Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Indian School
| Address: | 2820 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA |
| Phone: | +1 602-957-7540 |
| Site: | manuelsaz.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 14
NE
Neal Dixon
I write this review as I finish the second of two lime candies that were given to me along with the check. So nom! While that part comes last, I feel the need to comment on how good those things are. They are exponentially better than peppermint candies that are ubiquitous at family restaurants. Anyway, thats probably not why youre here reading this review. Manuels provided exactly what I was looking for--great Sonoran Mexican food and a down-to-each, low-key atmosphere to go along with it. The experience started off walking into the building, which is located in a strip mall. The building itself seemed to be older than the rest of the mall. Anyway, it worked. The interior is standard 1980s Mexican with the terra cotta tiles all over and sombreros gracing the walls and ceiling. Pretty much sets up the experience the way is should be. Two waiters both tended to the table, answered questions, took part of the order, and continued to serve us through the whole meal. Not only were they both affable, we got twice the attention!The recommendations they provided were genuine; not limited to "people like this..." No, both waiters told us exactly what they liked and gave reasons. The entrees were preceded by some pretty tasty salsas (yes, two o them!) and chips and a cheese crisp, which we ordered from the appetizers.The two of us who dined there had carnitas and the three amigos enchiladas, both which came with rave reviews. If youre not looking for three enchiladas, may I recommend the spinach with white sauce. Neither disappointed. Its true, you need to like cheese and a little grease with you food. But thats exactly why youd be at this restaurant.
MA
Matthew Laudone
My love for Manuels is entirely nostalgic. Is it the best Mexican Food in Phoenix? No. Is it perhaps my favorite? Yes. The food is solid and I grew up eating here and I feel like it has not changed much in the 30+ years I have eaten here. That is a good thing. Staff is great, the food generally comes out very fast and is at a great price point. Their hot sauce is perhaps my favorite anywhere and I benchmark all other cheese enchiladas against theirs. For a quick bite of decent neighborhood Mexican food you would be hard pressed to do better. This location was recently remodeled (2015) and they did a great job it seems more spacious and with a really nice patio I am hoping to check out now that it is not blazing hot outside.
SU
Suzy Halter
Excellent food, excellent service, great place to go! We had family come in from Texas so a group of us met at Manuels on 28th Street and Indian School. There were 10 of us, and we had a wonderful time. We were served right away by friendly staff, never lacked for drinks or chips and salsa, our meal came out quickly and correctly, and everything was delicious. I had the Carnitas Platter, and the pork was so flavorful and tender, I actually made 4 of my family members taste it themselves! I would highly recommend this place for family, food and fun!
TY
Tyrel Noelson
Walked in with my little family for the first time for my wifes birthday. The host took our count and went onto help other people after us. After seating 5 groups to a table the host asked us if weve been helped yet. When we said "no", the host didnt seem to care to assist us. Were not coming to this location again. It left a bad taste for me. Had drive to the Cave Creek and Cactus location to receive great hospitality and better service. Friendly and fast service, great food and the drinks never got empty there
JO
Joshua Conway
Ordered one of the lunch specials ($9) and it ended up being a tortilla stuffed with refried beans and nothing else, and a side of refried beans. A little meat and cheese would have been nice. Sour cream even. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing, but yuck. The chips and salsa were good. The service was good. The other people I ate with had food that all looked pretty good. I think the take away here is just to order off the main menu and skip the lunch specials.
JO
John Profitt
Lazy servers, mediocre food. I remember Manuels about 2-4 years ago was awesome, great family place etc. Atleast 3 servers were sitting around doing nothing yet they took 8 mins getting a table ready.Our beverage glasses sat empty 40% of the time. The Nachitos tasted like stale chips covered in microwaved reheated chicken meat with sour cream and burnt cheese. The Pollo Especial was okay, but not wow like it used to be. What a disappointment!
JO
Joshua Petersen
Called at 6:45 to order take out. Came in at 7:30 to pickup and they didnt even have my order in the system. Not sure who was working but thats pretty frustrating. Dont count on this when pushed for time. Also as I stood there to order they proceeded to answer the phone to help another customer. Rude. Good Mexican food but get your service together. Didnt even offer any sort of a discount for their poor customer service either. Nice.
MA
Martha Ibarra1965
5/31/17 I was shocked when I got the bill, I plate of 2 cheese enchiladas rice and beans $17.00 that ridiculous. 1 small shredded beef taco and a bean tostada $8.75 no rice and beans by the way. Are they under new management? I think so Ive never paid that much for 2 enchiladas. I wont be back. There are plenty of other restaurants that charge $8.95 for the same plate and just as good if not better. Very disappointed today.
JO
Joan LaRue
Manuels has been our family favorite since 1964, when they were at 32 St & Indian School. None of our extended family or the thousands of friends we have taken there over the years have had even a slightly negative experience. The best hot sauce, extra crispy cheese crisps, shredded beef tacos, oh well; all of it is the best ever!! Joanie Kemnitz LaRue
E
E R
We are on vacation here in Phoenix for the Cinco de Mayo celebrations this weekend and we stopped at Manuels for dinner and everything was great. The tampiquena steak is really good, so is the pollo especial. My fiance and I recommend it to everybody. the service was great and they were quick. next time in Phoenix we will visit again.
GA
Gary Bryce
As a native Phoenician this is the number one Mexican restaurant out of my top three.the waiters really care about their service and you will never be left wanting for drink refills and tortilla chips on the table. Their salsa is perfect. Dont forget to ask for some hot sauce also . Mix them together and awesomeness just happens.
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Esther Miller
Stopped in for lunch. Burger and fries almost $13 and it was a frozen, pre formed patty that did not even fill the bun. The chicken tortilla soup was $8 and the chicken was cut up chunks of processed, pre formed chicken and some kind of broth that tasted like it was poured out of a gallon jug. Not impressed.
LI
Lindsay Van noortwyk
Went last night. We have never been before. The service was great! The food was good. I didnt care for the taste of my margarita and they took it off my bill! I was really happy with my experience here (I did pay for the margarita... there was nothing wrong with it, I just didnt care for it)
BO
Boo Ya
The Mango Margarita always hits the spot and the Mini Chimi Platter makes a great take out meal. If youve got time to dine-in, you cant go wrong with the Chicken Enchiladas or the Steak Fajitas. **Bonus: Unlimited Chips & Salsa (Chunky Salsa ❤ my favorite!)
