Meson Ole Restaurant, Commack, New York, Family Style Restaurant Details

Food:

Been going here since I was a kid.

Food:

I was extremely pleased with my Meson Ole (Commack) experience!

The chips and salsa we were served upon reaching our table was a nice touch (don't know how someone could claim it to be 'the worst salsa,' it was just fine, normal salsa.) I had a margarita on the rocks, which was fantastic (they even cut small straws for the tall glasses!) and my boyfriend had a bottled beer. The fresh, warm bread that came after our drinks was unexpected and we had to limit ourselves so as not to fill up before our entrees.

We both ordered enchiladas- he the chicken and beef and myself, the seafood. WOW! They were fantastic! The plates were tremendous, brimming with yellow rice, refried beans, lettuce and of course- the enchiladas! Based on the reviews we'd read, we weren't expecting much but both were extremely pleased with our meals. I tried his and though the plates looked quite similar (rice, cheesy enchiladas, refried beans etc) when I tried some of his chicken, the taste was entirely different then what I had on my plate- and it was DELICIOUS! Everything had so much flavor, we both ate ourselves TOO full.

Our waiter was quite polite and as someone who works in the service industry, I found him to be attentive and timely without being bothersome. If he didn't have to interrupt our conversation to find out how we were, he would settle for a smile and eye contact as indication of our contentment. The bartender came over to our table to bring our drinks and she was fine as well.

The decor, which has very little effect on my opinion of Mason Ole (who cares what it looks like when the food TASTES like THAT?!) resembled what my boyfriend and I described as Mexican diner. There was a broken window at the entrance, which we only noticed on our way out. Otherwise, the space was pleasant, clean and conducive to a lovely evening.

In summation, give this place a try. The food and drinks are exactly what we were looking for in an authentic Mexican restaurant, and that's what you'll find at Meson Ole; authentic Mexican food, drinks, decor and service.

Food:

The service is horrible at this place. The Paella is the worst i've ever had. Unless you're here for the free chips and mojitos this place is a complete rip off. They force tip, even when it's only a party of 2. Avoid this place by any means.

Food:

It's been said that you have to travel to either Texas or the West Coast to find good Mexican food.

Case in point, being Meson Ole. Our immediate impression was the correct one...That we should have taken a pass on this sub-par cantina.

Once you are seated you are presented with a basket of corn chips and salsa. Although the chips were warm and crispy, our collective group has never tasted such poor salsa. This dipping disaster cannot even be considered salsa, but some liquid corn starched assemblage of chopped onions, red pepper and horrid tomato sauce. I haven't the faintest clue of how this gloppy mess was made or where it as bought from, but it was inedible. I've never asked if a Mexican restaurant had a different variety of salsa, but I had to in this case Regrettably and not surprisingly , they did not. Better jarred salsa is available at any supermarket. Just be sure to pick the cheapest brand. Sadly, their "signature" salsa was a portend of things to come.

The entrees that we ordered can be summed up in one word, "uninspiring". Makes you wish that you either opted to eat home, bring in some local Chinese take out or hit the diner for some wholesome comfort food, because none of their dishes delivered any form of satisfaction. The best thing that could be said about the entrees was that they were filling. No Pico De Gallo, no nothing but poorly presented, food more resembling fast food than a quality sit down restaurant. The tasty, but way overpriced dollop of guacamole came in a stale mini (and I mean mini) taco salad shell. We had to order that because the salsa was so inedible

I notice that some reviews raved about the fried ice cream. Unfortunately by the time you get to desert, the only thing that you can't wait for is is the check and to cut your looses ASAP. Looking at the similar reviews of this and their other restaurant branches, my sentiments are shared by others. Perhaps they should concentrate selling fried ice cream, because as far as their food is concerned, it absolutely doesn't cut it.

If you want to appreciate Mexican cuisine, take a trip to the Old Town section of San Diego. On the other hand, if you want "forgettable" Mexican cuisine eat here