Mas alla del Sol Reviews

Asked siri for restaurants in the area and picked this one by reviews. I would highly recommend this, the food and service was excellent. Family owned, very clean, the house margarita was amazing! we will be back!!!

I saw an episode of "Check Please' on this restaurant and just had to check it out after their rave reviews. They hit it on the head-food was delicious and they had a wonderful, unique vegetarian platter that was soo incredibly flavorful. The atmosphere was comfortable and more than casual, a hint of upscale and very nice & clean. Our servers was very nice and accommodating. Super easy street parking too. Can't wait to go back.

This restaurant is five minutes from our house, so after discovering it on Sat., we vowed to come often. It's not a storefront taqueria and it's not Topolobampo rather, in between. The inside is very stylish, but we ate on the sidewalk patio because of the beautiful evening (somewhat noisy on Broadway). Our food was great, starting with a sopas appetizer, moving to very good chile rellenos and chicken en mole (menu says this is a family recipe) and ending with a smooth, not too sweet flan. A perfect Mexican dinner; we felt like we were in Isla Mujeres on restaurant row.

I've had dinner at Mas alla del Sol twice in the past 2 months and both times I've been happy with the seafood, including whole grilled snapper, a grilled shrimp special, and the ceviche, which is cooked rather than raw but very tasty. The salsa and chicken and beef enchiladas are also good (mole and bandera). Overall, the food is good and sometimes particularly good (try the specials) and the atmosphere is family friendly. The service is excellent; both times our servers have been knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. I'll be back!

Nice, upscale mexican restaurant, had no clue it was there. This place might be a little upstaged by Cookies and Carnitas signage but don't miss it. This is not your average combo plate Mexican restaurant, much more. When I first moved to Chicago I found a place in Lincoln Square that had off the beaten path great dishes, haven't found a place like it until now. They have your standards but I highly recommend you reach out and try some of their less known dishes. Great salsas as well.

We'd never tried this place before and I'm sure we'll be back again. I was sort of surprised that the fajitas were not sizzling, and there was no choice between corn and flour tortillas

Highly recommend by our hosts, and we were not disappointed! I had the scallops in an awesome chipotle sauce and my fiancé had an amazing salmon dish. The zucchini appetizer was also fresh and aptly seasoned.

This is a great place with a very welcoming staff and good food and drinks. We have been several times and enjoy the steak, seafood and enchiladas. We recently asked the bartender for some margarita recommendations and he was incredibly knowledgeable and suggested some excellent tequilas. This is not an inexpensive evening out, but we think it's really worth it.

Nice restaurant for a date. Mexican food was very good. Inside was nice. This was not a hole in the wall joint. Street parking easy. has a small patio in front. I will go back.

Get the carne asada!! It’s truly the best! The pisco margarita was bomb! I also got the lava cake. Everyone at our table had something different to eat and we all loved our meals. Will definitely be back on our next visit to Chicago!

I was visiting Chicago, looking for good Mexican food, and my friend who lives there said he saw a good review of this new restaurant. The food was very good but the service was somewhere between friendly and inept. First, our main course was late. A table that sat 10 minutes after we arrived got their food and were almost done while we were still waiting. No big deal in that we were not in a hurry. Good thing. Second, it took 3 times to get the correct bill. The first bill was for a table of 5 (we were 2 people). The second bill was for 2 cocktails only (neither of us drink). I finally got a different person than the waiter to give us the correct bill. Only then was I informed that they didn't take American Express. We put together our money, paid the bill (with a good tip) and left. I would not recommend going here. The service problem tarnished the experience. There are too many other options in Chicago with good service and good food.

Visited for dinner with several friends on a Friday. Great food, really good mojitos, and some great Cinco de Mayo pomegranate and mango guac. Prices are slightly more than what you normally pay for Mexican, but the prices are fair, as this isn't just some after-bar burrito place. Entrees ran $18-$25, everyone at the table enjoyed what they had. Can't wait to go back. ¡Sabor!

The search continues and I look forward to a springtime survey of all the competition. But on a cold winter night in Chicago this place warms me inside and out. Family owned and authentic to the core this place is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Chicago and beyond.

Warm and attentive service, laid back and cheerful ambience. Delicious authentic cuisine. Excellent guacamole, superb mole enchiladas, yummy tortilla soup, flan very good too! Hope to return soon.

Celebrated a friend's bday here and loved the drinks and the food! The margaritas alone were amazing and fun. And I loved the drink with vodka, St Germaine and basil. We all shared the ceviche, caldo de camaron, carne mas allas skirt steak, costillas ribs, and one had camarones con verdolagas. One had the churros for dessert too. Everything was fresh and delicious...

We have been here before and will be back, this is a excellent Resturant. Every visit we find another reason to return. Service, food, drinks, entertainment. Blood orange margaritas. Skirt steak prepared excellently. Great place.

This is a friendly casual neighborhood spot, reasonably priced, with delicious Mexican food and very attentive servers. The guacamole, chips & salsa are great and a good way to start out along with a margarita- many variations available- all fresh and mixed to order. The chicken enchiladas with mole sauce is a favorite as is the whole red snapper veracruzana. Beware the fish is served whole but it's easy enough to manage and so delicious. The carne asada is the best we've had locally. Most everything is served with rice and beans and salad. There are always chef specials to tempt you and usually a featured margarita like blood orange last time we were there. They serve a brunch on weekends that we haven't tried yet but the menu looks very good. This is a busy place - very popular and well it should be. On a Saturday evening at prime dinner time you need a reservation to avoid a wait. Good value!

We are regulars here. The servers are incredibly kind and friendly to our children. The food is always outstanding. I once got the salmon as take out and it was just as delicious as always is in the restaurant which I found to be impressive. Mas Alla is Chicago's best-kept brunch secret because there's no wait to get in and the food is excellent.

this is our second visit after purchasing a second home in the neighborhood. both visits have been wonderful. my spouse,myself and our daughter tried the pork with corn potatoes, the salmon, the scallops and shrimp in the chipolte cream sauce and several others. the food has wonderful blended flavors that all go well together. portions are generous and the staff is attentive. a real find close to Loyola university.

I am from Texas and I went to visit my friend in Chicago. Upon arriving he told me, "I found this great place for Mexican food!"--I was skeptical. However, upon arrival the atmosphere was wonderful and certainly conjured up images of deep Mexico. We started with a pitcher of mimosas, which I think would more accurately be labeled as a carafe. A full pitcher would have been too much. The drinks were delicious and a perfect segue to brunch. We ordered one of the French Toast specials and a shrimp omelet with chips and salsa to start. Salsa was quite good and had a nice back-side kick. The omelet was delicious and the shrimp tasted incredibly fresh. Even better, it came with beans and sauce and was served with corn tortillas. Perfect combination. The french toast melted in our mouths--not too soft and not overcooked. I haven't enjoyed brunch that much in a very long time. Service was wonderful and friendly. We never had to wait for anything. Food was ready fast and brought piping hot. Price was very reasonable. There is also a very lovely outdoor patio area which would be very nice in the right weather. I simply cannot say enough good things about this place! I can't wait to go visit again, just for brunch!

Don't be misled by the casual look of this Mexican restaurant. The food is really good. The servers know their food and are very proud of it. You can go simple, such as Chile relleno or something more complex like the swordfish special. Lot's of choices. All were good. We really enjoyed the ceviche. Worth the drive to Edgewater.

Been going to this place for quite sometime now and the food is always consistently good and delicious. The service as executed by members of the same family who make these delicious creations in the kitchen is always warm and similar to what I have experienced in Mexico. Though price maybe a little more than the average Mexican food, it is well worth the quality in every bite. My favorite Mexican restaurant in Chicago!

There will a 4,5 etc. This is one great restaurant in my opinion. The food is great, from start to finish. Specials are to be ordered and enjoyed, bar does great drinks. Mussels special Skirt steak Lamb Shank Fried Ice cream Bar service All were outstanding and the staff makes is friendly and helpful.

This isn't the typical Americanized, gloppy Mexican food. As other diners have said, everything tastes fresh and carefully prepared. We liked the seasonal guacamole very much, drinks were delightful, and all the entrees were well received. I had the Camarones con verdolagas, which is a garlic shrimp over greens and veggies. It was terrific -- lots of flavor without being overpowering. Others in our party of five had fajitas, skirt steak dishes and a pork tenderloin entrée, all with glowing reports. Hope to come back next time we're in Chicago!

I try to stop in here whenever I am in town & up this way. They have a Red Snapper dish in a garlic sauce that is so good. A low key place with good service. Oh & get a margarita. They are delicious. Looks small from the outside but it is actually larger than it looks. The only reason the rating isn’t higher is because I haven’t tried more dishes. Stuck on the Snapper for now.

We often eat at Mas alla del Sol. My wife and I enjoy several dishes, they have a glacamole that has pomergranite seeds and other items that give it an different taste and texture than the normal glacamole. They have an appetizer that is zuchini cut in quarters and stuffed with cheese with salad and exceptional tomato based sauce. We typically share a skirt steak dish with cheese enchillata, rice, refried beans, lettuce and tomato. We probably been there 10 or more times and have always had a pleasant experience.

There's no shortage of Mexican restaurants, good Mexican restaurants, in Chicago. There is a shortage of Mexican restaurants that master the basics, add some elevated elements (without going all esoteric on us) and do it all with style, and this is one of them. The family that once also gave us humbler but loved Los Nopales closed that BYO to concentrate on this full-service one; whether or not the economics worked for the family, we are richer for it. You'll find what might be the city's best carne asada here; fans of garlicky fried red snapper will find it done perfectly here as well, and its mole is the stuff of Oaxacan dreams. A variety of margaritas is always on tap, and the selection of tequilas is dizzying. But if all you want is enchiladas, they're here, too -- in a room lovely enough for a first date with someone you want to impress. Street parking is easy; the tabs rational. It's all good.

You can get an enchilada here, but most of their dishes are a step up from the average Mexican restaurant. Their grilled vegetables with chicken was delicious, and their flan was very good. The margaritas are strong and the salsa is hot. Be warned, but come anyway.

I went to this restaurant with my husband and my sister recently. My sister had their margarita of the day, watermelon and ny husband had their margarita flight. Both of them were very good. I had their steak tacos and my husband had one of their combo dinners. All of the food was excellent and we are looking forward to going there again very soon. The only downside is there is no parking near the restaurant.

We arrived on a Saturday at 1 pm, planning to have a lunch of Mexican food. We were disappointed to find they were serving brunch rather than a traditional menu, however, we did enjoy our food. The service was very attentive. Several of our group had omelets, I enjoyed a chicken sandwich with guacamole and other toppings. I would recommend the sandwich as it was very good.

This is not your usual Mexican restaurant fare. Dishes are creative and very subtly spiced. While you will find the menu fare you recognize, the presentation and flavor combinations will be different from what you are used to. The mole is especially good. Also be sure to try the cocktails and desserts. Service is extremely attentive. Prices are above average for Mexican restaurants.

been here many times and always has been a pleasure, from the service ,margaritas,guacomole , and every entree i've had {and there have been many} was delicious!! good bang for your buck also !!

The food here is exceptional. Reasonably priced though a little more than some. Service and family atmospheric make all feel welcome and special. A gem!

I took two friends here on a Tuesday evening to celebrate their birthdays. Metered street parking was plentiful. Our reservation was for 6 pm and we were greeted cordially and seated immediately. There were very few diners. The waitress was knowledgeable and professional. Two of us had margaritas and the third had a michelada. Chips and a good spicy salsa are gratis. We had the “special” which was marinated grilled shrimp, the scallops, and the red snapper. Each entree was excellent. We shared a wonderful chocolate molten lava cake for dessert. We chatted for quite a while after dinner and felt no pressure to leave. More tables were occupied during the course of our meal but it never became crowded. We truly enjoyed the food, service, and ambiance. It’s in our neighborhood so we’ll definitely return.

Had the Carne Asada and Chille Relleno....was the absolute best and most tender steak I have ever had. OMG....wonderful. Rice and beans were wonderful as well. Chips and Guacamole exceptional. I will go back again.

Mas alla del Sol is in the neighborhood where I live, but I only recently learned that it is a great Mexican restaurant. It is more upscale and sophisticated than I expected. The menu is impressive in it's selections and creativity. The food is exceptional. The service is outstanding. Dining there was a great experience. The prices are what you would expect in an upscale, quality restaurant. Brunch is offered on Saturdays and Sundays. If you like Mexican food you won't be disappointed with Mas alla del Sol.

A new restaurant in the neighborhood. Everything I've heard from friends is that the food is wonderful. I finally got to find out for myself and I'm happy to report that it's all true. I can't wait to go back and try some other dishes. At the start, the evening showed promise when I overheard a lady at the table behind us commenting that these were "the best restaurant margaritas" she has had. It turns out that she appreciates the art form of the perfect margarita and so we had what they were having, involving pomegranates. Lovely. On our second pass my wife asked for a surprise and we were served a pear concoction that was clearly a margarita but with a special fresh twist. The salsa had nice heat and smokiness, a pleasant counterpoint to the cool drinks. As usual with a new place, I threw myself into the hands of our server, asking him his favorite dish. He recommended two entrees featuring skirt steak. I'm more of a pollo guy, but I took him at his word and I wasn't disappointed at all. The steak was perfectly prepared and came with sides including beans (good), enchilada (very good) and rice (ridiculously good). I asked about the rice and he only said it was prepared in chicken stock and heated in the oven. Well I've made rice with stock many times and all I can say is that this must be the most kick-a__ stock in the world. Everything on the plate was beautifully prepared and perfectly seasoned. Portions are generous so we couldn't handle desert, but I will dream about the coffee tequila desert they tried to talk us into. All in all, creative Mexican, family run at less than Rick Bayless pricing. In Edgewater, safe street parking, Red Line access, a block from Lickety Split, how can you go wrong?

My son and his wife took us to Masa alla del Sol when we visited them in Chicago. They described the restaurant as just a good neighborhood eatery, but we were very impressed. We live in the capital city of a southern state, and while the variety and quality of restaurants there have improved in recent years, the "Mexican" offerings leave a lot to be desired. Masa alla del Sol does indeed have a neighborhood feel, but it is attractive, clean and hospitable. The food was excellent. The service was as well; our water glasses were never half empty. Before dinner, I had a wonderful pink grapefruit margarita. For my entree, I had the Carne Asada y Camarones, a delicious grilled skirt steak with three jumbo shrimp, beans, and salad. Unlike some restaurants that pass themselves off as "Mexican," the flavors of the food were sophisticated as well as tasty. My wife agreed, and I can only wish that someday there will be comparable Mexican food available in my hometown. I can't compare Masa alla del Sol to competing restaurants in Chicago, but I don't hesitate to suggest that you go out of your way to eat there. I certainly will return.

This is really a great Mexican Restaurant - my favorite! It is a neighborhood gem! Nice decor, friendly staff, and fabulous food! I was in the mood for grilled shrimp and saw 3 choices on the menu. I asked the waiter which one he preferred, and he suggested Camarones con Verdolagas. It was the one I was least likely to order, but tried it anyway. Wow, what an amazing dish! I was in heaven. It truly melted in my mouth. I can't wait to go back and try it again!

As a Mexican food enthusiast, this place blew away all expectations. We went with friends who are regulars and knew the extensive Menu very well. I ordered the house dish with skirt steak and my boyfriend ordered the shrimp with chipotle cream sauce. Both were amazing in their own way! The salsa is unique--spicy with a sweet undertone. Make the trip and have a prickly pear margarita!

A neighborhood Mexican Restaurant that has great service, good food and drinks and ambiance and outdoor seating. Went with fantastic neighbors and began the evening with Guacamole and drinks, of course. The women chose Carne Mas Alla del Sol – Grilled skirt steak served over a chile morita-tomato sauce, frijoles borrachos, slices of seared Panela cheese, and fried cebollitas, garnished with an avocado relish. The entree was delicious and plentiful – had to take some home.The Mr. chose: Fajitas de Asada – Sautéed strips of skirt steak with tomatoes, green peppers, onions and mushrooms. with side orders of beans and rice. The other gentlemen had the Camarones ala Mexicana Jumbo shrimp sautéed with tomatoes, jalapenos, and onions, served with rice and salad Alice says: MAS ALLA DEL SOL is NOT your local Taco Bell. Everything is fresh, tasty and the drinks are good.

Pretty sure it was made vegan. Super delicious. Mine was filled with potatoes, carrots, lettuce, tomato, and onion. I put their table red sauce on it. Does come with rice and beans but pretty filling just the two gorditas.

The food is great, Resturant is very comfortable, service is outstanding. Every dish we have had has been excellent, prepared and presented well.

This is a sit-down place, with prices a bit higher than your average Mexican restaurant. Having said that, the prices are very fair, with great food ($90 for two, including three drinks and tip). The carne asade was excellent, as were the chicken fajitas (although, the fajitas were not served on a sizzling skillet). There was a fairly lengthy selection of seafood which we'll have to sample on a future trip. Our server was excellent, making a couple recommendations which were spot-on. We will definitely return.

We always go back because its simply delicious, every dish has a special touch and the next one its even better There tequila choice its one of the good ones

In our part of Chicago there are sufficient good restaurants that we do not frequent many that require a short drive. However Mas alla del Sol is proving to be one that makes this worthwhile. It was linked to late lamented Los Nopales on Western Avenue, which was within walking distance and it took us a while to bite the bullet and find this one. However each visit has made the trip worthwhile. We have not had a bad dish here, Ceviche is excellent as are Fajitas and the steak dishes that we have tried. As others have said, not your basic cheap Mexican but nice atmosphere, friendly, helpful staff and very good food.

This is by far our favorite Mexican restaurant in Chicago. Ingredients are fresh, and preparations are flavorful. My mouth waters just thinking about the lamb shank, but the ribs, pork tenderloin, and seafood dishes are fantastic as well. Great margaritas. And the service is impeccable every time we go, and we go often now. Try it once and you'll be hooked!

We've been here three times now and never had a bad experience, always the opposite - an outstanding experience. I'm not typically a skirt steak person, but Mas alla del Sol has it right. The steak was perfect, in fact I've had it twice! We are both reluctant to have fajitas as we always go home smelling like the dish. We are pleased to say their fajitas are fajita style, so not sizzling and smelling you up and incredibly delicious. The prices are a bit high for Mexican food, but it's not your typical retried beans place! So give them a try, the ambience is nice, the bartender a delight and the food outstanding.

Third or fourth time eating here and each time it's been excellent. The best high-end Mexican cuisine I've had since the demise of Manhattan's La Palapa. I haven't found a weakness on the menu yet.

The green pepper soup was so so good! The side dishes also were great with such friendly service. Highly recommended.

This will not be the cheapest Mexican restaurant in Chicago but is likely one of the best. I'd classify this as fine Cuisine Mexican. Entrees are $22 -$26 but well worth it. Portions are ample and the food was impeccably prepared. We had the Shrimp in garlic sauce, the skirt steak mas all Del sole and the cheese stuffed pepper. All came with sides and we're absolutely wonderful. We had stuffed zucchini appetizer. Excellent. And the place is very nicely decorated. I highly recommend trying this place. If traveling by transit, take the red line to thorndale and it's a couple of blocks- an easy walk.

Mexican Sunday brunch. No reservation needed. Bar drinks available. Good coffee with cinnamon taste. Food is tasty, glacomole with pomegranate seeds and other fruit is different than any other places. Excellent skirt steak and enchiladas. Other egg dishes. Recommend for both weekend brunch and dinners

My spouse and I went here for an early dinner. Found it on TV. Very near our home in Rogers Park. Service is excellent. Hector was very friendly and helpful. Great atmosphere. We sat at a table near the bar. The bar would be nice to sit at as well. We had the standard Margarita with salt on the rocks with the upgrade to Cointreau. It came in the perfect glass and was delicious. The salsa is spicy and great chips. My spouse ordered chicken fajitas and I had enchiladas with red sauce. Flavors were great. We will be back!

This colorfully decorated restaurant was buzzing with activity Saturday night. The menu had so many delicious and interesting choices. I had the chicken enchiladas with mole sauce. There was tons of chicken inside the enchiladas and I loved the mole. I normally don’t care for mole until tasting a large variety of moles at a Mexico City market. Now I’m planning to order it in the states.to see if any place offers the same quality as I found in Mexico City. This restaurant definitely passed the test. They also offer a variety of seafood served with fresh grilled vegetables.

Do yourself a favor and order the carna Asada!! It is a a delight to the taste buds!Amazing food and great service. Excellent food and lively atmosphere!

If you live in Chicago area you have to give a try at Mas alla del Sol. I was impressed by the variety of authentic flavors, that beautifly melt on mouth! The skirt stake is excellent and it is combined with various other ingredients. My friend got the salmon plate and it was very savory. Great variety of appetizers and entries . We were a party of 8 people, so we had the chance to taste multiple plates and deserts. Ingredients are fresh and home made. Our server was attentive and very friendly. The head chef walked through the tables to check if everything was fine. Not to mention there was a sweet grandpa, typical Mexicano, who was singing accompannied by his guitar..sweet! Overall, the food, service and ambiance satisfied us all! Thumbs up for this mexican place!