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El Meson Reviews List
El Meson
This cozy neighborhood eatery offers classic Spanish and Cuban cuisine in a casual atmosphere. El Meson Restaurant is located in the heart of The Village, a quaint, pedestrian-friendly shopping and dinning district, a short distance away from downtown, the museums and the Medical Center. El Meson features an award winning wine list offering the largest selection of Spanish wine in Texas and a temperature-controlled wine cellar housing vintage wines, all modestly priced. The House Specialty, La Paella del Meson, saffron flavored Valencian rice with poultry, meats and seafood, is offered in a variety of ways and is custom prepared to order. The grill features fresh Prime New York Strip, Rib Chop, Beef Tenderloin and fresh Australian Lamb Chops, served with a roasted red pepper - port reduction sauce.
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43 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 43 reviews
5 stars
(20)
4 stars
(16)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(25)
- fit for foodies(15)
- great for lunch(14)
- good for groups(13)
- notable wine list(12)
- romantic(9)
El Meson Reviews List
Review 1 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went there on Mother's Day and the service and food was terrific. They make best Cuban food in TX. Try their steak with rice, beans and plantains."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a mix of tapas and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a mix of tapas and bacaloa (spelling might be wrong)which was very good. Service was provided by Tacy who was very good. Great spot to enjoy Spanish food."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My wife and I live in the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My wife and I live in the area and used to come to this place a decade ago. In those days it was a classic Mexican restaurant. They started to move UpMarket and - lost me. This is the first time I have been back in many years. They have now gone much more "Spanish" and have an extensive Tapas menu. Since I like Tapas - we tried it. It was a pleasant surprise. The food was very good - albeit - this (like many tapas places) is sort of sneaky expensive. Individual prices are not high - but as you order many places the prices creep up. Still, this is an issue at any tapas place and they are no worse. Go for the food. The service was excellent - our waiter was friendly and very attentive and professional. We will be back."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2010
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A touch of Spain
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed our dinner at El Meson very much. The tapas choices, wine, and entrees were all very good. Lamb meatballs, spanish tortilla (frittata), and serrano ham with Manchego were delicious. The Solomillo entree, a butterflied pork tenderloin filet, was cooked to perfection and of generous proportion. The red snapper entree and Paella were equally tasty. There was enough to take home for another meal.
It was a pleasure to have a leisurely meal with our party of 5 and be able to carry on a conversation without yelling at each other. That's worth 10 stars in my book.
It was our first visit there, but we will return."
It was a pleasure to have a leisurely meal with our party of 5 and be able to carry on a conversation without yelling at each other. That's worth 10 stars in my book.
It was our first visit there, but we will return."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 5 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Solid food, reasonable price/access
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Cuban/Spanish cuisine that will not change your life, but is always what you want it to be. Paella's are excellent. Standard (ropa vieja, masitas, osso bucco) are all very good. Rarely over-crowded and great for larger groups (with reservation)."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 6 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our waiter, Jose, was very
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our waiter, Jose, was very good."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 7 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
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Review 8 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food is consistently good.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is consistently good. Service on this visit was a bit lacking. Usually the wait staff is more enthusiastic.
No red snapper available on this visit."
No red snapper available on this visit."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 9 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I had a great dinner here
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had a great dinner here with my boyfriend. Very quiet and relaxing. The tapas were amazing; a delightful surprise in every bite."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 10 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
This is not spanish restaurant.
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is not spanish restaurant. They have mixed up Spanish with Mexican."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
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Review 11 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This time the paella was not
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This time the paella was not great. The main problem: rice was overcooked."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 12 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved the experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our waiter was very friendly. Loved the food and the price was great!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service was great and the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was great and the waiter was very friendly. I am planning on returning.
I have been looking for a restaurant that serves good Paella and I read that El Meson did. I was very disappointed. First it was not very hot and it had no flavor or seasoning. It was eatable and I started not to say anything but decided I should. I return the dish and order the grill pork chop that was wonderful. My friend order the beef tacos and said they were wonderful also. The bacon wrap stuff dates were to die for and worth the trip back just them. Over all good evening."
I have been looking for a restaurant that serves good Paella and I read that El Meson did. I was very disappointed. First it was not very hot and it had no flavor or seasoning. It was eatable and I started not to say anything but decided I should. I return the dish and order the grill pork chop that was wonderful. My friend order the beef tacos and said they were wonderful also. The bacon wrap stuff dates were to die for and worth the trip back just them. Over all good evening."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for El Meson
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was excellent and unique.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was excellent and unique. Service was normal."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2011
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Ratings-Only Reviews for El Meson
Based on the average of (29) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate