Bryan Cranston Shakes Things Up at Grand Opening of SOL Mexican Cocina

With existing locations in Arizona, Colorado, and three more throughout California, Xperience Restaurant Group certainly knows how to bring an experience to their guests.

The grand opening entailed a red carpet upon entry, with the sounds of live music flowing out into the streets of the Flatiron district with special guests to follow.

Bryan Cranston, known for his role as Walter White in the series Breaking Bad, was one of those special guests. Along with his Breaking Bad co-star, Aaron Paul, they make up the two-man team behind Dos Hombres mezcal. Seeing him behind the bar mixing up cocktails alongside the friendly staff was exciting. Sterling Shepard, NFL star, and Baron Davis, NBA star, were also among the attendees.

The event was spectacularly executed, with live music, dancers moving to Latin American ballroom moves, taste bud-exploding eats, and exquisitely made cocktails. The warm and welcoming ambiance makes one feel as though you have been whisked away to Mexico, far away from New York, for a brief moment-at times necessary.

The always impressive JoshPele Magic entertained Bryan Cranston and guests for the evening. Leaving all who had the pleasure of being approached by him with a “How did he do that?!” facial expression and a forever stamped into your memory moment of having been got by Josh, but he will tell you, “I didn’t get you. I entertained you.” Smooth, real smooth, just like the spirits available for tasting throughout the evening.

Guests could get a glass personally engraved and experience tasting the fine spirits present for the event, Dos Hombres mezcal and Flecha Azul tequila, which actor Mark Wahlberg has invested in. Ice sculptures displaying the tequila brand names were available for those who enjoy a chilled shot of tequila. 

A portion of the evening’s proceeds from cocktail purchases benefited the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. The Mango Con Chile Frozen Margarita was undoubtedly refreshing, perfect for the hot New York summer that awaits. They also offer a Watermelon Margarita, which always satisfies.

Grilled sweet corn was served as an hors d’oeuvre which is typically served table side with butter, lime, chiles, cotixa cheese, and chipotle drizzle. The regional manager we briefly chatted with recommended we try the Taco Vampiro dish made up of a double tortilla stuffed with melted cheese, serrano chiles, scallions, guacamole, pico de gallo, chipotle sauce, cotixa and your choice of chicken or carne asada.

The menu is not shy of seafood, as plenty of shrimp lover options exist. If vegan, there is also plenty to choose from. They accommodate all palates and dietary needs as they also have gluten-free choices and a kid’s menu shall you decide to bring your little one along.

Happy Hour is on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3-7 pm, mimosas and live music are available for weekend brunch until 3 pm, and you can’t forget Taco Tuesday offerings from 3 until close. Tortas, which many of us may be familiar with as a sandwich, are available from 11-3 pm. Perfect with event space for your next celebration, there is also a semi-private upstairs area.

After all these years, SOL still executes its concept effortlessly. With its first location opening in Newport Beach, California in 2009, and now seven locations across the nation, they stay true to the vision of honoring and sharing the best of Mexico’s coastal cuisine and hospitality. Congratulations to the entire team!

If ever in Orlando, Chicago, or California, where they have six locations throughout, be sure to try Solita Tacos & Margarita, created by the founders of SOL.

SOL Mexican Cocina is located in the Flatiron area of NYC at 220 Fifth Avenue. You can make a reservation here.

¡Salud!