El Meson

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2425 University Blvd (at Morningside Drive)
Houston, TX 77005

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(713) 522-9306
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El Meson - Houston, TX
El Meson - Houston, TX
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Reviews
( 14 )
( 6 )
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( 4 )
( 4 )

Best

Great Cuban food! Had the Solomiilo which is pork w/onions, rice, black beans & plantains. Another in our party had the filet-medium which I didn't taste but it was reported to ...

Worst

Took my girlfriend there on a Tuesday night. Ambiance is good, but food was sub par. We ordered the paella de Meson, supposedly their signature paella, the classic mixed meat an...

Editorial review from Citysearch 4/11/2014

We first tried this restaurant when our son was a student at Rice and have been returning ever since. The food is always well prepared and we especially enjoy the Cuban specialties---masitas and ropa vieja are not to be missed, and if you have any room left for dessert, the flan is delicious. On our last visit we met the owner, Peter, who ably helped us select a nice Spanish wine to accompany our meal, then continued to check on us throughout dinner to make sure things were wonderful. Niki, our server, was delightful as well, and we felt like close friends rather than occasional visitors. Food is moderately expensive but fairly priced, and the wine list is balanced to provide options at all price points. Great job, Peter and staff, we'll be back often! more

Editorial review from Citysearch 4/3/2014

We went to try out El Meson for restaurant month and weren't disappointed. I had the pork belly appetizer and it was AMAZING! My husband had the crab cakes which he really liked as well. I had the Paella for main course which was very flavor. Our waitress was very nice and we will be definitely coming back! more

Editorial review from Citysearch 3/26/2014

El Meson is a classic. Well-cooked Cuban and Spanish dishes meet perfect service in a comfortable and relaxed, yet classy setting. Good selection of wines, and good people watching. Their pollo al ajillo is the best, and I've returned year after year for it. Prices are also good. You'll definitely leave happy! more

Editorial review from Citysearch 3/18/2014

Excellent Cuban/Spanish/Mexican Food. Extensive menu with tapas and the best black beans and rice. Entree's and Paella's are great. My favorite is the Tampiquena ""Cuban"" Style. The steak is sooo tasty and it comes with a cheese enchilada. My husband like the Pargo with vegetables. It is located next to Rice University in the Village and we have been going there since the 80's. Great Magarita's too! more

Editorial review from Citysearch 3/7/2014

Excellent food from start to finish, friendly and warm service with an authentic Cuban atmosphere. Will be back to try the rest of the amazing menu. Won't disappoint! more

Editorial review from Citysearch 2/27/2014

I thought this place was legit. Great food and tapas. Good location, etc. more

Editorial review from Citysearch 2/18/2014

Lots of fun choices on the menu, the food was great and they have wine by the glass, carafe or bottle. They serve my favorite Spanish red, Ribera del Duero! more

Editorial review from Citysearch 2/5/2014

There are 2 tapas places right next to each other here across from a megamall. I tried this one and was reasonably satisfied -- wine prices were very good and they provided a carafe as an alternative to a full bottle. Basic charcuterie platter was a good value. Atmosphere was pleasant -- bit of madrid shabby perhaps but to be preferred to the grand mall. more

Editorial review from Citysearch 1/27/2014

Superb Paella Marinera. ""The real deal"" The taste only found in the Mediterranean coast of Valencia, Alicante or Eivissa, Thank you for everything Peter. thank you for using paella rice grain from V......, and real boganvante seafood, It really makes the difference.\r Peter, You are one of the best chef's in America.\r Gracias por todo Pedro. more

Editorial review from Citysearch 1/7/2014

We were in Houston for a hospital visit and the hotel recommended this place over a similar nearby restaurant. We were not disappointed. We walked past the other place on the way and it was loud and wild. We were looking for laid back and we got it. Everything was delicious and the service was excellent. more

Editorial review from Citysearch 12/18/2013

Great Spanish cuisine and would be a great date place or a place to bring clients.\r \r I recommend it. more

Editorial review from Citysearch 11/14/2013

1st time to dine. Great apps (calamari and jamon with manchego) excellent beef mains, attentive service and toddler friendly. Will return! more

Editorial review from Citysearch 11/1/2013

Awesome masitas! We loved the potatoes in tomato sauce as an appetizer followed by the pork and carne guisada. Would totally recommend it! Lunch prices make it beyond reasonable.\r more

Editorial review from Citysearch 10/22/2013

We arrived early but needed to wait on the rest of our party. The wait staff seated us was very accommodating and friendly while we waited. We stayed a long time and we never felt rushed to leave. So many choices on the menu made it great for all our picky eaters. I would like to return and try some other items on the menu. more

Editorial review from Citysearch 10/11/2013

When I come across a restaurant which bills itself as having more than one type of cuisine I usually get worried. Nobody wants to eat Thai food made by someone who is used to cooking Indian.\r \r Not so with El Meson! This place has Tapas, Cuban, or Tex-Mex portions of their menu, and the flavors remain distinct, prepared true to the origin. \r \r Seating was comfortable, they have a few large booths as well as tables. I would recommend checking this place out. We left full and satisfied. more

Editorial review from Citysearch 9/30/2013

I've visited this restaurant several times, some with big groups. Sitting was prompt and service was good. Food is always excellent. Have tried everything from the paellas, tapas to the Cuban dishes - all were yummy! I definitely prefer it to the tapas restaurant a few doors down. This place you could actually hear your party talking. more

Editorial review from Citysearch 9/19/2013

My daughter had an assignment that required her to research Cuban food, El Meson was a great experience for her and the wait staff recommended the dishes that would be true to her experience with regard to authentic Cuban cuisine.\r Thanks Lupe! more

Editorial review from Citysearch 9/9/2013

Good place for picadillo..\r It comes with black beans and plantains. Very tasty. more

Editorial review from Citysearch 8/26/2013

Had the salad with plaintains. Was good. Interesting purpley ambience. more

Editorial review from Citysearch 8/13/2013

We went there for a late lunch on a very hot Thursday afternoon. As we entered the place is was not busy. As soon as we sat we ordered a sangria and it was refreshing and excellent. The best I've tasted in Houston.\r We decided to order from the tapas menu and share. There are multiple choices to twe started with the garlic soup and it was like I was back in Spain. We ordered meat skewers, tortilla española, ensalada de aguacate c tostones, the mushrooms & the star if the afternoon, the potbelly. Every plate was wonderful. The salad was a total different approach to fried plaintains, the mushrooms and skewers were very good. But the potbelly was surprisingly good . If you like sweet dishes you will enjoy it. I will definitely come back again real soon. more
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Menu for El Meson


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Vibrant Rice Village eatery pairs Mexican, Cuban and Spanish food with a standout wine list.

Owner Message
  • El Meson Spanish Restaurant is known for their Award Winning Spanish Wine List-Located in the Rice Village in Houston, Texas has been serving authentic Latin dishes for more than 27 years. El Meson has one of Houston's best wine lists and has won several awards including the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Each month, El Meson hosts an incredible wine dinner from various regions around the world. Call for more information. Our menu includes a variety of Tapas, nachos, soups and salads to start your meal. Experience dishes such as Paella-The finest golden thread Spanish Saffron and Authentic Valencian Rice.We offer a variety of fish or beef served with your choice of Mexican, Cuban or Spanish Style Rice. Enjoy a private dining experience which accommodates up to 28 guests Ideal for Rehearsal Dinners, Birthdays or a wine dinner with family & friends. Visit El Meson today!

Editorial
  • The Scene
    Family-owned and operated for more than 20 years, this former Mexican restaurant has gradually added Cuban and Spanish dishes over the years. Cozy banquettes line the front...

  • 1/16/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 12pm-10pm
  • Payments: American Express, Cash, Visa, Master Card
  • Neighborhoods: South Central, University Place
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