El Sol Restaurante & Tequileria is a warm, family-run Mexican spot near Logan Circle/Shaw known for authentic regional cooking, house margaritas, and a deep tequila list. A neighborhood favorite, not a tourist trap. Open daily, later on weekends. (Note: the older 14th St/Petworth site closed.)
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 10:00am-11:00pm Tue 10:00am-11:00pm Wed 10:00am-11:00pm Thu 10:00am-11:00pm Fri 10:00am-11:30pm Sat 10:00am-11:30pm Sun 10:00am-11:00pm |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Mt. Vernon Square/Convention Center Metro (Green/Yellow), ~6 min walk; Shaw-Howard also close |
| Time needed | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Weeknight dinner for a relaxed table; weekend brunch for margaritas |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.7/10- Value8.0
- iconic6.0
- Freshness9.3
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level7.0
- Authenticity8.6
- Accessibility7.8
Frequently asked questions
- Did El Sol close?
- The 11th Street NW restaurant near Logan Circle is open and operating. A separate, older location on upper 14th Street in Petworth is listed as closed. If you searched and saw 'closed,' that was the other address.
- What's the tequila and margarita situation?
- The 'Tequileria' in the name is earned: there's a substantial tequila and mezcal list and well-made margaritas. It's as much a spot for a good agave pour as for dinner. Ask staff for a recommendation.
- Is El Sol authentic Mexican food?
- Yes, it leans toward genuine regional Mexican cooking rather than Tex-Mex, with house-made tortillas, moles, and tacos that locals rate highly. It's a family-run spot with real care behind the menu. Come hungry for the real thing.
- Is El Sol good for groups?
- Yes, though the space is on the cozier side, so larger parties should call ahead. Shareable plates and a lively atmosphere make it fun for groups. Weekend evenings fill up, so reserve if you can.
- Do they do brunch or lunch?
- Yes, they open at 10am daily, so lunch and weekend late-morning meals with margaritas are on the table. It's a flexible all-day spot. Off-peak hours are the calmest time to go.
- Where is El Sol located?
- The main restaurant is at 1227 11th Street NW, between Logan Circle and Shaw. Note that an older 14th Street/Petworth location has closed, so head to the 11th Street spot. It's walkable from Mt. Vernon Square Metro.
- Is it expensive?
- It's mid-range and fair for the quality, more than a taqueria counter but well below fine dining. You can eat well without overspending, especially if you share plates. The tequila list is where a bill can climb.
- What should I order at El Sol?
- Tacos with the house tortillas, mole dishes, and anything the staff steers you toward that day are safe bets, paired with a margarita. It's a menu built for exploring beyond the usual combo plate.
Nearby in Ask Washington DC
- Unconventional DinerRestaurant0.27 km · 3 min walk
- Ivy and ConeyBar0.71 km · 9 min walk
- Dacha Beer Garden (Shaw)Bar0.76 km · 10 min walk
- ShawNeighborhood0.87 km · 11 min walk
- National Portrait GalleryAttraction0.93 km · 12 min walk
Where to stay near El Sol Restaurante & Taqueria
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