I grew up here and, have had the privilege of dining here since it"s humble beginnings .. I"m a vegie but, always enjoyed the very best cheese enchiladas anywhere-ever! Service/Smiles relax, even if it means waiting .. worth every bite! I really enjoy wet weather uncrowded weekdays in the off-season. I recommend 1/2 Mannys Salad - Quesadilla con Todos & a side of flour or corn tortillas for making table Burritos with a side order or 1/2 order of arroz & frijoles ~ :)
I've been eating here since about 1974, and have never, EVER had a bad meal, or poor service!!! Great place, and the chips and salsa are phoenominal! And the enormous servings are enough to bring half home, and warm the next day, still just as tasty! Hubby swears there's a Mexican grandma working the kitchen! Congrats Manuel's, I'm hoping that you're planning your 100th celebration!!!
The absolute best - been coming here since I was just a little kid (48 now...) - been a tradition in our family for even longer with my Aunt and Dad. We moved away from Santa Cruz 24 years ago to CT. and then Atlanta but still come and visit every single chance we get.
On our visits, we order tons of beef burritos and freeze them to take home with us - hopefully enough to last until or next trip to Santa Cruz!
Heading out in2 weeks - eating my last burrito right now for lunch!!
I grew up in this town for 23 years (until I couldn't afford it anymore). Every time I visit SC (at least 2x/year) I go here as soon as I arrive and as many times as I can before I leave! The food and salsa is UNMATCHED! enchilada plate is my favorite! Also their house made guacamole is to die for! Not only that but the servers are all very nice and it's very community driven! This summer they even gave me a bouquet of dahlias for my wedding! Best place, food and people in town!
This was my first visit. The service was friendly and very fast. This food was magnificent! (#3 cheese enchilada and chili relleno) Don't bother buying a ala carte since it's only about a dollar more for the entire entry selection. Cool decor and history. Loved it and highly recommend.
Manuels has the best food! And the nicest waits people ! My family has Been going here for 50 years and have never had a bad meal or a bad time ! Always a Treat ❣
Always the best!
Don’t forget to purchase a jar of salsa from the bar......
Great food and excellent service!!! You might have to wait in line because folks come from all over to come here. Line out the door every weekend. It's worth it!
Great service. Attentive and cheerful. Food was very fresh ingredients and super stove hot. The salsa had spicy hot if you wanted it. Terrific chipotle aftertaste. Foodman says go.
Friday night specials are wonderful. The best personal waitor. For low prices!
Carole Terwilliger Meyers
+4.5
Among the tastiest options are cheese enchiladas, chili colorado, chili rellenos, carne asada tacos, and chicken flautas. The complimentary chips and salsa are also very good, and don’t miss the margaritas and Mexican chocolate ice cream
Amazing Mexican Cuisine:) Carlos Santana the musician has eaten here! My dad goes here a lot:) He said they have been In business for years!
The tamales are amazing!
Great portion sizes too!
My dad loves the beans he’s been throughout Mexico:)
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I had dinner here yesterday and got the guacamole for starter which had cheese on it so those who are intolerant should specify no cheese on the guacamole. The Guacamole was good. I had the special of the day Chicken Enchilada with a fantastic mole sauce and came with a unique salad that had garbanzo beans on it and a unique dressing, unique and surprisingly went well together. The enchilada was fantastic and was a large portion. The special also included ice cream. I chose the mango-banana which was as delicious as it sounds. I usually go with chocolate as a default but this was worth the change for the night and finished off the spice of the entre very well. The service was great overall, they were quick to take care of things(keep drinks full, clean up plates as you finish, check in to see if you need anything else). They all seemed to work as a team on never did anyone tell me they needed to get my server to help me. Whoever I asked just took care of it. Great! I was told this is the best Mexican place in Santa Cruz for traditional food, I don't know if it is yet, but it will definitely be tough to beat and is definitely a favorite restaurant of mine now in this town as a must visit for anyone looking for great Mexican food. I'm very picky with Mexican food and this place definitely makes the grade.
I made reservations for 6:45 arrived at 6:00 guy said ok we will get you in sooner if possible we where seated by 6:15 service was great and good was delicious the beans and rice had great flavor i had the special it was red snapper was delicious place was packed on a Friday night well worth it definitely coming back
Manuel's is a family-owned restaurant that has been there for several decades. They use high-quality meats that put Manuel's at the top of our list when looking for Mexican food. They have an unusually large staff, which is probably a good thing since the restaurant packs customers in very tightly and stays busy all day. Since the start of the pandemic, they've offered outdoor dining across the back alley -- wonderful when the weather is good. It's located right next to Seacliff State Beach Park, off Hwy 1 at State Park Drive in Aptos.
Few places with indoor seating during covid days. Pretty authentic vibe which you would find in the food flavors too. Good standard menu options including margaritas. If you are a strict vegetarian then you may want to check with them first for options e.g. they didn't have veggie fajitas or veggie taco salad. Otherwise if you are in town then definitely worth a visit.
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