Manuel's

Manuel’s is one of my FAVORITE restaurants in Austin, TX. I have been going there for 30 years, but within the last year, at least once a week for lunch, and an occasional dinner. Their menu of interior Mexican food is by far the BEST around. Their Spinach Epinacas Salad with Wild Drum is out of this world, as are their crab nachos, and ALL their soups, especially their tortilla soup (which is the BEST of ANY tortilla soup I have ever had)! Their MARGARITAS ARE TO DIE FOR, especially the Prickly Pear Margarita. Everything on their menu is fantastic. This is NOT Tex-Mex; it’s the real deal With the finest of ingredients and fabulous blend of spices and tastes That are OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! Their wait staff is professional and attentive. There’s nothing they will not do to make your meal and experience a delight. The atmosphere is also extremely inviting, both inside and outside on their patio built around a 300 year-old live oak tree. You will NEVER regret having dined there!

The seafood dish was really good, and the waitress was very kind and polite. I got the Tuna steak that was beautifully cooked, however the vegetables underneath were a bit soggy and could have been better. I also got the flan which was a 5/5. What turned me off was a surcharge of $15 for 3 pieces of shrimp that I ordered on the side. I also paid $38 for a fairly small piece of tuna ($53 if you add the 3 pieces of shrimp), and in my opinion that was definitely not worth the price. I would not recommend dining here, unless you carefully look at the reviews to see what you're getting, and ask the price of anything extra you might be interested in.

Went here for lunch with my wife, got a table outside in their beautiful courtyard area. Really enjoyed the outdoor environment! The server was great and our food was delicious! Will definitely be returning in the future!

Food and service were amazing!! Loved the drink selection and presentation of everything! Lots of gluten free and vegetarian options as well. Our server Jos was very knowledgeable on what drinks paired with the meals we chose, which made everything even better. The food was fantastic but honestly I’d go back just based on the drinks alone. It was a perfect night out!

This is the 2nd time I’ve been to Manuel’s. The first time, I loved it so much but hubby didn’t so we hadn’t come back for 3 years or so. I think he’s a fan now! The Campeche was fresh; very watery but I assume that’s how traditional campeches are. I loved the shrimp in it; the fish was but the shrimp was the star for me. My crab enchiladas were amazing - they better be since they were almost $40. But I don’t regret ordering them at all. They were overstuffed with fresh crab. The better sauce of the 2 was the chipotle cream sauce. Great texture and not overly smoky, which I don’t like smoky at all. The fajitas were a mixed opinion for me. They didn’t look appetizing but they tasted good. Even with the sizzle, I didn’t like how there was such little grill marks and char on the meat. The fixins were really good except sadly, their version of Mexican rice is lacking in flavor. The flan was small but good. It had coconut flakes in it so don’t order it if you’re not a coconut fan. The parfaits were good too but it’s really just vanilla ice cream with layers of sauce. Nothing complicated about it at all. The chocolate sauce however wasn’t the typical thin Hershey’s sauce but this viscous, delicious, velvety sauce that really stood out to me. It was the best chocolate sauce I’ve ever had. Not sure if it was homemade though since the waiter didn’t know either. I highly recommend Manuel’s for true Mexican food!

Fantastic food, great queso with tortillas and fajitas are stellar! Beer is reasonably priced and there is a good happy hour but they make you sit in a specific area where the seats are less comfortable and not great for differently able people.

My family and I have been eating here my whole life, and I can confidently say this is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is always top tier. Everything is made with high-quality ingredients, and you can truly taste the difference. The service is consistently great; the servers are kind, quick, and attentive. The overall atmosphere is intimate and relaxed. My favorite place to sit is out on the patio with all the plants, especially during this time of year. If you’re looking to eat at a high-quality restaurant, I highly recommend Manuel’s.

When you want tasty Mexican food - go to Manuel’s! Their recipes are unique, flavorful, and the quality is top notch. I especially love the chilled seafood cocktail appetizers like ceviche and campechana. The apps are all generous and portioned for two. The cactus salad and Lomo de Puerco pork tenderloin with Avocado sesame seed salsa are standouts, and so are the mushroom quesadillas. It really depends on your mood as there are so many delicious choices.

Ambiance - 5 start , elegant and inviting Service- 5 star , courteous, knowledgeable and friendly Food - 5 star overall What we ordered Chile Relleno En Nogada - excellent flavors , beautiful presentation. Simply put the best I have ever tasted , well worth the price tag Manuel's Famous Mole -Excellent flavors , one of the best I have tasted Enchilada Suizas with pork - Spot on and filling . Mango daiquiri- spot on the right ratio of alcohol and mango Overall a great experience. I would definitely recommend this place. If in doubt order the Chilli Rellwno. The flavors were outstanding and very filling. Will definitely come here for my next visit to Austin

A close family friend chose Manuel's for a birthday dinner and celebration last night and made reservations. This morning, I'm not sure why we didn't go somewhere else. For starters, we called ahead and found out Manuel's wanted to charge $2 per diner to bring in a birthday cake. We were a party of 5 adults plus 3 children under the age of 5, and unwilling to pay a $16 surcharge to wash 8 plates and forks. I guess they wanted to protect their own dessert menu? The rest of their prices were outrageous. All of their margaritas were in the $12-15 range--and those were not generous pours. Chips and salsa, complimentary at nearly every other Mexican restaurant were $5 per setup here. We were told that queso was not available other than as an entrée topping, yet it was listed on the menu for $12-15, depending on ingredients. Expect to pay an average of $20 per diner for an entree; even their tacos were $17! Nothing is a la carte. There is no reduced price kid's menu; message received--don't bring the kids. In all fairness, Manuel's were accommodating and seated us promptly even though two members of our party arrived 30-45 minutes late. Then again, over half the tables were empty at 6p on a Thursday night, so they weren't under space pressure. Service was attentive. As to the food quality, the chips and salsa were excellent. Multiple diners got the fajitas, some beef, some chicken. It was interesting that some of the skillets had more veggies than others. Our chicken fajitas were good, but not great. The tortillas were average, and none of the sides were memorable including the guacamole. I did note that the servings of black beans and rice for fajitas for two were really sized for one; thanks for saving me the calories, but the beans were so watered down, I really didn't want more. While it was a very kind gesture to arrange dinner for the birthday girl here, it didn't live up to expectations. I think of Manuel's as upscale, but only the pricing delivered on that note. We could have been happier at a nearby competitor. I try to imagine what the $250 spent at our table would have bought at Lupe Tortilla. Save your money. Not recommended.

Surprisingly, after reading the glowing reviews, we were very underwhelmed by the food. Good service and a nice atmosphere, but the food was shockingly under seasoned and un spicy. The mole got rave reviews, but it was very bland as was the poblano pepper/chile relleno. And for a rather expensive Mexican restaurant, this is the first time in Texas or anywhere else I've ever been that they do not automatically serve chips and salsa, on the house. On the whole a very disappointing $75 lunch. We will not be back.

Our waiter Daniel was so friendly and took great care of us! I brought my mother and sister here from out of town and we all enjoyed our meal. The pink chihuahua drink was sooooo delicious! I had the fried fish tacos and also tried the blood orange margarita. Just as tasty but think I liked the pink chichihua drink better. Good good with great company!

We hosted my husbands birthday party at Manuel's and everything was fantastic! Jennifer and her team did a stellar job from helping me plan the menu, beverages and space for our event. The food was fantastic from my husband's favorite chicken mole enchiladas, shrimp Veracruz and pork tenderloin. The servers were incredibly attentive delivering bloody Maria's, margaritas and other beverages and attending to every attendee's needs quickly and efficiently. We were lucky to enjoy a beautiful day on the outdoor patio.Thank you so much to the amazing team at Manuel's for delivering an unforgettable experience!

Luis is fantastic! He makes great drinks and always has great suggestions. I'm sad to see this location close. It's real Mexican food.

So - I had a retirement party here and what a great way to start my new life! We had 50 people out on the patio (it can hold more than that) and every aspect was perfect - the staff, the food and drink, the atmosphere and the music. It could not have gone better. Manuel's has been one of my favorite places for Mexican food for decades in Austin, but I'd never thought about throwing a party there. I was retiring and thinking about where to have a party, when by chance I was picking up some take-out and spotted someone else's retirement party out on the patio (and I checked it out). I asked about having my own party, and then I was introduced to Jen, the events manager. Jen is great to work with, and we went through the options and the next thing I knew, it was party time. The patio is so nice - very attractive and the layout is conducive to mingling, with tables and couches, and the atmosphere is just laid back. The food was great - we have been eating at Manuel's for decades so we had a good idea of what to expect, and they delivered. We went with the fajita buffet and of course, the guacamole (the best in Austin), IMO. In addition to the buffet, they had some great flan (and baked goods from Jen!). I had to get my own order in for the flan because all of it had been gobbled up by the other people at the party :-) Everyone working the party was friendly and efficient - I never had to worry about anything during the party. At Jen's suggestion, we had Rey Arteaga / Son y No Son perform - and they play a really cool Latin beat that just gave that Austin feel to the party.

I've been a loyal customer of Manuel's for what must be 20 years. During that time, the food has been consistently delicious, the staff gracious and welcoming, and the ambiance, as my wife says, makes us feel like we're on vacation. The drinks are always well-made, and in a world where good service is a luxury, Manuel's consistently delivers. Just the other night, I asked for a white sangria, even though it wasn't on the menu. Marco, the manager, said, "No problem, we'll make one for you," and Antonio brought it out, perfectly capping off a relaxed, tasty, and enjoyable dinner. If you're looking for fantastic food, great service, and a relaxing time--especially under the magnificent patio tree--give Manuel's a try. In Austin, a foodie town, this place is a gem. --Mike

One of the owners messaged me personally with a follow up and I appreciate the 1:1 message. I will give them another try next time we are in town. Thanks for making it right.

I really tried to like this place. The food and service were good. We sat at the bar and ordered a frozen house margarita and for our entree we ordered the mole enchiladas and enchiladas rojas. The margarita didn't have much flavor so it was ok. The food was great, it came out hot and was delicious. The main reason for my 3 stars is because this place is overpriced. The decor was a miss and not very welcoming, for me. I've been to pricy Mexican type places were the food quality matches the prices and decor is modern but still feels like a fancy Mexican restaurant. I'm glad I finally tried this place out but don't think I'll be coming back.

Great food, great service, great ambiance. A bit of a drive for us, but well worth it. Plenty of parking, good seating area to wait for available table. Food is tasty!!

The worst Mexican food I ever had. The tacos were. Salty af and the chicken moladas were dry and not seasoned at all the rice was disgusting too. The mango margarita was watery with cheap tequila. The worst experience ever. If you're out of town and looking for a Mexican food a high suggest to drive 10 min or more to a better place. Manuel we will never be back! Good luck!

Came here for a work lunch - would describe as okay! Pretty inside, we are ford later as the lunch crowd had left and the restaurant was pretty empty. However we were ignored for a good minutes as the host took a call and no one else could apparently seat us. Then when did get seated - no service! My colleague ended up having to go find a server - again they were not busy as there were only two other tables occupied. Has their chips and 'salsa' which is a term I use loosely as it was thin and more like hot sauce, their guacamole was a little bland and needed some seasoning . Queso was good, accompanying tortillas again bland and generic tasting. Their ceviche was good, maybe needed a touch more acid but the lime on top did the trick. That was a very generous portion and tasted fresh. Probably will not return but it was nice for lunch!

$29 for shrimp enchiladas. Seriously? Food costs are high but this is as absurd as it gets. Food quality is somewhat higher than other mexican joints but I'd much prefer going elsewhere. 3-stars is generous!

Terrible service! The food is good. We were a group of 20 friends celebrating a birthday and one of the waiters was so rude. Shame for the good food. Never again here

It was okay, but I don't plan to visit again. Our server Jonathan was rude. It seemed like he was having a bad day. We weren't finished talking & he just walked away at one point. It was extremely awkward. And when ordering an appetizer, he seemed to turn us away from ordering the queso; we got the drift he wanted us out of there asap. We were a simple crowd & didn't complain at all. We were even polite regardless of him walking away the way he did when we weren't finished talking. We made sure to say thanks each time he came by or dropped something off. The only smile I saw from him was when my brother-in-law tipped him extra because he had the same name as him.

Premium ingredients! Food is delicious. Mole dishes, tacos and chile rellenos are favorites for decades. Last visit's gulf shrimp were big and flavorful, cooked and seasoned to perfection. Guacamole, spinach salad, rice - all excellent. I don't love their salsa but everything else I've ever had is exceptional! OUTSTANDING service. Servers will walk through their favorites on the menu with pleasure and take a genuine interest in guests. Ambiance is nice for solo, comfortable date, or group. The whole experience is great. I have been going to this place since the downtown location decades ago and it never disappoints!

Terribly overpriced. Margarita was very weak almost like it had no tequila. Unlike most Mexican restaurants, you had to pay for chips and salsa. The chile relent was quite good though.

Poor service. My family and I were seated for 15 minutes without a single server or employee acknowledging us. We needed up leaving.

Chips and salsa: 3 stars Paraddilla: 5+ stars El Patron margarita: 5 stars Loved the entree. Very very good. I'm a margarita snob and the el patron was great.

My friend and I met for a drink recently- I'm a true Austin OG so I'm embarrassed to say I had never been here. I was blown away by the experience, service and food. The atmosphere and energy is captivating from the moment you walk in. We chose to sit on the patio and it's so beautiful and peaceful with water features and garden. We split a couple appetizers and got more than a couple cocktails. Each was better than the last. The nachos and the Ceviche were amazing. And the Paloma I can't wait to bring my husband back for our next date night. Growing up on authentic Mexican food- he's going to love this place.

San Miguel has better ambiance and food. Drinks are average and menu limited. Try Maudie's. Chuys or Enchilada y mad.

Drinks are weak and expensive staff was great restaurant was good but the food too American

Over-priced, food flavor is ok, not commensurate to pricing. No happy hour Drinks are over priced and not that good. I tried the house margarita and it had a serious bitter aftertaste. Some of the other restaurants in the area are less or as expensive and provide a lot better quality food option. Service was ok. Bartender seemed to just be there. Not selling the experience at all. The ambiance was ok for a chain restaurant but not for fine dining as the price would suggest. I sat at the bar within full view of the kitchen, which looked to be in disarray .Sorry, but I will not be back or give my endorsement.

From my time living in Austin, Manuel's downtown location was one I'd frequent when I was in the mood for molé! I was disappointed to come back and find it has closed. When a friend found one in the Arboretum it was brainer where we going for dinner. The chicken enchiladas with molé sauce is always a top pick for me. We were able to eat outside on a large patio/deck as it was a nice day in Austin. The staff were nice but we did wait a little time for a table which was surprisingly because there seemed to be open tables available when we arrived. This location didn't quite have the same feel as the one I was used to downtown but the flavors didn't disappoint.

Firstly, I absolutely loved the place and the ambiance. The food was good too. I got some fish tacos and they were great. Food is a bit on the expensive side here but the quantity makes up for it. The staff was extremely friendly and gave us whatever we needed. The cocktails were delicious though and they have a good variety of them on their menu. Anyway, the ambiance was the big highlight of this place. It's got a very pretty and pleasant outdoor for a lazy brunch or dinner.

We went to Manuel's on a Sunday evening with our family to celebrate our daughter's 18th birthday. The dining room was busy, and felt very nice & open. We were seated at a corner table with comfortable chairs. Our server Kate greeted us promptly and made good recommendations. I ordered a vegetarian dish - Tostadas Capitalinas with mushrooms and avocado. When it arrived, the toppings were fresh and generous, with a good combination of flavors. Our daughter had the beef tenderloin with goat cheese butter and devoured every bite. We ordered the Budin chocolate dessert to celebrate, and it was delicious. The quality & flavors were very good and unique. Definitely a cut above other Mexican restaurants in town that we have tried. We look forward to coming back!

The food was sooo tasty. Our server, Daniel, was so helpful with recommendations and we'll definitely be back!

On a nostalgia trip, we popped into Manuel's for a quick date night meal and a couple of margaritas drinks. While the décor and ambience were as lovely as i remembered, with nice art and fixtures, the experience fell flat overall. The food, an order of steak fajitas for two, was tasty but not a stand-out in any way. The drinks were a disappointment. My "maraca" Manuel's version of a Mexican martini seemed to come out as a really short pour. It barely made half the martini glass, and there was certainly nothing left behind in the shaker. This drink was gone in a few fleeting sips. Not ideal for a $14 cocktail. My wife did not enjoy the rocks margarita, and the frozen that I tried was ok, but with one unpleasant, off-putting flavor note that I haven't tasted in a margarita. I won't describe it here to avoid getting gross, but I don't really know where such a flavor would come from in classic margarita. I'll always hold a fond place in my heart for Manuel's with past memories of happy hours, date nights, and other celebrations over the last couple of decades. Unfortunately, there are probably better options in north austin in this price range for this type of food.

We eat here whenever we are in Austin because their food is amazing. The tostadas are the things dreams are made of and the chips are irresistible! Service is unmatched by anyone. We are treated like the only customers even if they are packed and they always greet us like we are regulars. We sure would be if we lived there. Its friendly, modern and comfortable. We love Manuel's

The food and atmosphere are always very nice! Our waiter, Jose' was superb! I have been coming here for years:)

What a great experience at Manuels! I went a little while ago but I am sure the experience is still the same. The staff was very helpful in helping me decide what to order. The food was definitely not lacking and the margaritas I had were excellent! I definitely recommend!

We had a holiday dinner for our leadership team, it was 2 weeks ago and they are still talking about it! The staff were accommodating, the food fantastic; one of our physicians mentioned he had the best margarita he has ever had! On a personal note, Manuels has taken care of my husband and I for years. It is one of the best restaurants in Austin! We love the patio in the evenings or for a Sunday for brunch, it is beautiful, the ambiance is wonderful. From the management to the hostess, the servers, bartenders, the service is impeccable; and you can tell that the owners and management care about each and every one of them. We are looking forward to our next visit.

It had been probably been a decade or more since I entered Manuel's and if memory serves it was the downtown location. but the food service and vibe is just as great as I remember. Fresh salsa, great tasting Mexican food (not Tex-Mex) and stellar service with smile, what's not to love. I will not wait so long for my next visit.

We were there Sat eve for a company Christmas dinner. The atmosphere is romantic, the staff -- courteous & professional (felt like I was at the Four Seasons!) and the food... SUPERB.

Decent Mexican food priced at the higher end. Our service experience was bad. She took our order and checked on us once. We had to be served by another older gentleman working another section. If you're wanting to spend extra dough on Mexican food, I'd recommend Gloria's. Otherwise find a legit Mexican restaurant with a Spanish name with lots of Mexican customers.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

We finish off the year and our quest to 200 Mex/Tex Mex joints and we picked a fantastic place. Manuels is on the higher end off the $$ spectrum, but we truly feel you get what your paying for. I would definitely label this as a "date" night or special occasion spot. Service did start off slow, but finished top notch. Started with you basics...Chips, Queso and Salsa....All were very good. The Chile Con Queso is more like a Fundido and with the venison Chorizo it was amazing. The salsa had me guessing what was in it, very unique taste...orange in color but not Habanero based....just couldn't stop eating it. Wife went with the pork Enchiladas with a Roja Adobadas...which was smokey with a nice heat to it. I went with the Chicken Enchiladas with the Bandera trio of Salsas Verde, Suiza & Adobadas. No way I could pick a favorite they were equally good. And those Black beans were Legit!! Out of the 200 places we have visited this was only the second time we have been served white rice...Don't get me wrong...Cooked perfectly and tasty...and went great with both dishes....something different for sure. Overall it was an amazing place and we definitely will be back to try some other menu items.

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.

Went here with family and me and my mother ordered the shrimp enchiladas and we both got food poisoning!!! Can not recommend this restaurant anymore. I don't enjoy paying to get sick...

Took friends to Manuel's on Thursday evening for happy hour as posted on their website only to be told that they no longer have it. very dissapointing.

Upscale and modern Mexican restaurant in the Great Hills area. Nice, clean decor, tasty food and drinks. Ordered a refreshing mezcalita to start (margarita made with mezcal). Followed my order with the Chile en Nogada. This is a stuffed poblano chili stuffed with a shredded pork, almonds and raisins and topped with a walnut brandy cream sauce, and then topped with pomegranate seeds. The Chile en Nogada was tasty and had a good combination of savory, contrasting with the sweet raisins and walnut. I'm usually not as into the savory and sweet combinations, but think they did an excellent job, as I finished every bit on the plate. Look forward to coming back to try more of their other dishes.

Place an order for pick up. The lady was very helpful on the phone when placing order in making sure we got what we wanted. There is a curbside pick up with payment over the phone for as much covid Conscientious and contactless as possible! We did have to wait 15 minutes extra because our order was either lost or had to be remade. But they did their best to communicate that information with us! The food = fajitas were amazing! And all the flavors were delicious and authentic! Can't wait to come back for another round!