Del Sol Mexican Restaurant — Authentic Flavors and Lively Atmosphere in South Carolina

What Del Sol Serves and Where to Find It

Del Sol is a Mexican restaurant that brings traditional recipes and regional dishes to South Carolina diners. The menu centers on made-to-order items rather than pre-assembled plates, so you can expect fresh ingredients and customization. Dishes range from street tacos and enchiladas to chile rellenos and carne asada, with daily specials that reflect seasonal availability and the kitchen's focus on quality.

The restaurant operates in a casual, family-friendly setting designed to feel like a neighborhood gathering place rather than fine dining. Colorful décor, often featuring Mexican folk art and bright tiles, creates an inviting atmosphere. The bar stocks tequilas, mezcals, and Mexican beers alongside margaritas and traditional cocktails.

Key Takeaways

• Del Sol prepares most dishes to order, so expect fresh ingredients and the ability to request modifications based on your preferences.
• The menu includes both everyday items like tacos and enchiladas, and regional specialties that rotate with availability and the chef's selections.
• Dining is casual and family-oriented, making it suitable for weeknight dinners, group gatherings, and celebrations.
• The restaurant typically offers a full bar with Mexican spirits, beers, and cocktails that pair with the food.

Signature Dishes and What to Order

Del Sol's strength lies in dishes that showcase technique and ingredient quality. Carne asada — grilled, marinated beef — is often a standout, served with warm tortillas, lime, and fresh onion and cilantro. Chiles rellenos, poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or meat and covered in a light egg batter, represent the kind of labor-intensive dish that separates a serious kitchen from a casual one.

Street tacos are typically available in multiple proteins: carnitas (slow-cooked pork), al pastor (marinated pork with pineapple), pollo asado (grilled chicken), or pescado (fish when in season). These come on corn tortillas with minimal garnish, letting the meat and cooking method speak for themselves. Enchiladas, whether in red chile sauce, green salsa, or mole, often come with rice and beans, and many diners order them with an egg on top.

Sides and starters matter here too. Fresh guacamole made to order, warm chips with house salsa, and chile con queso (cheese dip with roasted chiles) are worth ordering even if you're sharing. Soups like pozole (hominy and pork stew) and tortilla soup appear seasonally and are substantial enough to be a meal on their own.

Pricing and What to Expect When You Pay

Most entrées at Del Sol fall in the moderate range — tacos and enchiladas typically cost between $12 and $18 per plate, while larger dishes like carne asada or chile rellenos run $16 to $24. Combination plates, which bundle an entrée with rice, beans, and a choice of taco or enchilada, offer better value if you're hungry or want to sample multiple items.

Appetizers and sides range from $5 to $12. Drinks, including margaritas and cocktails, are usually $8 to $14. The restaurant accepts cash and card, and most locations add a tip line at checkout. There is typically no cover charge, and you order at the counter or from a server depending on the location.

When to Go and How Long to Wait

Lunch hours (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) tend to draw office workers and families, so expect moderate crowds and a 10 to 20-minute wait if you arrive without a reservation. Dinner service (5 p.m. to 9 or 10 p.m.) is busier, especially Thursday through Saturday, with waits sometimes stretching to 30 to 45 minutes on peak nights.

Weekday afternoons between 2 and 4 p.m. are usually the quietest times. If you're dining with a group of six or more, calling ahead to let the kitchen know is a courtesy that helps them prepare. Del Sol does not typically take reservations for small parties, but a heads-up call can reduce your wait.

Dietary Needs and Menu Modifications

Because most dishes are made to order, Del Sol can accommodate several common requests. Vegetarian diners can order cheese enchiladas, chile rellenos filled with cheese, bean tacos, or veggie-focused plates. The kitchen can usually prepare items without certain ingredients — no cilantro, no onion, no cheese — if you ask when ordering.

Gluten-free diners should ask about corn tortillas (which are naturally gluten-free) and confirm that sauces and broths are prepared without flour thickeners. Cross-contamination is a risk in any kitchen, so if you have a severe allergy, speak directly with a manager about preparation. Spice levels can be adjusted; let your server know if you prefer mild, medium, or hot.

Parking and Location Details

Del Sol locations vary by South Carolina city, so parking depends on where you're dining. Most locations are in strip centers or downtown areas with dedicated parking lots or street parking nearby. If you're unsure about parking at a specific location, calling ahead takes the guesswork out of your visit.

The restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, though hours may shift seasonally or for holidays. Checking the location's phone number or website before you go ensures you don't arrive to find the doors closed.

Why Del Sol Matters in South Carolina's Food Scene

Del Sol represents a category of Mexican restaurants that prioritize technique and ingredient quality over speed or novelty. In a state where Mexican food often means Tex-Mex chains, a kitchen that makes mole from scratch, grills its own carne asada, and builds guacamole to order stands out. The restaurant honors regional Mexican cooking — the kind you'd find in Oaxaca, Yucatán, or Jalisco — rather than inventing Americanized versions.

For South Carolina diners, this means a place where you can learn what authentic Mexican food tastes like, where your money goes toward real ingredients and skilled preparation, and where you can return again and again to explore different dishes. It's the kind of neighborhood restaurant that builds community through food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Del Sol food for delivery or takeout?

Most Del Sol locations offer takeout at the counter, and many partner with delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats. Call your nearest location to confirm which services they use, as this varies by location. Takeout orders are usually ready in 15 to 25 minutes depending on how busy the kitchen is.

Does Del Sol have a kids menu?

Many locations offer smaller portions or simplified versions of popular dishes for children — typically tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas with rice and beans. Prices are lower than full entrées. Ask your server what's available, as the kids menu varies by location.

What's the difference between the red and green sauces?

Red sauce (salsa roja) is usually made from dried red chiles, tomatoes, and spices — deeper and sometimes earthier in flavor. Green sauce (salsa verde) comes from fresh tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro — brighter and often spicier. Both are served with chips, and you can ask for either one with your entrée.

Is there a happy hour or any specials?

Many Del Sol locations run happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers during late afternoon or early evening hours. These vary by location and day of the week. Call ahead or check the restaurant's social media to learn what specials are running when you plan to visit.

What if I don't eat spicy food?

Tell your server or the person taking your order that you prefer mild flavors. The kitchen can prepare most dishes without jalapeños, reduce the chile in sauces, or serve salsa on the side. Cheese enchiladas, grilled chicken, and fish tacos are naturally milder options if you want to start there.