Tonight we had the Parrillada for 3. The marinade on the steak is amazing and the nopalito was a nice surprise. Manuel's has been a staple for us for years, but we have a few go to favorites. Consistently good food, a simple, but well executed cocktail menu, and wonderful indoor/outdoor dining options make this a great place for afternoon brunch, date night, or a celebration with friends. The Sopa de Tres Chiles is one of my favorite soups of all time and their salsa is as addictive as it is unique. Definitely more Mexican than "Tex Mex". The service has always been top notch and added bonus that it's next to Arbor Car Wash. We love to drop off the car for an oil change and full detail while we skip across the street for a patio lunch. (oh... have the mole con queso and thank me later) read more

Manuel's - Parrillida for 3 - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

I had an excellent meal at Manuel's while visiting Austin last week. Shared a few appetizers including a mushroom quesadilla (really delicious!) and Baja Taquito - and of course, guacamole. I've never had bay scallops like this and would love this as an entree as well. But I had to save some room for the entree I ordered- Chile Relleno En Nogada- a roasted poblano stuffed with pork, almond and raisin picadillo. Wow! What really impressed me is the menu isn't just standard Mexican restaurant fare, and all of the meats are antibiotic-free and the fish and seafood are sustainable/wild caught. I found everything really special, carefully prepared, with little twists that made each item a little unique--even the flan I had for dessert (excellent!) had a little coconut flavor. Can't wait to go back! read more

I've had the pleasure of dining at Manuels for many years. The food is consistently fresh, outstanding in flavor, and served with integrity and pleasantry. There is simply no better Mexican restaurant in Austin. The events that I have attended there are handled with efficiency and the stunning setting creates the perfect ambience for creating congeniality as well as a fun vibe for gatherings. Everything about this restaurant showcases the personal touch from the owners who have a decades long history of being in the restaurant business. read more

. Here tonight for a birthday celebration for my honey with her family and our friends It was a great evening the staff was very friendly and helpful. a group of about 15 family and friends showed up.It was a great and wonderful time read more

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Everyone knows we are in the middle of a pandemic right? Well this restaurant gets five stars JUST for taking precautions against Covid. They take your temperature before they seat you and there are hand sanitizers everywhere. I happened to talk to the owner and he said he has had to refuse service to people that will not have their temperature taken. Seriously? It's not a perfect way to make sure someone doesn't have covid-- they could be asymptotic--but it's all we have now. The only thing I would add to their covid protocol would be a QR code at each table. Onto the rest of the experience. The patio was beautiful, the waitstaff great, and the food fabulous. Martinis were great also--very important! I will definitely go back! read more

Food here is always terrific, patio is even better. 98% of the time.... excellent service. The other 2% existed on Saturday. read more

Manuel's - The 2% - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

We have been going to Manuel's for 23 years, and we have never been more pleased this time when I had a big birthday party last weekend! The patio was breezy, spacious with beautiful wisteria flowers. All my guests enjoyed the delicious food especially the wild caught Jumbo shrimps appetizers. The service was superb. I had my favorite yellow tuna. The owner was so gracious. This place is an iconic gem in Austin that we need to support because we can't get fresh Mexican seafood with Austin vibes anywhere else! read more

Was good. Waiter was funny. Have never been to a place where you had to pay for chips and salsa, but it was good n fresh. Portions much smaller than expected for the price but tasted good. read more

I hosted a corporate event at Manuel's and it was fantastic! I worked with Jenn and her team, which were all super attentive and ready to make this event the best it could be! Food was delicious, Rey Arteagua and his band were upbeat and sounded great, and the ambiance was fabulous! My group of 40 had a great time here. Would absolutely host here again! read more

I went to Manuel's for Cino de Mayo to have a margarita; the margarita was good, however the food was not my favorite. The chicken tacos needed a little more seasoning, but once doctored with limes and salsa they were better. The service however, was very good!! The hostess and out server were more than accommodating - so shoutout to them! read more

Excellent food, drinks, and service for Saturday lunch. My husband and I can't wait to go back for more mole!

I fell in love with Manuel's this weekend. The food, the patio, the drinks, the staff. All top notch. Also I love a restaurant that is locally sourced, can tell you exactly where their seafood is from (not fake raised) and don't find it necessary to add excess salt and oil. The way they use their spices make every dish incredible. Don't sleep on the blue crab nachos or the mole enchilada. Seriously so good. I'm already planning my next trip. read more

If you are looking for flavorful food, this is not the place. Would've gave 1 star but the server was low-key kinda fire. America runs on Duncan. No tienen pinche sabores aquí Overpriced for a bland taste. read more

We started with the poblano and tortilla soup which was delicious and warmed us on a cold day! The cheese enchiladas with mole sauce were tasty and hit the spot along with the corn stuffed chili relleno. read more

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First time here for Sunday brunch. The waitress could have been more attentive but the food was good and we enjoyed it. Will try brunch again. read more

The guacamole is very fresh and good. The fried black drum fish had a very thick breading and the grilled one is spicy. Otherwise ok. Service was excellent. read more

Manuel's is my favorite regional Mexican restaurant. The food is always so fresh and delicious. I especially love their camarones dishes and their famous mole enchiladas. The margaritas are the best in Austin. I also love drinking their refreshing non-alcoholic aqua frescos. I have had several friend gatherings on their beautiful and relaxing patio. It is so perfect for any special celebration. The wait staff is always so friendly and welcoming. I so appreciate the staff's hard work and attentiveness. read more

Decided to go eat somewhere nice with my husband but it wasn't what I expected nothing tasted good and the bar was dirty . Also they make the servers charge for chips and salsa! I remember when they didn't charge us. How crazy!Don't recommend that restaurant at all! read more

I've heard mixed reviews about this place from friends, finally checked it out for myself. I was sorely disappointed. They were a little busy, but not packed. Service was lackluster at best. I didn't even catch the name of our waitress because she didn't introduce herself. She checked on the table about every twenty minutes, just enough to get our drink and food order then bring us a check. The food was okay, certainly not great. We ordered chips and queso for an appetizer, and the queso came out luke warm and was definitely not creamy as described on the menu, the chips seemed stale too (Pic included). For the entree, we went with the beef fajitas. They came out piping hot, but must have been drenched in Worcestershire sauce. The flavor wasn't great. Black beans were okay, but who Doesn't serve rice or sour cream with fajitas? The shredded cheese and guacamole was okay. I feel like the flour tortillas were average, on the small side, but good flavor, fresh. I can say that the house margaritas didn't disappoint. They were ice cold, frozen served of course, but had good flavor and alcohol content. The price of everything was fairly high, as a couple margaritas, appetizer and dinner was right at $96. Not what I would expect to pay for the quality. Overall, it was an OKAY experience. The ambiance of the restaurant was ok, but due to lackluster service and barely par food, I can't give them above two stars. I will not be back. With regard to my friends and family that are coming in town the next couple months, we will not be visiting Manuel's. read more

Manuel's - Queso - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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In town for business and staying nearby. Decided to give it a shot. Very welcoming and super friendly staff. Fajitas came out in a timely manner and food tasted really great. read more

During Covid, Manuel's knows how to do things right! I met a friend for drinks and appetizers on Thursday. They no longer have specials which was disappointing. However,MANUEL's Takes the safety of their customers very seriously! When we entered the restaurant, everyone had on a mask. Our temperatures were taken and our names and phone numbers were written down- they did this so that they could do contact tracing in case anyone Became ill and reported back to them. We were escorted to a table on the patio. Though there were 2 other parties on the patio, we were far away from them. The waiter kept his distance. Though he was attentive, he remained a step away from the table. There is something about feeling that the businesses who patronize care about you. So there was no happy hour, my friend and I both left feeling That the staff at Manuel's cared about us and for us. read more

Incredible missed opportunity. What could easily be one of Austin's best patios is spoiled by the lack of tablecloths. The outdoor tables are mesh and allow condensation and salsa to drip through the tables and into your lap. What a difference traditional white tablecloths would make on the patio. read more

Disgusting. Nowhere near authentic. Not sure what kind of food it is but it is most definitely not Mexican. Pretty typical for Austin. Just American washed garbage. The rice has zero flavor and they don't even have pinto beans. Shrimp tastes like it was freezer burned and they have the audacity to charge $35 for that plate. I will never in my entire life ever step foot in this place again. read more

Had the Rojas Adobadas enchiladas and they were delish! Food was delivered extremely fast and very nice employees. Great spring day on the patio with my gf. Light shading underneath the vines above the patio. read more

Manuel's - Food - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I am giving this place 4 stars just off of the execution, taste and presentation of the happy hour appetizers and dessert. This is an up scale restaurant with a Latin flare. I take that back, this is a Latin restaurant and it is served in an upscale manner, that happens to be housed in a great space. I like the atmosphere, the decor and the large selection of margaritas. I also like attention to detail in the presentation of the food. With that being said I must admit I don't like the prices. I personally think this place is a bit expensive. Now if you know me or follow my reviews you know that I tend to dine on the happy hour menu in places I feel are over priced. This place offers 2 bucks off cocktails and half off appetizers. I like half priced.... then again don't we all. Tonight I enjoyed the guacamole and the sopes and I must say I enjoyed them. I decided to try all three meat combinations and I felt the chicken was the best. The beef was the most spicy so if that's your thing you will enjoy the beef ones. The presentation was everything I expected and the flavor was just enough without being too much. I appreciated the red onion, shredded salad greens and super fresh tomatoes in this dish. It was garnished with just a touch of queso fresco and a smattering of sour cream. The guacamole it served on a corn tortilla bowl topped with a slice it tomato and a few pomegranate seeds sprinkled on the plate. If you have room for desert I suggest you get the flan. I get it every time I dine here. It never fails to impress me. read more

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The food was absolutely amazing. We had the dishes that this restaurant is known for and the quality of the dishes were absolutely succulent to our palates. We would definitely recommend this restaurant. The ambiance of the place was also relaxing. read more

Manuel's - Botana of Pappas con queso and chorizo (can't remember the name lol) Tortas de Papa with Black Beans - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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A couple of years ago, I was in search of the perfect mole thanks to Rick Bayless' Mexico show on PBS. Yes, that was many years ago. Thanks to Mrs. Rooster, who bought the entire series on DVD. The sauce itself is a family tradition carried on by generations. Two dozen ingredients can be involved! Perhaps that's why I'm not attempting to make this dish at home. How much would that cost at Fiesta? I like Manuel's; but knowing that Mexican food is some of the cheapest food to produce I'm awarding three stars. Your basically paying the "Interior" upcharge for something different than what every other Tex-Mex outlet in this state serves. I'll get to the appetizer I tried later instead focusing on the two entrees I've had on two separate visits. One million stars for the Lomo de Rez. A petite filet topped with a goat cheese poblano garlic butter. At $16 on the lunch menu, you can't go wrong. Where you can go wrong is the shrimp tacos. For comparison sake I've chose to enlist a dish from Tex-Mex giant Chuy's aka Baja Tacos. Near as makes no difference the same ingredients; $5 more at Manuel's AND you have to assemble them yourself. That brings me to another rant. Friggin' quesadillas. Again, same ingredients as all the other Mexico or Tex-Mex cuisine; NEVER comes with rice and beans. Enchiladas, tacos, and burritos do! The wife preferred the Tortas de Papa y Masa over the Ensalada del Jardín. The salad was missing the advertised avocado from the menu description. The Pollo En Mole Con Queso appetizer would have been better as an entree with chicken thighs or enchiladas. read more

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First time and last time here... Horrible prices, horrible food, freezing cold inside .... Server Jos did offer great service!

Had a great time at Manuel's last night! Enjoyed the ceviche and the shrimp enchiladas were amazing. Boyfriend also had two margaritas and I had two glasses of sangria - both of which were quite strong (and obviously, very good)! Manuel's is perfect for a quaint date night - sit out on the deck if the weather is good! read more

Manuel's - Manuel 's Classic Lime Cured Ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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We were looking for a brunch spot with a nice view over the lake but ended up finding this little gem close to the arboretum area. I love all of the live plants and greenery around the restaurant. Service was good and I like that our server Emmanuel went above and beyond to let us try samples of food. Oh and the soup I had was probably one of the best I've had. Delicious! Hubs had the flautas and of course I had to try a bite! So so good! read more

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Delicious lump crab nachos. The chicken enchiladas with the mole sauce extremely tasty also

Great Birthday Party with 10 guest. Service was fast and courteous. Food was wonderful. Not rushed in the least and a good time was had by all. read more

We didn't have a great experience for dinner on a Thursday evening. Our server was all over the restaurant and did not have time for us. The queso was cold and hard. We couldn't even get it out of the bowl with the Spoon. My mole chicken enchiladas were alright. My daughter liked the pork tenderloin. My husband had beef enchiladas with verde sauce. He ate one. We all agreed it was really disappointing. read more

Great place highly recommend the chicken mole and the el amado margarita. Everything everyone ordered looked amazing. We had a huge group of 50 people and they hand a prepared menu with excellent service read more

I went to celebrate my Bday food was great and the drinks were awesome! Thank you Ben gif the great service! read more

Manuel's - I celebrated my Bday on 4/19 , I had a great time good friends, food and drinks. . Ben is the best waiter at Manuel's! - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I loved this place .. food, sauces ... staff was amazing. Highly recommend. PS: I travel a lot, including frequently to Mexico .. soooo read more

We were regulars at Manuel's for quite some time, but stopped going after a less-than-good experience a few years ago. We decided to try it again and are glad we did. We arrived for an early dinner, around 5:15 p.m. The place wasn't at all crowded but by the time we left an hour later the parking lot was full. The service was attentive and well-timed. Tortilla chips were warm and wonderfully crisp. Manuel's chips seem to be homemade and have bubbles in them. The salsa is not particularly spicy, but very tasty. One of us had the chili relleno with corn and the other chicken enchiladas suizas. The pepper was beautifully presented (see photo) and very tasty, with melted cheese all over...and sitting on a bed of white rice and black beans. A side of nicely presented fruits made for a light dessert. The enchiladas suizas were good, but not as we remembered them from years ago. Prices aren't cheap for a Mexican restaurant, typically upwards of $15 for an entree, but the atmosphere, quality of food and presentation make up for that. read more

Manuel's - Chile relleno de elote - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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It's cute restaurant, nice seating outside but $20-30 enchiladas for lunch with lack of service knocks off two stars.. read more

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We have been going here periodically for the past twenty years. We even hosted my moms 50th birthday on their patio. The past couple times I've gone the food was not great, but we decided to try dinner last night because my now 70 year old mom wanted to go. Arrived at 5pm before the rush and ordered a round of drinks and dinner quickly. When food arrived, the order was partially incorrect- jalapeños added to my mothers meal that she didn't notice until later and had to pick around. We were never asked if we'd like a second round of drinks and our waters were empty most of the meal. It was so disappointing! When I approached the server about all of this he was apologetic but never offered to comp or replace moms meal. Too bad another Austin institution is closing but also not a place I'd visit again. read more

I want to start by saying Tex-mex and Mexican food is not my favorite so I'm no expert, but I did enjoy my visit to Manuel's this weekend! Our waitress was fantastic and so much fun! You start by getting chips and salsa for the table. The salsa is a little watery, so not my favorite. We ordered drinks which were good but nothing special. HOWEVER, my shrimp enchiladas were amaaazing! So so good! I definitely recommend this dish. Make note that this place a little more upscale and will be more expensive. So just be aware of that. The interior is definitely beautifully decorated, as well. They have a beautiful outdoor patio with a fountain, bright tile, and a huge tree. It's way too hot for outdoor seating right now but this place would be fantastic during cooler weather. Again, this genre of food is not my fav so I don't know if I'll return but I did really enjoy my trip here! read more

Manuel's - Shrimp enchiladas! Yes, get these! - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas