When it comes to cuisine options, Orlando is kind of like a melting pot–with the downtown district serves up something to please every palate. For those craving Mexican flavors, Taco Tuesday can be had any day of the week! Orlando has plenty of taco spots, and for those on a budget there are many Happy Hour deals – some even daily! We stopped by Solita Tacos & Margaritas to get a taste of its happy hour options.
By the way, this casual spot is a fun idea if you're heading to Dr. Phillips Center for a performance.
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First Impressions of Solita Tacos & Margaritas
With the prime first-floor locale on the corner of Orange Avenue and Church Street, Solita Tacos & Margaritas opened in December 2022. It replaced Wahlburgers, the celebrity-owned burger place that, sadly, fizzled out.
FYI, the building’s exterior is currently under construction with scaffolding crowding the entryway.
Once inside, the friendly staff and sleek, modern décor were more inviting. My party of four settled into a cozy table, somewhat close to the live musician. Our server, Gabriell, kindly explained the menu options (more on that below).
Taste Testing at Solita Tacos & Margaritas
Solita operates four other locations, all of which are in California. The company has established fresh roots in Florida but hasn’t strayed from its laidback Cali vibes. The restaurant’s menu features Baja-style fare prepared in the kitchen’s oak-fired grill and smoker.
We started with the complimentary chips served with housemade salsa. Then, we ordered off the Taco & Tequila Tuesday menu, offered weekly from 3pm-close. Priced at two street tacos for $7 or four for $12 (tacos only, no sides), we noshed on the Crispy Fish, Oak-Roasted Chicken, Wood-Grilled Chicken, and Carnitas.
I found Solita’s fish taco to be enjoyable; just lightly fried without being heavy or greasy. The carnitas featured tender, well-seasoned meat. The chicken was fine; you know… it was chicken but the fire charred flavor was a nice upgrade.
We also ordered the Naked Guacamole which, as the name suggested, was a somewhat bare version of this avocado app. From the menu description, a better choice may have been the Guacamole Solita, which adds mango, serrano, tomato, onion, and cilantro.
During a future happy hour at Solita, I would likely try the Chorizo, Sweet Potato & Bacon street tacos and maybe the vegetarian option of Chile Tofu.
The drink list primarily featured an assortment of 60+ tequilas, mezcals, and handmade margaritas. We ordered the house margarita off the happy hour menu ($7), as well as a signature vodka cocktail off the standard bar menu, the Whimsical Creamsicle ($12).
Other popular libations include the Spicy Pina and Watermelon Margarita.
More Menu Standouts
The regular menu at Solita Tacos & Margaritas is pretty lengthy with several food categories. Here are some examples:
- Antojitos – Try the Grilled Corn Elote, roasted sweet corn grilled with butter, chipotle sauce, chile, cotija cheese, and green onions.
- Soup & Salad – Try the Kale, Apple & Pork Belly Salad, house-smoked pork belly, baby kale, spicy greens, agave-seared green apple, piloncillo vinaigrette, almonds, and sweet potato chips.
- Street Tacos – Order the El Primo Street Tacos Taster to mix and match four any four street tacos served with choice of one side.
- Solita Specialties – Opt for the Steak Carne Asada, wood-grilled angus steak, avocado, jalapeños toreados, scallions, and chimichurri.
- Tacos Locos – Get the Spicy Shrimp, shrimp in sriracha & garlic, guacamole, creamy salsa verde, mango salsa, and lettuce.
Know Before You Go
- For parking, several pay-to-park garages are super close. Street parking is also hit-or-miss about a block up on Magnolia Avenue.
- Solita is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Hours: Monday to Friday from 11am-11pm and Saturday & Sunday from 9am-11pm (with brunch from 9am-3pm).
- Solita happy hour is 3-6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
- Mojito Mondays feature discounted mojitos all day long!
- Taco & Tequila Tuesday is 3pm-11pm on Tuesdays. This evening also features a live musician from 6pm-9pm.
- Reservations can be made online.
- If you sign up for Solita’s e-newsletter, you get a free appetizer.
Want more happy hour ideas? Check out our Guide to Orlando Happy Hours. Or, plan a delectable weekend brunch.
