When I heard that SOL was going to open, my first thought was, "What is upscale Mexican food?"
I mean you think tacos, enchiladas, what else? Well, let me tell you! It means these same great dishes, but with fresh, gourmet ingredients and food preparation. Like nachos served with seared tuna, and seafood enchiladas made with crab, shrimp and scallops.
SOL is Mexican cuisine, not just Mexican food. — SOL website
Also, the guacamole is made right at your table. Talk about fresh! If you go, the guacamole is a must have.
First Impressions
The first thing you will notice when you walk in is the décor.
It is quite striking with bold colors and interesting pieces decorating the walls. It gives you the impression that this is nothing like the Mexican restaurants you have tried before.
Mexican Cuisine
The next thing you notice is the interesting menu.
They offer both small plates (average price $8) and large plates (average price $20) with items like the Chile Relleno filled with seafood and Tres colores, which is similar to a caprice salad, but with Mexican cheese and avocado.
My favorite dish is the Shrimp Herradura. It is shrimp served on a creamy corn salsa made with Herradura tequila.
What About The Drinks?
The drinks are pretty good too (average price $9).
I like their margarita tradicional (served in a martini glass) and the blackberry-pomegranate margarita.
I did not like their mojito. I compare it to Rumba‘s mojito, which in my opinion is perfection.
They also have a nice Mexican beer selection including Modelo, Tecate, Dos Equis, Pacifico, and of course, Sol — as well as some domestic beers.
After Dinner Tequila Tastings
They have an extensive tequila menu offered as an after dinner tasting.
Although I have not yet tried it, I really like the idea and have not seen anything like it in this area.
Serving tastings of tequila is an authentic Mexican tradition. As an American exchange student living in Mexico many years ago, I observed my host parents offering tequila to any friends or family that visited our home.
SOL’s Customer Service
What impressed me the most about SOL Mexican Restaurant is the service. I have been there 4 times now and have had consistently excellent service.
The servers are friendly, efficient and knowledgeable about the menu. In addition, each time I have been there the manager has come over to the table to make sure everything is satisfactory.
SOL is the second restaurant in downtown Franklin owned by Jason McConnell. The first is the very popular Red Pony. The menu at the Red Pony is much different with one exception: they have the same awesome tableside-made guacamole.
SOL Location & Parking
The SOL Mexican Restaurant is located on the corner of Main Street and 4th Avenue in historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee.
Parking is easy since the 4th Street parking garage is right across from it.
It’s located where Sandy’s Downtown Grill used to be, and as a restaurant they’ve had big shoes to fill. Sandy’s was a local favorite and it was a big disappointment for us when it closed.
SOL has delivered! I like it for their awesome service, fresh and tasty menu items, and in keeping with traditional Mexican food and drinks.
When To Go
SOL serves dinner Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sunday. They also offer lunch Tuesday through Saturday.
The lunch menu is a scaled down version of the dinner menu with the addition of tortas (sandwiches).
If you want to give the SOL Mexican Restaurant in Franklin a try, I suggest getting reservations first because it is usually busy. You can make reservations on line or via phone (615) 538-6021.
And if you’re in the mood to be outside, they have a few tables right on Main Street!
I live in Franklin with my husband and our toddler son. I enjoy writing about our experiences visiting places in Franklin, Cool Springs, and the Brentwood area.
