For the past few months when I am in town on the weekends I have repeated the phrase “I want to try El Meson” way too many times without ever actually closing the deal. Even before Texas Monthly featured the hidden South Austin gem in its feature about Mex-Mex restaurants in Texas, El Meson has been on my list as I have always heard great things about the authenticity and value. When it comes to Mexican lunches on the weekends, it is always difficult to convince my friends, especially visiting ones, to break from their favorites that, to me, benefit more from nostalgia than good food. But since I could pull the birthday card this weekend (who am I kidding, month) I finally got to branch out Sunday.

After spending the early afternoon seizing the day by kayaking at Town Lake (aggressive Sunday move), I headed over to El Meson for a late lunch. Because I had Restaurant Week reservations at Uchi that evening, the goal was to have a lighter version of a Sunday Mexican lunch. This was a difficult task when reading over the menu that includes mouthwatering features like Chicken Mole Verde, two kinds of Chili Relleno, and tantalizing enchilada combinations. Uchi is too special of a treat to be too full to enjoy so I resisted as much as possible, but thankfully I have more than enough reason to go back to El Meson to try out all I skipped. While El Meson is a blink and you will miss it spot from the street view, the interior is spacious and lovely, especially for a small, budget friendly spot, with a traditional Mexican tiled floor and ornate fixtures. The patio leaves a bit desired with a view of South Lamar traffic and the Horseshoe Lounge, but once your food arrives you will be too busy eating to notice.

When we first sat down, our friendly waiter brought us a small sampling of a vegetable soup based with a shrimp and tomato broth to get the palate warmed up. I must say, an amuse bouche at a casual Mexican food restaurant was a first for me, but it certainly set the meal off in a wonderful way. I am not a margarita girl, but since I had heard they have a good version made without simple syrup or sugar and with agave juice and fresh lime juice, I gave it a go. Not too much acid and good tequila. I could only do one because it is a bit sweet, but sweet in the way a glass of juice is, not the same candy/sugary mix used many places. I overheard a man leaving the restaurant raving about the guacamole so of course, it was ordered immediately. Hand hacked to order, with a perfect balance of cilantro, onions, tomatoes, and a little spice made this one of the best bowls of guacamole I have had in Austin. The warm Austin day and necessity of a light meal made ceviche the natural selection for lunch. As I have noted, my South Texas roots make me a very picky ceviche lover, but this version more than past the test with its fresh fish mixed with pico and citrus that didn’t use too much cilantro, salt or spice like many comparable places tend to do. Because my stomach has a soft spot for the way masa is used in interior Mexican style street foods like sopes, I couldn’t resist splurging a little and ordering the Tlacoyas. (I have read traditional version omit lard so I’ll pretend these did too) Stuffed with black refried beans and queso fresco and topped with a mild green salsa, the tlacoyos make a solid appetizer. (Throw some guacamole on top, and it is even better!) The meal was rounded out with a few entrée salads, which while very good, were not as special as the previous choices. The Caesar did not lack any dressing, but since it was delicious not complaint there. Order on the side if you like a just a little dressing. I had the Meson salad which was good, but I would have preferred a different dressing rather than chipotle ranch and perhaps less spinach and more of the vegetable toppings. I would add shrimp if I ordered it again, but with so many other things on the menu, I will probably venture out next time.

 All in all, El Meson is an instant favorite. The quality and style of food reminds me a bit of Fonda San Miguel, but with an everyday price tag. I can’t wait to try some of the heavier entrees soon.

A little amuse bouche to start…

Guacamole - $5.29. A must order!!!

Guacamole sides. The salsas were packed with flavor and spice that burned without overpowering.

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