El Meson Restaurante

One of my favorite restaurants when I visit Dayton! Fresh and wonderful food in a great atmosphere. more

El Meson never disappoints those looking for vibrant, flavorful Caribbean cuisine. Ingredients are always very fresh and the presentation is bright and inviting. Seating on the patio which is heated in cooler weather will make for a wonderful dining experience. Try the mojitos, margaritas, or sangaria! Pros: Mojitos, Unique dishes, Menu variety Cons: It is not in my backyard. more

The best restaurant experience you may ever have! If you have refined taste and are looking for authentic South American food this establishment is second to none. I have been going for years and the best has to be the queso fundido in the tapa (appetizer shrimp, cheese, and shitake mushrooms, mixed in earthy bbq like sauce served with grilled flour tortiea) section. Mojito is great as well for drink. Service is always great the owner is on site daily making it one of the best run restaurants I have ever seen. The quality and preparation of ingredients are flawless. If you try and it doesn’t immediately become a favorite then you don’t know good food. Prices are above average for area $20-30 a meal but I have paid far more for food that is not half as good. Be warned this is not your normal “American Mexican” expect more complex dishes if you are a basic meat and potatoes person and don’t like to try new things this place might not be for you. Do yourself a favor and take your special someone there. Pros: Excelllant service, Owner on site Cons: Its only in dayton and i live in Columbus more

El Meson is a true change of pace! I stumbled on this gem a few years ago and now I eat there at least once a month. I love that part of the menu changes monthly to highlight different Hispanic countries food. I try a new tapas every visit. Some of my absolute favorites are: arepas de choclo, choripan, empanadillas, corn & zucchini quesadilla, and arroz con pollo. Their homemade chorizo is always a great choice- it is full of flavor! There was one time I ordered something off the changing menu and it was not my taste. The waiter was more than willing to trade it for something I did like. They want you to try different items. Not everything is going to taste good to everyone. The waiters are more than happy to make the customer happy. Eating outside on the patio in warm weather with a pitcher of sangria is a wonderful treat. \r \r \r Pros: excellent food, the best sangrias, nice outside seating, plenty of parking Cons: can be loud inside more

The food and service were tops. We were seated next to the live band (which was great), but it was a little too loud for casual conversation. The entree, appetizer, and sangria were fabulous. Highly recommended. more