My husband and I went to El Sol on Friday evening for the first time and enjoyed it very much! Overall, the food was good, the service was excellent and fast, and the drinks were great! We will definitely be back. Pros - Decor, house margarita, guacamole and fresh chips (awesome!), pineapple & jalapeño infused tequila cocktail, and service Cons - salsa and enchilada sauce were a tad sweet for my taste
(4)
Ryan O.
Great Mexican spot for Harrisburg. They have a large menu and some unique items like their lava bowl dishes. Their margaritas are also very good and have some specialty ones with jalapeño infused tequila. Guacamole is pretty good here too. Ceviche is okay ; I've had better at other places. I would go back again; great Mexican dining experience!
(4)
Suzanne S.
I was craving Mexican and this was walking distance from my hotel. The Yelp reviews were predominantly positive so my choice was made. My food was good, I enjoyed the peach and hibiscus sangria and I had great service. Attentive but not hovering and friendly. Prices are what I experience in every city, I didn't find them to be exorbitant. I loved their salsa, just the right amount of kick when you aren't in the mood for anything too spicy.
(4)
B T.
Go for the top shelf margarita. They use mix in the basic margs. Solid food and service.
(4)
Becca K.
Have been twice - once on a weekday for lunch and once on a weekend night for dinner and we'll definitely be back! Service has been very attentive (but not hovering) both visits (we sat in the bar area). And freaky fast - like there is some mad science time-machine nonsense going on. I wish I had timed it because I feel like it was about 3 minutes from the time I ordered to the time I was stuffing my face with carne asada. Drinks are solid, I had the house margarita and it was pretty good and very sizable. The BF got a margarita made with house infused pineapple-habenero tequila and it was extremely tasty - sweet and just a little spicy. Chips and salsa are very good, I do kind of wish they would just bring them out complimentary like most places do instead of having to order them, but they're like $3, so whatev. I had the carne asada soft tacos with a side of guac and they were delicious and very filling. My BF got the carnitas platter and the meat was well seasoned and sooooooo tender. Going here would not be a bad idea
(5)
Pauline D.
First Tim in Harrisburg and a friend and I wanted to have taco Tuesday. Happy we tried this spot. What really won me over were the Jamaica margaritas! I love Jamaica. We both got tacos. I got carne asana and they were great. My friend got the mix taco platter and she liked it as well. The chips and salsa were also good. I'd recommend it
(5)
Sushant B.
Located in downtown Harrisburg, the parking might be a bit of a problem. However, the food is great and the restaurant has a lively environment.
(4)
Giovanna O.
We came here during Sunday brunch. I had mexican toast, which is like french toast. It has fresh cream and is covered in hibiscus syrup. There were apples, oranges and grapes on the side. I'd get it again. We shared chips and salsa, along with guac. The salsa was fresh and smooth and the guac was chunky and very tasty. The pineapple basil sangria sounded strange, but tasted sweet and refreshing. My family enjoyed their meals as well. This is a safe bet.
(4)
Ingrid P.
A huge group of my friends and I came here during the middle of a huge winter storm. The waiters were attentive and the food was okay. For the convenience of "tourists" at the state capitol, this place is decent to get your Mexican fix.
(3)
Christian G.
This place was just a disappointment to say the least. I got my meal spicy and was left with an empty water for my entire meal. They only gave my date and me three shells for two fajita meals and you had to pay for your chips and salsa. I will never go back and don't recommend.
(1)
Meghan S.
I'll start by saying I'd come back here again. I'd give 4 stars, but the reason for 3 will follow... I came here with 3 co-workers for Cinco de Mayo. We were visiting the area for work and were recommended to try this place. The special was $2 off margaritas. I was surprised to find them to be $7 after the discount because in the DC area, during happy hour margaritas are $5. They had a game going on outside where you spin a wheel to receive a prize. My co-worker and I both got $5 gift cards. We weren't allowed to use them that day, which we thought was annoying since we didn't live there. But I understand the purpose to bring patrons back to the restaurant. Moving on. The food was pretty good. I was glad to know that the corn tortillas were gluten free. It's difficult to find that since most placed pollute their corn tortillas with white flour. All 4 of us got the fajitas and were all pleased. I thought they were a little over priced by about $2 compared to the DC area. I had leftovers for the next day though which was great. Now on to why only 3 stars...There was a very loud and annoying group sitting next to us outside. I never encounter that sort of nonsense outside of drinking at 11pm at night. To top it off, one of them threw up on a chair and on the ground. What annoys me most about that, they were not immediately kicked out. There were people outside trying to eat. I was VERY disappointed in the lack of action taken. A poor server and an additional woman cleaned up the mess. I've worked in the restaurant business before and people who get sick are immediately thrown out along with their party. The service in general was a little slower than we were expecting. I know it was Cinco de Mayo, but it doesn't take much to be a little attentive. I'd go back if we lived in the area to see if the experience would be different, and I imagine it would. Just one of those types of days I guess.
(3)
Reginald H.
The Food was off the charts!!! Excellent service, and ambiance was very pleasant. If you like chicken, you have to try the "Pollo Costeno" it is so delish!!! You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Alima H.
Subpar, overpriced faux-Mexican with a bunch of creatively-incorporated cheese, thick glassware, and inspired plating to make things seem fancy. Flavors are bland and textures are off. The dining room is beautifully appointed and the waitstaff is courteous and professional. But restaurants are primarily about food, and El Sol is not cutting it.
(2)
Sue P.
Poor service and bland food. A group of 8 went for lunch. One person got a fish taco, I wondered where the rest of it was. My burrito was bland. I had to ask for a soda refill twice. The last time, he brought a barely half full glass. The last 2 times I've been to El Sol, the server did NOT return the coin portion of my change. I don't know why he assumed that was ok. I should have shorted his tip by that much, but I didn't have any change. If my group from work goes back, I will not go with them.
(1)
Angel G.
This was a nice restaurant with a very cozy atmosphere. The server was great. He was responsive and friendly but not overbearing. The top shelf margarita was one of my favorites along with the chips and salsa. I loved the salsa! I ordered the shrimp, chicken, steak combo fajitas (very large portion). The chicken was the best, very flavorful. I will definitely return to try other items on the menu.
(5)
Brandon K.
Wow! This place has certainly taken a turn for the worst in the past 4 months! Ordered the tower for Sunday brunch, it came out cold, half of the ingredients weren't on it as stated on the menu, and it was soggy. The Bloody Mary bar isn't even 1/4 of what it used to be! The servers changed the radio station 5 times within the hour of being there! I got to listen to a great remix of Brittany spears' if you seek any though. Not going to go back. I look for them to be closed in the next year.
(1)
Roger E.
Absolutely awesome food with fantastic service!!!! Alway from Texas to eat some of the best Mexican food!!!!!
(5)
Keri W.
I could eat here every day! The food is AWESOME, the drinks are delicious, the service is great & the prices are reasonable. I've had a variety of items from their menu & never had a bad meal. Tip: call for a reservation weekdays at lunch or weekend evenings.
(5)
Michele A.
We eat here for lunch just about once a week. We love the atmosphere and the food. Their quesadilla and salsa is delicious! So is their guacamole. We just love Jason, and always prefer him as our waiter. He is always fast, accurate and super friendly.
(5)
Ulysses R.
No lunch or dinner menus on Sunday. Enchiladas where a hit with my son, wife enjoyed the smothered burrito.
(4)
Jasin R.
Been here three times. Drinks are expensive. Who wants to pay over ten dollars for a Margarita? Food is way above average. You psy for the quality but, hey you only live once.!!!!!! Found the service to be average. Decor is pleasent... As a local I would recommend for out of Towner's. Prices to high to be regular hangout.
(3)
Kevin R.
Delicious authentic Mexican food. I always play it safe and went with the cheese enchiladas. The best chips and fresh salsa ($3.99). Good atmosphere and friendly staff.
(4)
Dawn E.
By far, the freshest, most scrumptious Mexican food I've had in central PA. The service was good, the atmosphere is great and the meal was unforgettable. They are pricier that the chain restaurants but this is not chain food that we're talking about here! I must make it a point to dine there when I'm in the Harrisburg area again.
(5)
J J.
Brought our mother here on Mother's Day, her choice... and loved our meals, and service. It was very nice inside and the food was excellent, especially loved their multi-dip appetizer- their salsas are awesome, and this gives you a chance to try guacamole, beans and house made sauce. We also enjoyed their margaritas...just go for the pitcher! You can get salt or if you prefer sugar rimmed glasses for the whole table to share, excellent!
(5)
SpiceFamily D.
El sol is the gourmet style of Mexican cuisine not a fiesta type atmosphere more of a romantic personal atmosphere. Great menu items and drinks weekly specials are tasty...try the lobster enchilada!!
(4)
Jamie O.
I am only giving this place 2 stars based on the delicious salsa served with the chips and the drinks weren't too bad. Other than that, this place is overpriced and the food was ridiculously bland. I will start with the steak enchilada verde I ordered. It came with three steak enchiladas , refried beans, salad and rice. I took two bites and realized there was no flavor whatsoever to it. I opened one of them up just to see what it was filled with and the steak was a bland gray color, I did not even see a speck of pepper. food The other dish we ordered was chicken flautas. Again, this dish had absolutely no flavor. The chicken tasted as if it was boiled in water and rolled in a tortilla. The dish was on the small side and we were surprised the serving of the rice was miniscule. It looked as if it was stuffed in a small side sauce cup and flipped over on the plate. We actually sent this dish back because it was so disappointing. Their steak fajitas were actually pretty good, this dish was apparently holding all the flavor of their other food. We ordered extra chorizo on top and it was quite delicious. But again, this dish and 1 drink came to over $32, ($7 mojito, so almost $25 for fajitas? seriously?) Overall, the atmosphere, chips and Salsa were the highlights, would not come back here again.
(2)
Susan S.
I Love El Sol. My husband and I dine here often, and our two teenage sons will join us occasionally. It has an extensive menu of authentic Mexican food and drinks. The food and service are consistently very good. The atmosphere is fun, relaxed and bustling, and the lighting and decor create a romantic vibe. The last two Fridays we were there for dinner they had a guitar player and singer adding to the romance of our experience. They were excellent and in no way intrusive like some music can be. If you are looking for authentic and creative Mexican in the burg this is by far your very best option.
(5)
mike d.
Stayed in Harrisburg on a family vacation to Hershey Park. Arrived to the restaurant by it being close to the Hilton and the only place that was open. This place surpassed my expectations as a Mexican restaurant in PA. I grew eating this food. The ceviche trio was delicious and enjoyed by the whole table, the shrimp cocktail was spicy and similar that you find in Baja California and the fish tacos were tasty with their own creation. The chile relleno was decent , but needed a little more time for the Oaxaca cheese to really melt. Overall this restaurant surprised this Mexican far from home and highly recommend this to anyone. The service was also great and atmosphere was nice.
(4)
Richard B.
Amazing food, great service and a large selection of tequila's. Award winning smiles and delicious appetizers as well.
(5)
Ron B.
Great food and a very pretty space. We were surprised this place was so nicely finished and decorated, given the reasonable prices. Four of us had lunch and everyone was very happy. Very tasty house made guacamole, tender carnitas and an interesting lunch special of shredded chicken over pieces of tortilla topped with an egg. Definitely will go back.
(5)
Wayne O.
Javier's in Dallas is great. EL SOL in Harrisburg, PA is exactly at that level, ... World Class! Everything we had was SO good, I don't know where to begin! The ceviche was incredible & so was the queso. The Chiles Mixto were off the charts, as was every other entree ordered in our group. And I cannot forget to mention the jalapeño cucumber margarita! Perfect. Awesome. Perfectly awesome! Service was also terrific. I live 90 minutes away from Harrisburg and I would make the drive just to go to El Sol. If you like Mexican food, GO THERE!
(5)
Gourav B.
Good service and food. The guacamole was tasty. I sat at the bar and got great service
Went here for Sunday Brunch. Very pleasantly surprised with the food -- and we are very picky about Mexican food. Good service.
(4)
Chuck D.
The absolute BEST Mexican in the Harrisburg area! Great food and great margs!
(5)
Rosie J.
This was my 3rd dinning experience at El Sol, and again not impressed. I had to try it again. So many say how they like it. The dishes are too expensive, so are the drinks. I doubt they put much liquor in their margaritas. That defeats the purpose of ordering a margarita. If you want a mexican food experience in Harrisburg area go to Herby's. It is close to Steelton. This place is not expensive, has a nice atmosphere, and the drinks are great too. Herby's also have live music sometimes.
(2)
Nikki K.
We went for Restaurant week and the food was phenomenal. Appetizers: We got the Tuna Mango Ceviche - delicious, just the right amount of heat, acid and bite. It was delicious. Entree: I got the grilled swordfish - amazing!! It was perfectly cooked and the green beans and rice side were perfect with the tomato sauce. The tomatillo sauce on the fish was delicious My friend got the Sopes - she said they were wonderful. Her favorite was the Chorizo. Dessert: I got the pina colada cake and my friend got the banana special. Both were wonderful. We really enjoyed that the dishes had a SUPER sweet part and a lightly sweetened part so they weren't overbearing in sweetness. Drinks: We got the frozen mango margaritas!! Delicious!!
(4)
Jessica S.
Just went here for the first time last night for dinner. Walked in the door and the hostess immediately asked us if we had reservations, which we didn't. She then said "you're gonna have to wait for me to clear that table." Not the nicest of greetings. One star down. The restaurant was about 75% full. We sat down and the waiter took 10 mins to ask us what we wanted to drink. House margarita was one of the best iv ever had. We had the guacamole with goat cheese special and it was amazing. As my meal, I had the Sopes Trios special. The chicken was bland but the sausage and steak were good. I'd go again for the margarita and guac. The service left much to be desired. Slow and not very friendly.
(3)
Lisa R.
You can't go wrong at El Sol. It is the best Mexican food in the area. If you want your common, greasy, mostly fried Mexican fare there are plenty of other choices in the area. El Sol has spoiled me and now I can't eat at those joints any more. Try the assorted chiles rellenos or one of the table top grills which you can share. The tacos are excellent too with a long list of perfectly cooked and seasoned fillings including fish and filet mignon. I love their specialty cocktail menu with so many fun 'takes' on the margarita and mojito and of course, sangria. I have yet to meet one I didn't like.
(4)
Barbara G.
I like El Sol... A lot. Coming from the southwest I am use to getting really great Mexican style food all the time. But it was t until El Sol opened that I felt "at home" so to speak. Their salsa is as good as any salsa I have tasted. Traditional tamales fabulous, good solid seafood dishes, mole sauce great. I do not care if I am charged for the chips and salsa...they are excellent. The place is noisy, but there are a lot of people that dine here. Their drinks are average. Service is basically good, but can get spotty. If I ever have an issue at any restaurant I speak to someone....that's it. No use stewing over something without telling someone. Good place to eat Mexican style food. Ole.
(4)
Sandy L.
I've been here a couple of times for lunch now. It's a little more expensive than your average Mexican place, but a nice varied menu and good service. The ingredients are good quality and the food well prepared. I did enjoy the Mahi Mahi tacos. The shrimp fajitas were okay, but not the way I've often seen them - they were served with corn tortillas and no sour cream or guacamole. I felt that the waiter tried to upsell a fair bit, but he wasn't pushy about it.
(3)
Tony E.
By FAR!!! The best Mexican food in Harrisburg! Our server was very knowledgeable of everything on the menu and was so helpful in helping my 14 year old daughter choose her dinner. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was cool. The hardest thing for me was choose what food to try first. I will be back for sure!!
(5)
Abe R.
Outstanding Mexican cuisine.
(5)
Larry H.
Nice food. Nothing special. Service was just ok. but tequila prices are way out of line.
(4)
Jeff C.
Normally I restrict myself to eating Mexican food to those states that border the country. So when my friend suggested El Sol, I was skeptical. Much to my surprise, this was quite good. The chilies mixto was very tasty. I'll be back next time I'm in town
(4)
Tara W.
My first visit to El Sol was recently for brunch, which apparently has been a new addition to the restaurant as of December. My food was fantastic - breakfast enchiladas with mole sauce and sides of guacamole and sour cream. I would get this again, but there were other items on the menu that I'd definitely want to try, as well. A surprising treat was the Bloody Mary bar! We were invited to make our own using the restaurant's bloody mary base, and then could add whatever we liked from an amazing assortment of hot sauces, vegetables, spices, and more. I added a garlic hot sauce, the house made hot peppers, olives, and a big stalk of celery. It was fun to experiment, and made for a great interactive experience while we waited for our food! I hope more people will be out to experience the brunch!
(4)
Lorena C.
In Harrisburg for the weekend & found this Mexican restaurant...WOW...we live near NYC & love Mexican food this was the best we've had!!! Service is friendly & inviting ;)
(5)
Renee M.
Went here because it was recommended as the best Mexican food around and was very disappointed. It was nothing special Mexican food, mine was Luke warm when I got it, which didn't help. The drinks were so so and seemed watered down. The service was poor, they pushed us through dinner after being slow to show up to great us and refused to move us away from a cold table by the door even though there were plenty of open tables. The decor was cute, but the place was loud and we had people overhanging from the hostess stand and bar standing over us. I won't bother going back.
(1)
Jon G.
They get everything right but the food. The atmosphere and decor was right on for a moderately upscale Mexican restaurant and certainly didn't predict the well presented but flavorless food. The fajitas were dull and bland as were the enchiladas and guacamole. The salsa was decent.
(2)
Pete S.
First visit. Service was prompt and friendly. Restaurant decor was well done and comfortable. Chips and salsa while common in many Mexican style places were very good. Salsa had good flavor and nice spice balance. I ordered the tamales which were excellent. Served with beans and rice. All excellent. My wife order the rib eye steak that was flavorful spiced well and very tender. All very good. Beer selection was good but next time planning on a top of the list margarita based on what I saw there and read here. Recommend the establishment for anyone. First class Mexican food.
One of the best in the Harrisburg area - definitely better than the El Rodeo mini-chain. I had a regular margarita - definitely not from a mix. For dinner, I tried the mixed taco platter with the grilled fish, pork and cow tongue. The fish taco was perfectly seasoned and mild in fishy taste. The pork was very spicy (in a good way). My only critique is that it was a little watery and made everything soggy. The cows tongue was surprisingly good - kind of like gyro meat. Will definitely go back!
(4)
Nicole L.
El Sol is the place I keep coming back to whenever work brings me to Harrisburg, thanks to the reasonable prices and great service. It's an interestingly and spaciously decorated restaurant with amazing Mexican food that's hard to beat back in the Philly city. You will have to pay for chips and salsa, but the chips come hot and the salsa has a spicy kick to it. Ceviche is freshly lemony and tangy. Though a shrimp burrito sounds bizarre, it's surprisingly tasty, loaded up with a mix of vegetables and rice, and comes with a side of the unforgettable guacamole. Don't forget dessert -- the flan is amazingly creamy, sweet, and won't disappoint.
(4)
V S.
Been there a few times for dinner. Can't beat the jalapeño margarita! Have tried and liked - Veggie Quesadillas, Azteca Stuffed Portabella, and Enchiladas de Verano. Complaint - Seems odd that a mexican restaurant charges for chips and salsa.
(4)
Lori P.
Great fresh ingredients make up a nice menu! It's a very comfortable casual environment.
(4)
Brian G.
My wife and I really enjoy this place. It's the best Mexican we have had in this region, with a few weaknesses. The good outweighs the low points by far, and we even take our kids once in a while if we arrive right when the doors open at 5pm, before it gets crowded. We always each get a tamale as an app. I like the pork one a lot. Sometimes they are a little too spicy but they taste very good. The masa is excellent. I also recommend the queso dip with chorizo, the guacamole and the sopes for apps. Dinners are usually well-portioned. My wife always gets the mixed chicken and beef fajitas, which comes with cheese melted on top. The veggies are generous. They always shortchange on the tortillas though, which makes no sense given the mounds of meat on the plate. My favorite meal is the carnitas, which are tender and flavorful. The molcajete is interesting but less flavorful. Similar to fajitas but served in a mortar and pestle with some different veggies. I think the fajitas are better. They also whip up some nice specials. I had a killer special with filet mignon and veggies in a special green sauce...delicious. Fish tacos are also pretty good, if not mind blowing. One of the less expensive choices on the menu though so worth the price. Disappointments - the mole was weak. I love mole and when you are a mole fan and get a bad one, it ruins your day. The sauce was serviceable but it was ladled over a rubbery, fist-sized chicken breast. I prefer mole when the chickens is shredded as the sauce penetrates the meat, but I can enjoy it over a full breast if made right. The approach was all wrong - and way too skimpy for the price. I also wasn't huge on the crab enchiladas. The verde sauce served over top was too tangy for this dish and it clashed with the crab. I think it would be better with a different sauce though. Beyond that the chips and salsa are tasty and the bar is very good. Nice sangria and stellar margaritas. Need a better beer selection though.
(4)
Kait B.
Haven't had a bad meal here. Margaritas are delicious. I've found the food to be a decent value, not cheap by any means, but pretty much worth it for quantity/quality. I've tried the molcajete in the past and it is a prodigious amount of meat and cheese! The tacos are also delicious, especially the mahi mahi. The guac here is great, and I'm pretty picky about my guac. Wait staff is always friendly and accommodating. Four stars instead of five because it is a bit expensive.
(4)
Steve W.
My wife and I met friends from out of town at this place and I must say we liked it. Its a little bit out of the way and doesn't sit on the 2nd Street "restaurant row". Its nice Mexican fare here. We got there a bit early before our reservation and had a seat at the bar and the bartender was friendly enough while we waited to be seated. They had a nice selection of a variety of food items and I believe all members of our party enjoyed their meal. The dining room isn't that big but the place has high ceilings so it made it feel real spacious. The service was fine and the prices were OK. I certainly would not hesitate to eat here if I had a hankering for Mexican again.
(3)
Tyson M.
Very good food. Service was excellent from the host to the bus-boy. Yelp states this place is casual... I'd say, business casual, not T-shirt and flip flops casual. Nice outdoor seating. Definitely worth a stop while you're in town.
(5)
Kevin M.
I have never been disappointed at El Sol! Everything from the Sunday brunch to my happy hour drinks are on point! Friendly staff, nice atmosphere. El Sol is authentic cuisine!
(4)
J. M.
I went to this place a few weekends ago. We just happened to stumble on the place and I almost didn't go in because it was packed. I thought to myself that it must be worth it and gave it a shot. I am so glad that I did! Although the place was slammed, our server (Jason I think?) took our drink order right away and got fresh salsa which was excellent. The waiter suggested a specialty margarita (I don't remember what it was now) but I am glad I accepted his recommendation! Not your typical lime green margaritas here! I ordered the Fajitas. My wife had a lot of questions and despite being busy, the server patiently answered her questions and made several recommendations. She ended up with crab enchiladas. We were both really pleased with our entrees but even more impressed with the service, especially during such a busy night. We will be back the next time we are in H Burg!
(5)
Larry W.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Harrisburg!! Food is always fresh and good! Service is prompt and friendly! Great cocktails and atmosphere! If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, look no further!!
(5)
Gary F.
Service was very good unfortunately the food was mediocre at best. Presentation on plate was nice but the food lacked flavor. Being from the southwest I think two stars is actually generous.
(2)
Jared M.
Don't tell me at the door when I hustle to beat the deadline that happy hour is "only $2 off". You're right - I won't be back.
(1)
Doug S.
Been twice in the last month. nice interior. good food. good drinks. check out the tequila tasting dinners. Definitely a reason to go out....
(4)
Andrew R.
I've eaten here about a dozen times and have never left unhappy. My usual dish is the chicken enchiladas verdes. Recently I had the enchiladas de camaron. Both are amazing. And the chips and salsa here are unrivaled. Beyond that, the margaritas are smooth and well made. You can't go wrong at El Sol.
(5)
Mohun K.
Three for lunch on 4/25/13. Had the Chili Mixtos which was two poblano peppers stuffed with ground beef and chicken. A pretty good dish, huge portion. Chips and Salsa here are bar none.
(4)
Angela H.
Bueno! I lived in AZ and developed a taste for authentic Mex and this place took me back. We had a cocoloco drink and the paloma, they need to keep that cocoloco! The sala was fresh and the chips were warm, salty, with just the right amount of oil, no Tositos here, real chips. I was tempted by the green corn tamales but went with the mahi tacos, so fresh and full of flavor, grilled just right, and more than enough portion wise. The wait staff was very accommodation to our vegetarian request. The Xango dessert was also wonderful!
(5)
Sara B.
Two words MOLCAJETE MIXTO!!! order it in the steak,shrimp, and chicken combo and be prepared to die!!. it comes in a volcanic rock and is drizzled with hot and house made tomato sauce+ cheese. just watch the hand coz the volcanic rock is sizzling hot
(5)
Lina K.
3.5 My husband and I tried this restaurant last night. The restaurant is very nice with nice decor and ambiance. There were plenty of food and drink choices. I am unhappy that you have to pay for chips and salsa and the salsa is par with other, cheaper Mexican restaurants. I had the Chicken Tacos. The chicken was shredded...very good, and came with a small salad and refried beans. The tacos were soft and a little mushy. Also, I am used to lettuce on my tacos. My husband had something with some shrimp in it and he said the shrimp was very good. Decent Mexican restaurant, a little expensive, but we will probably go again. Unfortunately, no parking lot so on the street parking can be a little tough.
(3)
Dave P.
3.5 Stars. Decent and consistent Mexican food. Probably the best I've had in the Harrisburg Area. Make reservations as it is not a large place and does tend to get busy. I have eaten here many times and have never had a bad experience. Typical prices for downtown Harrisburg.........translation is somewhat expensive. If you like margaritas, spend the extra samoleans and get the Patron Margarita. Very tasty. Probably as good as it gets in Harrisburg for Mexican food. Not great, but good.
(3)
Tony G.
The food was good and authentic tasting. Service was good, but i'm a bit partial to the type of small family-run Mexican places.
(4)
Greg D.
3.5 stars (rounded down) Having lived in Southern California for 15 years, I've been craving some good Mexican food since I moved here. I've been to El Rodeo and Rancho Grande. For standard Mexican fare, they're fine. And the prices are very reasonable. So when a friend told me about El Sol, I was excited to try it out. I had dinner with friends here on 3/31/11. We arrived at 7pm on a Thursday night and the place was doing a brisk business. Fortunately a table was available and we were immediately seated. The ambiance of the place is very pleasant. Given the tile flooring and no sound dampening items built into the nice decor, it can be a tad loud when busy, but nothing obtrusive. I was told this was "upscale" Mexican, but after perusing the menu, I was perplexed by the comment. Much of the menu is pretty standard fare: fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, etc. However, they do have some entree dishes on the menu that you won't find at the likes of El Rodeo. If you've been to Rick Bayless' restaurant Topolobampo, or even the more casual Frontera Grill, in Chicago, then you know what upscale--and authentic--Mexican really is. Anyway, we sat down and our server promptly took our drink orders. We also ordered chips and salsa (they're not gratis here). I had a house margarita on the rock with salt ($7). It was pretty tasty; not that sickly sweet bright green mix stuff. It was served in a martini-style glass, so the amount is easily consumed in about four sips. Upon first look the salsa looked unnaturally red. But I tucked in and was pleasantly surprised. It tasted a little sweet at first, but then some freshness and heat kicked in. A nice combination. The chips were light and crisp. The dinner menu is pretty pricey for this type of food. Lunch may be a more reasonable option when coming here. Anyway, I ordered the carnitas. My companions ordered a chicken taco salad and a grilled salmon entree. Our server was very friendly, helpful, and efficient. The food arrived rather quickly, which surprised me given how busy the place was. The portions were generous, which was nice to see given the prices. I was given a nice mound of pork chunks and a good amount of pico de gallo and guacamole. The platter was a little light on the beans and I was only given three small tortillas. The beans were pretty good, but arrived luke warm. The pork was very tender, although a bit on the salty side (and I'm a salt afficianado!). I would have expected more depth of flavor in the pork. But when eaten together with the beans, guac, and salsas wrapped in a tortilla it worked. The pork, like the beans, was also luke warm. The food temperature surprised me wince we were served so quickly. It's not like there was time for it to sit around. Solid food, if a bit on the bland side. By 9 o'clock the place had pretty much cleared out. That's when I realized they were piping in mariachi music. Not my favorite; but hey, it beats them strolling live around your table and annoying you while you eat! A previous review mentioned they have live music, but that is no more. Our server said they stopped that about six months ago. All in all, it was a very pleasant experience. Nice ambiance, good service, and solid food. The only thing that would keep me from coming back here regularly for dinner is the pricing. I'll have to check out their burritos one day for lunch. Not sure why they don't offer them on the dinner menu.
(3)
Brennan Z.
(3 1/2 Stars Rounded up) This was my second time at El Sol being my first experience was overall pretty good. I remembered the food being decent, the margaritas very good, and a nice casual atmosphere to enjoy a few drinks and some good company, my second trip proved to be the same. My short overall opinion of this trip can be found at the bottom for those short on time. On this trip I was first very impressed that they had both Dos Equis amber and lager on draft, in my opinion a must for any Mexican restaurant and cant see why more places don't serve the amber. Anyways, I ordered their scallop ceviche for an appetizer and their daily special which was Mahi-mahi fish taco's. Reviews for each are below, When the scallop ceviche first arrive my first impression was how large the serving was for an appetizer, it could easily be shared by 2 or even 3 people. The bay scallops were fresh tasting however I felt that there was an overabundance of the red onion and red pepper that masked allot of the scallop flavor that I had craved. After the first few bites of the scallops I began just picking out the scallops and forgoing the onions and peppers. The avocado that was sliced on the plate was very fresh and was a big help at balancing out some of the raw onion and pepper taste. Overall I was pretty satisfied and would give this dish a 3.5 out of 5. On this night I was really in the mood for some good fish taco's. Their standard menu fish tacos are made with Tilapia, tonight as a special they offered them with Mahi-mahi which I feel has allot more fish flavor than the Tilapia and more consistency too it. The soft taco shells were good and the ingredients all tasted fresh. There was a decent amount of the Mahi-mahi in them and were cooked and seasoned well. My main gripe with these is that there was nothing to give it any kind of a crunch, they were just one soft bite after another. So for me these tacos were middle of the road, weren't bad but weren't anything spectacular. The service during this visit was definitely worth mentioning. We were seated almost immediately which was expected for a Tuesday night, and our server was pleasant and attentive through out the meal. At the end of the meal our party of 3 required 3 separate checks plus 3 separate checks for our alcohol. Our server generally seemed pleased to break out meal up into 6 different checks for us. Due to our server I would give the service 4.5 out of 5 stars. To sum up my experience, the food was decent but nothing that would make you want to scream how great it was off the rooftop. I'm from Philadelphia so I'm not sure how the other Mexican joints in this town are or how they stand up to El Sol, I will however be checking and reviewing those others on future trips.
(4)
Leon J.
Decent Mexican food at an above average price. The setting is nice, but I also prefer to sit in the bar area. As another review noted, the seats are way too far apart from each other in the regular dining area. Also, service seems to be much slower in the dining room. At the bar, you can pop in, have a Margarita (ask for it Fresco style) and an entree and be on your way. Not a bad place to go if you are picking up a hungry person at the train station. If you are looking for authentic mexican that is cheap and setting isn't an issue, Tres Hermanos is a better choice in my book. Not a bad change of pace though.
(3)
Vishal S.
It's difficult for me to give a not so good review for a restaurant :( But I have to settle with a 2 star for this place - 1 1/2 stars only if I could. I was here at dinner with some important people (not President Obama), but important to me and I wanted to have a good dinner...but that was not meant to be :( The drinks were good - that was the saving grace! And the guy performing (live music Thursday nights) was good too. Now with the review - I ordered Fajita Mixtas (combination chicken, steak, and shrimp w/ vegetables) and the only thing good in the dish were the onions! Steak was overcooked and hard, shirmp was tasteless, and chicken was to be left alone... Seemed like they took meats from different dishes and threw them together on the hot plate... Even the tortillas were undercooked if that is possible. I tired a bit of my friend's dish - Camarones a la Diabala - the sauce was very disappointing and looked like it was leftover from someone's buffalo wings! Would I go back - no in the near future - sorry guys :(
(2)
Beth G.
So I'm learning about mexican...and have been experimenting by trying out new eateries in the area. I loved my burrito! The chips and salsa were good. The guacamole was fresh. The chicken salad looked amazing. Our party of five were well pleased. The only issue that kept me from giving it five stars was the extreme charge for guacamole. Now guaranteed that it is fresh, but $8.00 for guacamole is extremely high. We about choked on our re-fried beans. That was almost as much as my burrito (8.99) and I got guacamole on the side. It was nuts! Our server was awesome though and took time for us. We didn't feel rushed. You do need reservations though at the lunch hours.
(4)
Jon D.
Overall a decent place, service was friendly but a little slow due to how busy it was. Hard to give more than 3 stars when the food didn't quite hit the mark. Would have gotten a 4 if the meat in the carnitas tacos wasn't so dry and tough. I'd go back there if I was in Harrisburg again.
(3)
Matt O.
Brought some clients here for a lunch meeting. We had 7 in our party and were seated quickly. The service was fast and our waiter was attentive. He was able to handle the multiple modifications each person made to their order. The food was good for Pennsylvania Mexican food. Granted it can't touch the food I had in the south (Lived in Houston and visited San Antonio often), but it's the best mexican food I've had in PA thus far. I've only been here once so I I'm not sure how consistent the service and food are, but I'd be willing to visit again.
(4)
Kat S.
Went here for a family member's birthday. Such a mistake. The drinks were weak (I got a margarita on the rocks)..how does a "Mexican" restaurant screw up a margarita? I ordered 2 hard steak tacos. They were soggy and impossible to keep together. Service was poor. We had a larger group (12) and had a very difficult time getting drinks (including water refills) and orders were mixed up. This isn't the first time I've been to this restaurant, but it was my first visit in a long time...and I'm disappointed again.
(2)
Yan G.
*** 3.5 stars, rounded down *** Since I couldn't spend Mothers' Day with my wonderful Mom, I was glad I could spend it in the company of my friend and her parents at El Sol. Described to me as "upscale Mexican food," El Sol did not disappoint in the areas of authenticity or Mexican-ness. To be honest with you, the concept of upscale Mexican food is a bit foreign to me. Although I am not sure I fully understand it, El Sol delivers on it quite well. Our table in the back was waiting for us, and, having maneuvered around dozens of patrons and one particularly territorial ficus, we were able to finally sit down. Our waiter seemed overwhelmed with the mothers' day crowds, but he remained pleasant and personable despite being overworked. I am sure the restaurant is a lot quiter on an average Sunday night. On Mothers' Day, service was a bit slow, but I am sure it's not typical here. All the dishes here were very easy on the eyes. Even chips and salsa (it's not free - $3.29) looked like they were prepared with love. I really liked that salsa was presented in a bowl with a serving spoon. One could put some salsa on one's plate, thereby avoiding embarrassing tomato stains on one's clothes, or, worse yet, socially unacceptable double-dipping. After careful deliberation, I opted for the molcajete. Molcajete, as I learned, meant "mortar" (think "mortar and pestle"). How could I pass up on an opportunity to have my food brought to me in a giant three-legged bowl made of volcanic rock ($19.99)? The bowl was filled to the brim with pieces of steak, chicken and mushrooms covered with cheese. It was a lot of food, but it didn't have a distinctive flavor. The rice, beans and tortillas were good, and the combination made the meal very filling. My dining companions had the tacos and enchiladas which looked good, but were substantially smaller. I definitely got the value out of the meal. While the decor and the table settings definitely scream "upscale" (major props for the giant SUN on the wall), the food screams "good, but ordinary." I would probably think twice before spending all that money for the ambiance.
(3)
T W.
Pros: Very good margarita's, probably the best I've tasted in Central PA! Great guacamole, chips, and salsa also. Cool room and good atmosphere. Cons: Service was a bit impersonal and rushed each time we've dined at El Sol. Food has just been OK, although I wanted to get excited about it, it kind of lets me down. The rice appears to be mixed with frozen succotash, and is sort of tasteless and strangely low-end looking. But if you stick to margarita's and quac, you'll be a happy camper!
(4)
Terri H.
Located on Third Street in Harrisburg, El Sol offers an upscale Mexican dining experience. Yesterday was my second visit, and I found the experience to be well worth the mild parking issues. We were seated quickly, and despite a large party thata took up part to half of the seating area service was prompt, attentive, and efficiently timed. Their margaritas are large, strong, and second to none. Their Patron margarita is pricey at $12.00. Be sure to have a designated driver!The salsa was perfect, and the lobster, spinach and portabella enchiladas were flavorful and amply portioned. The dinner special price was $19.99. The enchiladas were generously garnished and filled with lobster (and fresh garlic) so I have little quibble with the price. The final synopsis, El Sol is a nice date or special occasion restaurant and does not intend to cater to the El Rodeo or Chilis crowd.
(4)
John W.
Good dinner last evening! We went to El Sol prior to an event at the Whitaker Center. Chips and Salsa ($3.29) good. Salsa was peppy. Usually I like a more potent kick but this was good. Well rounded set of flavors. Tasted fresh and the chips were decent. Mi wife had the grilled fish tacos ($10.99). Well portioned. Grilled tilapia with cilantro and hot peppers and a small amount of melted cheese. She liked the flavor and texture. The fact that they had put the plate under the broiler made the soft corn tortilla shells stick to the plate a bit - made it slightly hard to pick up the tacos intact. I had the tamales (11.99) - one pork, one chicken, one veggie. The masa texture was good. I might have liked a slight bit more filling in the tamales. They were plated on corn husks with a tomatillo based green sauce. Very good overall flavor. Both entrees were accompanied with a small side salad with a nice salsa dressing. Also refried beans (with a good texture) were on the plate. We're not drinkers of alchohol so can't judge the margaritas (but a group of conventioneers at the bar seemed to be pleasantly enjoying). Good service, nice decor, good food, decent price. And perfect location for Whitaker Center visits.
(4)
David C.
I just had a fantastic meal at El Sol -- there it is, plain and simple. I ordered the chicken flautas appetizer and had the shrimp enchiladas for my entree...both were wonderful and the service was top notch. I recommend the jalapeño margarita as well...
(4)
Kati S.
I had the mahi-mahi tacos, and they were excellent. In contrast to other posters, though, I found their margaritas kinda meh.
(3)
Sue P.
Excellent service and consistently good food. Margaritas variations are sure to please. Choc lava cake is the perfect ending.
(4)
Charles K.
My family and I traveled to Hershey Park recently. On the way home I searched for a Mexican restaurant that was not a chain. I picked El Sol based on ratings from an app on my phone. Food was absolutely awesome!!!! There were 5 of us and all 5 dishes were delightful. So......the following week my wife had to drive to Harrisburg for a job interview and I couldn't resist going back to El Sol. Our drive time was 2 hours one way!!
(4)
Jennifer J.
2.5 stars, rounded up a bit overpriced, watery drinks (not weak, but flavorless - like how drinks taste after tons of ice has melted), standoffish/disinterested waiter. Authentic? The cheese enchilada looked like a quesadilla made with a slice of colby jack. I'm new to town, and if this is the best Harrisburg has to offer then I'll need to start driving to Philly or DC every weekend just to eat Mexican food...
(3)
Lisa T.
Being from California, I was so glad to find good Mexican food in PA! I've been here several times over the past 2 years and it's always been good, though some dishes not as good as others. We went recently, and the food was great! They had some new menu items also, so I'm not sure if they have a new chef, but I recommend trying some of the less typical Mexican food items: they have a great mushroom appetizer, called Championes, and the Sopes appetitzer is good also. They also have Horchata rice drink, which tastes homemade. They have alot of drink choices, and even my favorite Mexican beer, Negra Modelo. Unlike most California Mexican food, this is a little more upscale, but still relatively affordable, depending what you order.
(4)
Joseph H.
Food: Salsa is a mildly picante cooked salsa with nice depth; with fresh cilantro and red onion added to give it some perk. Refried beans were flavorful with good texture; Spanish rice was subtle and was nicely presented. Fried fish tacos: I'd order them without the pico de gallo, which masked the quality of the battered cod. Carnitas tacos were somewhat dry and not as richly flavored as I'd expect. Churros for dessert (ordered the ice cream and caramel sauce on the side) were fresh and fantastic. Service: Packed on a Friday night; we got the last table for two before the pile-up started at the bar; so definitely follow their advice for reservations on a weekend. Despite this, the service was attentive, well-spaced, and accommodating. Ambiance: As I mentioned, very crowded on a Friday evening, so lots of sound reflected off the tile floor. We felt a little cramped at our two-seater raised table near the bar, but the main dining room looked a little more comfortable.
(3)
Ashley A.
I have dined here many, many times and I love it. The prices are reasonable in relation to the amount of food you get. Each dish tastes fresh! My favorite is the chicken entree with a mole poblano sauce served with a small salad, rice and refried beans. The sauce makes the dish. Also, if you enjoy margaritas, this is the place to be! I would suggest trying the "casuela." It's an alcoholic citrus drink that is served in a round clay dish. Great for sharing with friends or enjoying solo. Try El Sol for authentic Mexican, great atmosphere and decor at a fabulous price point.
(5)
MandA R.
This was recommended to us by a co-worker and what a great recommendation it was. We were only in Harrisburg for one night and were looking for a nice local place to eat. This restaurant is in a really cute part of town (That we will explore another time) and appears to only offer street parking. No worries for us though cause we scored a spot right in front. A ordered 2 top shelf Margaritas, STRONG but good. M had Dos Equis which was on tap but was served in a really cool glass. He remarked on it a number of times so it needed to be noted here. We were turned off a bit when we realized nachos and salsa were $4 not complimentary. A ordered the taco sampler Fish, Chicken, Chorizo, all were good but I am glad she got the sampler. 3 of either were a bit too much however watch out for the sauce on the fish and chicken, WOW its hot. The dish came with a salad and refried beans. M ordered the mixed enchiladas, cheese, beef, chicken. All were good although 3 cheese would have been a bit much. This came with a small serving of rice and refried beans. Both of us were full afterwards.
(4)
Troy S.
Very good food, huge portions (a little too much), margs are good, beers are good. Fun spot for a Friday or Saturday night. Service could be tightened up a little but overall not bad.
(4)
Andy A.
delicious food - BUT - lunchtime server Melissa will steal from you. my co-workers and i all paid cash, she complained about not having change, and then shorted each of us when we paid. how is this acceptable? i can understand someone getting the wrong amount of change back once in a while, but she knowingly shorted each of us becuase of her lack of change. how do you not have change? it's a busy restaurant. eat here if you like good food but bad service to the point of taking your money against your will doesn't bother you.
(2)
David R.
Went here for Saturday evening dinner and I recommend make a reservation for quick seating. The cocktails were classy. The nachos & salsa appetizer was as expected from any Mexican restaurant around - nothing spectacular -but fresh & tasty. I had the steak enchiladas with spicy red sauce and I tried a small portion of the steak fajitas. The food was certainly delicious, but I wouldn't say its more authentic or even better than other restaurants around. If your trying to impress... this restaurant's atmosphere is a little more 'upscale' than El Rodeo and some menu choices are a little more elegant... I would strongly recommend for that reason. If your looking for a moderate priced traditional Mexican dinner that is just as good, I recommend El Rodeo in Colonial Park. Dinner for three with 3 cocktails: $74 Same dinner at El Rodeo $55 There was a lot of shrimp seafood menu items to choose from, so I will be going back at least once more to try one of these. On-street parking is free in downtown Harrisburg after 5pm and all weekend. You might have to park a few blocks away and walk.
(3)
Zen O.
It's sort of funny that other reviewers recommend this both for a romantic date and for business casual affairs. I'd say it's good for non-rowdy groups of all kinds, but by no means romantic - the furniture is enormous, so you're about 3 feet away from the person across the table from you. My friend and I re-enacted the "Can you pass the salt?" scene from the 1989 Batman. The food... is fine. There's beans, there's cheese, there's corn tortillas. There's no spice in anything, though the pablano peppers had a very slight kick to them. I thought the salsa was fairly tasty, though certainly quite mild. Definitely pricey for what you're getting, though not absurd, and I don't know where else in the area you'd go for this. Unlike some other reviewers, we experienced very fast service, though we arrived dorkily early, before the dinner rush.
(3)
Courtney F.
Several visits to El Sol & I will keep coming back. Comfortable, casual atmosphere to enjoy drinks, dinner and some good company. Tasty and well seasoned food make El Sol a favorite for me in Harrisburg.
(4)
Tom W.
A bunch of us went there for lunch when it first opened. We were so happy to have found a good Mexican restaurant in town. I have been back at least ten times since. It is one of my favorite places to take clients. So far the have not dropped the ball. They get pretty busy at lunch. A reservation is defiantly in order.
(4)
Ray Y.
Thus began my first night of being a ghost in Harrisburg. I heard very good things about this restaurant from the locals and thru yelp. Since I love Mexican this was a no brainer. Arriving @ 7 on a Tuesday night the place was packed - a good sign and I didn't mind waiting for a bar seat while having a margaritta. Soon enough a spot opened. Then the waiting began. Here's the problem with El Sol. The bar is too small which means the bartender is overworked and .... shockingly .... everyone wants to drink in a Mexican restaurant. There's wasted space in this area and if the owners used some of the money pouring in to upgrade this would significantly decrease wait time and quality. Once I got the bartender catching his breath I ordered my dinner - Pollo Diablo. A switch to a beer and watching a little ESPN on a single small TV for 30 minutes I decided to ask - "can you check on my food". Here's a clue. After 30 minutes and asking for your food - if the waiter comes right back with it - it's probably not a good thing. It usually means it's been under a heat light getting a tan. Indeed the chicken was no longer juicy and what had looked like an innovative, fresh ingredient dish was no longer worthy of the ratings I've read. I'm sure this place is better than my experience and if I return to Harrisburg I wouldn't hesitate to return. Unfortunately, if you read my other reviews from Harrisburg, that's not high praise for this restaurant but more of a statement about the other places I visited.
(2)
Jason M.
Food was good but the service sucked. Didn't feel welcome when we walked in. We should have left at that point but it got worse as we stayed longer. Food was good though. Very nice decor as well.
(1)
Mary H.
I'll be honest and say that I tend to find my favorites and stick with them, and El Sol is not exception. My favorite there is the Fiesta Chicken Tacos, a spicy dish of three soft tacos with spicy grilled chicken breast, shredded cabbage and spicy sauce. Very filling, very delicious. Another favorite are their beans--a creamy connoction of beans (perfect for dipping in chips), garnished with a crumble of cheese. As far as their other dishes, I really couldn't tell you. I once ordered the Fiesta Chicken Tacos and never saw a reason to stray from such spicy perfection. I now find myself craving their delicousness and only El Sol will do.
(4)
Ralph F.
Atmoshpere was nice and food was very good however, the service by our waiter (Shawn) was horrible! I have been in a server for 30 years and this guy would not work for me. He brought our drinks and then left us sit for 27 minutes before taking our order!
(2)
Sidd M.
Had the guacamole w/ chips and salsa for an appetizer. The guac was just average but the salsa was tasty. I had the Pollo Diablo which had a nice spice to it and my girlfriend had the Cheese Enchiladas which was very cheesy indeed. All in all, the food and drinks were good, but a bit too expensive for what you got.
(3)
J E.
I've eaten at El Sol a few times, although my last visit was months ago. Overall, I think their food is very good and a nice alternative to the omnipresent El Rodeo. Its a nice lunch location, especially if you work close by, but it can get busy during peak hours. Dinner is good too - it can get a little pricey depending on what you order. The decor is very nice, sorta dim/romantic for dinner. My only complaint - their chairs are really weird, they are too big & an odd height for the tables. Their fish ceviche and guacamole are excellent (big chucks of avacado). They have a variety of different margaritas, as to be expected. I've also gotten the fish tacos (OK), shrimp dish that I can't remember the name of (too salty), salads, and tamales. Definitely give El Sol a try.
(4)
Julia D.
Some of the better Mexican food in the area. Much more authentic then the other establishments that serve slop from a can (you know who I'm talking about El Rodeo). However, you will pay for this higher quality of food, but I say it's worth it. The margaritas are great and I love the fish tacos and vegetarian tamales. This place is alright with me.
(3)
Karl S.
Excellent!
(5)
Jared D.
Excellent and original food, beautiful decor and great waiters...the food came out in a couple of mins I swear! It was amazing, the price is not too hard on the wallet, a bit more then the average Mexican place around here, but well worth it!
(5)
Brian R.
El Sol is beautiful inside, really a nice place. I enjoyed the food, although I found it to be the average mexican dining experience. The thing that got me was how expensive everything was.
(3)
Shannon M.
We go here about once a quarter for some well deserved happy hours. There is a $5 margarita special along with appetizer specials. Service is usually very good and we always have fun.
(4)
Kevin K.
Just visiting town and this was near our hotel. Great service, the food was good and arrived quickly. I had the tamales. If you like authentic tamales, I recommend them.
(4)
Jen G.
LOVE this restaurant! If you are looking for authentic Mexican food in the Harrisburg area, look no further than El Sol. I travel a lot and have had excellent Mexican food in Mexico and states close to the border. This food is on that level. If you are looking for Tex Mex (melted cheese and sour cream on everything), this is not the place. Fish tacos are the best. The verde sauce is tasty. Guac is delicious, but the salsa is to die for. Save room for dessert - their fried ice cream is divine. If you are looking for somehting really decadent, try the Tres Leches cake. It will send you over the edge, it is that good. The staff are always pleasant and accomodating. The atmosphere is classy, yet festive. The decor is beautiful. I've taken friends, family, and colleagues here and it always gets rave reviews. Make reservations, especially for weekends!
(5)
Peter M.
I've been to El Sol four times in the last year or so, I've yet to be disappointed. My guests and I have always really loved the food, much more "Mexican" and less "Tex Mex" then some of the other local places. Specifically I've really enjoyed the giant volcano bowl (Molcajetes) and grill thing (Parrilladas), which are both takes on fajitas with very well prepared meats... the chicken on the parrilladas last time was amazingly tender and flavorful. I've never had any problems with the service, its always been quite good refilling drinks, getting us more tortilla's, etc. Happy hour isn't bad either, delicious dollar tacos available with your choice of meat (soft, similar to street tacos) and $2 draft Dos Equis. And if you're into tequila, the flights are not to be missed. 100% agave only: blanco, repsasdo, and anejo choices are impressive. A bit pricey, as with the restaurant in general, but I feel... worth it.
(5)
Mike I.
Great meal. Authentic food. Good fish tacos. Slow service. Nice ambiance.
(4)
Adam F.
5 Stars for a great happy hour (4:30 - 6:30pm M-F). Free chips and salsa, $2/$3 beers, dollar tacos (basically everyday is Taco Tuesday!), and half-off appetizers. Definitely check it out after work or if you're in the area.
(5)
Eliza C.
This is a good spot for a casual business dinner. Friendly staff. Solid house margarita - on the rocks with salt. Good tortilla chips and guacamole - always a good sign. Their chicken mole wasn't the best I've had but it was very good. All in all, it was a pleasant experience.
(3)
Theresa W.
I went here for the first time with very large party, and was so impressed. The reservation was made in advance, and normally a good restaurant will staff accordingly, but this place went above and beyond. Service was attentive and even though there were many of us it seemed they intuitively anticipated our needs. Everytime we needed something a server was there. The tequila selection is beyond this world and the food was authentic and delicious. I will definitely return.
(4)
Jeff S.
really nice atmosphere but the food is no better than El Rodeo and is overpriced. at least it doesn't attract the same crowd that El Rodeo does.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Carrie K.
My husband and I went to El Sol on Friday evening for the first time and enjoyed it very much! Overall, the food was good, the service was excellent and fast, and the drinks were great! We will definitely be back. Pros - Decor, house margarita, guacamole and fresh chips (awesome!), pineapple & jalapeño infused tequila cocktail, and service Cons - salsa and enchilada sauce were a tad sweet for my taste
(4)Ryan O.
Great Mexican spot for Harrisburg. They have a large menu and some unique items like their lava bowl dishes. Their margaritas are also very good and have some specialty ones with jalapeño infused tequila. Guacamole is pretty good here too. Ceviche is okay ; I've had better at other places. I would go back again; great Mexican dining experience!
(4)Suzanne S.
I was craving Mexican and this was walking distance from my hotel. The Yelp reviews were predominantly positive so my choice was made. My food was good, I enjoyed the peach and hibiscus sangria and I had great service. Attentive but not hovering and friendly. Prices are what I experience in every city, I didn't find them to be exorbitant. I loved their salsa, just the right amount of kick when you aren't in the mood for anything too spicy.
(4)B T.
Go for the top shelf margarita. They use mix in the basic margs. Solid food and service.
(4)Becca K.
Have been twice - once on a weekday for lunch and once on a weekend night for dinner and we'll definitely be back! Service has been very attentive (but not hovering) both visits (we sat in the bar area). And freaky fast - like there is some mad science time-machine nonsense going on. I wish I had timed it because I feel like it was about 3 minutes from the time I ordered to the time I was stuffing my face with carne asada. Drinks are solid, I had the house margarita and it was pretty good and very sizable. The BF got a margarita made with house infused pineapple-habenero tequila and it was extremely tasty - sweet and just a little spicy. Chips and salsa are very good, I do kind of wish they would just bring them out complimentary like most places do instead of having to order them, but they're like $3, so whatev. I had the carne asada soft tacos with a side of guac and they were delicious and very filling. My BF got the carnitas platter and the meat was well seasoned and sooooooo tender. Going here would not be a bad idea
(5)Pauline D.
First Tim in Harrisburg and a friend and I wanted to have taco Tuesday. Happy we tried this spot. What really won me over were the Jamaica margaritas! I love Jamaica. We both got tacos. I got carne asana and they were great. My friend got the mix taco platter and she liked it as well. The chips and salsa were also good. I'd recommend it
(5)Sushant B.
Located in downtown Harrisburg, the parking might be a bit of a problem. However, the food is great and the restaurant has a lively environment.
(4)Giovanna O.
We came here during Sunday brunch. I had mexican toast, which is like french toast. It has fresh cream and is covered in hibiscus syrup. There were apples, oranges and grapes on the side. I'd get it again. We shared chips and salsa, along with guac. The salsa was fresh and smooth and the guac was chunky and very tasty. The pineapple basil sangria sounded strange, but tasted sweet and refreshing. My family enjoyed their meals as well. This is a safe bet.
(4)Ingrid P.
A huge group of my friends and I came here during the middle of a huge winter storm. The waiters were attentive and the food was okay. For the convenience of "tourists" at the state capitol, this place is decent to get your Mexican fix.
(3)Christian G.
This place was just a disappointment to say the least. I got my meal spicy and was left with an empty water for my entire meal. They only gave my date and me three shells for two fajita meals and you had to pay for your chips and salsa. I will never go back and don't recommend.
(1)Meghan S.
I'll start by saying I'd come back here again. I'd give 4 stars, but the reason for 3 will follow... I came here with 3 co-workers for Cinco de Mayo. We were visiting the area for work and were recommended to try this place. The special was $2 off margaritas. I was surprised to find them to be $7 after the discount because in the DC area, during happy hour margaritas are $5. They had a game going on outside where you spin a wheel to receive a prize. My co-worker and I both got $5 gift cards. We weren't allowed to use them that day, which we thought was annoying since we didn't live there. But I understand the purpose to bring patrons back to the restaurant. Moving on. The food was pretty good. I was glad to know that the corn tortillas were gluten free. It's difficult to find that since most placed pollute their corn tortillas with white flour. All 4 of us got the fajitas and were all pleased. I thought they were a little over priced by about $2 compared to the DC area. I had leftovers for the next day though which was great. Now on to why only 3 stars...There was a very loud and annoying group sitting next to us outside. I never encounter that sort of nonsense outside of drinking at 11pm at night. To top it off, one of them threw up on a chair and on the ground. What annoys me most about that, they were not immediately kicked out. There were people outside trying to eat. I was VERY disappointed in the lack of action taken. A poor server and an additional woman cleaned up the mess. I've worked in the restaurant business before and people who get sick are immediately thrown out along with their party. The service in general was a little slower than we were expecting. I know it was Cinco de Mayo, but it doesn't take much to be a little attentive. I'd go back if we lived in the area to see if the experience would be different, and I imagine it would. Just one of those types of days I guess.
(3)Reginald H.
The Food was off the charts!!! Excellent service, and ambiance was very pleasant. If you like chicken, you have to try the "Pollo Costeno" it is so delish!!! You won't be disappointed.
(4)Alima H.
Subpar, overpriced faux-Mexican with a bunch of creatively-incorporated cheese, thick glassware, and inspired plating to make things seem fancy. Flavors are bland and textures are off. The dining room is beautifully appointed and the waitstaff is courteous and professional. But restaurants are primarily about food, and El Sol is not cutting it.
(2)Sue P.
Poor service and bland food. A group of 8 went for lunch. One person got a fish taco, I wondered where the rest of it was. My burrito was bland. I had to ask for a soda refill twice. The last time, he brought a barely half full glass. The last 2 times I've been to El Sol, the server did NOT return the coin portion of my change. I don't know why he assumed that was ok. I should have shorted his tip by that much, but I didn't have any change. If my group from work goes back, I will not go with them.
(1)Angel G.
This was a nice restaurant with a very cozy atmosphere. The server was great. He was responsive and friendly but not overbearing. The top shelf margarita was one of my favorites along with the chips and salsa. I loved the salsa! I ordered the shrimp, chicken, steak combo fajitas (very large portion). The chicken was the best, very flavorful. I will definitely return to try other items on the menu.
(5)Brandon K.
Wow! This place has certainly taken a turn for the worst in the past 4 months! Ordered the tower for Sunday brunch, it came out cold, half of the ingredients weren't on it as stated on the menu, and it was soggy. The Bloody Mary bar isn't even 1/4 of what it used to be! The servers changed the radio station 5 times within the hour of being there! I got to listen to a great remix of Brittany spears' if you seek any though. Not going to go back. I look for them to be closed in the next year.
(1)Roger E.
Absolutely awesome food with fantastic service!!!! Alway from Texas to eat some of the best Mexican food!!!!!
(5)Keri W.
I could eat here every day! The food is AWESOME, the drinks are delicious, the service is great & the prices are reasonable. I've had a variety of items from their menu & never had a bad meal. Tip: call for a reservation weekdays at lunch or weekend evenings.
(5)Michele A.
We eat here for lunch just about once a week. We love the atmosphere and the food. Their quesadilla and salsa is delicious! So is their guacamole. We just love Jason, and always prefer him as our waiter. He is always fast, accurate and super friendly.
(5)Ulysses R.
No lunch or dinner menus on Sunday. Enchiladas where a hit with my son, wife enjoyed the smothered burrito.
(4)Jasin R.
Been here three times. Drinks are expensive. Who wants to pay over ten dollars for a Margarita? Food is way above average. You psy for the quality but, hey you only live once.!!!!!! Found the service to be average. Decor is pleasent... As a local I would recommend for out of Towner's. Prices to high to be regular hangout.
(3)Kevin R.
Delicious authentic Mexican food. I always play it safe and went with the cheese enchiladas. The best chips and fresh salsa ($3.99). Good atmosphere and friendly staff.
(4)Dawn E.
By far, the freshest, most scrumptious Mexican food I've had in central PA. The service was good, the atmosphere is great and the meal was unforgettable. They are pricier that the chain restaurants but this is not chain food that we're talking about here! I must make it a point to dine there when I'm in the Harrisburg area again.
(5)J J.
Brought our mother here on Mother's Day, her choice... and loved our meals, and service. It was very nice inside and the food was excellent, especially loved their multi-dip appetizer- their salsas are awesome, and this gives you a chance to try guacamole, beans and house made sauce. We also enjoyed their margaritas...just go for the pitcher! You can get salt or if you prefer sugar rimmed glasses for the whole table to share, excellent!
(5)SpiceFamily D.
El sol is the gourmet style of Mexican cuisine not a fiesta type atmosphere more of a romantic personal atmosphere. Great menu items and drinks weekly specials are tasty...try the lobster enchilada!!
(4)Jamie O.
I am only giving this place 2 stars based on the delicious salsa served with the chips and the drinks weren't too bad. Other than that, this place is overpriced and the food was ridiculously bland. I will start with the steak enchilada verde I ordered. It came with three steak enchiladas , refried beans, salad and rice. I took two bites and realized there was no flavor whatsoever to it. I opened one of them up just to see what it was filled with and the steak was a bland gray color, I did not even see a speck of pepper. food The other dish we ordered was chicken flautas. Again, this dish had absolutely no flavor. The chicken tasted as if it was boiled in water and rolled in a tortilla. The dish was on the small side and we were surprised the serving of the rice was miniscule. It looked as if it was stuffed in a small side sauce cup and flipped over on the plate. We actually sent this dish back because it was so disappointing. Their steak fajitas were actually pretty good, this dish was apparently holding all the flavor of their other food. We ordered extra chorizo on top and it was quite delicious. But again, this dish and 1 drink came to over $32, ($7 mojito, so almost $25 for fajitas? seriously?) Overall, the atmosphere, chips and Salsa were the highlights, would not come back here again.
(2)Susan S.
I Love El Sol. My husband and I dine here often, and our two teenage sons will join us occasionally. It has an extensive menu of authentic Mexican food and drinks. The food and service are consistently very good. The atmosphere is fun, relaxed and bustling, and the lighting and decor create a romantic vibe. The last two Fridays we were there for dinner they had a guitar player and singer adding to the romance of our experience. They were excellent and in no way intrusive like some music can be. If you are looking for authentic and creative Mexican in the burg this is by far your very best option.
(5)mike d.
Stayed in Harrisburg on a family vacation to Hershey Park. Arrived to the restaurant by it being close to the Hilton and the only place that was open. This place surpassed my expectations as a Mexican restaurant in PA. I grew eating this food. The ceviche trio was delicious and enjoyed by the whole table, the shrimp cocktail was spicy and similar that you find in Baja California and the fish tacos were tasty with their own creation. The chile relleno was decent , but needed a little more time for the Oaxaca cheese to really melt. Overall this restaurant surprised this Mexican far from home and highly recommend this to anyone. The service was also great and atmosphere was nice.
(4)Richard B.
Amazing food, great service and a large selection of tequila's. Award winning smiles and delicious appetizers as well.
(5)Ron B.
Great food and a very pretty space. We were surprised this place was so nicely finished and decorated, given the reasonable prices. Four of us had lunch and everyone was very happy. Very tasty house made guacamole, tender carnitas and an interesting lunch special of shredded chicken over pieces of tortilla topped with an egg. Definitely will go back.
(5)Wayne O.
Javier's in Dallas is great. EL SOL in Harrisburg, PA is exactly at that level, ... World Class! Everything we had was SO good, I don't know where to begin! The ceviche was incredible & so was the queso. The Chiles Mixto were off the charts, as was every other entree ordered in our group. And I cannot forget to mention the jalapeño cucumber margarita! Perfect. Awesome. Perfectly awesome! Service was also terrific. I live 90 minutes away from Harrisburg and I would make the drive just to go to El Sol. If you like Mexican food, GO THERE!
(5)Gourav B.
Good service and food. The guacamole was tasty. I sat at the bar and got great service
(4)Steven B.
I was in town on business and this was one of three, 3.5-4 star places I had bookmarked on my Yelp mobile app. I'm glad I did as I enjoyed an excellent meal. I stopped in for an early dinner around 4:30 on a Wednesday night. The first thing you notice is the beautiful décor. It's really well done and would be a great place to bring a date or significant other. I was by myself so I planned to sit at the bar and have my meal. I did do that but will choose a table the next time I visit. The bar is very small and not particularly wide. It would be fine for drinking but is really too narrow to eat comfortably. Speaking of drinking, my libation of choice was the house marg on the rocks. It was just fine in both size and strength. The bartender was great. I choose Pollo Costeno ($17.99) for my entrée. It was juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with chorizo, roasted tomato and chili sauce. It was served with rice, beans and a small salad. I've had a variation of this dish many times as I love chorizo. This is one of the best versions I have tasted. It was not marked as spicy on the menu but it should be. It made me sit up, take notice, and darn near break out in a sweat. As long as you like heat, and I do, it was excellent. By the way, this dish was beautifully plated and as I observed other entrees being served this is clearly a skill they have mastered here. I had a fine meal and good drinks at a fair price and was in and out in an hour or so. I'd be happy to visit here again.
(4)Liz S.
Went here for Sunday Brunch. Very pleasantly surprised with the food -- and we are very picky about Mexican food. Good service.
(4)Chuck D.
The absolute BEST Mexican in the Harrisburg area! Great food and great margs!
(5)Rosie J.
This was my 3rd dinning experience at El Sol, and again not impressed. I had to try it again. So many say how they like it. The dishes are too expensive, so are the drinks. I doubt they put much liquor in their margaritas. That defeats the purpose of ordering a margarita. If you want a mexican food experience in Harrisburg area go to Herby's. It is close to Steelton. This place is not expensive, has a nice atmosphere, and the drinks are great too. Herby's also have live music sometimes.
(2)Nikki K.
We went for Restaurant week and the food was phenomenal. Appetizers: We got the Tuna Mango Ceviche - delicious, just the right amount of heat, acid and bite. It was delicious. Entree: I got the grilled swordfish - amazing!! It was perfectly cooked and the green beans and rice side were perfect with the tomato sauce. The tomatillo sauce on the fish was delicious My friend got the Sopes - she said they were wonderful. Her favorite was the Chorizo. Dessert: I got the pina colada cake and my friend got the banana special. Both were wonderful. We really enjoyed that the dishes had a SUPER sweet part and a lightly sweetened part so they weren't overbearing in sweetness. Drinks: We got the frozen mango margaritas!! Delicious!!
(4)Jessica S.
Just went here for the first time last night for dinner. Walked in the door and the hostess immediately asked us if we had reservations, which we didn't. She then said "you're gonna have to wait for me to clear that table." Not the nicest of greetings. One star down. The restaurant was about 75% full. We sat down and the waiter took 10 mins to ask us what we wanted to drink. House margarita was one of the best iv ever had. We had the guacamole with goat cheese special and it was amazing. As my meal, I had the Sopes Trios special. The chicken was bland but the sausage and steak were good. I'd go again for the margarita and guac. The service left much to be desired. Slow and not very friendly.
(3)Lisa R.
You can't go wrong at El Sol. It is the best Mexican food in the area. If you want your common, greasy, mostly fried Mexican fare there are plenty of other choices in the area. El Sol has spoiled me and now I can't eat at those joints any more. Try the assorted chiles rellenos or one of the table top grills which you can share. The tacos are excellent too with a long list of perfectly cooked and seasoned fillings including fish and filet mignon. I love their specialty cocktail menu with so many fun 'takes' on the margarita and mojito and of course, sangria. I have yet to meet one I didn't like.
(4)Barbara G.
I like El Sol... A lot. Coming from the southwest I am use to getting really great Mexican style food all the time. But it was t until El Sol opened that I felt "at home" so to speak. Their salsa is as good as any salsa I have tasted. Traditional tamales fabulous, good solid seafood dishes, mole sauce great. I do not care if I am charged for the chips and salsa...they are excellent. The place is noisy, but there are a lot of people that dine here. Their drinks are average. Service is basically good, but can get spotty. If I ever have an issue at any restaurant I speak to someone....that's it. No use stewing over something without telling someone. Good place to eat Mexican style food. Ole.
(4)Sandy L.
I've been here a couple of times for lunch now. It's a little more expensive than your average Mexican place, but a nice varied menu and good service. The ingredients are good quality and the food well prepared. I did enjoy the Mahi Mahi tacos. The shrimp fajitas were okay, but not the way I've often seen them - they were served with corn tortillas and no sour cream or guacamole. I felt that the waiter tried to upsell a fair bit, but he wasn't pushy about it.
(3)Tony E.
By FAR!!! The best Mexican food in Harrisburg! Our server was very knowledgeable of everything on the menu and was so helpful in helping my 14 year old daughter choose her dinner. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was cool. The hardest thing for me was choose what food to try first. I will be back for sure!!
(5)Abe R.
Outstanding Mexican cuisine.
(5)Larry H.
Nice food. Nothing special. Service was just ok. but tequila prices are way out of line.
(4)Jeff C.
Normally I restrict myself to eating Mexican food to those states that border the country. So when my friend suggested El Sol, I was skeptical. Much to my surprise, this was quite good. The chilies mixto was very tasty. I'll be back next time I'm in town
(4)Tara W.
My first visit to El Sol was recently for brunch, which apparently has been a new addition to the restaurant as of December. My food was fantastic - breakfast enchiladas with mole sauce and sides of guacamole and sour cream. I would get this again, but there were other items on the menu that I'd definitely want to try, as well. A surprising treat was the Bloody Mary bar! We were invited to make our own using the restaurant's bloody mary base, and then could add whatever we liked from an amazing assortment of hot sauces, vegetables, spices, and more. I added a garlic hot sauce, the house made hot peppers, olives, and a big stalk of celery. It was fun to experiment, and made for a great interactive experience while we waited for our food! I hope more people will be out to experience the brunch!
(4)Lorena C.
In Harrisburg for the weekend & found this Mexican restaurant...WOW...we live near NYC & love Mexican food this was the best we've had!!! Service is friendly & inviting ;)
(5)Renee M.
Went here because it was recommended as the best Mexican food around and was very disappointed. It was nothing special Mexican food, mine was Luke warm when I got it, which didn't help. The drinks were so so and seemed watered down. The service was poor, they pushed us through dinner after being slow to show up to great us and refused to move us away from a cold table by the door even though there were plenty of open tables. The decor was cute, but the place was loud and we had people overhanging from the hostess stand and bar standing over us. I won't bother going back.
(1)Jon G.
They get everything right but the food. The atmosphere and decor was right on for a moderately upscale Mexican restaurant and certainly didn't predict the well presented but flavorless food. The fajitas were dull and bland as were the enchiladas and guacamole. The salsa was decent.
(2)Pete S.
First visit. Service was prompt and friendly. Restaurant decor was well done and comfortable. Chips and salsa while common in many Mexican style places were very good. Salsa had good flavor and nice spice balance. I ordered the tamales which were excellent. Served with beans and rice. All excellent. My wife order the rib eye steak that was flavorful spiced well and very tender. All very good. Beer selection was good but next time planning on a top of the list margarita based on what I saw there and read here. Recommend the establishment for anyone. First class Mexican food.
(4)Christopher G.
So. Since relocating to Hbg, my fiancée and I have tried most of the Mex joints listed on Yelp. To date we had not been overly impressed - decent Mexican food but nothing I would call great- prepared standard fare and nothing we would call upscale Mex. then we came to El Sol. We held out on it since the reviews were mixed, other places had more stars and it had $$. But today we needed a weekend with a Margarita kickoff and i decided this would be it. So glad we did. We started by ordering drinks and the guacamole with goat cheese from the specials menu. May be the best guacamole i have had. Topped it with a dollop of the well-above-average salsa, it was delish. By the time we got halfway through the guac and salsa we had decided we couldn't down large meals so we ordered the Chapala ceviche and the Mahi Mahi tacos to share. Great job on both counts. The little lady voted the Mahi tacos her favorite thus far (and she gets them everywhere that has them) and the ceviche was great. Add in fast, courteous service from Shannon, our server, and classy decor to make it a great trip. Only thing preventing 5-s was that the prices were pretty steep. (Guac was $12)
(4)Pamela C.
One of the best in the Harrisburg area - definitely better than the El Rodeo mini-chain. I had a regular margarita - definitely not from a mix. For dinner, I tried the mixed taco platter with the grilled fish, pork and cow tongue. The fish taco was perfectly seasoned and mild in fishy taste. The pork was very spicy (in a good way). My only critique is that it was a little watery and made everything soggy. The cows tongue was surprisingly good - kind of like gyro meat. Will definitely go back!
(4)Nicole L.
El Sol is the place I keep coming back to whenever work brings me to Harrisburg, thanks to the reasonable prices and great service. It's an interestingly and spaciously decorated restaurant with amazing Mexican food that's hard to beat back in the Philly city. You will have to pay for chips and salsa, but the chips come hot and the salsa has a spicy kick to it. Ceviche is freshly lemony and tangy. Though a shrimp burrito sounds bizarre, it's surprisingly tasty, loaded up with a mix of vegetables and rice, and comes with a side of the unforgettable guacamole. Don't forget dessert -- the flan is amazingly creamy, sweet, and won't disappoint.
(4)V S.
Been there a few times for dinner. Can't beat the jalapeño margarita! Have tried and liked - Veggie Quesadillas, Azteca Stuffed Portabella, and Enchiladas de Verano. Complaint - Seems odd that a mexican restaurant charges for chips and salsa.
(4)Lori P.
Great fresh ingredients make up a nice menu! It's a very comfortable casual environment.
(4)Brian G.
My wife and I really enjoy this place. It's the best Mexican we have had in this region, with a few weaknesses. The good outweighs the low points by far, and we even take our kids once in a while if we arrive right when the doors open at 5pm, before it gets crowded. We always each get a tamale as an app. I like the pork one a lot. Sometimes they are a little too spicy but they taste very good. The masa is excellent. I also recommend the queso dip with chorizo, the guacamole and the sopes for apps. Dinners are usually well-portioned. My wife always gets the mixed chicken and beef fajitas, which comes with cheese melted on top. The veggies are generous. They always shortchange on the tortillas though, which makes no sense given the mounds of meat on the plate. My favorite meal is the carnitas, which are tender and flavorful. The molcajete is interesting but less flavorful. Similar to fajitas but served in a mortar and pestle with some different veggies. I think the fajitas are better. They also whip up some nice specials. I had a killer special with filet mignon and veggies in a special green sauce...delicious. Fish tacos are also pretty good, if not mind blowing. One of the less expensive choices on the menu though so worth the price. Disappointments - the mole was weak. I love mole and when you are a mole fan and get a bad one, it ruins your day. The sauce was serviceable but it was ladled over a rubbery, fist-sized chicken breast. I prefer mole when the chickens is shredded as the sauce penetrates the meat, but I can enjoy it over a full breast if made right. The approach was all wrong - and way too skimpy for the price. I also wasn't huge on the crab enchiladas. The verde sauce served over top was too tangy for this dish and it clashed with the crab. I think it would be better with a different sauce though. Beyond that the chips and salsa are tasty and the bar is very good. Nice sangria and stellar margaritas. Need a better beer selection though.
(4)Kait B.
Haven't had a bad meal here. Margaritas are delicious. I've found the food to be a decent value, not cheap by any means, but pretty much worth it for quantity/quality. I've tried the molcajete in the past and it is a prodigious amount of meat and cheese! The tacos are also delicious, especially the mahi mahi. The guac here is great, and I'm pretty picky about my guac. Wait staff is always friendly and accommodating. Four stars instead of five because it is a bit expensive.
(4)Steve W.
My wife and I met friends from out of town at this place and I must say we liked it. Its a little bit out of the way and doesn't sit on the 2nd Street "restaurant row". Its nice Mexican fare here. We got there a bit early before our reservation and had a seat at the bar and the bartender was friendly enough while we waited to be seated. They had a nice selection of a variety of food items and I believe all members of our party enjoyed their meal. The dining room isn't that big but the place has high ceilings so it made it feel real spacious. The service was fine and the prices were OK. I certainly would not hesitate to eat here if I had a hankering for Mexican again.
(3)Tyson M.
Very good food. Service was excellent from the host to the bus-boy. Yelp states this place is casual... I'd say, business casual, not T-shirt and flip flops casual. Nice outdoor seating. Definitely worth a stop while you're in town.
(5)Kevin M.
I have never been disappointed at El Sol! Everything from the Sunday brunch to my happy hour drinks are on point! Friendly staff, nice atmosphere. El Sol is authentic cuisine!
(4)J. M.
I went to this place a few weekends ago. We just happened to stumble on the place and I almost didn't go in because it was packed. I thought to myself that it must be worth it and gave it a shot. I am so glad that I did! Although the place was slammed, our server (Jason I think?) took our drink order right away and got fresh salsa which was excellent. The waiter suggested a specialty margarita (I don't remember what it was now) but I am glad I accepted his recommendation! Not your typical lime green margaritas here! I ordered the Fajitas. My wife had a lot of questions and despite being busy, the server patiently answered her questions and made several recommendations. She ended up with crab enchiladas. We were both really pleased with our entrees but even more impressed with the service, especially during such a busy night. We will be back the next time we are in H Burg!
(5)Larry W.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Harrisburg!! Food is always fresh and good! Service is prompt and friendly! Great cocktails and atmosphere! If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, look no further!!
(5)Gary F.
Service was very good unfortunately the food was mediocre at best. Presentation on plate was nice but the food lacked flavor. Being from the southwest I think two stars is actually generous.
(2)Jared M.
Don't tell me at the door when I hustle to beat the deadline that happy hour is "only $2 off". You're right - I won't be back.
(1)Doug S.
Been twice in the last month. nice interior. good food. good drinks. check out the tequila tasting dinners. Definitely a reason to go out....
(4)Andrew R.
I've eaten here about a dozen times and have never left unhappy. My usual dish is the chicken enchiladas verdes. Recently I had the enchiladas de camaron. Both are amazing. And the chips and salsa here are unrivaled. Beyond that, the margaritas are smooth and well made. You can't go wrong at El Sol.
(5)Mohun K.
Three for lunch on 4/25/13. Had the Chili Mixtos which was two poblano peppers stuffed with ground beef and chicken. A pretty good dish, huge portion. Chips and Salsa here are bar none.
(4)Angela H.
Bueno! I lived in AZ and developed a taste for authentic Mex and this place took me back. We had a cocoloco drink and the paloma, they need to keep that cocoloco! The sala was fresh and the chips were warm, salty, with just the right amount of oil, no Tositos here, real chips. I was tempted by the green corn tamales but went with the mahi tacos, so fresh and full of flavor, grilled just right, and more than enough portion wise. The wait staff was very accommodation to our vegetarian request. The Xango dessert was also wonderful!
(5)Sara B.
Two words MOLCAJETE MIXTO!!! order it in the steak,shrimp, and chicken combo and be prepared to die!!. it comes in a volcanic rock and is drizzled with hot and house made tomato sauce+ cheese. just watch the hand coz the volcanic rock is sizzling hot
(5)Lina K.
3.5 My husband and I tried this restaurant last night. The restaurant is very nice with nice decor and ambiance. There were plenty of food and drink choices. I am unhappy that you have to pay for chips and salsa and the salsa is par with other, cheaper Mexican restaurants. I had the Chicken Tacos. The chicken was shredded...very good, and came with a small salad and refried beans. The tacos were soft and a little mushy. Also, I am used to lettuce on my tacos. My husband had something with some shrimp in it and he said the shrimp was very good. Decent Mexican restaurant, a little expensive, but we will probably go again. Unfortunately, no parking lot so on the street parking can be a little tough.
(3)Dave P.
3.5 Stars. Decent and consistent Mexican food. Probably the best I've had in the Harrisburg Area. Make reservations as it is not a large place and does tend to get busy. I have eaten here many times and have never had a bad experience. Typical prices for downtown Harrisburg.........translation is somewhat expensive. If you like margaritas, spend the extra samoleans and get the Patron Margarita. Very tasty. Probably as good as it gets in Harrisburg for Mexican food. Not great, but good.
(3)Tony G.
The food was good and authentic tasting. Service was good, but i'm a bit partial to the type of small family-run Mexican places.
(4)Greg D.
3.5 stars (rounded down) Having lived in Southern California for 15 years, I've been craving some good Mexican food since I moved here. I've been to El Rodeo and Rancho Grande. For standard Mexican fare, they're fine. And the prices are very reasonable. So when a friend told me about El Sol, I was excited to try it out. I had dinner with friends here on 3/31/11. We arrived at 7pm on a Thursday night and the place was doing a brisk business. Fortunately a table was available and we were immediately seated. The ambiance of the place is very pleasant. Given the tile flooring and no sound dampening items built into the nice decor, it can be a tad loud when busy, but nothing obtrusive. I was told this was "upscale" Mexican, but after perusing the menu, I was perplexed by the comment. Much of the menu is pretty standard fare: fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, etc. However, they do have some entree dishes on the menu that you won't find at the likes of El Rodeo. If you've been to Rick Bayless' restaurant Topolobampo, or even the more casual Frontera Grill, in Chicago, then you know what upscale--and authentic--Mexican really is. Anyway, we sat down and our server promptly took our drink orders. We also ordered chips and salsa (they're not gratis here). I had a house margarita on the rock with salt ($7). It was pretty tasty; not that sickly sweet bright green mix stuff. It was served in a martini-style glass, so the amount is easily consumed in about four sips. Upon first look the salsa looked unnaturally red. But I tucked in and was pleasantly surprised. It tasted a little sweet at first, but then some freshness and heat kicked in. A nice combination. The chips were light and crisp. The dinner menu is pretty pricey for this type of food. Lunch may be a more reasonable option when coming here. Anyway, I ordered the carnitas. My companions ordered a chicken taco salad and a grilled salmon entree. Our server was very friendly, helpful, and efficient. The food arrived rather quickly, which surprised me given how busy the place was. The portions were generous, which was nice to see given the prices. I was given a nice mound of pork chunks and a good amount of pico de gallo and guacamole. The platter was a little light on the beans and I was only given three small tortillas. The beans were pretty good, but arrived luke warm. The pork was very tender, although a bit on the salty side (and I'm a salt afficianado!). I would have expected more depth of flavor in the pork. But when eaten together with the beans, guac, and salsas wrapped in a tortilla it worked. The pork, like the beans, was also luke warm. The food temperature surprised me wince we were served so quickly. It's not like there was time for it to sit around. Solid food, if a bit on the bland side. By 9 o'clock the place had pretty much cleared out. That's when I realized they were piping in mariachi music. Not my favorite; but hey, it beats them strolling live around your table and annoying you while you eat! A previous review mentioned they have live music, but that is no more. Our server said they stopped that about six months ago. All in all, it was a very pleasant experience. Nice ambiance, good service, and solid food. The only thing that would keep me from coming back here regularly for dinner is the pricing. I'll have to check out their burritos one day for lunch. Not sure why they don't offer them on the dinner menu.
(3)Brennan Z.
(3 1/2 Stars Rounded up) This was my second time at El Sol being my first experience was overall pretty good. I remembered the food being decent, the margaritas very good, and a nice casual atmosphere to enjoy a few drinks and some good company, my second trip proved to be the same. My short overall opinion of this trip can be found at the bottom for those short on time. On this trip I was first very impressed that they had both Dos Equis amber and lager on draft, in my opinion a must for any Mexican restaurant and cant see why more places don't serve the amber. Anyways, I ordered their scallop ceviche for an appetizer and their daily special which was Mahi-mahi fish taco's. Reviews for each are below, When the scallop ceviche first arrive my first impression was how large the serving was for an appetizer, it could easily be shared by 2 or even 3 people. The bay scallops were fresh tasting however I felt that there was an overabundance of the red onion and red pepper that masked allot of the scallop flavor that I had craved. After the first few bites of the scallops I began just picking out the scallops and forgoing the onions and peppers. The avocado that was sliced on the plate was very fresh and was a big help at balancing out some of the raw onion and pepper taste. Overall I was pretty satisfied and would give this dish a 3.5 out of 5. On this night I was really in the mood for some good fish taco's. Their standard menu fish tacos are made with Tilapia, tonight as a special they offered them with Mahi-mahi which I feel has allot more fish flavor than the Tilapia and more consistency too it. The soft taco shells were good and the ingredients all tasted fresh. There was a decent amount of the Mahi-mahi in them and were cooked and seasoned well. My main gripe with these is that there was nothing to give it any kind of a crunch, they were just one soft bite after another. So for me these tacos were middle of the road, weren't bad but weren't anything spectacular. The service during this visit was definitely worth mentioning. We were seated almost immediately which was expected for a Tuesday night, and our server was pleasant and attentive through out the meal. At the end of the meal our party of 3 required 3 separate checks plus 3 separate checks for our alcohol. Our server generally seemed pleased to break out meal up into 6 different checks for us. Due to our server I would give the service 4.5 out of 5 stars. To sum up my experience, the food was decent but nothing that would make you want to scream how great it was off the rooftop. I'm from Philadelphia so I'm not sure how the other Mexican joints in this town are or how they stand up to El Sol, I will however be checking and reviewing those others on future trips.
(4)Leon J.
Decent Mexican food at an above average price. The setting is nice, but I also prefer to sit in the bar area. As another review noted, the seats are way too far apart from each other in the regular dining area. Also, service seems to be much slower in the dining room. At the bar, you can pop in, have a Margarita (ask for it Fresco style) and an entree and be on your way. Not a bad place to go if you are picking up a hungry person at the train station. If you are looking for authentic mexican that is cheap and setting isn't an issue, Tres Hermanos is a better choice in my book. Not a bad change of pace though.
(3)Vishal S.
It's difficult for me to give a not so good review for a restaurant :( But I have to settle with a 2 star for this place - 1 1/2 stars only if I could. I was here at dinner with some important people (not President Obama), but important to me and I wanted to have a good dinner...but that was not meant to be :( The drinks were good - that was the saving grace! And the guy performing (live music Thursday nights) was good too. Now with the review - I ordered Fajita Mixtas (combination chicken, steak, and shrimp w/ vegetables) and the only thing good in the dish were the onions! Steak was overcooked and hard, shirmp was tasteless, and chicken was to be left alone... Seemed like they took meats from different dishes and threw them together on the hot plate... Even the tortillas were undercooked if that is possible. I tired a bit of my friend's dish - Camarones a la Diabala - the sauce was very disappointing and looked like it was leftover from someone's buffalo wings! Would I go back - no in the near future - sorry guys :(
(2)Beth G.
So I'm learning about mexican...and have been experimenting by trying out new eateries in the area. I loved my burrito! The chips and salsa were good. The guacamole was fresh. The chicken salad looked amazing. Our party of five were well pleased. The only issue that kept me from giving it five stars was the extreme charge for guacamole. Now guaranteed that it is fresh, but $8.00 for guacamole is extremely high. We about choked on our re-fried beans. That was almost as much as my burrito (8.99) and I got guacamole on the side. It was nuts! Our server was awesome though and took time for us. We didn't feel rushed. You do need reservations though at the lunch hours.
(4)Jon D.
Overall a decent place, service was friendly but a little slow due to how busy it was. Hard to give more than 3 stars when the food didn't quite hit the mark. Would have gotten a 4 if the meat in the carnitas tacos wasn't so dry and tough. I'd go back there if I was in Harrisburg again.
(3)Matt O.
Brought some clients here for a lunch meeting. We had 7 in our party and were seated quickly. The service was fast and our waiter was attentive. He was able to handle the multiple modifications each person made to their order. The food was good for Pennsylvania Mexican food. Granted it can't touch the food I had in the south (Lived in Houston and visited San Antonio often), but it's the best mexican food I've had in PA thus far. I've only been here once so I I'm not sure how consistent the service and food are, but I'd be willing to visit again.
(4)Kat S.
Went here for a family member's birthday. Such a mistake. The drinks were weak (I got a margarita on the rocks)..how does a "Mexican" restaurant screw up a margarita? I ordered 2 hard steak tacos. They were soggy and impossible to keep together. Service was poor. We had a larger group (12) and had a very difficult time getting drinks (including water refills) and orders were mixed up. This isn't the first time I've been to this restaurant, but it was my first visit in a long time...and I'm disappointed again.
(2)Yan G.
*** 3.5 stars, rounded down *** Since I couldn't spend Mothers' Day with my wonderful Mom, I was glad I could spend it in the company of my friend and her parents at El Sol. Described to me as "upscale Mexican food," El Sol did not disappoint in the areas of authenticity or Mexican-ness. To be honest with you, the concept of upscale Mexican food is a bit foreign to me. Although I am not sure I fully understand it, El Sol delivers on it quite well. Our table in the back was waiting for us, and, having maneuvered around dozens of patrons and one particularly territorial ficus, we were able to finally sit down. Our waiter seemed overwhelmed with the mothers' day crowds, but he remained pleasant and personable despite being overworked. I am sure the restaurant is a lot quiter on an average Sunday night. On Mothers' Day, service was a bit slow, but I am sure it's not typical here. All the dishes here were very easy on the eyes. Even chips and salsa (it's not free - $3.29) looked like they were prepared with love. I really liked that salsa was presented in a bowl with a serving spoon. One could put some salsa on one's plate, thereby avoiding embarrassing tomato stains on one's clothes, or, worse yet, socially unacceptable double-dipping. After careful deliberation, I opted for the molcajete. Molcajete, as I learned, meant "mortar" (think "mortar and pestle"). How could I pass up on an opportunity to have my food brought to me in a giant three-legged bowl made of volcanic rock ($19.99)? The bowl was filled to the brim with pieces of steak, chicken and mushrooms covered with cheese. It was a lot of food, but it didn't have a distinctive flavor. The rice, beans and tortillas were good, and the combination made the meal very filling. My dining companions had the tacos and enchiladas which looked good, but were substantially smaller. I definitely got the value out of the meal. While the decor and the table settings definitely scream "upscale" (major props for the giant SUN on the wall), the food screams "good, but ordinary." I would probably think twice before spending all that money for the ambiance.
(3)T W.
Pros: Very good margarita's, probably the best I've tasted in Central PA! Great guacamole, chips, and salsa also. Cool room and good atmosphere. Cons: Service was a bit impersonal and rushed each time we've dined at El Sol. Food has just been OK, although I wanted to get excited about it, it kind of lets me down. The rice appears to be mixed with frozen succotash, and is sort of tasteless and strangely low-end looking. But if you stick to margarita's and quac, you'll be a happy camper!
(4)Terri H.
Located on Third Street in Harrisburg, El Sol offers an upscale Mexican dining experience. Yesterday was my second visit, and I found the experience to be well worth the mild parking issues. We were seated quickly, and despite a large party thata took up part to half of the seating area service was prompt, attentive, and efficiently timed. Their margaritas are large, strong, and second to none. Their Patron margarita is pricey at $12.00. Be sure to have a designated driver!The salsa was perfect, and the lobster, spinach and portabella enchiladas were flavorful and amply portioned. The dinner special price was $19.99. The enchiladas were generously garnished and filled with lobster (and fresh garlic) so I have little quibble with the price. The final synopsis, El Sol is a nice date or special occasion restaurant and does not intend to cater to the El Rodeo or Chilis crowd.
(4)John W.
Good dinner last evening! We went to El Sol prior to an event at the Whitaker Center. Chips and Salsa ($3.29) good. Salsa was peppy. Usually I like a more potent kick but this was good. Well rounded set of flavors. Tasted fresh and the chips were decent. Mi wife had the grilled fish tacos ($10.99). Well portioned. Grilled tilapia with cilantro and hot peppers and a small amount of melted cheese. She liked the flavor and texture. The fact that they had put the plate under the broiler made the soft corn tortilla shells stick to the plate a bit - made it slightly hard to pick up the tacos intact. I had the tamales (11.99) - one pork, one chicken, one veggie. The masa texture was good. I might have liked a slight bit more filling in the tamales. They were plated on corn husks with a tomatillo based green sauce. Very good overall flavor. Both entrees were accompanied with a small side salad with a nice salsa dressing. Also refried beans (with a good texture) were on the plate. We're not drinkers of alchohol so can't judge the margaritas (but a group of conventioneers at the bar seemed to be pleasantly enjoying). Good service, nice decor, good food, decent price. And perfect location for Whitaker Center visits.
(4)David C.
I just had a fantastic meal at El Sol -- there it is, plain and simple. I ordered the chicken flautas appetizer and had the shrimp enchiladas for my entree...both were wonderful and the service was top notch. I recommend the jalapeño margarita as well...
(4)Kati S.
I had the mahi-mahi tacos, and they were excellent. In contrast to other posters, though, I found their margaritas kinda meh.
(3)Sue P.
Excellent service and consistently good food. Margaritas variations are sure to please. Choc lava cake is the perfect ending.
(4)Charles K.
My family and I traveled to Hershey Park recently. On the way home I searched for a Mexican restaurant that was not a chain. I picked El Sol based on ratings from an app on my phone. Food was absolutely awesome!!!! There were 5 of us and all 5 dishes were delightful. So......the following week my wife had to drive to Harrisburg for a job interview and I couldn't resist going back to El Sol. Our drive time was 2 hours one way!!
(4)Jennifer J.
2.5 stars, rounded up a bit overpriced, watery drinks (not weak, but flavorless - like how drinks taste after tons of ice has melted), standoffish/disinterested waiter. Authentic? The cheese enchilada looked like a quesadilla made with a slice of colby jack. I'm new to town, and if this is the best Harrisburg has to offer then I'll need to start driving to Philly or DC every weekend just to eat Mexican food...
(3)Lisa T.
Being from California, I was so glad to find good Mexican food in PA! I've been here several times over the past 2 years and it's always been good, though some dishes not as good as others. We went recently, and the food was great! They had some new menu items also, so I'm not sure if they have a new chef, but I recommend trying some of the less typical Mexican food items: they have a great mushroom appetizer, called Championes, and the Sopes appetitzer is good also. They also have Horchata rice drink, which tastes homemade. They have alot of drink choices, and even my favorite Mexican beer, Negra Modelo. Unlike most California Mexican food, this is a little more upscale, but still relatively affordable, depending what you order.
(4)Joseph H.
Food: Salsa is a mildly picante cooked salsa with nice depth; with fresh cilantro and red onion added to give it some perk. Refried beans were flavorful with good texture; Spanish rice was subtle and was nicely presented. Fried fish tacos: I'd order them without the pico de gallo, which masked the quality of the battered cod. Carnitas tacos were somewhat dry and not as richly flavored as I'd expect. Churros for dessert (ordered the ice cream and caramel sauce on the side) were fresh and fantastic. Service: Packed on a Friday night; we got the last table for two before the pile-up started at the bar; so definitely follow their advice for reservations on a weekend. Despite this, the service was attentive, well-spaced, and accommodating. Ambiance: As I mentioned, very crowded on a Friday evening, so lots of sound reflected off the tile floor. We felt a little cramped at our two-seater raised table near the bar, but the main dining room looked a little more comfortable.
(3)Ashley A.
I have dined here many, many times and I love it. The prices are reasonable in relation to the amount of food you get. Each dish tastes fresh! My favorite is the chicken entree with a mole poblano sauce served with a small salad, rice and refried beans. The sauce makes the dish. Also, if you enjoy margaritas, this is the place to be! I would suggest trying the "casuela." It's an alcoholic citrus drink that is served in a round clay dish. Great for sharing with friends or enjoying solo. Try El Sol for authentic Mexican, great atmosphere and decor at a fabulous price point.
(5)MandA R.
This was recommended to us by a co-worker and what a great recommendation it was. We were only in Harrisburg for one night and were looking for a nice local place to eat. This restaurant is in a really cute part of town (That we will explore another time) and appears to only offer street parking. No worries for us though cause we scored a spot right in front. A ordered 2 top shelf Margaritas, STRONG but good. M had Dos Equis which was on tap but was served in a really cool glass. He remarked on it a number of times so it needed to be noted here. We were turned off a bit when we realized nachos and salsa were $4 not complimentary. A ordered the taco sampler Fish, Chicken, Chorizo, all were good but I am glad she got the sampler. 3 of either were a bit too much however watch out for the sauce on the fish and chicken, WOW its hot. The dish came with a salad and refried beans. M ordered the mixed enchiladas, cheese, beef, chicken. All were good although 3 cheese would have been a bit much. This came with a small serving of rice and refried beans. Both of us were full afterwards.
(4)Troy S.
Very good food, huge portions (a little too much), margs are good, beers are good. Fun spot for a Friday or Saturday night. Service could be tightened up a little but overall not bad.
(4)Andy A.
delicious food - BUT - lunchtime server Melissa will steal from you. my co-workers and i all paid cash, she complained about not having change, and then shorted each of us when we paid. how is this acceptable? i can understand someone getting the wrong amount of change back once in a while, but she knowingly shorted each of us becuase of her lack of change. how do you not have change? it's a busy restaurant. eat here if you like good food but bad service to the point of taking your money against your will doesn't bother you.
(2)David R.
Went here for Saturday evening dinner and I recommend make a reservation for quick seating. The cocktails were classy. The nachos & salsa appetizer was as expected from any Mexican restaurant around - nothing spectacular -but fresh & tasty. I had the steak enchiladas with spicy red sauce and I tried a small portion of the steak fajitas. The food was certainly delicious, but I wouldn't say its more authentic or even better than other restaurants around. If your trying to impress... this restaurant's atmosphere is a little more 'upscale' than El Rodeo and some menu choices are a little more elegant... I would strongly recommend for that reason. If your looking for a moderate priced traditional Mexican dinner that is just as good, I recommend El Rodeo in Colonial Park. Dinner for three with 3 cocktails: $74 Same dinner at El Rodeo $55 There was a lot of shrimp seafood menu items to choose from, so I will be going back at least once more to try one of these. On-street parking is free in downtown Harrisburg after 5pm and all weekend. You might have to park a few blocks away and walk.
(3)Zen O.
It's sort of funny that other reviewers recommend this both for a romantic date and for business casual affairs. I'd say it's good for non-rowdy groups of all kinds, but by no means romantic - the furniture is enormous, so you're about 3 feet away from the person across the table from you. My friend and I re-enacted the "Can you pass the salt?" scene from the 1989 Batman. The food... is fine. There's beans, there's cheese, there's corn tortillas. There's no spice in anything, though the pablano peppers had a very slight kick to them. I thought the salsa was fairly tasty, though certainly quite mild. Definitely pricey for what you're getting, though not absurd, and I don't know where else in the area you'd go for this. Unlike some other reviewers, we experienced very fast service, though we arrived dorkily early, before the dinner rush.
(3)Courtney F.
Several visits to El Sol & I will keep coming back. Comfortable, casual atmosphere to enjoy drinks, dinner and some good company. Tasty and well seasoned food make El Sol a favorite for me in Harrisburg.
(4)Tom W.
A bunch of us went there for lunch when it first opened. We were so happy to have found a good Mexican restaurant in town. I have been back at least ten times since. It is one of my favorite places to take clients. So far the have not dropped the ball. They get pretty busy at lunch. A reservation is defiantly in order.
(4)Ray Y.
Thus began my first night of being a ghost in Harrisburg. I heard very good things about this restaurant from the locals and thru yelp. Since I love Mexican this was a no brainer. Arriving @ 7 on a Tuesday night the place was packed - a good sign and I didn't mind waiting for a bar seat while having a margaritta. Soon enough a spot opened. Then the waiting began. Here's the problem with El Sol. The bar is too small which means the bartender is overworked and .... shockingly .... everyone wants to drink in a Mexican restaurant. There's wasted space in this area and if the owners used some of the money pouring in to upgrade this would significantly decrease wait time and quality. Once I got the bartender catching his breath I ordered my dinner - Pollo Diablo. A switch to a beer and watching a little ESPN on a single small TV for 30 minutes I decided to ask - "can you check on my food". Here's a clue. After 30 minutes and asking for your food - if the waiter comes right back with it - it's probably not a good thing. It usually means it's been under a heat light getting a tan. Indeed the chicken was no longer juicy and what had looked like an innovative, fresh ingredient dish was no longer worthy of the ratings I've read. I'm sure this place is better than my experience and if I return to Harrisburg I wouldn't hesitate to return. Unfortunately, if you read my other reviews from Harrisburg, that's not high praise for this restaurant but more of a statement about the other places I visited.
(2)Jason M.
Food was good but the service sucked. Didn't feel welcome when we walked in. We should have left at that point but it got worse as we stayed longer. Food was good though. Very nice decor as well.
(1)Mary H.
I'll be honest and say that I tend to find my favorites and stick with them, and El Sol is not exception. My favorite there is the Fiesta Chicken Tacos, a spicy dish of three soft tacos with spicy grilled chicken breast, shredded cabbage and spicy sauce. Very filling, very delicious. Another favorite are their beans--a creamy connoction of beans (perfect for dipping in chips), garnished with a crumble of cheese. As far as their other dishes, I really couldn't tell you. I once ordered the Fiesta Chicken Tacos and never saw a reason to stray from such spicy perfection. I now find myself craving their delicousness and only El Sol will do.
(4)Ralph F.
Atmoshpere was nice and food was very good however, the service by our waiter (Shawn) was horrible! I have been in a server for 30 years and this guy would not work for me. He brought our drinks and then left us sit for 27 minutes before taking our order!
(2)Sidd M.
Had the guacamole w/ chips and salsa for an appetizer. The guac was just average but the salsa was tasty. I had the Pollo Diablo which had a nice spice to it and my girlfriend had the Cheese Enchiladas which was very cheesy indeed. All in all, the food and drinks were good, but a bit too expensive for what you got.
(3)J E.
I've eaten at El Sol a few times, although my last visit was months ago. Overall, I think their food is very good and a nice alternative to the omnipresent El Rodeo. Its a nice lunch location, especially if you work close by, but it can get busy during peak hours. Dinner is good too - it can get a little pricey depending on what you order. The decor is very nice, sorta dim/romantic for dinner. My only complaint - their chairs are really weird, they are too big & an odd height for the tables. Their fish ceviche and guacamole are excellent (big chucks of avacado). They have a variety of different margaritas, as to be expected. I've also gotten the fish tacos (OK), shrimp dish that I can't remember the name of (too salty), salads, and tamales. Definitely give El Sol a try.
(4)Julia D.
Some of the better Mexican food in the area. Much more authentic then the other establishments that serve slop from a can (you know who I'm talking about El Rodeo). However, you will pay for this higher quality of food, but I say it's worth it. The margaritas are great and I love the fish tacos and vegetarian tamales. This place is alright with me.
(3)Karl S.
Excellent!
(5)Jared D.
Excellent and original food, beautiful decor and great waiters...the food came out in a couple of mins I swear! It was amazing, the price is not too hard on the wallet, a bit more then the average Mexican place around here, but well worth it!
(5)Brian R.
El Sol is beautiful inside, really a nice place. I enjoyed the food, although I found it to be the average mexican dining experience. The thing that got me was how expensive everything was.
(3)Shannon M.
We go here about once a quarter for some well deserved happy hours. There is a $5 margarita special along with appetizer specials. Service is usually very good and we always have fun.
(4)Kevin K.
Just visiting town and this was near our hotel. Great service, the food was good and arrived quickly. I had the tamales. If you like authentic tamales, I recommend them.
(4)Jen G.
LOVE this restaurant! If you are looking for authentic Mexican food in the Harrisburg area, look no further than El Sol. I travel a lot and have had excellent Mexican food in Mexico and states close to the border. This food is on that level. If you are looking for Tex Mex (melted cheese and sour cream on everything), this is not the place. Fish tacos are the best. The verde sauce is tasty. Guac is delicious, but the salsa is to die for. Save room for dessert - their fried ice cream is divine. If you are looking for somehting really decadent, try the Tres Leches cake. It will send you over the edge, it is that good. The staff are always pleasant and accomodating. The atmosphere is classy, yet festive. The decor is beautiful. I've taken friends, family, and colleagues here and it always gets rave reviews. Make reservations, especially for weekends!
(5)Peter M.
I've been to El Sol four times in the last year or so, I've yet to be disappointed. My guests and I have always really loved the food, much more "Mexican" and less "Tex Mex" then some of the other local places. Specifically I've really enjoyed the giant volcano bowl (Molcajetes) and grill thing (Parrilladas), which are both takes on fajitas with very well prepared meats... the chicken on the parrilladas last time was amazingly tender and flavorful. I've never had any problems with the service, its always been quite good refilling drinks, getting us more tortilla's, etc. Happy hour isn't bad either, delicious dollar tacos available with your choice of meat (soft, similar to street tacos) and $2 draft Dos Equis. And if you're into tequila, the flights are not to be missed. 100% agave only: blanco, repsasdo, and anejo choices are impressive. A bit pricey, as with the restaurant in general, but I feel... worth it.
(5)Mike I.
Great meal. Authentic food. Good fish tacos. Slow service. Nice ambiance.
(4)Adam F.
5 Stars for a great happy hour (4:30 - 6:30pm M-F). Free chips and salsa, $2/$3 beers, dollar tacos (basically everyday is Taco Tuesday!), and half-off appetizers. Definitely check it out after work or if you're in the area.
(5)Eliza C.
This is a good spot for a casual business dinner. Friendly staff. Solid house margarita - on the rocks with salt. Good tortilla chips and guacamole - always a good sign. Their chicken mole wasn't the best I've had but it was very good. All in all, it was a pleasant experience.
(3)Theresa W.
I went here for the first time with very large party, and was so impressed. The reservation was made in advance, and normally a good restaurant will staff accordingly, but this place went above and beyond. Service was attentive and even though there were many of us it seemed they intuitively anticipated our needs. Everytime we needed something a server was there. The tequila selection is beyond this world and the food was authentic and delicious. I will definitely return.
(4)Jeff S.
really nice atmosphere but the food is no better than El Rodeo and is overpriced. at least it doesn't attract the same crowd that El Rodeo does.
(3)