We're visiting from the Bay Area. This was our first time at Manuel's. It will not be our last! The restaurant is cute and reminds me of a Mexican restaurants I grew up going to. Beautiful decor, fresh flowers & friendly staff. The chips & salsa were fresh and delicious. The salsa had a different flavor. I'm not a chef. But it reminded me a little of adobo (maybe)? Whatever it was we all really enjoyed it. The guac was creamy and limey. Most of us got combination plates. I got the 2 items: a cheese enchilada with the carne asada taco (it's a bit of an up charge & it was definitely worth it!) the asada was so delicious! Chewy and flavorful. The enchilada sauce was perfect too. My husband's combo plate, was similar but he got 3 items, including a pork tamale. He said it was great. Other things of note: the beans were good & not runny, according to others as I don't eat beans. Rice - so good, my kid ate an entire side of it. Loved the rice. Chili verde - incredible accounting to my MIL Daily lunch specials were repriced very reasonably & there's several options. read more

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First time visiting Manuel's. The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming. My mom and I were seated right away at a nice table by the window, though my mom felt it was too cramped. The service was amazing. I had the daily special, which included a salad, tea or coffee, and ice cream. The potions were too big for me to finish, but overall it was delicious. The mole especially was excellent. read more

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant - Salad - Mexican Near Me - Aptos, California

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Manuel's is unsuspecting from the outside, but inside is a home to great flavors and friendly staff. We were in the area for a car meet and stepped away for lunch and Manuel's popped up as an option. We originally were planning to take the food to go, but switched to eating in house instead. The staff was quick to update our order and have us seated with chips. Their salsa was no joke - it's great for people who love spice. I opted for their half burrito with beef and that was enough to keep me full. A friend in the group opted for their full burrito and had regrets after, only because it was much bigger than they anticipated... but now they had a nice dinner. Overall, Manuel's is worth stopping by if you're in the area and got a craving for Mexican food. read more

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant - Half burrito - Mexican Near Me - Aptos, California

It's dahlia season at Manny's, and the tables are beautifully adorned with flowers from their private garden. If you're looking for an authentic Mexican vibe, delightful staff, delicious food, and fast service, this is the place. The crab tostada is absolutely to die for, but honestly, I've tried almost everything on the menu and loved it all. Manny's never disappoints! Make reservations! read more

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When I walked in i immediately felt welcomed. They were so friendly and happy I was there. The music playing was perfect ambience. I was by myself so I took a spot at the bar. The treated me just the same as everyone else. They offer a lunch menu with a wide variety. I ordered the carne asada tacos and house margarita and was beyond impressed. They provided consistent service. I will definitely be coming back. read more

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Food was great, service was attentive, ambiance was authentic. Definitely lives up to its name.

Manuel's is a great Authentic Mexican restaurant! The service is a 10/10 every time, the food is great (I would recommend the special, they sever you so much!) The ambiance is great with low lighting. Overall great experience each time we have dinner here. Great Drinks!! read more

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant - Enchilada plate - Mexican Near Me - Aptos, California

Amazing!!! They give out free salsa and chips and their salsa is so tasty! I've tried the chicken enchiladas, carne asada tacos, and chile colorado plates. Every dish has been great and they all come on hot plates! The beef in the carne asada tacos is so flavorful and tender. The chicken enchiladas are delicious and the sauce pairs so well. Their service is fast and very friendly. I'll definitely come back again when I'm in the area! :) read more

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We discovered this place a few years ago. We visit every time we vacation in Aptos now. Excellent food and service! Our waiter said they have been there since 1965! Doing something right read more

Hey there party People Final stop on my tour along the coast to beat the heat we stopped at Manuel's for Dinner. The perfect little Mexican casa vibe. I had the Chilli Verde. The pork was so tender it broke apart using my fork. It needed more Verde sauce for flavor. The rice and beans were ok but I am a rice snob so it takes allot to impress me. My hubby got the combo plate with a taco, tamale, and enchiladas. He really enjoyed the tamale the sauce on it was robust and spicy. My Brother-in-law got the Saturday special which was a bacon and cheese wrapped shrimp. It was a little lacking in flavor and the cocktail sauce was underwhelming. Over all the food was good but everything was slightly under seasoned except the salsa, it was super good. Be kind to one another read more

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Really lively and busy, but despite the big crowd they seated us really fast The portions were really hearty and food was pretty tasty! Their seafood dishes really stood out and didn't have any fishiness to them. Menu is priced in the higher side but they also don't skimp out and give plenty of fish / crab / shrimp and guac! I also appreciate that the margaritas aren't light, you can definitely taste the tequila ;) read more

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Good food, very friendly and welcoming service. Prices not bad for a tourist area. I had the Chile Colorado combination plate. I couldn't finish. I was full about 2/3 the way into that plate. The meat was perfectly tender, the sauce could use a little more heat, but definitely not bad at all. Wife was stuffed 1/2 into her Tostada. She said it was very tasty. The place got packed at around 5:30pm on a Saturday. The place has been in business since 1965. They definitely are a good place. We enjoyed this place and will come back. read more

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant - Chile Colorado - Mexican Near Me - Aptos, California

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Manuel's Mexican Food Restaurant is the best in the area. You're greeted at the door with a welcoming smile and positive energy. The food is outstanding with huge portions. You will never have to ask for tortillas chips and salsa. They just keep coming. Service is second to none. You won't be disappointed. read more

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant - Classic Mexican Food - Mexican Near Me - Aptos, California

So this is a must try place and it's very popular with locals and tourists. The seating is limited. Try to get there early. The staff is super friendly and helpful. A great place to celebrate your birthday. The entire staff comes around and wishes you a happy birthday. I saw this while waiting for my take-out order. Their homemade chips and salsa are great!!! The portion sizes are huge! They have a large assortment of top shelf drinks. A definite must try if you're in the area. They've been in business for over 60 years. So they must be doing something right. read more

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This may be the best Mexican food I have ever experienced. By far, the beef nachos were the absolute best ever with loads of cheese, generous loads of guacamole, and huge dollops of sour cream. The margaritas were strong. Oh and the rioja salsa was amazing. The beef taco and cheese enchiladas were also good. But the best part, hands down, was the service from the amazing staff. They are friendly. They are engaging. They smile and greet you with a handshake and call you, a friend. There was a crowd gathered outside when we arrived. They were all waiting to get a table. And so we waited for 30 minutes. And we are glad we did because it was so worth the wait! Ask for Adislao. He's your new best friend. read more

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant - Combo plate with cheese enchilada and beef taco. - Mexican Near Me - Aptos, California

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SPECTACULAR! This was the best Mexican food I've ever had. My wife agrees. We got there when it opened at 11:30 and there was already a line at the door. Once we were seated the place filled up fast. Definitely a popular spot. Even though they were packed, they never let my drink sit empty. Totally awesome. They give you complementary chips and salsa. The salsa was delicious. They made sure our chips were always full too. I ordered The beef taco, beef tamale combo plate. I ordered 2 flour tortillas on the side. My wife had the chili relleno and enchilada combo plate. Everything was so delicious I feel no words do it justice. The best refried beans and rice. Everything was hot and fresh. I seriously can't wait to go back. read more

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A MUST!! Location has a cantina or intimate feel, service is top notch and street parking is what is available. Both lunch and regular menu offer variety and their Margaritas are a must for us and others as I see them across each table! I /we enjoy the Enchiladas but have also eaten other dishes that are delicious. I am always eager to stop by Manuels and then take a stroll around the block to visit the Beautiful Dahlias and the mesmerizing ocean views just a few blocks away. When in Aptos, stop by Manuels it may be your new place to go for delicious Mexican food, great vibes & Margaritas read more

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant - Margaritas - Mexican Near Me - Aptos, California

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I really wanted to like this place because of all the great reviews, but I left disappointed. I ordered an enchilada and a steak taco, expecting a soft steak taco. Instead, I got a hard-shell Tex-Mex taco with shredded beef. The enchilada sauce tasted like it came straight out of a can, not homemade. The restaurant was packed, but busy doesn't make up for mediocre food. I honestly felt like people are paying for the hype more than the quality. read more

The food is very very good. The service is outstanding very friendly. Been going there for over 20 years. The ambience is great well maintained I recommend this place for everybody to go and try at least once the Mexican food is outstanding read more

So sad. This place use to be so good but we went there in January of 2025. The food came out quickly but was cold. The margaritas use to be so good but literally tasted like pure lime juice to the point where we couldn't even finish them. Our stomachs hurt after leaving. This use to be a no-brainer stop for me when I was in town but I won't be back. Servers were nice. That's the only reason it's not one star at this point. read more

For me, the immediate impression of Mexican is the chips they serve and they were good. Crispy and not oily. Chilli reyeno is bready/eggy and good. I prefer chilli filled with stuff rather than a bready one but nonetheless enjoyable. Burrito and enchilada were fine as well. Refried beans had nice flavor. All foods not too salty which is great point. All in all good experience. read more

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Local Mexican restaurant that seems very popular. Atmosphere is friendly and the waitstaff immediately bring chips. Cute little dining area, with tables fairly close to each other. Not objectionable. However the food was not impressive at all. The chips are tasteless. Hard and not palatable. We hardly touched them after the first few. The accompanying salsa is very spicy. Nothing to rave about. Our à la carte burritos were bland. Shredded chicken in flour tortilla, not even remotely tasty or interesting. No attempt to make the dish look attractive. A very unappealing plate. Overall this restaurant is a huge disappointment!!! read more

Have been eating here since 1970. Great food and margaritas from a great family! Love the enchiladas and Chili Rellenos. We stop by whenever in the Santa Cruz area... read more

I first came here from Ohio while visiting family in 2021 and it has left an impression on me ever since. This place serves some of the best Mexican food I've ever had. Coming back here in 2025, my opinion still stands. The servers were friendly and attentive. The salsa has a spicy kick, yet has a delectable smoky flavor which I couldn't get enough of. I ordered a chicken burrito with beans. The chicken was moist and the tortilla had a soft fluffy texture. The place has such an inviting atmosphere, and really gives you a sense that this place is family-owned. I had no idea that Manuel's has been serving Santa Cruz locals since 1965. I can see why it has lasted so long. read more

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant - Chicken burrito with beans and rice - Mexican Near Me - Aptos, California

When you can write a review while waiting for your food to come out, you know it's a good spot. When you plan your coastal camping trips around what's closest to Manuel's, you know it's a good spot. Fast service, friendly service and excellent food!! read more

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant - Red Snapper - Mexican Near Me - Aptos, California

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In my 67 years... the BEST overall restaurant. Superior on many levels: the food, delicious, authentic and freshly prepared. The staff is fabulous; everyone is so genuinely happy and very accommodating. The ambiance is lively which is perfect for a beach town. I cannot say enough good things about Manuel's. If you haven't experienced it, you are really missing out. NOTE: there is virtually no turn over in staff and they all enjoy their job which speaks volumes to the management. It's clearly our favorite eatery!!!!!! read more

Excellent everything. Pretty sure that was the best restaurant service I have ever experienced including fancy places. The waitstaff were friendly and efficient. Really felt like I was welcomed into their home to eat. They all clearly love their job and are hard working. Then the food. The salsa is very good, medium spice. Unique. The sauce for enchiladas was great, cheese good quality although a little chewy. Plates came out actually scalding hot as you'd want them to. The refried beans are 10/10. I will be back. read more

Out of towner - We ordered takeout and did not get anything we ordered. Bummer! Might want to double check before you leave. The food was good, but we're disappointed that we didn't get what we wanted. Generous portion of chicken in the burrito. Salsa good, generous amount of chips. Too much cheese in the enchiladas., but no chicken, however the cheese had a real good smoky flavor. Guacamole didn't taste homemade, so surprised by that. The combination bean burrito was just beans and a tortilla no cheese, no rice. Odd! Overall, not the best but not the worst Mexican food. Probably would not go outta my way to eat there again. read more

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Manuel's is a true favorite for us in the Santa Cruz area. I have to start with the Margaritas. They cater to your wants and are delicious every single time you want spice? They do spicy. Skinny Margaritas that do not taste like they are skimping on the ingredients. And the regular margaritas perfection! They have just the right amount of flavor wonderful sharp citrus sourness balanced with a little salt. We usually order the combo platters. Last night I had the Crab and Shrimp Tostada. It was over flowing with crab meat and shrimp. The tostada was packed with fresh avocado and a flavorful tangy salsa sauce. We have never ever been disappointed with anything we have ordered. (They are also generous with the chips and salsa. ) It is run as a family establishment. The staff is friendly and welcoming. The positive interactions and service bring energy to your dining experience. There is always a wait for good food. So be prepared to wait for a table to open. You can call ahead and make reservations or sit outdoors to wait for a table. read more

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant - Crab and Shrimp Tostada - Mexican Near Me - Aptos, California

The service was great here and they were busy! Everyone was hustling. The vibes the food and the drinks were great.

Manuel's is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the Santa Cruz area. The food is so good that I crave it! Considering how there is always a line of customers out the door (even on a Monday) and the dining area is always packed, Manuel's servers and chefs are quick! And get this: the service is always attentive, friendly, and fast! I've eaten here twice, and loved it both times. I would come here again and again. Only heads up is that the prices are a little steep for my blood. For my daughter and I, we ordered 2 meals: a combo plate and the Monday special that comes with salad and dessert. The portions were huge, and everything was tasty. We also enjoyed 2 baskets of complimentary chips and salsa. We didn't order anything else, including drinks, and the bill was $60+tip. As long as you're ok with the price tag, Manuel's is the place to go for good Mexican food with an upbeat, family-friendly atmosphere. read more

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If you're in Seaside, California, and craving authentic Mexican food, Manuel's is an absolute must-visit. The moment you walk in, the lively and welcoming ambiance is felt. The décor is a perfect blend of traditional charm and coastal flair and unique art! The food here is nothing short of phenomenal. Every dish is prepared with care, showcasing bold, authentic flavors. The tacos are perfectly seasoned, the enchiladas are rich and satisfying! Their chips and salsa is perfection! The drinks are amazing and they have great selection of tequila! Five stars without a doubt! read more

Manuel's Mexican Restaurant - Best skinny margarita! - Mexican Near Me - Aptos, California

Delicious! Be sure to make a reservation if you don't want to wait. The best spicy margarita!

Friday nights, Manuel's serves HUACHINANGO A LA JAROCHA (fresh snapper, breaded, pan-seared, and served with a delicious sour cream sauce). It is Amazeballs. If it's not Friday night, get the cheese enchiladas instead. They have an incredible onion-flavor and the roasted salsa is really, really good. The strawberry margaritas are also delicious and DANGEROUS. You have been warned! Service is super friendly. The place is tiny and PACKED so expect to wait. It's worth it though! read more

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If you're anywhere near Seacliff State Beach, Manuel's Mexican Restaurant (Mannie's as we locals call it), is a must-visit. This restaurant has been family owned since 1965 and the food is good old-school Mexican (not Cal-Mex or Tex-Mex). The recipes are time-honored family traditions and the service is genuinely warm and friendly. First, let's talk food. 1/ If you like refried beans (or even if you don't, you have to try these!), Mannie's will have you hooked for life. Their version is rich, flavorful, and easily the best in the area. 2/ The chili verde is another standout. The meat is tender and slow-cooked in a spicy green norteno sauce (if you havent had norteno sauce before, you haven't had real chili verde!). It's paired perfectly with rice and beans that are seasoned just right. 3/ If you're a fan of chili rellenos, theirs is something special. It is light, fluffy, almost like a savory soufflé, and truly a cut above the rest. Note: You can ask for your rice to be served in a separate, small bowl if you don't like it served on top of or next to sauce and beans. The menu hits all the classic notes with enchiladas, nachos, tacos, tostadas, and nightly specials, along with generous lunch deals. Don't forget to save room for dessert because the Mexican chocolate ice cream and flan are a savory and sweet (the flan is my favorite dessert here). Oh, did I mention drinks? he strawberry margaritas are a house favorite, and they also offer a full bar with Mexican beers, wine, **and coffee drinks** like chocolate frappes and iced coffee. Service here excellent and ticks all the marks for a 5-star review. The staff is friendly, attentive, and impressively fast. Even when busy, the service is fast and you're never left wondering "couldn't they clear that table faster?". In fact, most orders arrive at your table within 5 minutes! The vibe inside is cozy and charming with three distinct dining areas. The front section is well-lit and lively. The middle has a mellow, medium-lit atmosphere. The back is darker and more intimate with candles and fresh flowers at every table. It feels a bit more polished than your everyday Mexican spot but still remains comfortable and welcoming. Be warned that wait times can get long, especially on Friday or Saturday nights when beachgoers flood the area (especially during Spring Break and hot summer days). Reservations are not required but definitely recommended if you want to skip the line. Manuel's is proof that great food and genuine hospitality never go out of style. It is not just one of the best Mexican restaurants around. It is one of the best meals you will have, period. Do not leave without trying a margarita and some refried beans. You will thank me later. read more

Love this place! Great ambience, excellent food, generous portions and fantastic margaritas! If you're looking for genuine Mexican food you cant miss with Manuel's. read more

This place always seems busy possibly just because of its location. The menu had only one seafood option for lunch. I chose a chicken enchilada but it had very little chicken and was drowning in cheese lacking in flavor . It was heavy and I felt sick when I stood up. They warned me that the plate was hot, but in fact when the server set the plate down it was hanging over the edge of the table. I reached for my water and just tapped my wrist, now I have a burn mark. The plates do NOT need to be that hot. The servers kept bringing me water with ice, so much ice that by the end I had a glass of ice that could not hold more than 2 oz water. I think robots may have been more attentive. I asked for a Mexican coffee and requested they use half the alcohol. Normally my tolerance is 2 drinks but this half-cocktail felt like more than 2 drinks, I was so dizzy I had to kill time in the gift shop next door. And the coffee, the only thing that was "made", had a strange taste to it like they had not cleaned the filters. Wtf, I don't know if the workers there even know how to think. I left after paying for a very expensive poor quality meal feeling sick, dehydrated, dizzy, and with a burned arm. The food was not flavorful. The table adjacent got a happy birthday song and that was nice, the restaurant is near the coast also nice. If not for that I would give it one star. This was my third time coming, keep thinking that this place is popular so I'll give it another chance. But that's it for me. I guess aptosians are not rating for food quality or service. read more

The food is always hot, fresh, and delicious! Service is impeccable with many employees having worked there for many years and obviously loving their jobs! They are kind and professional and very fast! The ambiance is always nice and cozy and the establishment very clean! We LOVE it here! read more

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What I most loved in this restaurant besides of the food was the service. Everyone who is part of the staff of this restaurant does a really good job. They were always making sure that everything was okay, they were smiling and very attentive. The food was delicious. I tried what my boyfriend ordered, Camarones de Diego, wowww it tasted amazing. My order was Chile Relleno and Cheese Enchilada, such a great combination and tasted delicious. For drinks, I ordered their House Margarita, which was pretty good too. The restaurant is very authentic and the ambiance is nice! I really want to come back and try more of their menu. read more

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My boyfriend and I dined at Manuel's twice in the past 6 months (we live in Placer county) both times we enjoyed authentic Mexican food and outstanding top shelf margaritas!!! The service is exceptional!!! I can't recommend this place enough. It's that good. We had reservations both times and I highly recommend it because the place has been full both times. read more