El Melvin Cocina Mexicana

Co-owned and operated by childhood friends and partners Mitch Good and Matt Hess, El Melvin Cocina Mexicana is the hot spot for upscale modern Mexican cuisine. It is located on Main Street in downtown Sarasota. Come experience freshly made food, great service and festive, lively, energetic, fun atmosphere with live music. El Melvin uses only fresh ingredients, and their sauces and guacamoles are made fresh every morning. They use fresh juices for their drinks. Come for lunch, happy hour or dinner. Enjoy their Award-Winning Margaritas. Made with only 3 ingredients: Real lime juice, real agave and Tequila.

As bright and boisterous as a south of the border fiesta, their fun and modern “Mex-eclectic” concept exudes a vibrant and festive atmosphere that boasts colorful décor, beautifully crafted Mexican columns, and a hand carved, 100-foot wooden bar.

Aside from being one of the best restaurants in Sarasota with Authentic Mexican Cuisine, El Melvin also boasts a popular and eventful nightlife and incredible block parties.

El Melvin Cocina Mexicana came with an interesting story. Just ask Mitch Good, the owner who pleasantly comes and greets diners. He is a grandson of Melvin Mitchell, an Executive VP of Weaver’s Chicken, who was so successful, he was Poultry Man of the Year. After Tyson Foods bought Weaver’s Chicken in 1989, Melvin decided to retire and came to Sarasota. He fell in love with Sarasota and bought a summer home here. Every summer, family would come and enjoy beaches and this beautiful place for 30 years. Melvin did not stop there, though. He purchased two of the poultry outlet stores, which Weaver’s had operated. Those stores became the first in the Amelia Grocery Outlet chain. Mitchell brought his son, Michael Mitchell, president and chief executive officer, and son-in-law Jeffrey Good, chief operating officer, into the business and began to open new locations throughout central Pennsylvania. Every store they opened; it became popular. In 2013, they sold Amelias. In early 2019, they moved to Sarasota from Pennsylvania to pursue business opportunity. They were looking at different options, but nothing clicked. Then Two Senoritas Restaurant opportunity came the day Mitch’s grandfather Melvin passed away. It felt that it was meant to be, like the Restaurant business was his Grandfather’s wish. The name came honoring Mitch’s grandfather from his mother’s side. They remodeled a long-time Two Senoritas Restaurant to be a bright, lively place, full of life, great food, and an amazing service.

El Melvin continues to carry on the family legacies’ commitment to hospitality, food and service excellence, and delivering a unique and engaging authentic dining concept that celebrates culture and friendships.

Customer Reviews:

“Always a fun meal! El Melvin remains a favorite when we want Mexican food and good drinks. Casual and fun setting, and the staff has always been great. Food is consistently good, and prices are fair for what you get. Best chips and salsa with great guacamole too! – Author Dave S.

“Nice Happy Hour Stop. My wife and I stopped here for Happy Hour and enjoyed some of the drink and menu items. We sat at a high top by the bar where you can only get the happy hour menu items. Our server, Anya, was awesome! We had the Sangria Rojo and the El Melvin Margaritas! Drinks were delicious! We ordered the green chili salsa and a chicken quesadilla. Food was good too! Staff was friendly and helpful! Great stop, enjoyed!!”

“If you’re looking for a casual and fun place to host a rehearsal dinner or party in Sarasota, El Melvin’s is the place to book. With live music, the vibe is great. We hosted a wedding rehearsal dinner for thirty guests with rave reviews from all. The Mexican food is delicious, and the margaritas and sangria are the best. The owner, Mitch, could not have been more accommodating while Gigi and Colleen were the best waitresses.” – kimblecondo