Lance Avery Morgan
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography courtesy of Manuel’s
It’s absolutely everyone’s favorite Mexican food destination…with its elevated, Interior Mexico approach to modern Mexican food. In fact, consider Manuel’s Fine Mexican Food in Austin as your go-to destination anytime you want a slice of a Cabo-like experience on their always-breezy patio without even hopping on a plane to go down Mexico way.
In celebration of Manuel’s 40th Anniversary, the debonair founder Greg Koury and his bombshell wife (and the restaurant’s marketing dynamo) Jennifer McNevin invite you to share your favorite story or memory, too – see below details. After all, 40 years is a milestone for any business, especially a restaurant. As they embrace their history and move forward toward the future, the good times and connections made at Manuel’s are their greatest legacy, they feel.
They say life begins at 40, and if that’s true, Manuel’s is just getting started. For four glorious decades, this Austin institution has been serving up sizzling fajitas, mouthwatering mole, and margaritas that make you forget how to spell “tequila” after the second one (no complaints). As Manuel’s hits the big 4-0, it’s time to take a trip down memory lane, sprinkled with queso and topped with a side of nostalgia. So, put on your neon colors, Vaurnet glasses and be prepared to get schooled on the OG Manuel’s…
1984: The Year It All Began
When Manuel’s opened its doors in 1984, Austin was a very different place—far less techy and still pretty weird as it would become known across the world. While MTV was making a splash with music videos, Manuel’s was making waves with authentic Mexican dishes that quickly became a local favorite at it’s downtown location on Congress Avenue. What started as a cozy spot where you could indulge in a sizzling plate of enchiladas soon became a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of tradition with a twist. I know that I’ve taken scores of visitors over the years to give them both a sampling of a terrific meal, as well as Texas hospitality.
Forty Years Of First Bites? They’re Just Warming Up
Let’s talk about that first bite—almost everyone remembers their first experience at Manuel’s. Whether it was the perfectly crisp tortilla chips dunked in house-made salsa or the first forkful of rich, velvety mole, it’s a bite that hooks you for life. Manuel’s has always known how to keep things fresh, from innovative takes on Latin classics to seasonal specials that make your taste buds do the salsa (pun intended).
Legendary Margaritas & Those “Accidental” 2-Hour Lunches
If you’ve ever told yourself you were “just stopping by Manuel’s for a quick bite,” only to emerge two hours later in a blissful post-margarita haze, welcome to the club. There have been plenty of those over the years, too. Manuel’s is not only a restaurant, it’s an experience. Their margaritas? Legendary. Crafted with love (and, let’s be honest, a generous pour), these drinks have been responsible for countless long lunches, impromptu celebrations, and more than one missed afternoon meeting. For me, it was a great first date place to get to know someone better.
Heck, It’s A Community Staple
Manuel’s hasn’t just been a place for great food—it’s been the backdrop for decades of memories. First dates, family reunions, graduations, and birthdays—they’ve all found a home when they ventured to Manuel’s. The restaurant has hosted generations of Austinites and travelers alike, offering the kind of warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like you’re sitting down with family time and time again. And let’s not forget the role it’s played in keeping Austin’s food scene vibrant and flavorful—always pushing the boundaries of what Mexican cuisine can be….way beyond the ordinary TexMex that dotted the environment well before Manuel’s was born.
The Secret To 40 Years Of Success? (Hint: Yep, It’s In The Salsa)
So, what’s the secret to Manuel’s enduring popularity? It’s a little bit of everything. The recipes are timeless, sure, but it’s the combination of incredible service, a welcoming atmosphere, and a menu that never stops evolving that has kept people coming back year after year. Oh, and did we mention the salsa? Because Manuel’s salsa alone is worth a trip. Spicy, tangy, and just the right amount of kick—it’s no wonder it has its own fan club.
Here’s to 40 More, Manuels And So Many Congratulations
As we celebrate Manuel’s 40th anniversary, it’s not just about looking back—it’s about raising a glass (of margarita, of course) to the future. Austin’s food scene wouldn’t be the same without this culinary gem, and we can’t wait to see what the next 40 years will bring. Whether it’s more legendary dishes, creative cocktails, or just a spot to savor the familiar, Manuel’s will continue to be the place where great memories—and even greater meals—are made.
So, here’s to Manuel’s Fine Mexican Food, the countless tacos we’ve devoured, and the many more to come. Happy 40th, Manuel’s—Austin wouldn’t be the same without you! Now, who’s hungry?
If you have a Manuel’s story you’d like to share, visit https://manuels.shortstack.page/JJNF1Z/ They are giving away a $1000 gift card – a $500 gift card – a $300 gift card
and 10 – $100 gift cards for the winning stories.
How great is that? Plus, remember it has been chronicled as Best Mexican – Best Margarita – Best Patio – Austin American Statesman Reader’s Choice 2024. Who can argue with that?
