Mason Social offers friendly atmosphere, unique dining experience in Mentor
Published by: The News-Herald
Original article found here
“Smile, Eat, Drink, Talk & Be Happy.”
That is the motto of a project nine months in the making that is now a dining destination reality in a popular spot in Mentor.
Noah Bloch, Ben Klein and Michael DiCesare are co-owners of Mason Social, which has taken over the former Melt location at Points East in Mentor.
The restaurant officially opened on April 13. The trio understands and embraces their Northeast Ohio roots and feels that will be part of the welcoming vibe at Mason Social — from Cleveland pro sports and Mentor High athletic jerseys as decor on the wall to raffles that will benefit different groups in the area.
Klein explained that the idea behind the name and the vibe of the restaurant is “Mason” is for a wide array of mason jars on site for which customers are offered shareable options for beverages down to the 16-ounce variety.
As for “Social” they wanted it be like a social club with an inviting environment for all where people could come to enjoy good food and a good times in a friendly setting.
Just don’t call it a “sports bar.”
“We wanted it to be more of a social club without needing a membership,” Klein said. “We offer a menu that we call elevated bar food and the portions are huge. The food is phenomenal and if you leave here hungry without a doggie bag, I don’t know what to say.”
The menu features fresh items, with many coming from around Northeast Ohio, such as the 1-pound kielbasa from Raddell’s Sausage Shop in Collinwood called the Mason Dawg Pound.
They offer Cleveland Smoked Meat, smash burgers, a multitude of sandwiches and platters as well as popular fare such as appetizers, salads and wings.
Klein added the 171-inch main TV behind the bar will feature sporting events, but will also feature music, entertainment and other viewing options for the patrons.
Bloch said while there are plenty of top-shelf alcohol offerings, particularly bourbon which will be featured in a monthly raffle to benefit local organizations, the allure of Mason Social is that is well-rounded entertainment for anyone.
“We have offerings for people that drink Pabst Blue Ribbon beer to top of the line bourbon,” Bloch said. “It is important to note we are family-friendly. We have games for the kids, and for those that want come back late for a date night, we offer plenty for that occasion, too.”
Bloch added that the location was appealing because of the busy area, proximity to the freeway as well as having nearby communities such as Mentor-on-the-Lake, Willoughby, Eastlake, Wickliffe and others that they can draw customers from.
DiCesare is a graduate of North High School in Eastlake and is proud to be part of an ownership group that allows him to invest his local community and is offering people in the area this type of quality food, drink and atmosphere.
“We had many people visit the restaurant prior to the opening to sample the food and experience the environment,” DiCesare said. “Everyone that came were comlementary and I’m sure anyone that visits will enjoy the experience.”
While DiCesare is new to the business, both Klein and Bloch have experience in the restaurant and hospitality industries.
The interior was almost completely redone over the past few months from the previous Melt decor. There is seating for close to 200 people, including an outdoor patio.
Mason Social will employ between 30 to 35 people.
The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. daily for lunch and closes at 10 p.m., except for later hours on weekends.
For more information, go to masonsocialmentor.com.