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:
“Wow! I love this place! Incredibly nice staff, exquisite staff, and amazing live musicians. This is the classy version of other restaurants downtown. Not to mention a go to date spot! Can’t recommend it enough, plus the owners are incredibly nice as well as a handful of the bartenders.” – Pedro Rubiano
“Best restaurant downtown. Hands down. Live music by Alvin Colin, great food and awesome service from Kaylee. Great location, overall, the most fun I’ve had in Sarasota in years! If you are traveling through- you have to go here!” – Sarah S.
“Best Mexican I have ever had!! We don’t get downtown that often but when we do we come here. We have lived in IL and California and El Melvin is the best yet.” – Jason
“I have been to El Melvin multiple times and the food, environment, and service are always top notch. Great place to bring a date or grab a bite with friends. The drinks are also excellent.” – Michael Sutton
“Great food! Came for a date night from out of town and wanted Mexican food. Hit the spot! Great menu, great service and good drinks! I ordered the Machete Quesadilla, and it was great. Would recommend to friends!” – James Fitzgerald
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