40th Anniversary Stories

Billy C. – 45 Votes

#love Manuals We started eating at the location on 3rd street over 40 years ago. We moved near Duval and 183 and discovered the Jollyville Road location. The food and service have always been excellent and we hope to be eating at some Manual’s for another 40 years. Keep up the good work. #Manuals40th

Billy C. – 45 Votes Read More »

Connie S. – 94 Votes

In the vibrant city of Austin, where restaurants often come and go, one gem has stood the test of time: Manuel’s, which opened its doors in 1984. Just a stone’s throw from my salon, Avant Salon, it quickly became a sanctuary of warmth and flavor in an otherwise sparse culinary landscape. My first visit was

Connie S. – 94 Votes Read More »

Michael S. – 48 Votes

My wife and I knew that a friend of ours was on a blind date at Manuel’s. We decided to slip into the restaurant to spy on them. We hid at the bar and noticed that the date was off to a slow start, as they were both experiencing a cringey, awkward silence. My wife

Michael S. – 48 Votes Read More »

Marilynn P. – 50 Votes

My favorite Manuel’s memory does not actually take place at Manuel’s, but at the neighboring movie theater. Whenever I go to the movies, I order my Manuel’s-to-go, and I take it for my movie concessions. People sitting around me always ask where I got the fried shrimp or comment that they had not seen rellanos

Marilynn P. – 50 Votes Read More »

Rowena S. – 35 Votes

After years of living in Austin, I moved just outside Fort Worth, and I want to cry because there is not one Mexican food restaurant that comes close to Manuel’s. It’s the gold standard. Here’s my Manuel’s story – As a young former UT student, I worked in the old Frost Bank building on Congress

Rowena S. – 35 Votes Read More »

Maggie G. – 68 Votes

Our memory is from the first day that Manuel’s opened during COVID. My husband and I found out the restaurant was going to be open so we said let’s go. When we got to Manuel’s there was a news station’ doing a story about businesses trying to reopen and stay afloat amid the pandemic. We

Maggie G. – 68 Votes Read More »

Cecilia F. – 33 Votes

My husband & I (married 32 years) used to go to the Manuel’s on Congress for our anniversary every year (chile relleno de elote every time!!!). It was one of the posher restaurants in Austin back then. We did not have much money, but my hubby knew to save up for that day. Eventually, we

Cecilia F. – 33 Votes Read More »

Adrian D. – 36 Votes

I moved to Austin in 2008 and the first time I went to experience downtown was an evening of live music and across the street from where I was at was Manuels on Congress. Their food smelled amazing along Congress and I knew I had to go. I walked in and ordered the enchiladas and

Adrian D. – 36 Votes Read More »