Palo Alto Sol

408 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(589 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Welcome to Palo Alto Sol, a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled at 408 California Ave in Palo Alto, California. This culinary treasure blends authenticity and warmth, offering an inviting atmosphere where first-time guests and regulars alike are greeted like family.

At Palo Alto Sol, the focus is on celebrating traditional Mexican cuisine, with a menu that boasts a variety of enchiladas and burritos, all crafted from family recipes that have been perfected over generations. Among the star dishes, you’ll find the Enchiladas Al Chipotle which tantalizes the palate with its smoky flavor, complemented by the rich, chocolatey notes of Enchiladas De Mole. If you’re a fan of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, the Burrito De Carne Asada and the Burrito Verde promise a hearty feast that will leave you craving more.

As you settle in, you’ll be surrounded by a lively ambiance, enhanced by warm lighting that makes the outdoor seating an enchanting experience, especially during the evenings. Several reviews from satisfied customers reflect the charm of this eatery; for example, Donna Kim describes it as a "hidden gem" with "authentic flavors and great atmosphere." The patio area is perfect for families, and yes, even your pets are welcome to join in on the fun.

Complimentary, perfectly fried tortilla chips greet you at the table—a small yet significant detail that shows the love and care poured into each dining experience. Guests often rave about the meals, but it's the attentive service that turns a simple dinner into a memorable occasion. Staff like Mr. Vicente, as shared by Aleska Sever, are known for their professionalism and detailed recommendations that can transform your meal into a delightful curated experience.

Don’t forget to wash it all down with one of their exquisite margaritas or perhaps, venture into a tasting of tequila flights for a truly immersive experience. For those who appreciate a good drink paired with their meal, the sangria here is a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re in the mood for a night out or a cozy dinner with loved ones, Palo Alto Sol invites you to savor the essence of Mexico in every bite. With the generous portions and flavorful bursts of each dish, you’ll find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your first.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

5:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Wednesday

5:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Thursday

5:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Friday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

5:00 AM - 8:30 PM

589 Reviews
Suvadeep Banerjee

12 Sep 2025

This is a great Mexican place to dine on California Street. With that street closed for Al fresco dining, there are plenty of parking spots available in the adjacent streets with a free parking garage as well. I went there with my family on a Thursday evening for dinner. The place was relatively full and it was easy to get a table. We got ourselves Chicken Chalupas, Enchiladas Al Chipotle with chicken and Camarones a la diabla. The delivery was quite fast with the chalupas arriving within 10 minutes. There were 3 chalupas there and each tasted unique in its own flavor. The enchiladas were usual as I would expect them to be with chipotle sauce. The highlight of the dinner was the Shrimp dish with quite a kick of spicyness. For people with less interest in spicy food, this dish might not be for you. However, I liked it a lot and tasted quite unlike anything I have tried in Mexican cuisine. Overall, this place is a must try and we had great experience dining here.

sagoral

13 Aug 2025

This Mexican place is actually pretty good! Chips and salsa are good, nachos are good, and quesadillas are good. I give this place a 4 star because I think they could've done better with the tacos. I got 2 tacos and although the toppings were fine, I dont like when the tortillas on a taco are flimsy and break apart. I want a sturdy taco that holds together. The restaurant has hard working employees however and it's a good environment. 4/5

Donna Kim

05 Aug 2025

Such a hidden gem on the California Avenue. Absolutely love the outdoor seating vibes here! The food and drinks are top-notch, and the street views at night make the experience even better. Authentic flavors and great atmosphere. Looking forward to coming back soon!

Priya Raut

25 Jul 2025

Has anyone had hardly fried tortillas chips? Not here! Had complementary, nicely fried and crispy chips! Slightly expensive but big portions. Recommend this place for good Mexican food and ambiance! This photo is for Tostada with Chicken.

Aleska Sever

07 Jul 2025

Today was our first visit to this restaurant, and both my family and I were amazed not only by the delicious dishes served, but also by the excellent service. Our host, Mr. Vicente, was very professional , respectful, and with great patience and kindness, recommended menus that truly delighted our palate with the Mexican flavor. The ambiance outside was maintained with warm lights, surrounded by a typical Friday night in Palo Alto. We will definitely return to this restaurant, which we recommend 10/10. Thanks to everyone who gently attended our dinner and congratulations to the chef.

Melissa Hosten

19 Jun 2025

This gem is alongside many other restaurants, but you've got to stop in! Family recipes, sauces that are all flavor, and beautifully balanced sides await! I highly recommend the enchiladas El Sol. The margaritas are delish, but you can also try tequila flights or sangria. Nothing but homemade wonderfulness here.

Piyush Tandon

30 May 2025

Lovely place for dinner, outdoor seating on patio to accommodate family and dog. Mole poblano with chicken is simply amazing. Vegetarian enchiladas are also nice. Fantastic selection of authentic margaritasmade it a fun evening.

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