I'll list the "cons" first. The service was much slower than we expected; we waited 15 minutes before finally meeting our server. I went most of the evening without water. We flagged our server down and asked for my water, and for the soup my wife had ordered that had been forgotten. After about 10 minutes the soup came out, but still no water. She came back to the table again later to see if we needed anything so I asked again for water. She was very embarrassed and apologetic and immediately brought water. The portions, although plenty, would be considered small by the average American, especially for the price. Pros: The food saved the day. Everything that came to our table of seven was pretty much amazing. My Veg burger was nigh unto perfect with a wonderful flavor and texture. My wife had the veg meatballs. They were better than the burger (we shared, of course). My son ordered the Carne Asada which was cooked perfectly for him and very flavorful. His wife had the Chicken Tortilla Soup and loved it. Their older boys split the Gourmet Chicken Quesadillas and loved them, and there youngest just had rice. My son and his family live in Chile and were happy to see a couple of authentic Chilean dishes on the menu. They chalked the poor service up to the restaurant trying to give us an authentic South American experience. LOL. In the end, our server didn't charge us for the potato and lentil soup, which was also quite good, and she let us know how sorry she was for the poor service, even though we did not complain. We will be going back to this place, soon. read more

Their food truck paid our work a visit. I enjoyed fish tacos. The tacos came with avacado and a delicious mango salsa. I have yet to try the restaurant but now I plan too. Service was fast too, letting me get back to work sooner. read more

El Meson - Fish taco - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

This restaurant is living proof you can stay true to your authentic vision in Dayton, Ohio and succeed. I signed up for the 2/8/20 Tapas and Pinxtos night and had a dinner for the ages. The menu was straightforward, the tapas delicious and the service superb. I will bring a highlighter pen to the next one to keep track of the tapas I order. I look forward to exploring the regular menu and enjoying another piece of guava bundt cake. read more

We had an amazing dinner reception for my son and future daughter-in-law for their wedding Saturday, February 15 at El Mason. Excellent service and amazing food. read more

We were there with a large party last night and the whole experience was excellent! From booking to execution everything was top notch!! I booked my reservation for 26 a few weeks in advance. They said they would try their best to give us a private room and that they did. It was the perfect size for our group! I really liked that they called a couple of days in advance to make sure that nothing had changed. Bill was really awesome! You HAVE to get their MANGO DAIQUIRI! You must! must! must! I have never felt more passionately about an alcoholic beverage in my entire life! It was the best drink I have ever had. The sangria was also a hit amongst the party. I got the fajitas and those too were some of the best fajitas ever. Loved the taste and cut of the meat. Yum-O! My husband had the chimichurri which he did not care for (hence the one star deduction). He said the meat was tough and the sauce lacked taste. I felt bad for him but I got over it when I remembered the fabulous daiquiri that I continued to enjoy. Did I mention you have to try it? Prices were a smidge on the high side. I wanted to try their signature filet but I could not justify the $36. We got out of there spending about $75 with drinks, dinner and a shared dessert. I thought it was worth it. Over all...the experience was great! I highly recommend them for a casual dinner or a large group. We will be back!!! read more

This place was amazing!! A wonderful friend of mine introduced me to this little gem. To start with the service was great, quick drinks. Here's a big hint try the sangria!! Wow!! We had the red!! Next were the tapas, I let my friend lead because she is from Columbia, they are portioned and priced so that you can try several and then pick your favorite! Onto the entree, after all the plantain and empanadas we shared the Arroz Con Pollo, it rocked!! Fresh and full of flavor!! Lastly the desserts, we had the flan and the Carmel crepes, holy homemade Carmel batman!! I cannot say enough about this place, if you are ever in the neighborhood you mist stop in and give it a try!! read more

Very disappointed in the service. Tried to pop in to get some food and they "decided" to close the kitchen over an hour early and proceeded to push us out the door. Whoever was working that night was clearly trying to have a early fun Saturday night. read more

My entire family has loved this place for decades. They have made a lot of changes in the last year or so. Last night I think it was unanimous that it just isn't the El Meson we have loved for so long. Our service was terrible and they weren't busy by any means. They were out of bread and it was 7:00. Actually they were out of a few things. The food wasn't the usual standards that you would normally expect from this place. Our previous experience had similar results so I decided to post the review. I hope they appreciate the feedback but more than anything I hope they bring back their a game. Higher prices and substandard food are not a long term strategy. read more

El Meson - Its only 8 grand. Love her - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

We hadn't been by El Meson for a long time. We had always enjoyed it and so we went to celebrate our anniversary. The food, the service, the drinks were all so good. Make a reservation - take your time - enjoy!!! read more

El Meson is an excellent spanish restaurant...The Chilean Salmon Stack was very unique and their guava cheesecake a great dessert. Service was quick and friendly...I will go back if I am ever back in Dayton again! read more

What a gem this place is! Unsweetened mango iced tea, killer. Vegetable stir fry, killer. Knowledgeable staff that could easily explain every item on the menu. It all looked, smelled and sounded great. This place is a must stop if you are in the area. read more

Good night. This place makes me want to just camp out on their patio all day and stuff my face. Luckily for them (and me) I live over an hour a way, but I always try and squeeze in a trip when I make it to this fair city. There really isn't anything quite like this place in the Midwest. The owners and chef really care about what they are doing and make an annual pilgrimage to South America to get new ideas. They have a country of the mouth, which inspires all their specials. And if nothing on the specials menu floats your boat- you can always "settle" for the empanadillas or the fish tacos... such a hardship. The service is fantastic and friendly. The cost is very reasonable (for lunch- a little high for dinner). I couldn't be more in love with the place. read more

El Mason just might have the best service I have experienced anywhere. Several of us from our office flew into Dayton last week for work and stopped in for a flight-weary meal. As soon as we walked in the door the (manager, owner, host?) recognized my boss from the one and only other time she had been there. He remembered her food allergy, what she ordered, what she liked, where she sat, everything. We were all astounded. It was the warmest welcome I have ever experienced at a restaurant. At one point during our meal the waitress from the next table took the small (2 year old) boy either to the bathroom or to be entertained by the fist tank inside. Either way, where can you go these days where the wait staff care enough to help you with your kids? We got a wonderful table outside under the canopy and enjoyed about a dozen tapas so we could try as much food as possible. The Arepas de Choclo and the Ceviche were AMAZING. The lumpia were the best I have had. The only one that disappointed was the Patatas Ailioli, which were not as good as others I have had and basically resembled your standard potato salad. The tapas are priced a little high (even by California estimates) but the portions were also a little larger than what I am used to for tapas. The food was a tad pricier than I think appropriate; however, the impeccable service and delicious, always-changing menu make it worth a visit. read more

Coming from LA, I was happy have been introduced to some good South American good - I mean it is really good (second time here). But what got me to open yelp to write the review was the dessert. Check out the pic. read more

El Meson - Turtle Chocolate Cake - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Great food with a large variety of food from all over South America, I had the paella and it was good, tons of shrimp, scallops, & calamari. Everyone was satisfied with there plate. Salsa and bread was quite different but actually very good read more

All for things considered, this place has GREAT Spanish food. While growing up in area, this was the place that first exposed my love for Paella. The 'outdoor' patio is very nice to sit out and eat, with a fountain and shrubbery which definitely makes this place very unique compared to other restaurants in the area. What makes this place REALLY stand out through is the quality of service. While eating lunch, one of the managers came out to help explain the menu featuring specials from a particular Latin American country to the guests. I really appreciated the amount of care and dedication he placed in making sure that everyone enjoyed their meal. Also, the mango smoothie is delicious!!! read more

I love the patio outside of this restaurant. The service is great first of all. The food is solid... sometimes I think it's a bit too salty, but that might just be me. I'm vegan, so there aren't that many things I can order there, but the things I can get, they've been good, but nothing too special about the food. But do try the fried green plantains! Mmm, those fried plantain cups filled with veggies are delicious. The black bean soup is also good. But...the best part about the restaurant is: the booze of course. This is one of the few (I'd actually say two) places in Dayton area that can really make good margaritas. You can get a whole pitcher and drink it out of big sturdy glasses. I like to order mine made with Petron Silver. I also tried the Mojito there, which was quite yummy. read more

It is hard for me to give this place anymore than 3 stars. The food is acceptable, the service is good and the decor is unique. However, it was very cold inside even though an employee turned up the heat which didn't make much difference. My cosmo didn't seem to have much alcohol in it and the mixer was watered down. Didn't even get a little buzz. Probably should have ordered something non-alcoholic and saved the money. I had the shrimp quesadilla which tasted fine but nothing exceptional. This was my second time here. The first time was over two years ago but I was not a Yelper so I didn't pay much attention although I recall not hating it. If that were the case I would not have come back. I am willing to give this place one more try but that will probably be it. Can't really recommend it. read more

I haven't been to their restaurant, but their catering is FANTASTICO! They catered an event in Kettering. Everyone at my table was impressed. The flan was superb. The entries were excellent: Pollo Andes (chicken), grouper, pasta, and some kind of squash dish. All very fancy set up too. Very polite and professional wait staff that handled the 100+ guests. Based on the food, and the friendliness/professionalism of the staff, I really want to visit their restaurant now. read more

Decided to try out this place because it was name one of the best 12 restaurants in Dayton. First I ordered the classic from Spain. I was disappointed, because only came with 2 very small sausage , some camtinpalo, and manchego ( too pricey for what you get). Then I ordered the carne asada with black beans and yuca frita(I ordered the meat medium rare but it came well done). The flavor of the meat ( which was very small for the price!) was bland, black beans were too soppy, only the Yuca was good. The chimichurry was not aArgentinian ! I was disappointed because it was not an authentic Spaniard place . read more

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

Great Tapas to share! After looking over the menu and trying to decide what to get, our server recommended trying different entrees Tapas-style. The price was close to large appetizers at casual restaurants, but with a smaller portion of food. Still, better than buying a $20 entree and only getting that food, so we tried some main dishes as tapas as well as some sides (a little more reasonably priced). Our server was new and didn't know how to open a bottle of wine but after a few tries grabbed a manager to assist her. Not much room left for dessert, but we still tried the cheesecake, very tasty! We were seated in the main dining area of inside tables, passing through the colorful gift shop on the way. I would recommend this restaurant to a small or large group. read more

We held our office Christmas party here on 12/15/19 and it was excellent! I had so many people tell me what a great time they had - how delicious the food was - how beautiful the room looked and how amazing the staff was. Everyone raved about how great the food was and what a great idea it was to do the family style. I think everyone had plenty to eat, and the extra boxed food on the table as we left was certainly appreciated. And I cannot compliment the staff enough. They were very professional and friendly and I can tell they really enjoy what they do. But I especially have to compliment Scott. I unfortunately didn't get to tell him goodbye, but he was just outstanding as our host. He asked a couple of times if everyone was comfortable (temperature wise) and made sure everyone had what they needed. No wonder El Meson is such an amazing restaurant. Any place can have great food with a so-so staff, but I think you guys have the perfect combination of atmosphere, excellent cuisine and professional friendly staff. Feliz Navidad to you and your wonderful family!!! read more

It's been a while since our last visit and they have possibly improved the patio area! It was a Lovely sunny evening and we all sat outside on the patio. That's where the problems began. The chairs were springy rocking chairs, great outside relaxing at home, but so Hard to sit in and eat as they keep rocking and leaning away from the table. The design of the chairs makes it impossible to sit up at the table. Then the tables have a mesh top which is probably good in the rain but for a restaurant? any food or drink that spills goes straight through and destroys your clothing. Then the horribly overpriced and tasteless paella arrived and we have not been back! Their prices should include better tables and chairs. read more

We liked what we ate. Some common items were wished were there: pickled olives and cheese, patatas bravas , that one egg plant dish But over all a very pleasant experience. read more

So good. Food was delicious. Service was great. Next time I'm in Dayton I will definitely stop by and eat. read more

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

Romantic atmosphere. Service wasn't as fast as we had expected as they were not too busy. The menu included some great options. Prices are a bit higher, not somewhere I would want to take children. Food was a bit on the cold side. Their house made chorizo was amazing. read more

El Meson is ok. The ingredients are quality and the presentation is really nice but the flare to the flavor is lacking. I had the carne asada and found the chimichurri to be very plain, no usual notes of citrus or cilantro and no heat. Beans and rice are well made but perhaps a little difficult to get off target. I'm not sure I'll return to El Meson due to a lack of flair to the cooking and the relatively high prices for the dishes overall. Of note, there is a little store in the front, which I found overwhelming at first but contains some interesting and unique items. read more

Maybe its just me, but I feel like this place quietly Americanized many items of the menu, much to my disappointment. I got tostones they were over fried bland nothingness. I order queso fundido w/ chorizo...it was covered in BBQ sauce, I am guessing Great Value brand (not to mention it came out with congealed cheese). The mojitos were a sugary joke. I've been going here for years and really remember the food to have been so bland. Not to mention they added domestic beers. I don't recall but there probably is not much of a price differentiation considering how El Meson likes to charge for everything else. All in all I like the place! It has great atmosphere, very unique. I feel like I'm actually in Colombia while there. Overall it was an underwhelming $100+ spent, since talking about my experience with Colombian coworkers I've been recommended to not go there yet rather try Arepas &Co-Colombia Comfort Food in Kettering or La Colombiana in Dayton. read more

This place SUCKS. I came to their food truck and they were EXTREMELY rude. I waited in line for 15+ minutes, and I had my credit card in hand and ready to order. When I got up there, I ordered some chicken empanadas and the man taking my order was EXTREMELY rude and was correcting me in a very rude tone. I went to give him my card and he pauses for a minute and goes, "oh yeah we don't take card. It's cash only." AND THERE WAS NO SIGN ANYWHERE ON THE TRUCK OR BY THE TRUCK THAT SAYS ITS CASH ONLY. I am extremely fed up and I URGE you to not eat here. read more

I could have given it another half star but the service wasn't quite as outgoing as I would like, and dessert was merely adequate. The tapas, following my first ever sherry, were excellent all the way around. Go for the ceviche! The only one we didn't like was some beef with peppers and onions that was too similar to the queso fundido (which was excellent itself). Everything else was off the chart. After 9 tapas I was te only one to order dinner. The carne asada was tender and flavorful, but no match for the tapas especially considering price. Tres leches cake was dry and too sweet. Dulce de leche was good for something different. read more

We love the atmosphere and the food is probably the best around. The house margarita's will make you happy to come​ here !!

Stopped by for lunch and it was fantastic! Hit tapas and a corona. Chorizo queso, coconut fish bites and beef empanadas were all AMAZING! Great flavors service and prices. Stop by if you have never been here. Gem of Dayton. read more

One simply cannot get better South American food, ambiance, and entertainment: in Dayton, in the Mid-West, I challenge you, in the States.

Great tapas menu and REAlly good margaritas! I went with my parents and grandma for a later Mother's Day dinner and it was great, everyone loved it! The queso fundido (with chicken) was the best of the 6 tapas we ordered. So flavorful and comes with tortillas. Grilled calamari was cooked really well, the sauce I could take or leave. The manchego puffs were really rich and garlicy. They aren't really a puff they are pieces of bread covered in cheese and spices, so good though! Wouldn't recommend the fish tacos, just blah. . . I wouldn't say I'm a margarita snob but most places disappoint, especially on their house marg and El Meson delivers. I chose a martini style, seasonal cocktail but mostly stole sips from grandma's maragarita! HA I can't wait to go back with my husband. I'm from Dayton, and I met him there and we have never been. A good friend says they have a fantastic brunch and I wouldn't doubt it! read more

El Meson - Agave bloom, house margarita and the jalapeno martini (going clockwise!) - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Went there during a business trip a couple of weeks ago. Manager suggested we sit in covered patio area on a rainy and chilly evening. Being from SoCal we were a bit nervous about it but it turned out very well. The lamb shank was very well prepared and the portion was generous. The service was good too. Overall I'd recommend this restaurant. It was a bit of a surprising find for its somewhat remote location. read more

I'm not sure why I only gave this 4 stars because it's definitely a 5 star restaurant that serves amazing food similar to dishes I found in Spain and Barcelona! Their margaritas are still the best in town and I absolutely recommend their mojitos! Go for drinks and tapas or order an actual meal, you can't go wrong! Ask about their specials because if they have any they are usually fantastic! Steaks come on a hot plate and if you want paella it is absolutely worth the longer wait so be patient! read more

Wonderful experience. Scott took great care of us, from recommending food to drinks. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening.

We came here because a client referred us. It was 13 minutes away. Pulled in was greeted by a hostess and immediately sat outside in the beautifully decorated atrium. The menu looked insane - like I wish I could have ordered all of it. I had the signature cocktail tamiami mami (smooth and delicious) and the owner even stopped by to explain the drink, the flavors, and thank us for our business. This is a third generation family business and they have a location in Ft. Lauderdale! We selected the run shrimp $13-ish and it was a creamy honey flavored rice with shrimp and red peppers... it was delicious, soothing, and warm! Also the scallops were $14-ish 4 huge sea scallops with balsamic reduction, tomatoes, mango, and avocado --- amazing / should be $18! Then the burger was great $13ish. We decided the crepes were for dessert and it was to die for. I'm so pleased and happy we came here and will NEVER COME TO OHIO WITHOUT EATING HERE! So great and $59 all said and done :) WOW! read more

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Basically over priced bland mexican food.

Excellent. Had a party of 6 that went there for mothers day. Have been here for a couple birthday's and twice just because it was close and had good experiences before. First our waitress while new had a great knowledge of the food. I've had nothing but great service and food every time I've been. If your ready to excite your taste buds with something unique and delicious give El Meson a try. read more