El Molino Central - Sonoma

Roadside Mexican with a big wow factor! This is a humble building...a bit run down even...but the food and service make up for it. We ordered the tacos, the butternut squash tamales, and the chips and salsa. They were out of horchata : We sat outside at a picnic table. The food was piping hot and absolutely scrumptious. Foodie snobs will approve. We definitely will make a point to visit again next time we are driving through Sonoma.

My first El Molino experience was at the Ferry Building farmers market on Saturdays. Super limited menu and everything is authentic and mouth watering. Then I discovered the brick and mortar. I'd make it a point to visit at least twice a year when I was living in Hawaii. Now that I'm a CA resident again, I simply can't get enough and I actually selected a wine club based on proximity to El Molino. Here's how it works parking in the front and gravel rock in back of the restaurant. Order at the counter in the front and seat yourself in the back. they have beer, wine, agua frescas, and some other drinks in a fridge along with food that you can purchase to go including tamales, salsas, enchilada plates, etc... if something you want is out just ask you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu I always suggest the fish tacos to folks who are hungry (best value on the menu by far) enchiladas suizas hits the spot everytime... you can get 1/2 orders of certain dishes so just ask! they bring out your food and call your name. No need to bus your table, they clear the tables as well. super friendly, well oiled machine, can't get enough!

I had never been to El Molino Central before, so one rainy Saturday I decided to stop by and pick up some items from their refrigerated section to enjoy at home. I ended up purchasing two packages of their large pork tamales and a chicken Swiss enchilada. Let me tell you, those tamales were incredible! They were filled with flavorful chunks of pork braised in a delicious (not too spicy) red sauce. Each pack came with two tamales, and I enjoyed one so much that I am already thinking about steaming the second one to savor later. It was incredibly moist and packed with flavor. While the Swiss enchilada was tasty, I must admit I prefer the ones I make at home. I am already looking forward to returning to El Molino Central to try out some of their other menu items.

The food is absolutely phenomenal. I love fish tacos and these were some of the best that I have had. A flaky coating with the freshest most tender fish, creamy flavorful sauce and all the toppings. I also got the ahi tuna tostadas to share with my mom. These were spicy and flavorful. Homemade salsa and tortillas and a welcoming atmosphere in the center of a very charming town. My mission will be to try everything on the menu!

I visited this restaurant for dinner on a Friday night. While people had recommended the mole enchiladas, the real standout dish was the Yucatecan panuchos! We shared both dishes, but I regret not getting all the Yucatecan panuchos for myself. We also tried the Sikil p'ak to start, a dish I had never had before but enjoyed. It was my first time trying mole, and while it was a bit rich for my taste, I acknowledge that it was a personal preference and not a reflection of the dish itself. If you enjoy mole, you will likely appreciate it. The ordering process was at the counter, then you could choose to sit on the covered patio or outdoors. We opted for the outdoor picnic tables in the parking area. The service was friendly and the food was fresh. They offered a selection of wine and beer, and even let me taste a wine before ordering a glass. I look forward to returning and trying more of their enchiladas!