Solago brings Mexican flavors to Sister Bay

Jennifer Much

Contributor

July 26, 2023

SISTER BAY – Born from the idea of bringing the authentic flavors of traditional Mexican dishes to the Door County peninsula, Solago Restaurant & Tequila Bar – which opened last month in Sister Bay – aims to accomplish just that.

“We believe a casual, authentic Mexican restaurant brings a lot to Door County’s culinary scene,” Juan Ornelas, director of marketing for Solago, said. “We love Mexican food.”

Solago – which means sun-lake in Spanish – is located at 10961 Wisconsin Hwy 42 in Sister Bay and is owned by Britt Unkefer under Wild Restaurant Concepts LLC, which manages multiple eateries scattered across the Door County area – including Clover and Zot in Baileys Harbor, Wild Pizza Works in Egg Harbor and Wild Tomato in Fish Creek.

The restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight and offers brunch, dinner, drinks and late-night eats.

Ornelas said the plan is to remain open year-round.

He said it’s Solago’s mission to introduce patrons to the unique tastes of a Cocina Mexicana-style, while also exhibiting flavors that make Door County unique.

“We were searching for a distinctive option that represented the Mexican culture and language, while also reflecting the essence of Door County,” he said. “Solago perfectly captures the natural elements that are significant to both.”

An intentional menu
Ornelas said extensive planning went into the menu creation – calling it a “long journey.”

“We started working on the menu more than a year ago using some traditional dishes and street food concepts,” he said. “We also gave our own touch, inspired by all the flavors the authentic ingredients can bring to the food.”

For brunch, Ornelas said, the menu consists of options, such as Chilaquiles with two eggs, pico de Gallo, avocado, sour cream, cilantro and queso fresco, as well as Pato, three tacos made with raised duck, guajillo and orange glaze, cilantro, radish and cotija cheese.

Dinner, he said, features entrees like Molcajete Fajitas which is made with steak, chicken or shrimp with red bell peppers, poblano peppers, corn and salsa roja with flour tortillas or Arrachera, a chipotle and cocoa-rubbed skirt steak with almond and corn puree and arroz verde.

“Our menu offers delicious high-quality, one-of-a-kind dishes,” he said.

Ornelas said the Cochi Mole – which consists of slow-roasted pork belly, roasted poblano peppers, escabeche, and cotija with a house tamarind mole sauce and corn tortillas is currently one of the most popular dishes.

“Its simplicity and uniqueness make it an ideal choice,” he said.

Ornelas said Solago’s freshly-made food isn’t the only thing that sets it apart, instead, he said he believes the magic is in one specific facet of the business – the tequila bar.

“Our current selection of tequilas includes more than 60 unique varieties and is constantly expanding,” he said. “We take great pride in our offerings to our customers.”

Ornelas said Solago’s carries a variety of tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Anejo and Cristalino.

In addition, he said the beverage menu is filled with cervezas, classic beers and an assortment of wines, as well as cocktails and margaritas, such as the Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita.

Between flavor-packed recipes and top-of-the-line service, Ornelas said Solago Restaurant & Tequila Bar is looking forward to being a part of the community and offering impeccable food.

“Our entire team is dedicated to making Solago a source of pride for the community,” he said. “We want to express our gratitude for the support of the community, and we look forward to welcoming you for brunch, dinner or late-night tacos in the near future.”

For more information and a peek at the restaurant’s sunset cam, visit solagodoorcounty.com or check out Solago Restaurant & Tequila Bar’s Facebook page.