Just down the hill from Purdue University, La Hacienda El Sol delivers the kind of reliable, feel-good Mexican comfort that keeps locals and visiting families coming back. Guests consistently praise the friendly service, fast table times even when it’s packed, and portions big enough to share. From melty queso and crisp chips and salsa to sizzling steak fajitas and a crowd-pleasing burrito, this spot makes it easy to settle in after class, a game, or a campus tour. Located at 140 Howard Ave., West Lafayette, IN 47906, it’s a convenient choice for anyone searching Mexican restaurant near me with takeout or a relaxed dine-in.
Services
La Hacienda El Sol focuses on what diners value most: welcoming hosts, attentive servers who offer smart menu tips, swift kitchen timing, and consistent flavors. It suits quick lunches, laid-back dinners, and groups that want to linger. Guests mention smooth seating even at peak times, plus helpful guidance for first-timers. Practical options like takeout, group-friendly tables, and easy access from campus make it a strong pick for busy schedules.
Menu
Start light with house chips and salsa—zesty, balanced, and a perfect preview of the kitchen’s seasoning—then upgrade to the creamy queso that regulars call “even better.” For mains, the sizzling steak fajitas arrive hot with peppers, onions, warm tortillas, and fixings; portions are generous and priced for value. Fans of hand-helds go for the burrito (well-stuffed and hearty) and layered nachos that stay crisp under toppings. Tex-Mex lovers highlight Arroz Texano—tender meats over savory rice—for a filling, all-in-one plate. Craving fried-and-flaky? The chimichangas (ground beef is a favorite) deliver crunch without greasiness. Rounding things out are enchiladas, tacos, taco salads, and fajita-style combos, with sides of rice, beans, and fresh garnishes. Ask for salsa heat levels if you like a kick; the well-spiced sauces are a quiet standout. For families and budget-watchers, there are plenty of shareable platters and value-forward picks. Beverage selections pair easily with the menu; if you’re planning a celebration or watch-party, call ahead about group seating and timing.
Pros
• Consistently fast service—food comes out hot, even during rushes.
• Big portion sizes and great value for students, families, and groups.
• Flavorful, well-balanced salsas and standout queso.
• Campus-close location near Purdue University; easy for meetups.
• Menu breadth for varied tastes: steak fajitas, burrito, nachos, chimichangas, and Arroz Texano.
• Friendly staff with helpful recommendations; comfortable for first-time visitors.
• Works for weeknights, post-game gatherings, or casual celebrations.
• Convenient takeout for busy schedules.
Reviews
- “Sunday dinner was a win. Greeted at the door, seated quickly, and our server gave great menu advice. Chips and salsa were fresh, the queso was even better, and the burrito, nachos, and Arroz Texano were excellent.”
- “Stopped in at 9:45 pm on a Sunday just to check their closing time—they waved us in like they had all night. Food was wonderful and service was warm and unhurried.”
- “New to town and popped in on an icy evening. Seated right away, hot plates arrived fast, and portions were filling. Exactly the comfort food we wanted.”
- “Close to Purdue, friendly and efficient. Good food, well-spiced salsas. A relaxed place to kick back with friends after a long day.”
- “Came during Purdue Mom’s Weekend and it was packed. Quoted 15–20 minutes; we were seated in under 10. Our server hustled, steak fajitas hit the table quickly, and the portion could easily be shared—great value.”
For hungry students, visiting parents, and neighborhood regulars, La Hacienda El Sol nails the essentials: flavor, speed, and price. The kitchen executes familiar Tex-Mex favorites with care; the staff keeps things moving without losing the personal touch. If your search is for best Mexican food in West Lafayette, with dependable service and shareable plates, this is the kind of spot that earns a place in the weekly rotation.