Newton Center hosts MetroWest's most authentic Mexican dining experience. - Eric Grossman
The Scene Having served award-winning Mexican cuisine since 1974, Sol Azteca (there's another location near the Fenway) enjoys a loyal following. With exposed brick walls and traditional fiesta decorations, the subterranean dining rooms all share a casual, homey atmosphere. Congenial waiters clearly take pride in their service. Beware the acclaimed house sangria--its lethal.
The Food This is not a shopping mall Mexican restaurant. Corn tortilla chips and a muy picante house salsa greet diners as they sit down. Superb starters include fresh, creamy guacamole and a smoky queso asado (a blend of three cheeses, baked with sliced chorizo). As for the entrees, a combination of enchiladas rojas (beef with red sauce), verdes (shredded chicken with green tomatillo sauce) and poblanas (chicken with fantastic mole sauce) can't be beat. The light, homemade flan (caramel or vanilla) is perfect for dessert.