Lively, compact Mexican spot with standout tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole at fair prices, but expect tight seating and a mandatory 20% service fee that some diners resent.
El Sol delivers excellent food quality with well-executed tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole that earn repeated praise, positioning it competitively with the area's better neighborhood restaurants. However, inconsistent execution during busy periods and tight seating that affects comfort prevent a higher grade. The central DC location, strong loyalty base, and authentic Mexican approach make it a worthwhile destination for quality Mexican dining, despite occasional service variability and space constraints.
One caveat: Mandatory 20% service fee can feel opaque and inflates totals