It was not snowing. It was raining. It was the middle of winter. It was cold but not cold enough to snow. This was just the kind of day that breaks a student’s spirit.

A meal at Sol Azteca was quite possibly the perfect remedy to such dark, dreary weather-induced depression. Stepping into the restaurant was like walking through a secret passage way and coming out in Mexico. In addition to being well-heated, Sol Azteca was filled with sunlight, Mexican décor and traditional music.

The service was friendly, accommodating and timely. Our group arrived in many parts but, unlike some establishments, Sol Azteca was happy to seat us without the full party. Instead of feeling unwelcome, we felt both valued and respected.

Eating at Sol Azteca presented three challenges, all of which were positive. The first challenge was choosing what to eat. The menu boasted sections for traditional plates, specialties and vegetarian options, in addition to appetizers and desserts.
When deciding on an entrée, this setup can be helpful as types of food are categorized.

However, the number of options seemed intimidating. Perhaps it would be simpler if the fajitas were listed only once, with filling options underneath, instead of as multiple different dishes.

Maybe I am being too nitpicky. The truth of the matter is, the number of options delighted us. No two people in our party of five ordered the same dish. Upon succeeding in our first challenge, choosing an item to order, we were soon confronted with the second.

The servings are muy grande. Everything smelled great, tasted better and was hot without being overdone. Yet, with every bite of rice and beans, we felt ourselves slowing down. For the hungry among us, who had just come from sports practices, the servings were perfect. Those who could not finish did not seem to mind. They walked out with lunch for the next day.

That brings us to the final challenge. When leaving a restaurant filled with spirit, energy and tasty aromas, walking out the door into the dark, cool and rainy Boston weather is less than appealing.

That is good for Sol Azteca though, because when patrons do not want to leave, the restaurant is doing something right.
When you go, which you should, try the chile Rellenos, a dish with cactus and, of course, mole poblano.

Sol Azteca brings a bit of traditional Mexican food to our area. It perfectly blends flavor with culture. A visit there will both raise spirits and satisfy stomachs. If you have not been there, you should try it. Just ask someone who has been there. I’m willing to bet they have been more than once.

Jake Wolf-Sorokin can be contacted at [email protected].