salted,, yum! The Guac was perfect,,, The plate was very generous and the place is very clean, very friendly, and we even spoke with the cooks, and told them how impressed we were that EVERYTHING we had, couldn't have been better,, absolutely perfect and cant wait to try new dishes! We strolled through the Mexican Grocery next door and can't wait to shop there too! Wow, the smells are just delish! Please try this place and keep them in business,, They are the best in the area, and we need to keep them here! We do have a few good Mexican places that are ALMOST as good as this in town, but this WINS easily! The people are awesome here! read more

You guys. YOU GUYS. Don't be afraid of the unimpressive exterior, or the location, which is sadly just off the square in a low traffic area. Just go inside! Like the Tardis, it's bigger on the inside, and not only that, but it is a very nice atmosphere as other Yelpers have noticed. This is all good and well, and I hope you enjoy the inside, but what's important about El Sol is the food. The first thing you'll notice is that the chips and salsa are the best in town. The salsa actually has some spice to it, which may not be great for those averse to spicy foods, but it's packed with flavor. You may not get four salsa types like at Mixteca, but unlike there, you'll get one good salsa. And just so you know, about half of my rating is based on a restaurant's chips and salsa, where applicable. The other food is amazing as well. So far I have had burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and fajitas. The fajitas were very similar to what you'd get elsewhere. Nothing to write home about. But the tacos with homemade tortillas are great, especially lengua ones if you're down for that. The burritos are very good as well; they grill them, and the portions are perfect. But so far my favorite dish was the quesadillas; you get two, which are cut into quarters, and they come with sour cream and quacamole. The mix of cheese and meat is perfectly balanced. I have had both carne asada and al pastor of everything and highly recommend trying both. I have yet to try the enchiladas, but I've seen others get them and they look very good. The above alone gets them to five stars for me, but beyond that, the staff are very attentive and very polite, the prices are lower than average for the area, and I don't see enough people in there when I go. Last time they offered my group free dessert! And we couldn't even take it because we had to leave! Go get that dessert. read more

The best authentic Mexican food I've had in a long time. Everything is homemade. Nothing is microwaved. The meat is tender and delicious. Chips and salsa are also homemade and really good. We ordered guacamole and chips and the guac was amazing. You must try this place! read more

Restaurante El Sol - Delicious. Homemade and fresh. - Mexican Near Me - Woodstock, Illinois

See all

As my mother and I were standing at the front of this restaurant, grumpy from our touristy day trip to Woodstock, debating whether or not to eat here, an older couple passing us on the way out reassured us, "Stay and eat. You won't regret it." With fresh resolve, we sat down and ordered. We didn't regret it. You wouldn't know how special this place is from the decor, but everything here is amazing. If I had to single out one element, though, it would be the tortilla chips, which were indescribably delicious in that can't-stop-won't-stop way. If I could find these in my local grocery store, I'd never eat anything else. It looked like there actually was a grocery store attached to the restaurant, so if you're local you might even be able to live my dream. Eat here. You won't regret it. read more

Can't imagine how this place has 4 1/2 stars. Must be gringos who have never gotten past McHenry. Arrived to the find the place deserted at 3PM on a Sunday (November 7, 2016) afternoon (which is traditionally a family day, and every Mexican/Latin place I've ever been to on Sunday afternoon has been packed). In spite of the fact that there is a Mexican grocery right next door (and connected to the restaurant), they have a very limited menu; mostly choices that can be found on any fast food chain menu. I had (ground) beef enchiladas, which were covered in what looked like Jack or Mozzarella cheese. Rather than swimming in sauce, it looked like the kitchen simply dipped the tortillas in (bland) red sauce before filling and rolling them. I asked the waitress for extra sauce and she brought out a small bowl of sauce that was luke-warm (and probably fresh out of the microwave). Except for rice and beans, there was nothing else on the plate, no garnish, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, etc. The complimentary salsa, with pretty good chips, appeared to contain some kind of thickening agent--with the glossy look one gets when using corn starch for thickening and was almost certainly straight out of a bottle. The rice was under-cooked Uncle Ben's-style Converted Rice which neither looked or tasted like traditional Mexican rice. Rather than refried beans, the beans were simply out-of-the-pot pintos--and under-cooked. I also ordered a (ground) beef taco which was OK, but nothing exceptional -- and $2.00 The only soft drink on the menu was Mexican Coke at $2.00 a bottle. In a community blessed with such a large Mexican community, I'm hoping to find something much better. I could have done just as well at Taco Bell for half the price. I won't be back. read more

I hate the smell in the restaurant but the food is great. Best Mexican food in Woodstock.

This is a hidden gem, it seems like not many people know about it yet. Great food. I had the steak fajitas that has wonderful seasoning. The salsa that comes with it is really good. read more

Chips and picante come to table when you sit down. Ordered pork enchiladas with red mole, guacamole and horchata which is my go to meal for trying new places out. The chef came out into the dining room several times to see how the food was at each table. He explained to a woman that the fresh fish comes in on each Weds. The waitress was friendly and the food arrived quickly. Although the enchiladas were not what I'm used to getting flavor wise and looks wise, I can't say it was bad. Just different and maybe it has to do with variation of regional ways of cooking things. Just a thought. There was not a lot of red mole but it was juicy and seasoned well although not spicy at all. The beans and rice were good. read more

The reviews are true.... I'm married to a Mexican and this place and the store next door we frequent on a weekly basis. The restaurant OMG THE BEST SOPES EVER!! The salsa omg amazing! Good homemade tortillas! The only thing I was disappointed in was they were out of shrimp soup don't be afraid to go in from the exterior!!! You will be pleasantly surprised! The prices are the lowest in the area believe you me we have gone to every mex restaurant in the mchenry area. Go into the store great fresh skirt stk for the grill and on the weekends they have their hot bar w/tamales, pork skins, carnitas and gorditas. I also buy a couple different supplements which are vitamin and weight loss kinda stuff and boy do I have results!! WOODSTOCK RESIDENTS PLEASE GO IN YOU WILL THANK ME LATER!!! read more

Poor customer service. I called to place an order for carry out 30 minutes before closing and while taking my order they hung up on me. I called back and they said they couldn't place my order because they were closing in a minute, I clarified closing time wasn't for 30 minutes and they said yeah we can't do it. Clearly not interested in happy customers. read more

I was really pleased with the food and service at Restaurant(e) El Sol! Upon walking in it was unusually quiet and vacant (I think there was 1 other couple there). Beyond that, the staff was great and the food was delicious As always, you receive complementary chips and salsa while you wait... and I must admit the salsa was awesome. As a beverage, I ordered a classic margarita which was really great. It wasn't overwhelmingly sweet from the mix (not sure they even used mix). As an entree I got the tostadas de ceviche which were, like the rest of the things I ordered, delicious! I received (2) tostadas that were piled high with fish, tomatoes, jalepenos and avocado. Each ingredient tasted incredibly fresh... Would absolutely go back! :) read more

First time there this evening. VERY attentive and efficient waitress. Food was very good at a reasonable price. Tried chicken, al pastor and carne asada tacos...the meats were all very well prepared. Chips and salsa a winner too, obviously freshly made. If the outside could be upgraded a bit more in keeping with the inside of the restaurant (and attached grocery), it might garner more business. Hope they do well in Woodstock as I definitely would return... read more

Best kept secret in Woodstock for Mexican. Guacamole is great and also the Chicken Enchiladas. Quesadillas are Hugh. Good prices too.

Only 1 word DAMNNNNNN !!!!!!!! Food was good have 2 kids & my wife & myself. there was so much food leftover for easily 2 days !!!! From the outside you would never expect . I will be going back SOON read more

Tried a new place tonight. Not even worth one star. When we walked in there was only one table full. The server stood at the back of the restaurant and starred at us for a couple minutes before slowly walking to the front to get us a table. Once seated it took her 10/15 minutes to take our drink order, another 10/15 minutes to get our drinks. Strawberry margarita was terrible!!! I ordered the shrimp fajitas, all of the vegetables looked like they came straight from a can. My husband ordered a chicken burrito, he said that the chicken was so tough, it tasted like it had been heated up about seven times. Rice and beans were cold. read more

The food was mediocre to poor. The steak burrito was tasteless, the guc tasted only of green peppers and the horchata tasted of spoiled pina colada (that's the closest thing I can think of). Service was slow but friendly. read more

We came on a Friday night at 7 o'clock. I was worried because there were only four other people in the entire restaurant. The salsa was very good and the guacamole was outstanding. I had a pork dish which was very flavorful. Overall I think the food was quite good the service was very very slow. it seems like they are not putting enough emphasis on the restaurant as much as the grocery store. I think it's a great concept having a grocery store with a restaurant attached to it but I feel more attention needs to be had in the restaurant. read more

The food was delicious. The service and the price was great for the good portion of food! The environment and the music are awesome! Very clean place. Authentic Mexican food. read more

My husband and I ate dinner here the other night. He ordered fajitas and expected it to be served in the traditional sizzling hot plate. Imagine our surprise when it was served in a bowl and the entire bowl was lukewarm. I ordered the carne Asada. The meat look like it had been pounded to within an inch of its life. While there was some flavor to it I can't say much for the texture. We will never eat here again. read more

Our new favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. All of the food was delicious and authentic. Salsa was superb, wish they offered it for sale. We had the burrito and enchiladas, both were top notch. This is a must try! read more

Meh. Food was so so. Thought it would be a lot better due to the reviews. Had the coctel Vuelve A La Vida. The seafood was swimming in a lot of what I thought was straight ketchup. Way too sweet; just ate the seafood and left all that ketchup. It came in a bowl which was disappointing. Thought it would of come in a traditional copa. Also had the Guisado de Res. Was disappointing too. The meat was tough. I think there was only two tender pieces. The sauce was ok. The inside of the restaurant was nice and clean on the other hand. Will probably come back just one more time to try the tacos. read more

Decent Mexican food for a fair price. Probably the best in Woodstock. I have only taken this to go because the place has been completely empty every time I went. The burritos are flavorful. read more

Typical Mexican menu with two huge exceptions. First the food is SOOOOOO fresh and, secondly, you will have this restaurant to yourself. A REAL hidden gem in Woodstock. read more

This restaurant is a little gem and not to be missed. I went here with my husband for lunch and we ordered the grilled shrimp tacos with cheese. AMAZING! The cheese on the taco was melted and delicious. It was like having a quesadilla and taco all in one. Highly recommend this place. Fresh delicious salsa. Be sure to try their green salsa as well. It has a garden fresh flavor that was out of this world. This restaurant is definitely a new favorite for us. read more

Best mexican restaurant in the area!! Great flavors and fresh ingredients. We knew it would be good when we fell in love with the salsa and guacamole. The enchiladas verdes were incredible, and my husband loved his burrito. Overall great service, very clean, and excellent food. Cant wait to come back soon! read more

It's great food, the best Mexican in Mchenry county. The homemade chips are awesome and the taco salad is delicious!

Atmosphere is very nice, looks new and clean inside. Everything looks brand new- painted walls, tables, booths, tiled floors. Food was delicious, very fresh and homemade. I got the fish soup which was hearty, flavorful, healthy and freshly made. My husband got a veggie torta which he enjoyed a lot. Waitress was very personable and provided great service. This is a hidden gem in Woodstock, we have been to many other Mexican restaurants and this one stands out as unique and authentic. Will definitely return and recommend to our friends. read more

Terrible don't go here...slow service terrible food! Must better places for Mexican. I hope I don't get sick! Won't be back

Very good food. Clean. Pricing very reasonable. Service very good. Plenty of food. Will go again.

This place is fantastic! We ordered nachos, quesadillas and tortas from El Sol, which they hand delivered to Ortmans (fun, local bar) on actual plates, not paper. We all agreed the food presentation was great, portions were sizable and food was awesome! High quality and freshly made. Give this place a try you won't be disappointed. Follow it up with Ortmans homemade ice cream shots, great choice of flavors. read more

Been here many times and never had a bad meal! Drinks are great as well. One of the best Mexican places I've been especially for the price. read more

I wasn't super impressed with the food this first time around, but I do anticipate going back a lot more so I'm sure my review might change as I order different things from the menu. The restaurant was empty when we arrived, so we were a little worried that it was closed or we were in the wrong place, but then the waitress approached us. The service was great, she came over to us many times to check on us. The food is what wasn't that impressive to me, very average. The beans were too thick and the cheese on top wasn't melted. The rice lacked a lot of flavor. I ordered the carne asada dinner which said it was steak meat with onions and peppers. I was really hoping to get chopped carne asada sauteed with peppers and onions, but instead I got arrachera with two grilled onions and two grilled jalapenos. Not what I wanted, but they didn't specify so that's fine. The problem was the meat did lack a lot of flavor, and was quite tough. It made it kind of hard to eat in a taco. It could have used more seasoning. But like I said, I do plan on coming back so my review might change when I try their other menu items. Not giving up on them yet! read more