The Sun Never Sets At Palo Alto Sol Restaurant

During working hours, Palto Alto Sol welcomes customers with a front-of-house full of sun-themed objects. At night, the restaurant emits a warm red glow bringing to mind the celestial body its name refers to. However, the soul of the sun-named Mexican restaurant can actually be found in Hector and Helena Sol, owners and operators of this authentic eatery. 

"I remember my grandmother making these dishes in the kitchen - the smells, the tastes. These are my wife's grandmother's recipes," said Hector Sol regarding house specials such as chocolate-infused Mole Poblano and a creamy chicken casserole called Rajas Poblanas. 

Among the eateries' most traditional and classical menu items is "Grandma's special," Pollo Guajillo from the Sol's home of the Puebla region in central Mexico. With a recipe dating back to the 19th century, this popular chicken dish combines guajillo peppers, garlic and a reduced sour cream base. 

Sol's chicken need not be complex to be delicious as diner Ed Kovachy discovered with the Caldo de Polla, a simple yet hearty soup he described as as "terrific and wonderful" dish. 

For those craving red meat with their rice and beans, Palo Alto Sol does not disappoint. Loyal customers recommend the Milanesa, a lightly breaded and seasoned beef steak cooked to a golden crisp and served with guacamole.

Sol's Carne Asada is delicately sliced  and tender, cooked just right without being rubbery as this thin cut of steak can sometimes be. 

Those preferring surf over turf can dive into appetizers of fresh ceviche (delicate chunks of sea bass marinated in lime and peppers) or have a main of mariscos. 

Of course, they have a variety of burrito and enchilada styles that guests can customize with either cheese, chicken, pork, or beef. 

Arrive in the evening (weekday or weekend) and there may be a wait as this is one of Palo Alto's most popular Mexican eateries. Although the dining room is on the small side, there are a number of tables able to accommodate both candlelit couples and large celebrating groups. 

If your party has 10 minutes to pass before being seated, grab a Sol Margarita at the extensive, top-shelf bar. At any given time of day, about half of Sol's customers can be found enjoying their meal with a salt-rimmed glass of the icy lemon concoction. Diners such as mother and daughter Laurie and Lindsay Reinsmith were doing just that.

Lindsay Reinsmith, who came from Menlo Park, said she likes to visit Sol about once a week with her boyfriend, always ordering the Ensalada Sol and sometimes indulging in the seemingly mandatory Sol Margarita. 

The coming chilly weather actually makes Sol's front patio seating more enjoyable as heat lamps are turned on in the evening to accommodate diners. The subtle warmth when combined with the cardinal ambience of the neon "Sol" sign is a warm welcome to the family owned and operated restaurant. 

The Sols also operate the "Cocina Mexicana," Vive Sol, located at 2020 West El Camino Real in Mountain View. The phone number is 650-938-2020.  

Palo Alto Sol Restaurant is located at 408 South California Avenue in Palo Alto. For information or reservations, call 650-328-8840.