Inside: Baja Sol Cantina

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Inside: Baja Sol Cantina

There's a new Mexican hot spot in town ... is it any good?

Baja Sol Cantina

There's a new Mexican hot spot in town

Best Mexican restaurants in Columbus

Spice it up by trying our Mexican favorites

Baja Sōl Cantina, a contemporary Mexican restaurant with a festive feel, is the newest eatery in the Lennox Town Center. Housed in the former Don Pablos building, Baja Sōl has jazzed up the atmosphere with a vibrant motif and a fresh salsa bar. The menu features a medley of Mexican items ranging from burritos to sierra sandwiches.

With a reasonably priced menu and mammoth portions, Baja Sōl embraces an eclectic crowd, especially during happy hour. Every day from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and from 9 p.m. to close, the award-winning Baja Margarita is $3 and appetizers are half-price. The bustling ambiance is ideal for professionals looking to unwind after work, groups of friends, families and couples.

Food: Before delving into one of Baja Sōl Cantina's mouth-watering appetizers, you’re welcome to enjoy a fresh salsa bar featuring at least eight salsa varieties ranging from mild to muy caliente. The appetizers range from sweet corn cakes ($5.49) to the fiesta sampler platter ($14.99), which features the cream of the crop – taquitos, empanadas, honey lime tequila wings and chicken quesadillas.

Try not to fill up on the crisp chips mounded with saucy salsa because there are more Mexican delights to come. The soups at Baja Sōl are less than $5, and the salad selections range from $8.99 to $12.99 and include the painted desert salad, fajita tostada salad and the tequila honey lime shrimp salad. If you're in the mood for dining on the lighter side, the sierra sandwiches are reasonably priced at $7.49 apiece.

On the traditional side, Baja Sōl features tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas and many special dishes including peach mango tilapia, marinate carne asada and the baja burger. If you've managed to save room for dessert, Baja Sōl serves mango tango mousse and white chocolate banana quesadillas, along with many other sweet treats.

Every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a lunch menu is available featuring many dishes for $6.99.

Libations: Baja Sōl’s tequila selection is immense, featuring numerous categories ranging from call to diamond class varieties. In addition to tempting tequilas, the restaurant’s bartenders are margarita experts. The award-winning baja margarita is a classic chilled concoction served in a large glass laced with salt. Fruit-flavored margaritas are available in everything from raspberry to melon-based blends. The drink menu also includes boat drinks, martinis, fresh lemonades with a splash of Absolute Citron, wine and beer selections.

If you're not indulging in an alcoholic beverage, Baja Sōl has fruit smoothies and Mexican coffees.

Décor: The décor at Baja Sōl reflects the restaurant's fast-paced, casual atmosphere. Each wall features a different coat of exuberant paint from lively lime green to radiant red. Contemporary paintings of delicious drinks adorn the walls, and a mural of taco chips and salsa is behind the salsa bar. The formidable adobe design and spacious layout in the dining area includes booths lining the walls and tables spanning the central section. Upstairs, additional seating is available along with a second bar.

Service: While Baja Sōl has only been open for a short time, patrons are already flocking to the restaurant. Reservations are helpful during busy periods, when there is usually a short wait for a seat. However, once seated the drinks arrive swiftly and the courses are served remarkably quickly. The servers are very accommodating and friendly. The hiccups most new restaurants face are not readily evident at Baja Sōl Cantina, which has several other locations across the country.

Crowd: The crowd is as eclectic as its menu is extensive. Groups of friends, couples, families and young professionals all frequent this establishment because it caters to such a diverse group of people.

Specials: In addition to daily happy hours from 3 to 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close, the place has many special dishes including margarita chicken, inside out pork tamales and chicken durango.

Insider's tip: Taste-testing the fresh salsa bar is a must, but try not to gorge on crunchy chips doused with authentic salsa because Baja Sōl’s appetizers and main dishes are worth the wait.

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