08/23/09

Worst Service in Austin!

by bigjnr

Ah, Manuel's -- a neighborhood restaurant in my neighborhood that is not so neighborly. The food is not terrible, but at these prices the service is what knocks it down to one star. After many, many visits all I can conclude is that the general manager is either a Mormon or generally opposed to alcohol, as the wait staff appear to be instructed to not oblige patrons' desire to consume alcohol. As noted in other reviews below, you have to either hunt down the wait staff to get a drink or seek out the bar on your own. Ten to thirty minutes between visits to your table is not uncommon.

Worse still, the GM recently had us cut off after five Mimosas at a Sunday brunch, which is probably the most insulting experience I've ever had in a restaurant. It was largely laughable since the entire party was comprised of men who can throw back a six pack and not even flinch. The bartender informed us that it we were being cut off by the GM and it was fairly common when people are "drinking during the day."

The food is inconsistent, but decent. Nonetheless, I'd steer clear. The wait staff is intolerable and the GM may just decide you've had enough. The guy is either a prohibitionist or a moralist. Either way, I won't be revisiting my neighborhood Manuel's any time soon...

• Pros: Food is not bad
• Cons: Service, service, service

05/07/09

Best margaritas, fabulous happy hour

by marciaustin

This place has the best margaritas I've ever had (house rita on the rocks with salt).

Also, they have happy hour every day from 4-6, when all appetizers are half price (in addition to drink discounts). Three apps between two people is a meal. So great food, great drinks, and a good price.

If you do want something off of their regular dinner menu, nothing on it has ever disappointed - the Relleno del Mar is an exceptional treat.

• Pros: Best happy hour in town, Best margaritas in Austin

05/01/09

Pricey...yet dissastifying

by sunny4

the food was just ok. I had two small tostadas for $10.50. The best I can say was the lettuce was beautiful. We received our check, paid the bill, left cash for a tip. When I checked my bank account later, I found out they had added a tip without our agreeing to it. i would not go back to Manuel's nor would I recommend it to anyone else. VERY overpriced for the food.

• Pros: pretty plants
• Cons: WAY overpriced