El Solazo

I have been here a countless number of times and never had a bad experience. This review is based on our recent stop (happy hour at the patio). I love the vibes (just be careful, the food and drinks seem to attract bees but we didn't mind). We tasted every tacos from the Summer menu, plus the campechano taco from the Happy Hour menu, and loved them all. Always good service! They've always been so welcoming and attentive.My only complaint is that I did think that the salsa were not tasty this time around, but I had chips and salsa plenty of times that I figured it must just be off this time. The green salsa was a bit bland, needed more salt.All-in-all, it's always a good time at Solazo. Here's some more information:- Chile torreado: Very spicy. Be cautious if you're not a spicy lover.- Cebollitas asada: Has a really good seasoning to it. Must get it!- Mezcal Margarita: Not sweet- Paloma: A bit sweet- La Chikana Burger: Definitely a must have!

Amazing experience and can't wait to return in a few weeks for my party. All the food is fresh and flavorful. The service was also amazing. Our server was so lovely offering. Many great suggestions. We also had tacos, not pictured Carnitas and Pescado tacos.

We were on their lovely outdoor patio which is also dog-friendly. Lots of points for that! The servers were great! The guacamole was especially delish. My kids really liked their mock tails. Great little gem of a restaurant.

I have a sixth sense for amazing food. Years of eating and cooking deliciousness has helped to develop this sense. One evening I was driving down Pulaski and I spotted El Solazo. Something about the signage and the patrons entering the building urged me to investigate. I looked up the menu online and decided I needed to go immediately. Thst very evening, after I was done running my errands, I ventured back to this eatery only to be deflowered for the 2nd time in the last two months. The plan was to order something traditional, but after viewing the specials menu, I just HAD to try the huarache. I had no idea a huarache was anything more than a sandal, but I learned that evening it was also a delicious dish consisting of mashed masa dough fashioned into a canoe-like shape, fried and topped with beans, a protein of choice and traditional accoutrements. In this case, my huarache was topped with Al pastor, avocado, and red onions. Heavenly! I also had the queso fundido con milpas (melted chihuahua cheese with mushrooms) and was blown away! El Solazo is an intimate, beautifully decorated restaurant with friendly servers. However, they don't speak much English so speaking Spanish is a plus. The servers were also a bit slow, but very accommodating when they showed up. It's the proverbial hidden gem and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys amazing food and tons of ambience!

Small eatery in the Chicago's West Lawn neighborhood! Street parking. Nice bar, several tables inside, with additional patio seating. Clean!House specialty drinks, wine, beer available. Drink and appetizer orders were taken and delivered. We were a larger group and ordered a bunch of dishes to share along with individual meals. I think this confused our server a bit, it seemed like the Tinga taco got plated with the potato tacos. Regardless, everything was tasty and well prepared, not overly salty. Salsa verde is a garlicky delight, and the mound of guac should not be missed! Parralada is a mountain of tasty meat and veggies, meant for sharing!All told, El Solazo is a treat! Well worth a try!

El Solazo's triumphant reopening heralds a new era for Mexican cuisine aficionados seeking an elevated dining experience. Located in the heart of the West Elsdon neighborhood, this sophisticated upscale restaurant effortlessly marries tradition with innovation, presenting a tantalizing array of traditional Mexican dishes infused with gourmet flair. As I stepped into El Solazo for the first time since its revival, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant atmosphere. The warm hues of ochre and terracotta, coupled with soft ambient lighting, created an inviting yet refined ambiance. The subtle strains of Mexican melodies floating through the air added to the restaurant's charm, setting the perfect backdrop for a memorable culinary journey. Deciding to savor a trio of tacos, shrimp, cochinita pibil, and al pastor - I embarked on a gastronomic adventure that exceeded all expectations. Each taco was a masterpiece in its own right, showcasing the chef's dedication to craftsmanship and flavor harmony. The shrimp taco showcased plump, succulent crustaceans nestled within a delicate homemade tortilla, harmoniously complemented by the crunch of onion, cilantro, and tomato. Following that, the al pastor taco whisked my taste buds away with its layers of marinated pork, roasted to perfection on a vertical spit. Each bite melted in my mouth, a delightful fusion of savory meat, caramelized pineapple, fragrant cilantro, and a hint of smoky chipotle. However, it was the cochinita pibil taco that truly stole the show. Tender, slow-cooked pork infused with a symphony of smoky, earthy flavors and adorned with pickled red onions transported me to the heart of the Yucatán with every bite. Each taco at El Solazo was a culinary revelation, a testament to the chef's dedication to quality ingredients and authentic techniques. From the first bite to the last, every morsel transported me on a sensory journey through the diverse landscapes of Mexico, leaving me eager to explore more of the menu's delights. El Solazo has undoubtedly reclaimed its place as a culinary gem, offering a sophisticated interpretation of traditional Mexican cuisine that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're a connoisseur of fine dining or simply seeking an unforgettable meal, a visit to El Solazo promises an experience that transcends the ordinary and celebrates the extraordinary flavors of Mexico.

Absolute perfection I have gone for late night dinners and I just went for brunch bottomless mimosas for $25. Great music great service great food there is no time to go to this amazing restaurant street parking great view and a perfection of a vibe.

I know a thing or 2 about Mex food. Taco Hell was voted best Mex in the US right? 7/11 taquitos are authentic, so they say. I saw a lot of low reviews, and I figured I'd see what all the fuss was about.I was happy I came to debunk the myth. Is it "expensive "? Absolutely! They make tortillas fresh, they don't use week old Milagro tortillas like some taquerias. The Margaritas are made fresh to order if you upgrade. Otherwise, they are batch made. $12 Is reasonable for a Margarita, even on the South side. The meat is quality beef, not week old steak over seasoned to hide the bad smell. Growing up, I wish there was an upscale place in the 'hood. Back then, all we had was Pepe's for "upscale" Mex. I for one am glad there's more then a taqueria in the old stomping grounds.

When I came to visit, my friend and her husband took me to their favorite place and it did not disappoint. You can see them making homemade tortillas in the kitchen so you know it's gonna be good. We started with chips and guacamole and it's a beautiful as it is tasty. I went with my friends recommendation so we split the parrillada for the table and each got a cochinita pibil taco as well. The taco was amazing and I'm convinced the brightness and vibrancy of the colors just made it taste even better. The habanero salsa was the perfect amount of spicy. I have never had a parrillada before but the best I can describe it is like fajitas on crack. It came to the table, not in a molcajete which I think is traditional, but in a metal pan with a burner to keep everything hot. There was chicken, beef, chorizo, peppers, onions, and tomatoes. You can even add shrimp if you want but we opted not to. They serve it with tortillas, salsa, and limes on the side. I appreciated the amount of vegetables to meat. I'm not a big meat eater so I could try the meats but mainly fill my tortillas with vegetables. It allows everyone to pick their favorites and assemble their own meal. According to my friends, they have a menu that rotates seasonally but you can't go wrong with anything. The restaurant is cozy and fills up quickly so make reservations if you don't want to wait. They do have inside and outside dining options. They even had someone playing records which I was it expecting to see but very cool.

I've been coming to el solazo for years and I've always thought place was good , however last night was different. Usually when I go out to eat in the city the food is usually 7/10 at best at other places. The team working last night did an amazing job. From the chef making a small accommodation for me with the salsa ( best salsa roja I have had in a long time) . To the line making sure the food is hot and very well plated. These small details were noticed and ultimately contributed to an elevated experience. My taste buds thank you guys, I will be back quite often.