Business Details
Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Chattanooga
El Meson Restaurante Mexicano was founded over twenty years ago by the Ruiz family with a vision to bring authentic Mexican culture and cuisine to Chattanooga. Our story began in Jalisco, Mexico, where the tradition of communal dining inspired our warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Led by Raul Ruiz, Sr., and his sonsfour of whom now manage daily operationswe combine generations-old recipes from our family's heritage with locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that honor our roots. Our commitment to authenticity extends beyond food, with a vibrant Mexican ambiance that transports guests to the heart of Mexico. In 2009, we expanded to Hixson to share our culinary traditions with more of our community, maintaining the same dedication to quality and hospitality.Our team travels annually to Mexico for culinary inspiration, ensuring our menu evolves while staying true to its origins. From our signature mole to handmade tortillas, every dish reflects our passion for preserving Mexican heritage. We offer full-service catering and banquet facilities, making us a destination for both casual dining and special events. Our staff, trained in Nevada and Mexico, embodies the values of teamwork and excellence instilled by our family. Whether visiting our original Hamilton Place location or our Northgate venue, guests experience a blend of tradition, innovation, and genuine hospitality that defines El Meson.
Services
Catering
Banquet Facilities
Party Trays
Exhibition Cooking
Sunday Brunch
Highlights and features
- We offer authentic Mexican recipes passed down from Jalisco, Mexico.
- Our family-owned business has served Chattanooga for over 20 years.
- Full-service catering with mariachi entertainment and exhibition cooking.
- Two spacious locations accommodating events of all sizes.
- Award-winning dishes tested by local diners every Sunday.
Services
Catering
Our full-service catering includes exhibition cooking, servers, and chafing dish setup. Specialties include sizzling fajitas and handmade tortillas, perfect for weddings, business meetings, and celebrations. Mariachi entertainment adds authentic flair to any event.
Banquet Facilities
Host events in our vibrant Mexican-themed spaces seating up to 250 guests. Ideal for birthdays, weddings, and corporate events, our venues combine festive decor with professional coordination to ensure memorable occasions.
Sunday Brunch
Exhibition Cooking
Experience interactive dining with live stations preparing fajitas, tortillas, and quesadillas. This engaging service combines culinary skill with entertainment, enhancing both private events and regular meals.
Party Trays
Order pre-prepared party trays for off-site celebrations. Our portioned platters ensure convenience without compromising authenticity, perfect for gatherings needing quick, high-quality Mexican cuisine.
People
Raul Ruiz Jr.
Manager
With 25 years in restaurant management, Raul oversees daily operations. He trained in Nevada and Mexico, ensuring culinary excellence while maintaining family traditions passed down through generations.
Pedro
Co-Founder
Co-founder Pedro brought traditional Jalisco recipes to the business. His culinary expertise, combined with Ruiz's operational experience, established El Meson's authentic foundation.
Edgar Ruiz
Operations Manager
Edgar manages restaurant logistics after training in Nevada and attending Mexican food shows. He ensures consistency across both locations while innovating menu offerings.
Tony Ruiz
Event Coordinator
Tony specializes in event planning, leveraging his Nevada training to coordinate over 200-person banquets. He focuses on creating seamless experiences for weddings and corporate functions.
Alberto Ruiz
Catering Director
Alberto leads catering services, developing custom menus for clients. His Mexico culinary training informs the interactive stations featured at events.
Questions
What makes El Meson's Mexican cuisine authentic?
Our recipes originate from Jalisco, Mexico, with half passed down from the Ruiz family's grandmother. The mole and tortillas remain unchanged from her original methods.
Do you offer catering services for large events?
Yes, we provide full-service catering with live cooking stations, servers, and mariachi entertainment. Our team handles events from 10 to 250 guests.
Are banquet facilities available for private events?
Both locations offer banquet spaces accommodating up to 250 guests. Our staff coordinates decorations, menus, and entertainment for weddings, showers, and corporate events.
What are the restaurant's operating hours?
We serve Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm at both Chattanooga and Hixson locations.
How does the family influence the restaurant's operations?
Four Ruiz sons manage daily operations after training in Nevada and Mexico. Annual culinary trips to Mexico ensure our menu evolves while preserving traditions.
