Great food, great service. I just can't remember all the different dishes we tried -- it was a corporate group dinner and I didn't see the menu -- but that only underscored for me the depth of talent in the kitchen. I liked everything I tried, and that doesn't happen often with me! read more

They payment was very slow their network keeps shutting down. The lady in charged of taking the order doesnt seem like she knows what she was doing. She gave the wrong price of the food and i had to point out the correct price on the menu. . They forgot about my order. It took them 2 minutes to prepare the food. The food and service is awful! Im never coming back! read more

So many reasons they suck. They don't have Miller Lite. Cold bread served with a so-so sauce. My boyfriend said the men's bathroom was dirty. I ordered the Churrasco and blood poured out of the flavorless, tough steak. I was told to slice it in half and turn it over to let the hot plate finish cooking it. I kinda preferred it cooked before I got it. Lol Grossed me out so much my boyfriend ate part of it and gave me his dish. His was supposed to have shrimp and chicken in it, but was basically a plate of rice. We blew $80 on the worst meal I've ever had. I wish we'd gone to El Ranch Grande!!!!! read more

Since it was our first time here, the hostess said we should sit in the indoor patio area with the fountain. Very cold and drafty in there and the decor was weird. The empanadillas were good. I had the quesadilla and my boyfriend had the burger. Waitress brought out my food first and I was almost finished before his food finally arrived. That sucks. He didn't really enjoy the burger. Once you've had a burger from Lucky's, nothing really holds up to that. The dessert we had was good. Caramel filled crepe with ice cream. We might give them another try in the summer for some nachos/tapas and margaritas. The outdoor area looked like it would be fun on a summer night. read more

Went there last Thursday with my brother & my nephew Kevin for lunch. We all had the chicken tacos, they were amazing, they came with either soup or salad. I chose salad but Kevin had soup & the soup was so good that wished I had chose it! All the food there is always so fresh & of good quality!! One of my favorite places!! read more

Once upon a time, this was a lovely spot to drink pitchers of mojitos on a patio and eat fresh and innovative food. Sad to say, this is no longer true. We had reservations for a party of seven. Although nearly every table was empty, they took us to a tiny mirrored back room with no music; it was weird and depressing. I asked to move but they said they were full of big parties and they thought this sad room with cracked ceiling tiles and crooked lights would be fun for us. It wasn't. The mojitos were made with sour mix and clearly no muddling had ever occurred. The "gourmet" fajitas were basically a stir fry with tortillas--and forget the sizzling. They were unappealingly served in s bowl with brown gravy. You get better at Applebee's. The salmon stack was straight out of the 80s, cold leftover salmon pieces, potatoes, rice and beans. For $30!! I have fond memories of this place, but that's all I've got. Memories. And a $245 bill for four adults and three children. Skip it. read more

El Meson - 1980s salmon stack. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Not quite sure what's going on here. This place is advertised as a kind of "latin fusion," but everything comes with rice and beans. And everything seems like it has cilantro in it. I ordered beef with chimicurri sauce and got served with yellow rice and black beans. I'm also not sold on the quality/quantity per price point as most dishes seem to go for at least $20 and it doesn't seem like you're getting a great deal either flavor-wise or quantity-wise. Add that to a discombobulated service (entrees for four people don't come out together, two plates come out first, then the rest, then the appetizers last) and I decided that there's no need to return. read more

Don't understand the ratings for this place, maybe Dayton Spanish means something different than normal Spanish. Fish tacos, fried with a mango salsa? Overcooked chorizo saugsage and bland filet medallion? I mean, I traveled all over Europe and the US, this place is fine is you want appetizers (NOT tapas) for $10-15 each that is fair to mediocre and $25 quazi Spanish entrees. Just not what I wanted or what this place is marketed as. Never again. read more

I'm a vegetarian, so beans and rice are kinda my thing. I've dined here on numerous occasions and have always been delighted with my food. My omnivorous friends always seem to love their dishes, also. The mojitos are excellent...best I've ever had. Spacious dining area and great for large groups. read more

Horrible food and a cheap knock off of what tapas should actually taste like. Tastes like they went to the grocery store and bought a bunch of random frozen snacks. Very expensive prices for the quality. On a plus, the drinks are actually very good and well priced read more

Had dinner here for the first time, think we will pass on a return visit. My husband had the restaurant week special, I had the chicken fajitas. My husband thought his meal was bland, he had the best deal though, consisting of soup, main course, and a dessert. My fajitas were more like fajita soup! Tasted ok, but not good enough to go back for more. We asked for chips and salsa.... 3.50$ charge and the chips were stale. The barmaids were great, very attentive, great service! read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Dayton! We love this place. The staff is FUN and friendly. We have been there many times and recently had our sons rehearsal dinner there. It was a huge success!! There beans and rice are good, the filet on a hot clay pot is amazing and the margarita is the best I have ever had! It is alsi family owned. The last of the best family owned restaurants around!! read more

Okay but everything had mangos in it and my only question is why god subjected me to this terrible experiencia

We came here based on a recommendation from a friend. We ordered several tapas to share as a table and they were all good! The corn cakes. The mushroom quesadillas had a lot of flavor and a generous amount of guacamole! The patio is a nice area to eat, and bathrooms were clean. read more

I've been here many times over the years but will not be going back. Great drinks, great service but overloaded sauces and inexpensive veggies to make the lack of meat in dishes not so noticeable. Way too much garlic and cumin in all the dishes and 4.00 for a 1/4 cup of salsa! I think the price is actually $$$ now! We had a larger party but we will be dining elsewhere for ambiance and better food down the road read more

In town for a conference and had saw some good reviews of this place. Service was amazing very friendly and informative. They gave us free appetizer for it being our first time there. Food was really good, good strong flavors! Would highly recommend this place! read more

Best restaurant in Dayton, in my experience. They keep an ever-changing menu of Spanish and various Latin cuisine -- true dishes learned from travel and experience. So many fantastic tapas, always more to try. Thoughtful use of spice. Delicious cocktails. Beautiful dining rooms full of character. A bar that always seems to be roaring with life and joy. Top notch professional staff, attentive without being high-strung. It does cost a good amount, but has always been worth it for me. Going there is like a little vacation. read more

This is one of my favorite places! Everything is great here. Current favorite is the skirt steak with chimichuri sauce and mushrooms. You wouldn't know it was a skirt steak it's so tender and the flavor is amazing! If you like spice ask for some empanadia sauce I put it on everything and always get some to take home and put it on everything at home too! Great tapas so fun to try new things and they never disappoint. The outdoor seating is so relaxing makes you feel like you are on vacation. I have no bad things to say about this place do yourself a favor and check it out!! read more

Ugh. That about sums it up. I've lived in Dayton for years now and my friends who are native to here always have told me I need to go to El Meson... Well I finally did and what a waste of $160 and a perfectly nice Friday evening. First, had reservation but seated in lackluster back room that felt more like a basement. Drinks: espana, caipirinha, sangria- all mediocre. Tapas: corn quesadilla and chorizo- quesadilla bland as hell. Entrees: veg platter, asado, churrasco- blech, ok, and one good thing all night. Desert: tres leches: dry, crepes- ok. Service was decent and friendly. Overall a huge disappointment. I feel like people here locally only like it as it is the only thing that's been here for so long like so many other bland restaurants here that seen to stay open forever like Carmel's and Marion's. Bottom line: skip it!!! read more

We went to El Meson again. This time we made reservations for their Mother's Day buffet. It was terrific. My whole family enjoyed themselves and El Meson created some great food. I thought $29 a plate for adults was pricy, but my 6 year old ate for free, so that did sort of even things out. The staff was terrific, from having us seated, to our server, to people saying goodbye as we left. They were VERY friendly and accommodating. read more

Wonderful margaritas. Great tapas. The sauces are wonderful! Really Really wonderful. Friendly, knowledgable, helpful ladies behind the bar. Highly recommend read more

Very good food!! Grilled calamari tapas was to die for. Coconut crusted grouper was fantastic. As was the carne asada... (Steak) It was a group of 6 of us, so was able to try a bunch of items. Everything was good to excellent.....try it !! The place is expensive for Ohio....I live in NYC, so wasn't really bothered by it. Really deserves 3.5 stars due to the price read more

Definitely one of my favorite places to go! We order multiple tapas and share them around the whole table! This makes for such a fun night out and let's you try a variety of GREAT food. read more

El Meson - One of my favorite tapas: coconut shrimp - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

This place is fantastic!! The atmosphere is wonderful and the food is truly delicious. The service is top notch and everyone that works there is very personable, helpful and professional. I highly recommend this establishment!! read more

If you're looking for excellent food in a warm & inviting atmosphere....this is the place!!! The staff is always friendly & attentive as is the general manager Bill Castro. If he meets you once, he will remember your name for a lifetime & will treat you like family. The restaurant is beautiful inside with an indoor patio that will make you feel like you are in Barcelona. The outdoor patio is newer and one of the best in Dayton. The menu consists of moderately priced tapas and entrees go for around $20-$25. The Paella is out of this world and you need to try it at least once! El Meson has a full service bar that also feature local craft beers. They also offer special events such as bourbon tastings, the best Cinco de Mayo celebration, and even cooking classes. They also offer one of the best desserts in Dayton...the Marbella: Vanilla ice cream, blackberries, & homemade caramel. read more

Found this restaurant here on Yelp. Saw the reviews and thought it'd be good to try it out. I had the Maduro and beef Empanada to start and the chicken fajita as a main course. I can tell you it was excellent. If you're here in Dayton and like this cuisine, you must give El Mason a try. You won't be disappointed. read more

My friends and I dined here for our holiday get together a few weeks ago and the three of us all left feeling disappointed. I ate here a year ago and was impressed with the food and was looking forward to the meal, but the quality of the food seems to have gone downhill. The tapas we ordered were pretty good, but nothing that blew any of us out of the water or craving more. My entree had a hair in it, and when the manager came over to address the issue, although it was handled with the ultimate professionalism, he didn't even seem surprised by it at all. Meh. read more

Lovely! Brought my Dog to their patio for a lovely evening with kind waitstaff and an excellent meal! We're coming back!

Came here on the recommendation of family while on a visit to Dayton and was not disappointed. Unique Central and South American food, great beer choices, all in a fun venue - if you are in the mood for something different and very good come here. Try the fish tacos, coconut shrimp, and a dish from whatever Central/South American country they are featuring... read more

Their tapas are amazing! I love this place. I live in Michigan and make a point of coming here if I'm even close to it on a road trip. Must try! Everything is very unique and tasty. read more

Excellent Thanksgiving Dinner. Service was friendly and ready to help. Sangria was great. Turkey special - better than Gra read more

El Meson - Coconut-crusted grouper - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Great tapas! We only ate tapas, but my friend did have the Carne Asada. Everything was wonderful. My favorite was the Pincho Murano. The desserts were ok but not as strong as the tapas. The pastel tres leches was very disappointing, but the flan was divine. read more

Excellent service and food. Authentic Spanish cuisine. Had Arroz con Pollo. Rice and chicken. Delicious!

This is one of the most unique restaurants you will visit. South American fare. You must try the calamari grilled. The queso fundido is also very good. For dessert you must have the Marbella. It is a little drive from downtown, but VERY worth it. The owner travels to South America on a regular basis to find new recipies. read more

We chose to go here for an Easter Eve (Saturday) dinner while visiting our son in Dayton. We enjoyed the atmosphere very much and everyone had a nice dinner. We chose to have several tapas plates to share when we were having before-dinner margaritas. The margaritas are great! Because the tapas were so filling (and good!), I chose not to order a full dinner but everyone else did order meals. Everyone was very happy with their meals. This was a great choice for a very nice evening! Everyone was happy! read more

Very delicious. I have gone multiple times and ordered different meals all times. The staff is always respectful. Food takes a reasonable amount of time. The flavors are unique to anything I have ever had and always amazing. Great drinks. Be prepared to spend a decent amount. Multiple tapas do add up to a decent bill. read more

Excellent food, enjoyable atmosphere. We enjoy dining at El Meson and plan to return frequently.

A definite favorite. Food is fresh and so is the menu. Many of the favorites can be found on a consistent basis, but they take pride in presenting new items as well. The owner is always present and greets each guest with a smile and warmth that makes you feel like you are the most important guest. Flavors are distinct and amazing. Every first time guest I have brought there asks to go back again. read more

We came on a Wed. night at 8:30 for Restaurant week...The staff looked tired and ready to close. We chose the menu list that they had made up for restaurant week. I would not say their "special menu " was their best meal plan for promoting their flavors and flair. I really want to like this place, but it didn't meet my expectations this time. I will go back and try again. read more

Love the sangria, the tapas, and the patio!