El Meson celebrating 40 years with throwback recipes at its EPIC 2-day party

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

It is not every day that a Dayton classic turns the big 4-0.

It is a good thing the Castro family at El Meson knows how to throw a party that rises to the occasion.

>> The best soups in Dayton (including El Meson!)

The restaurant at 903 E. Dixie Drive in West Carollton is planning a two-day weekend blowout to celebrate its 40th anniversary, according to details posted to Eventbrite.   

Herman and Gloria Castro opened the restaurant to the public July 15, 1978, as the Pizza Queen.

The restaurant morphed into El Meson and now specializes in dishes from Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Bill Castro, the founders' son and co-owner, says old favorites will return.

“In addition to Latin street food and drinks from out of our trucks in the lot, we’re going to have one truck that serving items from the original Pizza Queen restaurant that El Meson began as back in 1978,” Bill Castro said. “Some of our customers may remember favorites like the Exotic Burrito and Mexican Pizza from that menu.”

The parking lot parties set for 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. July 20-21 will feature live music and dancing under tents and street grub from El Meson’s fleet of food trucks.

Admission is $5 for both days and a limited number of $35 VIP tickets are available for Friday or Saturday patio seating.

>> PHOTOS: Did we spot you celebrating Cinco De Mayo at El Meson?

VIP admission includes admission to a less crowded area, servers and a better view of the yet-to-be announced lineup of bands that includes from Ithika and Nothing But Treble Friday and Saturday from Funky G & The Groove Machine and Nasty Bingo Saturday.

A customer appreciation happy hour is set for 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. both days in the restaurant’s “party lot.”

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It includes free entry and $5 margaritas.

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The business is now owned and operated by their children and sons and daughters-in-law — Bill, Marie, Scott and Chef Mark Abbott.
>> RELATED:  39 things to know and love about El Meson

WANT TO GO? 

What: El Meson's 40th Anniversary Weekend

When: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 20 and 21

Where: El Meson, 903 E. Dixie Drive in West Carrollton

Cost: Admission is $5 for both days and a limited number of $35 VIP tickets are available for Friday or Saturday patio seating.

Tickets: Visit the Eventbrite page for advance VIP tickets

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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