El Melvin Cocina Mexicana - Sarasota

The seasonal tacos are so good! I ordered the flower flower tacos with a salsa verde.

The food and atmosphere are great here. When I was there the service was slow, but I was there with people from work and we were all in the middle of putting orders in and working on projects so I think the waiter was trying not to bother us too much. I'll definitely be back when not working so I can fully appreciate the experience.

We used to love El Melvin but recently their prices are through the roof. My husband I shared a taco plate which used to come with 3 tacos now comes with 2. This is not noted in the menu and the wait staff did not specify. Our bill with tip came to $75 for 2 tacos, 2 margaritas and corn riblets, yikes!!! That was an expensive shared lunch, also an extra $2 up charge to make a margarita spicy) wasn’t told that until the bill came. We tried talking to the manager to explain we had been there many times and perhaps the wait staff should have communicated that. When the tacos were served we were surprised that there only 2 , we asked the waitress and her response was “yes sorry now we only serve 2”The manager said that we could have had a 3rd one but they have substituted with a small bowl of black beans and rice because people usually never eat a 3rd taco, WHAT? also not noted in the menu) ok great maybe the waitress should have mentioned that?? Instead the manager said “well inflation sucks”. We get that, but better communication was in order. We will not be returning and I’ll also make sure to let everyone know that we have dined with there to be aware of that. The managers attitude and complacency was surprising.

My husband and I have been 3 times. Every visit the food has been amazing! Dishes are creative. Crafted cocktails and mock tails. Live music. ? ambience.Madonna SchaefferSarasota

Walking in, there was quite an odor that smelled of sewage. Service was quite good. As for the food. There is little to be said of it. It was obvious that some of it was old and dried out. While some of the other food was oily and overcooked. I have attempted to try this place on numerous occasions. Hoping it will improve. Unfortunately, it has not and I will not be returning.