Manuel's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

An Absolute Disappointment

I’ve been a regular customer of Manuel’s for a while, but after my recent experience with Deirdre, one of the managers at the Mountain View location, I won’t be coming back.

I called in an order for two pulled chicken chimichanga dinners (one with no cheese) and three kids pulled chicken taco meals, all with no cheese. The person taking my order asked if I wanted lettuce and tomato, and I said yes — just on the side. I even repeated the order before hanging up.

When my husband got home with the food, my chimichanga didn’t have any chicken, and all three kids’ tacos were made with beef and cheese — exactly what I said not to include. Only one had the veggies on the side.

I called back and spoke to the same person who took my order. He admitted, “That was the cook’s fault,” but didn’t offer any solution. When I asked for a manager, I was connected to Deirdre, and that’s where things went downhill.

From the start, her tone was curt and defensive. I calmly explained what happened, and she said, “I need to talk to my cook and I’ll call you back.” Her tone was so sharp that I even asked if she was okay — which somehow made her even more upset. She accused me of being angry (which I wasn’t) and said she needed to “investigate both sides.”

She called me back an hour later and said the cook claimed the ticket didn’t say “no cheese,” but that the veggies were on the side — then offered only a store credit, not a refund. I explained again that only one taco had veggies on the side and even offered to send her a picture, but she refused to look at it and repeated, “I’m offering you a solution.” When I said we preferred a refund instead of a credit, she got irritated, said, “You can have the store credit,” and hung up on me.

Our receipt doesn’t mention anything about veggies on the side, yet a big container of them was sent — so her “not on the ticket” excuse didn’t make sense.

I completely understand that mistakes happen. That wasn’t the issue. The issue was how Deirdre handled the situation — with rudeness, zero accountability, and an attitude that made me feel like I was the problem.

We spent $75 on food my kids couldn’t even eat, and instead of being helped, I was treated disrespectfully.

I’m truly disappointed. Never again. I won’t be returning or recommending this location to anyone.

Food: 1

Service: 1

When ordering food to go they are 4/4 in getting it wrong. Something is always missing at least one item (today two). I either have to drive back or wait for the correct items. Always resulting in cold food. Whenever we eat there It’s great, but ordering food to go, 4X I’ve never had a good result.

Habit forming

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

My favorite comfort Mexican food place. Myra is the sweetest and best waitress!

Delicious authentic Mexican food with comfortable booths and great service.

Great good, service and prices. I wish they had Horchata - i would go more

Manuel's is my family's favorite for yummy Mexican food. We all normally order same meal, Carnitas Chimichanga for, green chili burrito for Mom and a large bag of flour tortilla chips to go. If you've never had flour tortilla chips you have got to try them. Simply delicious! Food is consistently good every time no matter which location you choose.

I have eaten at Manuels for decades. I love the chips and salsa and many of the other items on the menu. Recently, I visited Manuels in Scottsdale on a Friday evening and I ran into a group of very polite and enthusiastic patriots who told me they meet there on Fridays to enjoy each other's company and celebrate the many great happenings in our great country. Many of them have served in the armed forces defending our freedom. It was so refreshing to see such a patriotic group of people enjoying dinner together. I wish we would see more of this,

The roundabouts were not marked with the names of the roads I needed to turn on so I was way out yonder.

I ordered a cilantro mojoto, and the lady had never made one before, but she said she would try. She also added mint and lime. It was fantastic! Best one i've ever had. I was so glad that she was willing to try. The service was fast, and the food was exceptional. I would definitely go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chimichanga Carne Asada

Very bad attention from the waiters

Manuel's is excellent food. Everything we had was awesome. Being a navit born Arizonan? We're professionals when it comes to Mexican food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Enchilada, Guacamole, Salsa

Absolutely amazing. Friendly energy , kid safe and honestly if you come here just for solidarity you can as well! Great food !!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is the third Manuel's in the region that my family has visited. This establishment is much nicer looking than the other two, but the service is not as attentive or friendly as the others. The food was awesome as usual. Great place to go for an authentic family meal. I would definitely return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Vegetarian options: Beans corn tamales salad

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chimichanga Carne Asada, Enchilada, Salsa