Paco’s Sol Bistro
237 N Main St, Decatur, IL, 62523
Paco’s Sol Bistro Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Decatur for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Decatur for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Decatur for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
237 N Main St
Decatur, IL, 62523 - Phone (217) 330-6483
- Website https://www.solbistro.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Jim O.
This is easily the best restaurant in the Decatur area for so many reasons I know I'm not going to list them all here. Let's start with flavor. How does "Mini Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins With Strawberry Butter" strike you? If you reacted badly, you don't like good food in general and this review and restaurant is not for you. If you reacted the same way I did the first time I heard it (mind blown), then you'll love Paco's. These bite-sized pieces of magic are served to everyone at the beginning of every meal. Seriously! I know, right? If that doesn't show love and creativity, I don't know what does. Ridiculously good cornbread aside, that's just the tip of the iceberg. I'll tell you about a few other dishes that have become staples in my diet. The queso mac, which is essentially mac and cheese using their queso dip as the cheese sauce is amazing. You have a variety of things you can have them toss into the mix such as bacon, steak, shrimp, or chorizo, but even by its lonesome it's delicious. Something relatively new on the menu is the burrito burger. It was so unique when I saw it on the specials board (it's since become a menu item) I had to try it and I'm so glad I did. I thought their normal burgers were good, but this was way over the top good. First of all, a normal burger, while amazing, is limited by what can fit under the bun. For example, you can't dump a bunch of queso dip onto a regular burger, it'll spill out the sides. However, if you replace that bun with a tortilla, all sorts of things become possible. Paco's takes full advantage of this beef delivery system and throws all sorts of good flavor into the mix. Horseshoes are a central Illinois tradition. Many places around here make them, few places do a great job. Darcy's Pub in Springfield has the gold medal in my opinion. Paco's has a very respectful silver. It occurs to me I've mentioned queso several times in this review. Guess what? It's really good, Paco's is the best, and it's all over their horseshoes. A few other quick things worth your time are the guacamole (better than the local Mexican restaurants, which is not easy to do), and Southwestern Egg Rolls. That's all I've got for now, but I hope I've made my point. Paco's has great food and people who appreciate great food should go to Paco's.
(5)Alex N.
Recently went to Paco's for appetizers with a group, I was pleasantly surprised to find out Decatur had this in its downtown! I would highly recommend them to guests of the hotel I work at, and to my friends and family coming to town! Servers were all very attentive, I know they have an area for larger groups, but they have plenty of seating in the regular area!
(5)Drew S.
The music and the atmosphere is a wonderful experience. The bar is where I sat, to which I was served a great set of drinks from a wonderful bartender. The giant TV was playing a college football game for which I watched the entire thing. Special of the day was listed very clearly on a blackboard with chalk and the drinks available were visible as well on a blackboard. Great times with one or many people can be had at Paco's!
(5)Anna L.
Paco's definitely has the most unique "free bread" that I've ever had at any restaurant! The mini jalapeno corn muffins with strawberry butter seemed odd at first, but it just worked so well! I had ordered the Fajita Tortilla Wrap, but it was not impressionable. The chipotle steak was bland and flavorless. The tortilla wrap would fall apart with each bite, not because it was extremely stuffed, but more because the wrap was really weak. The fries on the side were also lacking. I did have a bite of the Southwestern Egg Rolls, and that I would love to try again! Also, I'd like to add that the guacamole here tastes the freshest in all of Decatur! The vibe of the restaurant does make me want to come back, though the service needs improvement. My water glass was left unfilled multiple times for longer than I had liked during our visit. It was difficult flagging down our server also. Overall, I would come back to try the different dishes Paco's has to offer! :)
(4)Dee P.
Good food, not great. So-so service. We ordered the tacos to share. They were pretty good. Wish they had been in a soft corn tortilla to make them more authentic. Also shared the ranch chicken wrap which didn't have a lot of flavor and was sort of watery. The sweet potato chips that accompanied the wrap were more like fries, kind of soft, not crispy like chips. The chips and guacamole though! Those were great! Not sure I'll make it back to Decatur for a meal, but I would probably go back if I did.They have a few things to work on, but a surprise in a small town like Decatur.
(3)Melissa S.
We've been to Paco's twice, and have enjoyed it both times. We agree that it isn't the BEST place we've ever been, but that it's one of the better offerings we've seen in Decatur. The food is reasonably priced, and really tasty. Not necessarily the healthiest place to go, but for casual dining out, it's a good option. It's been fairly busy both times we've been (Tuesday and Friday evenings), although it was fairly noisy on Friday evening (to be clear, it was before any of the live music was playing). Service has been good both times, although the second time our waitress forgot to bring us small individual plates to set our yummy corn muffins on, but that's not a big deal. They do a good job of being prompt with the service when you first arrive, but not checking on you and interrupting your conversation and dinner too frequently after you've ordered and gotten your food. We will continue to go back to Paco's!
(4)David S.
I'm not sure why some have given this place the mediocre reviews they have, but Paco's is definitely worth a stop if you've never tried it before. Saying it is a good restaurant for Decatur really downplays it's quality, as well. Whether in central Illinois or in a major city, this place can compete because the menu is absolutely phenomenal. Though not a steakhouse per se, when I want a steak I know is going to be cooked to perfection, this is the place I go. The chipotle ribeye steak is a flawless combination of spicy and sweet glaze covering a juicy, sizable steak. It is one of the pricier items on a menu but it is without a doubt worth every penny. As for price, Paco's is very competitive, especially considering the quality of food that is being served. So you won't break the bank just to savor some good food. Also, enjoy the jalapeño cornbread with the strawberry butter too! That staple is one of my fav's! As a heads up, it can sometimes be a little loud due to the acoustics of the restaurant but typically that is on the days when they are going to have a band and the place is packed to max capacity. If you'd prefer a more quiet dinner, definitely get in early as it is quite often full each night (obviously a good sign). Sol Bistro is definitely one of the best restaurants in Decatur, but it is also an amazing place to eat no matter where you are from or what your expectations are. I've tried the chicken meatloaf, the pizzas, the hamburgers, the bbq pork chops, the seared tuna, multiple different sandwiches, the fresh salsa and guacamole, and the list goes on. I am a big fan of this place because it is rare you can find a restaurant that has so many good items on the menu.
(5)L L.
Came here for a work lunch and it was nice. Not sure if this is just a restaurant because when i went to the bathroom in the back I saw a stage with drums set up so I guess they host local events as well? I had the Steak Salad with Chipotle Ranch dressing. It was AMAZINGGGG! the steak is nice and tender, asparagus, and bacon bits that were very flavorful. My co-workers said the horseshoe was good as well (which I've never had before but it's like a peice of chicken with cheese and fries on top of it and bits of bacon and green onions. The portions were pretty big and overall good environment. I had the sweet tea which was pretty much the same as the sweet tea at mcdonalds which I love and the waitress was very fast with the refills so I ended up having like ~5 glasses. Also, the guacamole and cheese dip with chips was good too! It was pretty busy when we got there at 12 and then when we left at 2 the restaurant was pretty much empty.
(4)H H.
Delicious food and trendy atmosphere. Love paco! I have tried multiple dishes at this bistro and have never left unimpressed. Creative dishes and I love the use of chipotle...one of my favorite ingredients...especially in their glaze.
(5)Marissa B.
I popped in, in search of lunch. I checked out a menu searching for vegetarian options. Unfortunately there weren't really any. Agh! I chatted with the hostess/bartender, who was quite friendly and said they really would be happy to put something together for me. She even went back to the kitchen and came out, listing off a few options not on the menu (avocado sandwich, pasta dish, flatbread pizza with veggies instead of chicken, etc.). I settled on a pear salad ($4.50) and a flatbread pizza ($5.00). The salad was fine, with a citrus-y dressing although aesthetically, they'd probably be better off with a spinach or mixed greens base because the pears (while they tasted great), just blended right in with the romaine lettuce in terms of color. The pizza was a perfect portion for one (or as an appetizer for a few, as it is offered on the menu), a square, crispy flat crust, loaded with veggies and tons of cheese, cut into four mini-squares. The restaurant space seemed to have a sports bar flavor, with little natural light, a flatscreen mounted above the bar, high ceilings and blond wood floors. There also was an upstairs seating area along with a large mingling lounge area with couches near the front door which I imagine this would be a nice evening spot. BOTTOM LINE: Regardless of the lack of vegetarian options on the menu (although, come on, let's add some!), I appreciated the staff's accommodating attitudes. Fine atmosphere, friendly service, reasonably priced.
(4)Kurt S.
Atmosphere is nice as well as service friendly and attentive. I was in Decatur on business and the hotel attendant suggested this place. The food is good and unpretentious. I'll say that while the corn muffins are really good with the strawberry butter, the chipotle horseshoe was only satisfactory. All in all I would go back and eat their again.
(3)Beth D.
I've reviewed this before and was positive because I loved the tuna steak, but for a while, I've stopped ordering it since something about the quality has changed. I then started getting the beefeater salad, but I don't think I'll be going back. Last time I went during "witches night out" and we had the rudest waiter ever. He was rude for no reason from the very beginning and ruined our fun night out. It was so bad, I had to ask for someone else to be our server because he also ignored us after we asked to wait a while longer to order our entrees. The person who picked up his slack said he was upset with another table. Sorry, but even if you're food is decent, if you hire a bunch of staff that are all about drama... your reputation is going to go downhill. This was a server who has been there a long time, too, and should know better. I'm super disappointed with this place and won't be returning.
(2)Chris N.
Paco's Sol Bistro is alright. It's one of the more unique dining options in Downtown Decatur, but it's definitely hit or miss. Some visits would be satisfactory, others would just be down right irritating. I won't really miss this place at all. One thing that I've never been impressed with at this restaurant is the service that comes from the wait staff. My last experience was particularly upsetting as I felt like we were being rushed from start to finish. Both my dining buddy and I also had to repeatedly ask for refills on my drinks. The food is not all that memorable. It's certainly not fine dining. However, I give the owners credit for introducing "new" flavors to the Soy City, and staying true to their vision. In closing, stay away from the flatbread pizzas. They taste kind of artificial, and I got the feeling that all of the toppings came from a can.
(3)J P.
Best place to eat in Decatur and it's not even close. Everything is delicious and the drink prices are fair. It is nicely decorated and has a good atmosphere. They have many weekend events and plenty of space. Highly recommend the southwestern egg rolls
(5)t b.
Different Name, same atmosphere, about the same menu... I thought with the name change that this would be a Mexican restaurant. Service was good and there was a decent selection of beers on tap.
(2)Wendy T.
By far the best food in Decatur!
(5)Dave B.
Food is very good. A nice mix of traditional and "hey, let's try...". Sleek modern decor. But very noisy when crowded. Hard to converse, so enjoy the food.
(4)Shane W.
Great find in downtown Decatur. Based on the reviews here, I had the Sol Burger. I was pleased. Loved the chipolte sauce and the burger size and quality was on par with my expectations. The fries were just OK-- I felt they were like the kind out of the bag at the grocery store--crinkle cut-- but not the end of the world. Our group also tried their queso dip as it is also well-known. It was good-- a little thicker than I would have liked, but good nonetheless. The menu itself is expansive -- everything from tacos, to horseshoes, to burgers, to steaks and seafood. It was hard to make a choice. Beer-wise, they have 6 or so handles for draft-- mostly the usual suspects but they did have a Leine seasonal and a Sam Adams seasonal. If you find yourself looking for a dinner option in Decatur, give this place a try.
(4)Drew M.
Legend has it that Paco's is the number one restaurant in all of Decatur. Myself and a group of dining advocates were fortunate enough to grace the premises of Paco's one Tuesday afternoon. After scouring the streets of D-town, we finally entered into a faintly lit but colorful restaurant that was pleasing to the retina. Paco's has a history of Mexican food (and name of course) but the menu is much more diverse than the average. Plates come with chips and salsa and paired with wraps, they make for a tasty combination. For my own stomach, I purchased the guacamole chicken sandwich with French fries. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. The entire combination was throughly an enjoyable experience. Paco's so seems to have a extensive beer selection and makes dinner an exciting possibility. You may ask yourself, "why would I ever go to a restaurant in downtown Decatur on a Tuesday afternoon?" I would simply reply, "because Paco's is the number one restaurant in all of Decatur."
(5)Kyle B.
We got there and she said it would be a little bit but what ended up happening was that three parties that got there after without reservations got a table before our party of two. Even bought a beer to pass the time. An hour later, the fourth party went ahead and we left. Upsetting that the hostess just didn't get it and maybe a one off but very frustrating.
(1)Danielle T.
Paco's was great for our whole week here in Decatur. First time experienced the sit down vibe which was great. Service was attentive and food was delicious. Prices reasonable! Second time (in one week!) was also great. Rehearsal dinner was private in the back room. Had separate entrance for parties in the back (not just for mullets)! The buffet was nachos and tacos plus salad. The food was consistent and tasty. Everything fresh. The drinks and the waitstaff were excellent! I am removing one star because when asked the manager to help move the tables into something that suited the party a little better she said we could move it ourselves. :/ so we did but it would have been 5 stars if we didn't! I know managers are always stressed but maybe send a bus boy to help next time! Overall great place and we will be back!
(4)Laura B.
A Hispanic in Decatur, Illinois walks into Paco's on Cinco De Mayo. Sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, right? Well, this is my life. Go ahead, have a nice laugh. ***Pauses for Laughter*** Well my friends, the joke's on you! This place was AWESOME! Not only was the margarita fantastic, but there's a Queso Mac & Cheese which is pretty much to die for if you're a Mac & Cheese fan like I am. It's not your normal mac. It's made with Mexican queso, it's got ground beef, tomatoes, and some other goodies in it. Yes, lots of calories. No, I didn't care. The quacamole was pretty good too. Service gets an A+. Despite being a busy night, food was served quickly, and my water was never empty. I'd go back once a week if I wasn't afraid to gain 97 pounds in a month!
(4)Bradi W.
Wow! My first time last night! We sat at the bar. We walked in, sat down, and had a kind smile from the bartender. She gave us time with the drink menu and ordered the Bluberri lemonade, and it was delicious! We weren't very hungry so we ordered two appetizers. We got the sample dips and the southwestern egg rolls! Umm YUM! So good! Good portion and delicious! Great staff, great food, and an overall great time. We will definitely be back! Keep it up! Thanks!
(5)Jennifer M.
LOVE the blood orange margaritas. Great variety, and good food quality. And they have one of the best horseshoes I've found.
(4)Susan R.
The turkey meatloaf is wonderful! The southwestern eggrolls and corn salad/ relish were tasty, as were the little corn muffins.....have been here twice...good service and food both times....
(4)Gary S.
Refreshingly different entrees that I can't make at home. Try the horse or pony shoe.
(5)Aldona B.
The hostess was very unpleasant, food mediocre and overpriced. It is not a Mexican restaurant as listed on Yelp. The only good thing about this place ... servers - they are nice and attentive.
(2)Adam D.
I've eaten here several times and enjoyed it, from the service to the horseshoe. Only thing I wasn't a fan of was their crab cakes.
(4)Sally Y.
Being from Decatur, I've seen this location change hands a number of times, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is usually always the same. Overall, there's tons of space in the restaurant and for a Wednesday night, it was pretty busy and full. The staff is friendly and attentive, but I almost felt a bit rushed throughout my meal. I didn't feel like I got a chance to really look over the menu, eat, or relax a little before paying. It's a good thing I looked at the menu online before I got there, am comfortable taking food to go, and had some place to be afterwards. In terms of the food, it was pretty good. My friend ordered the chicken meatloaf which he swears by, and the jalapeno cornbread with the strawberry butter was awesome. I ordered the BBQ chicken horseshoe...but have don't know how that tasted. I was given a horseshoe, but the meat inside was the chicken meatloaf like my friend's. It wasn't bad, but I was definitely a little disappointed. I could have easily asked for a new plate, but by the time I actually ate through the mountain of fries to get to the meat, our waitress was already anxious to give me a box for my food. Overall, the food was pretty good, and the service wasn't bad. I just think I could have had a better experience in the end.
(2)Laura B.
Easily my favorite restaurant in Decatur. Sometimes the service is slow but we have learned to let the server know at the beginning of the meal if we need to bein and out quickly over a lunch hour. Their mini cornbread muffins with the strawberry butter are to die for! I have never had a meal disappoint me at Paco's. My "go to" meal is the shrimp tortilla (chipotle-glazed shrimp, avocado spread, jack cheese, corn salsa) which is wonderful. The chicken wrap is good, but it has gotten a little heavy on spice the past few times I have tried it so I have shied away from it as of late. I absolutely LOVE the chipotle glaze they put on their burgers. This is easily the best burger around. If you are a pasta person, their queso mac is also wonderful! Also, their chips, salsa, and guac are awesome!
(5)Dylan G.
Far and above the best place you will find in decatur. With great service, price, atmosphere, and outstanding food there isn't anything I dislike about this establishment The only downside is it can get a little crowded so make sure you get there early!
(5)Dale H.
I love everything I have tried there so far! I don't know how well their service is for dine in as I get carry out. They shorted us a drink recently and when I called they were apologetic and gave me a gift card! We will probably try dining in soon, I can't wait... Anyhow if you want to try something different that actually has some flavor Paco's is the place!
(5)Jessica P.
I worked with Gloria to arrange a work meeting in the loft area. She was very accommodating and friendly. The area was a perfect location for a working dinner while also still getting a bit of the restaurant's atmosphere. Bethany did a wonderful job as our server. Having been a former waitress, I always pay attention to the service at restaurants. She was amazing. She made wonderful recommendations. She always had our glasses filled and plates cleared. And she did this all without being a disruption. The food and experience was wonderful.
(5)Heather P.
Returned for dinner last night and service was barely existent. When it did occur our server was curt & rude. Only our second visit so 50% of my Paco's experience is now cruddy. Lost a star.
(3)Abby S.
When I come visit my parents in Decatur, we rarely go out to dinner. One reason why is because they love to cook. My Dad loves to grill big slabs of meat and my mom loves to bake. Another reason is because they often complain of the lack of good restaurants in Decatur - why spend money going out when you can make an even better meal at home? Imagine my surprise when they suggest going to Paco's for dinner on Tuesday evening. They're big fans so I was willing to give it a try. Never met a taco that I didn't like... The interior of Paco's is bright and fun. Definitely not drab! I had been to Block's once a long time ago, but don't remember what it looked like inside. Either way, I liked it. And the service matches the decor - bright and friendly without being obnoxious. The only thing I didn't really like was the food. It was just OK. My shrimp tortilla could have been made in the average person's kitchen - it was just grilled shrimp, a little cheese and some street corn. I've definitely had better flavor combinations elsewhere. But it wasn't terrible or offensive, either. Not sure when I'll be back to D-town, but if I was around and someone wanted to go to Paco's, I'd definitely give 'em another try. A nice change in Decatur for sure.
(4)Catherine S.
My boyfriend and I came here for our first 'date night' in Decatur and it was AMAZING! We started with the Southwestern Eggroll and they brought out jalapeno corn fritters with them that were out of this world. I swear I've been dreaming about them. Both of our meals were fantastic. I got the mango shrimp salad with the freshest mango I've ever had and he had the BBQ Burger it had a peach chipotle sauce that I would've drank lol. Also, the waitress was really helpful, we asked a lot of questions and she really helped us navigate the menu and stayed really patient with us! Definitely recommend this place if you're ever in Decatur. I know I'll be back!
(5)