A Cohesive Menu Suite for a Mexican Restaurant
Main Menu • Specials Menu • To-Go Menu • Outdoor Storefront Menu
Client: El Sol GL — Mineola, NY
Project Overview
El Sol GL is a modern Mexican restaurant with a clear identity: relaxed, clean, and elevated—without relying on tired motifs. As part of the full branding suite, I created a multi-format menu system that supports both the in-restaurant and takeout experience, while reinforcing the brand’s unique visual language.
The challenge was to make each menu format distinct and functional, yet still feel like part of a cohesive brand story.
The Goal
Reflect El Sol GL’s warm, modern branding in print
Highlight high-margin specials in takeout and outdoor formats
Ensure readability and visual flow for fast-moving restaurant environments
Offer variety between menus, while maintaining brand consistency
Visual Strategy
Each menu was built around the same core brand elements—logo, color palette, typography—but designed to meet different use cases.
Main Menu: The anchor of the in-house dining experience, with a refined, minimal layout
Specials Menu: Bolder and higher contrast, designed to sit alongside the main menu and still stand out
To-Go Menu: Optimized for single-sheet format with specials prominently featured on the front cover to draw attention
Outdoor Menu: Highly visible and designed for quick reads, with featured dishes and specials front and center
Design Details
Typography & Layout
Clear hierarchy using bold headers and clean sans-serif fonts
Ample spacing and sectioning to avoid clutter, even with large amounts of information
Strategic use of brand colors to guide the eye and separate categories
Print Considerations
Paper & Finish Recommendations provided to client for readability and durability
Layouts designed with multiple environments in mind—lamination for outdoor use, folding for takeout, etc.
Files delivered in multiple formats for future updates and reprints
Related Projects
El Sol GL Branding
El Sol GL Website Design
El Sol GL Social Media
The Impact
The El Sol GL menu suite not only supports daily restaurant operations but acts as an extension of the brand experience—from the first glance at the storefront to the moment someone places a to-go order. The printed menus grab attention, guide decisions, and keep customers coming back.