Jim T. – 37 Votes

Where to begin?! We moved to Austin in 1984, and read about this new Mexican restaurant on Congress Avenue. One night we tried it, and it has been a staple for our family and friends for 40 years! My wife and I remember one evening that first fall – we were the only ones in the restaurant, and we prayed that it would stay open – and indeed it has thrived. Our daughter worked at the Arboretum location as a hostess, and our son has ordered more chicken nachos, with a strawberry parfait for dessert, that one can imagine! And we have such fond memories of Greg, Jennifer and Ahmad, especially from the old downtown location, which we sorely miss. Ahmad was always wonderful in handing over some Manuel’s swag to our son. The menu never failed to impress, and our list of favorites is too long to count, but the original ceviche with a mango margarita is hard to beat. Congrats on being, in this family’s mind, truly an Austin institution! #LoveManuels #Manuels40th