The Sunday brunch is worth every penny (I think about $20)! And I am poor so that is saying a lot.

Very similar menu as Sazon right down the road. The atmosphere is quite a bit nicer than Sazon's, as is the parking situation. But the food and the service is a pretty huge step down from Sazon. I wouldn't complain about going here again but I can't really foresee why I would ever go here rather than Sazon just a few blocks away. I'd give them a third star if you didn't have to pay for chips and salsa but that's just absolutely unacceptable. read more

I am still salivating over the Mole Verde from yesterday--Rice & beans usually just a plate filler--flavorful, great texture, could be a meal by themselves! I was a little concerned that you have to order the chips & salsa, unlike most Mexican restaurants, but when they arrived, I understood. The chips are made from homemade tortillas--thick, crispy, not too greasy, and the roasted salsa is one of the best. Fresh guacamole with additions on the side to mix to your liking. Did I mention the margaritas were made with FRESH lime juice? I've almost given up ordering margs in restaurants because so often they lie and say yes, made with fresh lime juice and then it's obviously some nasty sweet/sour mix. On the second round we asked bartender to leave out the agave nectar and they were even better-tart with perfect mix of tequila & triple sec. Service was terrific--attentive, not overbearing. This is my new go-to Mexican food place. read more

After being a fan of the El Meson on Burleson for years, I finally tried it's upscale sister for lunch today. Wonderful food. Everything was above average and so flavorful. The chicken enchiladas melted in my mouth and the filling was delicious. Not plain pulled chicken stuffed in a store bought tortilla but a homemade mixture with onions and other goodies. Really good. The black beans were especially good. It's a bummer that they charge extra for chips and salsa however they gave a complimentary monkey dish of lentil soup. Nice on a rainy day and very flavorful.. I don't know why it wasn' offered as a lunch option and two menu items I wanted to order were not available. Minus two stars for the atmosphere and service. The room really needs some window coverings to block out all the raging traffic charging up and down Lamar . It just creates kind of a frantic feeling in a room that is all hard surfaces The servers while friendly seemed overwhelmed and after asking 3 times for a straw, I gave up and drank from the plastic cup. My impression is that they need a more professional management team to take them to a level equal with the food. Then they would have a gold mine. read more

Great happy hour place...the food and drinks will not disappoint. Portions are a bit small but any one of the tacos on the happy hour menu will leave you wanting more!! Wash them down with a cold beer or a delicious margarita. Enjoy!!! read more

How does this place not have 5 stars!! This is best thing ive eaten since moving to Austin and the bartender, i believe her name was Grace was so nice and was making some delicious drinks. Definitely give this place a try. Its authentic Mexican. Not texmex. So good, and so cute read more

I've eaten here once before (quite good), but today we brought our Ohio relatives for El Meson's brunch. Everyone loved it, even though we differ in diets and ages. I'm a vegetarian and found plenty of options, from veggie tamales to charred Brussel sprouts to nopalitos. Yummy churros, btw. The staff are super friendly in a family-like way. Very welcoming. By noon the place filled up quite a bit, but it wasn't loud or overcrowded. read more

Authentic Mexican food The food was not good It was DELICIOUS Came with my family 2 days in a row. Can't wait to bring our siblings when in town. read more

I was actually walking by El Meson on the way to another restaurant when I caught a sniff of something delicious. It smelled good enough to change plans and walk inside. I'm so glad we did. Everything we had was fantastic. The service is wonderful. Super friendly staff. I can't believe how well priced the menu is. We got awesome brunch drinks and the price was spot on. read more

Chips were stale and I had to constantly pester the waiter to replenish even though the restaurant was half-full. The hot sauces were excellent as was the escabeche (marinated veggies that were complimentary). My shrimp ceviche was delicious but the size of the portion was INFINITESIMAL. The presentation of my friends' meals was not appealing. The service was really not good at all. The ambience was good. read more

Best food ever. The salsa and chips are all cooked here. Will be back! The food is authentic from Mexico City there happy hour drinks are reasonable. read more

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Food reasonable, service poor... attitude of servers horrible, restaurant has gone slowly down hill?? We ordered ceviche that use to be served in a nice large glass dish and now was served in a small white bowl with no presentation of dish to speak of. Our food was place quickly on table waitress left abruptly. Love the ambience and that it is locally owned yet check out Hecho en Mejico on william cannon instead, their mole is the best! read more

Spicy delicious goodness! Incredible New Years Day Buffet. Food is very fresh and light. Seasoned to perfection. Extremely clean and staff is very accommodating. Brussel Sprouts are divine, veggie tamale is amazing. Bacon is crisp and good. Salsa is great, great. One of the best restaurants in south Austin! read more

Never a wait. Always delicious. Interior Mexican food that hits the spot. And frozen margaritas that will knock your socks off!!

WOW!!! What a treat. I could eat,drink, and sleep Mexican food, and I've eaten a lot of it in my nearly 64 years. I think El Meson's food is excellent. Every item is mouthwatering and very fresh. The staff was low-key and friendly -- the perfect combination. I can't say enough. I hope they are around for a very long time. read more

I tried El Meson 4 times and something went wrong every time. The last time I was served overly salty, cold chicken enchiladas. When I asked my (slow) waitress to heat them up, I had to wait another 20 minutes to get them back. The guacamole is good, but I'm not going back. - read more

El Meson the original location is around the corner from us, but due to its hours we've never managed to get in at lunch time. We were pretty excited when the location opened on Lamar with dinner hours because we'd heard such good things. First off, the building is amazing, and you've definitely got to check out the bathrooms. The downside? Pretty much everything else. Our waiter was attentive, but was one of those waiters who doesn't really say anything and just stares at you. We kept having to ask questions like "Should we order now?", "Can we order an appetizer?" But that wasn't that big of a deal. It's a new restaurant. We're used to bumpy patches as people get up to speed. And I really can't complain about paying for chips and salsa. Evita's Bonitas' tower of salsa I would have gladly paid for. Sadly this is no Evitas. The chips were only passable, and the salsas were too liquidy to really stay on the chip. But they did taste decent, with a bit of fire. And they had pickled vegetables which is always nice. The house margarita was a bit overly-sweet and orange-y, but definitely wasn't horrible. I could find someone enjoying it. But the food. I got the Chilorio. Which was bland, but covered in enough chile powder that if I got it on my fingers I couldn't remove it with a napkin. I'm still not sure how they did that. My wife got the Al Pastor tacos. Which were overcooked, but not horrible. You probably wouldn't complain if you'd bought them for $1 from a taco truck. But you'd probably go to another taco truck the next time. The sides were truly amazing though. They had rice. White rice. I think there might have been some lard. And I could see a bit of corn, but couldn't taste it. Just white sticky rice. Our black beans appeared to be a heated can of black beans. No salt. No garlic. Just beans. Truly horrible. We're still missing the hole left by Evita's closing, but this definitely isn't the place to fill it. In fact it seems like it might not be even serving the same cuisine. But do go check out the bathrooms. read more

I love Mexican food, and there is plenty of good Mexican food in Austin. For this reason, I might be overly picky about my Mexican food here. El Meson was just, as yelp puts it for two stars, meh. The best part is that the building is really cool inside--a large open room with exposed rafters. However, our server was super busy and slow to get to us, drinks took a very long time, and when our food finally came it was all just average. I don't know that any part of my meal would be worth describing...it was all ok. Hopefully if I go back I can update this to be more descriptive of an array of menu items and/or more positive. read more

Arrived about 10 minutes past the "normal" brunch menu times and was not offered a chance to order off that menu. Undeterred we decided to give the regular menu a chance. The queso was a flat iron skillet of very runny cheese. My relleno was the worst I have ever tried. It appeared to have been reheated, as the batter on the outside was very mushy. The pepper itself had not been roasted or had the external "skin" removed, making it very very chewy. We had tried numerous times to visit El Meson in the past but the horrible parking always chased us away. Well, we finally made it and now know to strike it off the list of options in the future. read more

Incredible! The house margaritas are fantastic, and all the food is delicious. The Chile Ancho Relleno is to die for, as is the queso fundido, Cochinita pibil, and great enchiladas. We come often for the brunch, and throughly enjoy it every time. I can't believe this place isn't more popular, it's wonderful. The service is satisfactory and the owner often greets guests. Five stars! read more

El Meson understands Mexican cuisine, i.e. the real thing. Not fru fru like so many that are coming on....Fundamentals are solid, desire and passion are definitely present; service not there yet. Wish them well, they are dedicated... read more

NEVER eat here PLEASE!!! Hopefully EVERYONE that sees this will actually listen. My bf and I stopped in for dinner and was led through a dirty restaurant to our table. We ALWAYS give places the benefit of the doubt after being in the service industry ourselves for 10 years! REG Marg was supposed to be no salt and it comes out with a lil salt that looked like it was from a dirty glass and sure enough when I start drinking it it has old strawberry puree from a previous margarita! I opened up my silverware to wipe the salt off the rim and found old dried-up queso inside on what was supposed to be a clean napkin that my silverware was wrapped in... as if this wasn't bad enough I had a piece of what appeared as a Brillo pad or something aluminum all wrapped up nicely in my enchilada. I don't know if these things were purposely done for any reason or if that place just needs to extreme help but I would hate for this to happen to anyone else... because no telling what else is going on here if these things happen on one visit.... read more

El Mesón - When j opened my silverware to wipe old salt off the rim..it was one thing after another at this place... - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Always too loud inside. Avoid during peak hours, not the place to go if you want great food and converse with someone. Its also very uncomfortable, they need to redesign their ac system, its always hot! You would also expect better service. The tables and chairs are dirty and had sticky stuff on them. They don't take your plates from you when you're done. I even stacked them to make it easier to carry them off. Overall it's just ok, but I think 2 visits is enough for me. There are plenty of places to eat brunch. read more

We ate dinner on the patio and loved it! The service was fast and attentive, the chips and guacamole was fresh, the margaritas were great, and the carne al pastor was delicious as well! Best authentic Mexican restaurant I have found in Austin so far! read more

Delicious authentic Mexican food! Their tacos were amazing and the queso was delicious. Grab a house margarita while you're there.

How is this place open? I recently had the Sunday buffet, don't do it! This buffet is crawling with health code violations, food is not flavorful at all. Save your money. read more

Been going to El Meson on the way to the airport for years. Was shocked and thrilled to see they've opened this location in my stomping ground. Fantastic Mexican food -- not Tex Mex, real Mexican. They do especially nice chicken dishes. Both the red and green mole sauces are awesome. Nice, big, festive bar, too. Oh, and a wonderful tequila menu. At $16 for a shot, I won't do the Don Julio 1942 often, but it did make me happy for days. read more

New favorite neighborhood happy hour spot! The food here is super fresh, unique, and delicious and Travis helped me pick out the perfect drink pairings (which were also fresh, unique, and delicious). So impressed with everything here! read more

Amazing tortilla soup. Spicy, plenty of shredded chicken, wonderful flavor. I keep going back for it. The bowl is enough for a meal. I always opt for extra cheese. Give it a try! Great way to clear your head if you suffer from Austin allergies too. read more

This review focuses on the Sunday Brunch Buffet, which was expansive and tasty. A bit of something for everyone, from meats, to moles. From mini gorditas to salads and desserts. They make a stab at Elotes which might be kicked up a notch with a bit more zing, but overall, we always gorge ourselves and come out happy! read more

I had my graduation dinner here last week and it was beautiful! El Meson sectioned off a part of the restaurant for my party of 25-30 people. Since I had a larger party, they allowed me to have a special menu, my own cake, set out tablecloths for my guests, and even printed our menus with burnt orange borders! Everyone was so hospitable, and friendly! The food was amazing! Everything was rich, and extremely flavorful. My family loved it. Many restaurants in Austin will claim to have home-cooked, fresh food. However, El Meson is the only place I've found that truly delivers. This is a hidden gem in Austin. If you go, order the Tinga. It's delicious! read more

This is by far mine and my family's favorite Mexican restaurant in Austin. It is the only AUTHENTIC Mexican place I've tried in Austin and I've been living here for four years. I'm from a border town so I know true Mexican food and this is as close to home as it gets. Their food is very inexpensive and the quality is AMAZING. I recommend trying their Sunday brunch and their chori-queso. read more

When my friends with excellent taste invited me here and said it had finally moved central after being on Burleson Rd., I was afraid it would be tiny and packed and I wouldn't want to tell anyone about it. Apropos my expectations, the food was absolutely worth raving about, and the place was cavernous and empty, so I felt it my duty to yelp about (Sorry, but I usually keep the good, tiny places to myself). We had the quesadillas with wild mushrooms for an appetizer, delish, along with house margaritas made with fresh lime juice, no sour mix. If you want it frozen, they blend it right there for you, none of this slushee machine business. For an entree I recommend both the green and red mole chicken - the green is a little lighter, which is nice for the summertime, and the red has the marvelous earthy taste you expect from mole. Admittedly, the second time I came and got mole, the chicken was a little dried out. Still, this place is my favorite mexican in Austin. Along the lines of Fonda San Miguel (interior cuisine) but WAY cheaper. Not greasy, not salty, not covered in rubbery cheese. Be sure to ask about the daily desserts too, as the waiter with long blond hair and glasses is also the pastry chef, and concocts very inventive ice creams and pastries daily! read more

El Meson has the best Interior Mexican food brunch in Austin! The food was authentic and exceptional! Owen our server was very attentive and professional! He made sure we had everything we needed. Props to this restaurant for the excellent food and service! Thank you Maricella! read more

Outstanding Mexican Martinis! You can taste the fresh squeezed lime juice and the shaker is bountiful. The queso is also excellent; it has the texture of a baked cheese dish and you'll need a fork to scoop it up onto the tasty house made mini corn tortillas. read more

Its high time I sat down to write about this place. My wife and I found this El Meson a while ago after a bout of "not TexMex-againitis". What a refreshing change. We have been so many times now we have got to know the owners and become friends. So forewarned a biased review! So firstly the Bar. LOTs of great Tequila. Some really cool twists on margaritas. I really enjoy the Skinny. If I lived closer I think I hang at the bar and sip beer and Tequila. Food - Central Mexican, clean flavours, fabulous presentation and hand made tortillas. No TEX MEX. The chef travels back to Mexico regularly to visit top restaurants, local villages and cook with her extended family. So you get the real deal here. For instance I think the mole here is likely the best or 2nd best I have ever tasted anywhere. Mole is often too 'powdery', or too chocolate flavour laden. This mole has enough acidity to to balance the other flavours in the mole and a nice after heat. I've eaten extensively in Mexico City and LATAM in general, so I think I have a reasonable assessment of Mole as a for instance of the quality and standards of food at this place. Ceviche....seriously. Hand made tortilla chips. Fresh fresh flavours, good kick to it and enough seafood for your money. There are also these little 'mini' tacos with spinach and onions....shut up and take my money. The little hand made corn tortillas are perfect with the juicy spinach. Signature dish? Probably the Relleno. cranberries, hand peeled walnuts, cooked perfectly. Amazing. Cost: Our family of 5 eats for about 60-70 bucks as long as I go easy on the cocktails...ahem The Service. Here life gets a little spotty. I think when its great its AWESOME, and when its bad its just slow. In general I think Americans are too hurried with their ordering, their eating and their dining experience. I've never had a bad experience that could not be fixed with a polite request to the server. This is a place to turn off, tune into your partner and your kids and relax. As long as the food is good and you all enjoy dont worry about that few extra minutes...it is not Mc Donalds. Instead think Fonda San Miguel in South Austin but without the FSM price tag. Cheers read more

This is an amazing place - great food and great owners and staff and really nice vibe. It's been my family's favorite interior Mex place since we stumbled on their original small restaurant on Burleson Rd 15 years ago. You can tell they have a real passion for their food and love what they're doing. Our favorites are carnitas, rellenos, quac, tinga, chicken mole, conchinita pibil, and amazing black and pinto beans + salsas and great flan. It's the first place my kids want to go when they arrive in Austin for visits. Long live El Meson! read more

I have mixed feelings about this place. Let me first say that the food is good, That i have no problem with. What i do have a problem with is how stingy they are with the chips and salsa. I wouldn't be surprised if they kept them in a locked vault. First if you want chips and salsa it cost $2.50, and that is not that big of a deal. but if you order an appetizer like ceviche give you like ten chips, and when you ask for more they kinda act a little weird about it. i feel if you order a $7 to $10 appetizer you should get chips and salsa with it. Also the portions are pretty small for the prices they charge. All in all the food is good just a bit over priced for what you get. In a town with a lot of great mexican restaurants this is yet another average experience. read more

I felt kind of tricked when I looked at their menu, because the friend that recommended this place to us told me that they served lengua. Well, they didn't, and I didn't really want to eat anything else besides that. El Meson is 2 big steps up from your typical greasy spoon Mexican places. I could tell the instant I walked in and saw a lofty ceiling with colorful Dia de los Muertos flags hanging from the rafters, and interior decor that was slightly reminiscent of a rustic cabin. I decided to order an appetizer (I think it was called Tlacoyos) and just get some greasy fast food after we left. (Whenever I'm drunk, I just want greasy food.) The dish was ridiculously tiny. I guess if you were ordering a 3 course meal, this would be good news. Really, if that was all I had, I would've given this place a lower rating, but my friend let me have a bite of her chile rellenos, and they were pretty good. So, 4 stars. Oh, also their bathrooms were clean and well decorated. This would be a good place to bring a date who was watching their weight. And liked Mexican food. read more

I really have to question the legitimacy of Yelp after looking at the reviews of El Meson on South Lamar. I have never NEVER had a bad meal here. I live not far from here and have eaten here more than ten times. Tinga, Mole, Quesadillas. The most sumptuous roasted salsa I can think of. Do you have to pay off yelp to get a good review around here? I really have to wonder. read more