Our Story
Manuel's celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Mexico's interior and coastal regions through authentic, scratch-made cuisine, warm hospitality, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
The story begins with founder Greg Koury, whose passion for hospitality was shaped from an early age while working alongside his grandparents, aunt, and uncle in their family-owned restaurants and steakhouses. After earning degrees in pre-medical sciences and Spanish from the University of Missouri and pursuing graduate studies in Latin American Studies at The University of Texas, Greg immersed himself in Austin's restaurant scene. Inspired to share the regional flavors of Mexico in a more authentic way, he opened the original Manuel's on Congress Avenue in 1984. The restaurant quickly became an Austin favorite, known for its thoughtfully prepared cuisine and genuine hospitality.
Over the years, Greg expanded his vision with several successful concepts, including Manuel's at Great Hills, Changos Taqueria, 612 West, and Iguana Grill, establishing a reputation as one of Austin's most respected restaurateurs.
Today, Greg leads Manuel's along with his wife and business partner, Jennifer McNevin. With more than 25 years of experience in hospitality, branding, marketing, business development, and commercial interior design, Jennifer has played an instrumental role in shaping the Manuel's experience.
Together, Greg and Jennifer also oversee Changos Taqueria and American Cuisines, Inc., combining operational excellence with thoughtful design and a deep commitment to both guests and employees. Their leadership extends beyond the dining room through initiatives that support long-term team members and give back to the Austin community.
What began as a young restaurateur's vision has grown into one of Austin's most enduring hospitality groups. Manuel's has become a place where generations gather to share meals, celebrate milestones, and experience the vibrant flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine.
Authentic, artfully prepared dishes inspired by Mexico's interior and coastal regions.
Press & Recognition
Forty years in, Austin still talks about Manuel's. A few recent favorites:
- Fox 7 Austin — Manuel's celebrates 40 years of regional Mexican cooking (2024)
- CultureMap Austin — 40th-anniversary celebration, deals and the "Manuel's Stories" contest (2024)
- Curated Texan — "Made in Texas": Manuel's 40th anniversary (2024)
- The Austin Chronicle — Editors' top picks, Austin Chronicle Restaurant Guide
- Texas Monthly-featured lists — named among the 50 best Mexican restaurants in Texas
- Best cocktail in Austin — our cucumber-lime martini took top honors
- Do512 & Austin patio guides — perennial pick for best patio bars & restaurants, top 20 patios and best shrimp tacos
- Founding Austin Magazine — Q&A with co-owner Jennifer McNevin
In the Community
We foster an environment of generosity at Manuel's. For four decades our guests — generations of loyal "Manuelians" — have celebrated life's milestones with us, and we give back by supporting the Austin community organizations and non-profits that make this city what it is.
Manuel's is proud to support and partner with organizations including the Capital Area Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Mexic-Arte Museum, Ballet Austin, the Paramount Theatre, Zachary Scott Theater, Austin Children's Shelter, Center for Child Protection, CASA, Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Austin Humane Society, Sustainable Food Center, Urban Roots, Farmshare Austin, Hill Country Conservancy, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, Mission Capital, Austin Smiles, Austin Samaritans, AIDS Services of Austin, Project Transitions, Livestrong, the Wine & Food Foundation of Texas and The Nobelity Project — among many others.
A cause especially close to our hearts is Finding Freedom Through Friendship, which supports widowed and abandoned women and their children in rural Guatemala with food, housing, education and healthcare.
