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Sol Agave
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Sol Agave
8.1
From food truck to beachside success, this modern Mexican spot specializes in all-natural braised carnitas and fresh seafood preparations. The contemporary presentation maintains authentic flavors while offering free parking near the pier.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Plate, Sugar Cane Filet Appetizer, Lobster Enchiladas
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: All-natural braised pork carnitas from food truck origins
Who should go: Families and pier visitors wanting quality Mexican
When to visit: Weekend brunch or happy hour 2-6pm
What to order: Carnitas plate, sugar cane filet, fajitas
Insider tip: Free parking behind building saves pier rates
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind building - huge advantage over $15-20 pier parking. Street parking fills up by 7pm weekends
Dress code: Beach casual - shorts and flip-flops totally fine, it's Ocean Park
Noise level: Lively but manageable - families create energy but you can still have conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak summer, 15-20 min off-season
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, maybe 10 min wait if there's a beach event
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom fajitas, cheese enchiladas, veggie tacos clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie tacos and sides, ask server for prep without dairy
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, most proteins naturally GF, alert server for cross-contamination concerns
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates - lively atmosphere takes pressure off, shareable plates encourage interaction, and proximity to pier allows for post-dinner walk
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays usually yes, weekends hit-or-miss. Best bet is early dinner (5-6pm) or after 8:30pm. Bar seating often available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu, high chairs, crayons provided. Staff patient with families, and other diners expect children given the location
Best For
Better for: Authentic carnitas that rival any taqueria but with full-service comfort and free parking that beats everywhere else near the pier
Skip if: You want white-tablecloth dining or innovative fusion - this is elevated comfort Mexican, not experimental cuisine
Sol Agave
8.8
Modern coastal Mexican cuisine featuring award-winning carnitas and an extensive agave spirits collection in a sophisticated setting with ocean proximity. The weekend brunch draws families for its creative Mexican-California fusion dishes while the patio offers a relaxed vibe perfect for multi-generational gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Soft Tacos, Enchiladas de Langosta, Guacamole Sampler
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Former food truck success story with upscale coastal Mexican approach
Who should go: Families seeking elevated Mexican with ocean vibes
When to visit: Weekend brunch or happy hour 2-6pm weekdays
What to order: Carnitas tacos, lobster enchiladas, guacamole trio
Insider tip: Dog-friendly patio perfect for afternoon cocktails
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging on weekends, metered spots fill by 7pm. Small lot behind restaurant (free 2 hrs). Valet Friday-Sunday nights $8
Dress code: California casual - anything from nice jeans to sundresses. Beach attire ok for patio lunch, slightly dressier for dinner
Noise level: Lively but manageable - indoor dining allows conversation, patio can get loud during peak brunch
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, 60+ for patio tables
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min for patio preference
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 8+ options including street corn, veggie enchiladas, and mushroom tacos
Vegan options: Moderate - 4-5 dishes, can modify most vegetarian items. Separate vegan menu available on request
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, dedicated fryer for chips, staff well-versed in modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for dinner dates - sophisticated but not stuffy, good cocktails to break the ice, and patio creates romantic ambiance after sunset. Skip weekend brunch if you want quiet conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually fine. Weekend dinner walk-ins should expect 30+ min wait. Bar seating often available within 15 minutes
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu, crayons provided, high chairs available. Weekend brunch is particularly family-heavy. Staff accommodating with food modifications for picky eaters
Best For
Better for: Superior cocktail program and seafood-forward Mexican dishes compared to typical family Mexican spots. More sophisticated atmosphere than Loqui but more relaxed than Tallula's
Skip if: Want authentic street tacos under $3 each, need late-night dining (closes by 10pm), or seeking traditional Tex-Mex comfort food
Sol Agave
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Happy Hour Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
From food truck to beachside favorite since 2014, Sol Agave specializes in carnitas and contemporary seafood dishes. The warm chips and Ocean Avenue location make it a local institution near the pier.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Plate, Lobster Enchiladas, Sugar Cane Filet Appetizer
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: All-natural braised pork carnitas perfected since 2014
Who should go: Families and carnitas connoisseurs
When to visit: Happy hour 2-6pm or weekend brunch
What to order: Carnitas, lobster enchiladas, sugar cane filet
Insider tip: Free parking available around the corner
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking around the corner on side streets, metered parking on Ocean Ave ($2/hr until 8pm)
Dress code: Beach casual - shorts and sandals welcome, come as you are
Noise level: Lively but manageable - outdoor patio quieter than inside dining room
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, 60+ during summer months
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during peak summer
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie fajitas, cheese enchiladas, multiple salads
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie fajitas, ask for no cheese/sour cream
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, most proteins naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates - the patio has ocean breezes and it's lively enough to avoid awkward silences, but skip if you want intimate conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, but make a reservation for Friday/Saturday dinner or Sunday brunch - they save bar seats for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu, high chairs, crayons provided, and the chips keep them happy while waiting for food
Best For
Better for: Superior carnitas and stronger margaritas than nearby Frida or Mercado - plus the patio actually has ocean views
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos (try Tacos Punta Cabras) or upscale modern Mexican (go to Tallula's)
Sol Agave
7.9
Modern Mexican restaurant near the beach emphasizing fresh, healthy ingredients with a California twist. Started as a food truck in 2014, now serving elevated Mexican cuisine with ocean proximity and daily Happy Hour from 2-5pm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Fish Tacos, Chicken Mole, Street Corn Esquites
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Health-conscious Mexican with beachside location and early Happy Hour
Who should go: Health-minded diners and beach-goers
When to visit: 2-5pm for best Happy Hour deals
What to order: Fish tacos, fresh guacamole, agave margaritas
Insider tip: Weekend brunch from 10am-2pm is excellent
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking with 2-hour meters, fills up after 5pm. Small lot behind restaurant (12 spots) for quick lunch visits. Beach lots 2 blocks away ($8-15)
Dress code: Beach casual welcome - shorts, sandals, sundresses all fine. Locals come straight from the sand
Noise level: Lively during Happy Hour, quieter at lunch. Patio tables best for conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 60 min in summer. Call-ahead list available
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 10-15 min during rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Full vegetarian section with 8+ options, can modify most dishes
Vegan options: Yes - Cashew crema substitute, separate vegan menu with 5 items
Gluten-free options: Yes - Corn tortillas standard, dedicated fryer, staff well-trained
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - not too loud, shareable plates encourage interaction, Happy Hour keeps costs reasonable, and beach proximity offers natural post-dinner walk option
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for Happy Hour if you arrive by 3pm. Dinner walk-ins work best on weeknights or if you're flexible with bar seating. Weekend brunch always needs reservation
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu, crayons provided, high chairs available. Outdoor patio perfect for restless little ones. Staff patient with families, though peak Happy Hour can feel adult-focused
Best For
Better for: Healthier Mexican without sacrificing flavor - grilled not fried, fresh ingredients, legitimate vegetable-forward options. Better Happy Hour deals than Tallula's or Mercado
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos or late-night dining (closes 9pm). For traditional Mexican, hit El Texate. For upscale Mexican date nights, choose Forma instead