El Manantial

Small, dark, resembling a little cantina you can find on any given street corner, this bar is easy to dismiss. However, it boasts a most impressive menu of seafood dishes. These include aguachile, carpaccio de pulpo, seafood mounted tostadas, tacos, and so on. Best part-its open til midnight although the kitchen does close just before 11. PS if you're not a seafood lover, don't fret, there are a few meat based options as well.

Really enjoyed our afternoon visit in late June. Delicious wine 🍷 cerveza frió y many cocktails. This is an old 1920 established bar with a hidden patio. Some very delicious bar food. We baja fish tacos and relleno tacos 🌮 wow! Other items looked good we saw served. This is a definite yes to visit. Recommend!

Maybe it's because I'm from LA, so my food standards are very high? But this place is very overrated. We went in for a good meal but were met with very bland food that really missed the mark, especially their tostadas and ceviche. While the ambiance was cool and the layout fun, the service left much to be desired. There are plenty of other worthwhile places to hit up in the area.

I really enjoyed this place, it was one of my favourites during my visit to San Miguel de Allende. A perfect spot to relax, hang out, and enjoy some truly delicious food.

Loved this place! It was super close to our Airbnb so we ended up there quite a few times - sometimes for drinks, sometimes for meals! Consistently good service and the vibe is just wonderful. The only downside I felt was that it was a little dark and does not have any outdoor seating and if it did, it would have been perfect.

Food is good, but the servers are not friendly. The bartender, a young girl, always had a pissed off look on her face at all times, never smiled. One of the waiters was the same. I will not go back because of bad service. A friend of mine expressed the same opinion. Too bad because I really liked the place and the food.

Well… we really wanted to like this little place. cool atmosphere, fun decor and great choices on the menu. The guacamole was the best ever!!! the beer ice cold, and the shrimp tostada tasty and just enough. The bartender/server was a bit aloof and very disinterested. But, im down to great food and being left alone. But the check arrive, it was incorrect (I hope it was padded) and asked him to delete the item. Just a look of distain and more disinterest. Come on people, we all work, we all share this space, we all could try harder. $

In five days of eating out in San Miguel, El Manantial was definitely our favorite! So much that we went back for a second dinner, which confirmed that the food is consistently excellent. And that is true for every single dish we tried. The stuffed pepper is delicious, but the highlight for us was the Baja taco. So incredibly tasty, will be dreaming of it for a while!

I ducked into El Manantial to escape the heat and have a little dinner but not before checking Yelp reviews. Turns out my brothers and sisters on Yelp like this place. The menu has lots of atypical seafood tacos and tostadas like octopus, smoked fish, etc. I decided to order some basics first. I got a jamaica margarita, which was perfect on a hot day, and ordered some small plates. The first thing that came out turned out to be the best. The Pescado al pastor is chopped-up fish marinated in al pastor seasoning. It had some pineapple, onion, and cilantro on it and a lime wedge on the side. How could this be so juicy without being greasy or drippy? Seemed very fresh tasting to me and I would order this again in a heartbeat. The next item to come out was the tostada rajas. I ordered this just to see how they do it. The mounds of soft chile slices were on top of a bean puree-coated tostada shell and covered with a touch of cream. Due to the heat of the chiles, I think a little more cream would be in order. I would still order this again though. The soft slices of garlic mixed into the rajas were a nice addition. Lastly, I got their basic ceviche blanco tostada. I didn't take a picture of it, but it was what I expected. Unadorned mounds of perfectly diced fish, tomato, onion, and lime juice. Nada mas. Perfect. As I ate, I looked up and down the rest of the menu and I can't wait to return and try the more creative tacos and tostadas. This place is cute and old and historic and has delicious food and reasonable prices. The service had a couple of missteps with me but it could have been my poor Spanish. The food is more important anyway.

Delicious seafood tacos & refreshing drinks. Amazing octopus dish, definitely eat here and not at its sister restaurant in downtown - the quality differential is astounding. The con is that the space in this restaurant is quite small and will be packed during nights.

The food was outstanding. My wife had fish tacos and I had burritos with mole and fried plantain. The service by Perla was excellent. The restaurant had the authentic feel of Mexico. Not overpriced like some of the other restaurants in town.

10/10 must visit spot in SMA. The octopus tostado was the best thing I ate all trip. The restaurant/bar has great food, drinks, service, and ambiance.

If you don't open at the time you're supposed to be open (1pm), you get 1 star. No excuses when there are so many other choices in San Miguel de Allende.

This is one of favorite restaurants based on the ambience since it is one of the oldest bars in San Miguel. While the service is not very friendly, the food is great and it's always a nice and casual place to go. It is small so difficult to get a table.

Overpriced food due to portions. Arrogant bar staff. Didn't itemize my bill. Careful!

Our best meal in San Miguel de Allende. Great vibes, cheap beer, outstanding tuna, octopus tacos, fresh fish and artichokes. Tuna tostada was amazing. For dessert, their flan was to die for. Don't miss it.

El Manantial is a traditional Mexican cantina in San Miguel de Allende since 1920. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-manantial-san-miguel-de-allende?select=G085kcGuqSwuuJLl-D7v4g 100+ Year old Cantina was just calling my name, they specialize in Margaritas, but also serve traditional Mexican dishes and Seafood! While I wasn't really hungry, I had to go check this place out, ummm, you know for you Yelpers! The sacrifices I do for you guys....... https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-manantial-san-miguel-de-allende?select=rahxHd1MnCKusnmzg07bxw It just happened to be 2X1 Ceviche Tostada Day............... https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-manantial-san-miguel-de-allende?select=r4tio2VxpKsyDUpE1-OtaQ Tostada de Ceviche Mixta https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-manantial-san-miguel-de-allende?select=ADxBuVxvSPPnhS_ktaTpJw Fish, Shrimp & Octopus, very fresh and clean tasting, excellent tostadas!

Delicious gourmet tacos in a very cool, almost speakeasy-type atmosphere. Good drinks.

The service is spectacular. The food was incredible and innovative with fish Al pastor tacos. The ambience is a classic clean shabby chic

Just off the main square; very cool 100 year old cantina. Just stopped in for one drink - I had a Paloma and my hubby a ginger margarita. Reasonable prices- just $120 pesos/ $6 each. Quick friendly service. Will definitely return.

I'm quiet pleased on the food, the drinks and the service. The food came out quickly during a light rush and for sure will be back during my stay.

First night in San Miguel after a 3 hour flight delay and we looked for the closest restaurant from where we were staying. Boy, did we luck out. Friendly service, we sat in the back area and our waiter spoke good enough English to understand what we wanted and to make a couple of recommendations. The artichoke is wonderful with a zingy lemony dip which is to die for. The margaritas were strong and delicious. My wife had shrimp tacos which hit the spot and I chose the octopus which was perfectly cooked. We were tired and hungry. We left satisfied and appreciated the kind and helpful service. Prices were great and we plan to stop in here again on our next visit. You won't be disappointed.

We loved the ginger margaritas and the guacamole is maybe the best we've ever had. The tostadas rocked as well!

* i sat at the bar, did not take a table * Excited about visiting this place. When I asked for one of their signature margaritas, I received a premixed cocktail poured from a pitcher; no salt or garnish as per the picture on the menu. I asked for salt and got attitude from the bartender who salted the rim of a glass and poured in my original Margarita. Service throughout the visit was inattentive. The more bespoke margaritas and cocktails looked good, though did not partake. Had initially planned to stay for dinner, but chose to pass.

Real old cantina. Lots of tostadas. Cool vibe inside. Service very attentive. Good spot.

Loved this place. The bar was really fun for dinner and the people watching just grand. Enjoyed the ginger margaritas, artichoke, ceviche tostada, octopus tostada and Baja taco. Good service and modest prices.

Recommended by our B&B host, we visites for dinner and drinks. The ginger margarita is delicious-- spicy and not too sweet. We had the smoked poblano with beans and cheese, the artichoke (sauce is the bomb!), chicken tinga tostadas, and peppers w/crema tostadas. The menu has a lot of seafood choices, but we don't like seafood so passed. Recommended for great food, delicious drinks, amazing service, and affordable too!

Tasty food, diverse menu, stiff margaritas. We tried all the staples on the menu and they were all delicious. We have visited the original location a few times and it was great every time. We also hit La Hija location next to the main square, for happy hour drinks during the week.

Love this place. It never disappoints! Food is great and the margaritas magical! Great place for dinner or late nite snack and nightcap!

Walked in today about 4pm looking forward to the 2x1 margaritas as advertised on your page. We were told we had to buy food in order to have the 2x1 margaritas. We explained to the waitress we had just eaten and she and another waitress told us we could not order the 2x1 drinks. No where in your advertising does it say food has to be ordered. Disappointed in the lack of customer service. Lost customer today.

This is a cozy bar that has been in business for 99 years. That should be a pretty good indicator of customer satisfaction. We arrived about 5:00, and the place was packed, mostly with local people who knew the bartender. We did not eat, but the dishes we saw looked excellent. They have a broad variety of tacos, from beef to seafood. The liquors were all high quality. I am not a Vodka snob, so I ordered a vodka and tonic made with Oso Negro, a decent Mexican vodka. The waiter acted like I was out of my mind. They don't have it, which is probably a good thing. The Tequila selection was excellent. We will surely go back to try the food.

Such a fun and lively place!! We came here last night after dinner as my parents heard they had a great ginger martini and I heard their octopus tostada was to die for, we heard right! Walking in you would think it's just a tiny bar with a few tables and stools, but then you go further back and see more sit down areas. The music is loud and makes you want to dance, the decor is graffiti styled walls, and the service is friendly and fast! My parents loved their martinis and I have to say my octopus tostada was a true delight! Huge portion of octopus cut up and tossed in a cream with cilantro and onions that made a delicious ceviche type tostada! I would highly suggest stopping in for food or a drink!

We happened to stumble on this place and we are so glad we did. The decor is awesome, right up my alley! The drinks were perfect and the food was delicious. Prices were affordable, we're surely returning!

This food is great very friendly service. That are a part of history they have been open 100 years. Put this place to the top of your list.

Best in Class. El Manantial has supplanted La Sirena Gorda in every way. The seafood tacos feature fresh fish garnished with crisp vegetables, the artichoke has a great sauce, and pulpo carpaccio (trust me on this one) is served on a platter with olive oil/garlic dressing. The bar scene is noisy/cool and the quieter tables offer a respite.

Beautiful setting and atmosphere Food is great quality and tasty... Service is less than average. I hope they fix that. Because the food is amazing.

Super on top of things, quick and friendly. The food was good. As vegetarians we had the smoked Chile sauce over cheese and mole mushrooms enchiladas. The artichoke was so so but the accompanying sauce was great. Definitely worth the visit. The ambiance is also well done and it's been a cantona since 1920s with not just tourists. Highly recommend.

The food is great here-the vibe is priceless! Seasoned ex-pats hang out here as well as the young dualies. Don't be shy to squeeze into a solo bar stool, people seem to welcome and make room for everyone. Staff is quick and very competent! Salud!

I don't write reviews, but this place is great. Amazing service, good prices, and the food is fantastic. So nice we ate here twice.

This little hole in the wall is set outside the main Jardin but is worth the climb. It is a very cool bar with lots of locals and visitors. It has been busy each time we have stopped by, but we have been able to score some seats. The menu while varied does lean towards seafood and fish which are deceivingly inexpensive. We were happy to see the quality and quantity of the dishes we sampled and really enjoyed the ambience. We will surely be added to the must see venues we add to our growing list.

Oh yeah! What's not to like? One of my favorite places to eat and drink in San Miguel.

Had a good shrimp tostada at this lively, loud, friendly bar. Friends had ceviche and Baja taco that were also good. Discovered a very smoky, peaty mezcal - almost like scotch. The paintings on the walls are very interesting.

Review for cocktails. Had a ginger marg & a hibiscus marg. WOW!! The hibiscus was sooo tasty. Ginger was the runner up here but equally delish. Very nice service. Fun decor. What's not to love? Returning to try the food.

Great small location, awesome service and the music really get you chillin, sweet spot

Good music on the stereo. Attentive service. Refreshing ginger lemonade. Ceviche okay, not remarkable.

An awesome place at the end of a long day. The drinks especially the Ginger Margarita were excellent. We had the Ceviche, Artichoke, chicken Tostada and Fish Carnitas. Great vibe and music in a small atmosphere with excellent service..

The food and aesthetic of the restaurant/bad was actually pretty good but service was pretty horrible since they were rushing us out for another party. They should just tell people that they are closed instead of rushing us and being difficult about basic orders.

Great artichokes in fact everything was great. Margarita fabulous and reasonably priced

Excellent food and fantastic Mezcal margaritas in a very cool atmosphere. It's been serving for 96 years. We went back 3 times during our 10-day stay. Try the smoked chile relleno stuffed with beans and cheese, the tacos chilorio, and add a side of their artichoke salsa. Delicioso!

We came here several times a week during our 9 week stay. Such a great spot-- the best ginger margaritas in the world, a friendly staff, and the most delicious shrimp and bacon tacos. This is our favorite spot in SMA and is not to be missed.