SOL Cocina Mexican

Danielle

I’ve been putting off visiting SOL because I felt like it may have the same crowd as its neighbor, 3-Thirty-3. Because we are dedicated to finding the best happy hours despite it being our style or preferred area, I suggested Sol. I have heard great things about it, but again, I just didn’t want to see “that crowd” all over again.

Immediately, I loved the openness and décor of the establishment. It seemed to just be picking up when we arrived but we easily found a high top table for 2 in the middle of the bar area. There’s also a nicely sized bar, some larger tables for groups in the bar area, and an outside patio (fantastic) over the water. Happy hour is offered daily—DAILY!—and lasts from 4-7PM. I was impressed by both the options and prices on the menu. 

We ordered the naked guacamole, pork carnitas street tacos, and panuchos (their twist on empanadas). The food was delicious, and the portions were ample for the cost. It rivaled happy hour portions/cost at places like El Torito Grill, but the taste and variety were way better.

The S-Factor? Well, it was getting geared up as we headed off to peek at 3-Thirty-3. When we came back by to pick up our cars, it looked quite busy. I’d like to go back there and stay through the night to see the crowd. As we left, two cute guys went in. They looked the nice nerdy-but-cute type which we both like so we should have popped in behind them but the toll of a long rough week with an extra day of work had taken its toll and my desire to lie in bed and watch TV prevailed.

I’m voting this a “must do happy hour.”

On a side note: we made it to 3-Thirty-3 just in time to miss happy hour. We looked at the menu anyway and it seemed Sol was the better spot for a happy hour menu. We found a spot at the bar and settled in for some noteworthy people watching. The crowd was young—20s and 30s with a sprinkling of older gentlemen and cougars. Sadly, the merging of groups or “coupling up” was predictable. Again, why Orange County, are you so into that high maintenance look (boobs + blonde hair)?!  Our bartender was handsome and reminded me of a younger hotter Javier Bardem but he still couldn’t salvage this place for me. I'd only hit SOL out of this duo.

Food: ★★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Price: ★★★☆☆

Ambiance: ★★★★★

SFactor: ★★☆☆☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

 naked guacamole

 panuchos--I loved all the "stuff" on top

 street tacos

For more information on SOL, click here. 

Candice

 

This was my first exploration to SOL Mexican Cucina, off of Pacific Coast Highway in Newport.  The bar area was quite spacious and traditionally adorned with Mexican décor and colors.  There was an abundant amount of natural light throughout the entire room and plentiful number of tables and stools scattered about.  The crowd numbers remained fairly consistent throughout the short period we lingered around and it was a nice mix of ages and ethnicities and about an even gender division.  My drink choice for this first stop of our happy hour was the frozen margarita.  I was forewarned it came pre-mixed but that it was not to disappoint.  In fact, although I typically do not appreciate pre-made mixes all that much, it was in fact quite flavorful and had just the right amount of kick in it to sustain its refresh quality.  Our palates enjoyed plates of naked guacamole, street tacos, and panuchos.  The food was not superior but it was equal to its value.  I liked their version of chips and dip and their tiny three-choice platter of sauces that I unfortunately did not know what to do with since our waitress was not all that interested in being of assistance throughout our stay.  Regardless of the lack of service, I would likely return here if I came with a larger group of people and was interested in snacking decent Mexican dishes and frozen margaritas. 

Food: ★★★☆☆

Service: ★★☆☆☆

Price: ★★★☆☆

Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

Overall: ★★★☆☆

S Factor: ★★☆☆☆

From SOL we decided to head over on to 333 and check out the early night scene.  I have been to this restaurant previously for an early dinner, but never stayed around to watch the later night crowd roll in.  I enjoyed the friendly banter with one of the bartenders and was amused throughout the evening of what seemed like the stereotypical “Orange County” scene.  I was certainly not dressed to impress as our original intention was to hit SOL straight after work… so I huddled in my hoodie and preferred to behold the attempts by various male and female suitors to woo one another.  Okay, admittedly that was entertaining.  I was impressed by the number of matches that were made so quickly and somewhat engrossed by the end pairing results.  As I exited, to be quite frank, I was glad to be nondescript and was satisfied to end yet another uncomplicated happy hour adventure.