Sol Azteca Mexican Kitchen — Restaurant in Mesa

Sol Azteca was listed as a new hot place to try near my local area (east Mesa). I love Mexican style and decided to try it out. Finding it is 3ast enough, just off of Ellsworth and baseline on the south east corner. It is in the same shopping mall as a Taco Bell and Albertsons grocery store. The parking around the restaurant slot is very limited, however, and I had to park about a 1/4 mile away in the Albertsons lot.

The restaurant exterior is non-descript and so sparse as to be missed easily. Small sign, temporary banner etc makes it look like it isn't going to be there long. The interior is likewise spartan. A clean, small space is reserved for tables. It is a counter cafeteria style place. You go to the cashier, order your food, take a number and wait.

The choices available are targeted to blander dishes without any item that is too spicey. The single spiciest thing on the menu is their jalepeno salsa. But none the dishes are served spicey really at all. I ordered a ranchero carne asada plate, and it was lightly flavored with more of a thin watered soup than a sauce. The green chili pork selection, which I always try at any place was also very smooth but without any kick.

The flavors themselves were ok, but without any spice to speak of. Quantity of food on each plate seemed modest though not terrible. However, the pricing was higher than most Mexican eateries of the same quality, though Sol Azteca was providing smaller portions.

Aside from the blander taste, smaller portions and higher prices the restaurant charges for chips and salsa. And it charges A LOT. Over 2.50 for a large order which us actually two small pockets of chips. Admittedly they have excellent chips and tatsy salsa. But the cost and other issues are too much to be overcome by a few chips.

I do think this place has its market... people who like softer, smoother Mexican flavors without much spicy will enjoy this. It does feel clean and simple, and I like the feel of the place.

But the cost, and the blandness of the food and smaller portions will keep me...

Having had the opportunity to eat from Sol Azteca Mexican Restaurant in Mesa recently with a large group of friends and family, I was able to try from their moderate sized menu offerings. Overall, I can say it was enjoyable. Although not what I would call outstanding – nor close. Most what I tried was tasty overall and well prepared to a large degree. Some of the items we tried included: the Chile Rellenos consisting of 2 mozzarella cheese (mozzarella???) stuffed (very small) Poblano Chiles in an batter (too thick), that was deep fried, and topped with a mediocre tasting ranchero salsa; 2 Enchiladas Plate with 2 corn tortillas bloated (really!) with cheese, alongside Crema and more cheese; their Tampiqueña Grilled steak in salsa roja cheese enchilada with some grilled scallions, alongside guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream and tortillas; and a few more dishes, and of course the all the aforementioned were served with the obligatory tortillas! My favorite of the bunch though (and not the best ever had) was the Molcajetito where the dish is supposedly heated in a cast iron vessel (which loses its effect when it is a take-out meal) of chicken, carne asada, chorizo, and cactus (not the best or freshest cactus I’ve tried) also along with grilled scallions (very stringy), queso fresco and I believe a house-made Ranchero Salsa, also sided with their pico de gallo (not bad), sour cream, guacamole and again tortillas. Yet again, through each of my tasting I found that although the meal was satisfying, it was lackluster and short of distinguishing characteristics or personality. I hate to say that although not bad, there is nothing here that can compete with other Valley dime-a-dozen non-regional, hard-to-identify or distinguish south-of-the-border regions or styles of Mexican-style fare. Buen...

Some of the best mexican food I have had in awhile especially at this price. The inside of the shop is well decorated and feels bright and lively. upon walking in I immediately had a good feeling about it but wasn't sure what to order off the quite large menu. Fortunately the helpful employees were ready with recommendations.

I ended up getting the Trio enchiladas and it is definitely the best choice for a first time in. You get three enchiladas with three different fillings and three different sauces. It is a great way to try a bunch of things at once. I enjoyed all three combinations a lot more than I expected to, especially considering I'm usually a red enchilada sauce only kind of guy. The shredded chicken and beef were both way moisture and way more flavorful than I tend to expect from mexican restaurants and really complimented their respective sauces nicely.

To go with my enchiladas I also got some Horchata. This also really surprised me, the Horchata was probably the most unique I have ever had. They add fresh strawberries and coconut to it making it super light and refreshing while still having the comforting cinnamon and rice milk flavor you know and love.

Most of the menu is under or near $10 and for the amount/quality of food you get it is well...