Manuel's Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Capitola

Everyone I know loves the food here so I'm probably not the best person to judge this place. I have a friend who constantly goes on Fridays for their Huachinango special...and other friends and acquaintances who go for other specials too.

For me...usually the first dish I try at a new Mexican food place if it looks any good is Chile Verde. It's just one of those dishes that I know if it's good everything else is.

The first time we ate there I had chile verde...and I swore I would never go back. It was nothing like any chili verde I've ever had before...not even in Mexico. In their defense I've only been to Mexico for times and three of those were to Puerto Vallarta...the Old Town.

Since then I have been two manuals with other people I know who love the place. I had done this a few times...just had small plates (salad or a chile relleno and a beer or something else to drink) mainly just so I could be at the table for conversation without those that are eating feeling uncomfortable. None of those were bad at all.

Since my wife and I only live a couple of miles away from Manuel's, and it had been a long time since the chile verde (I'm old...I forget things) experience...we decided to walk over through the Rio Del Mar Beach for dinner.

Oops...and what did I do? I ordered the chile verde. And one of their adult beverages. I completely forgot just how bad it was for me the first time. And I knew I should have ordered a beer or soda.

Hey perhaps other people love this stuff so please don't just take my word for it.

For me the chile verde just seems like it's watery not very flavorful and the meat isn't super tender. Perhaps that's how it's supposed to be but that's not how I've had it anywhere else. However they've served it for me like that twice now.

Also...

Atmosphere: Don't get me wrong...they seem to have quite the authentic atmosphere - it's just very overcrowded. Seems like they just needed to fit one more table than there...and there is a line that goes out the door you usually have to wait for a long time for a seat...even with the reservation. Seems like they just cram as many people in as they can.

Personally I just don't see why...

I had dinner here yesterday and got the guacamole for starter which had cheese on it so those who are intolerant should specify no cheese on the guacamole. The Guacamole was good. I had the special of the day Chicken Enchilada with a fantastic mole sauce and came with a unique salad that had garbanzo beans on it and a unique dressing, unique and surprisingly went well together. The enchilada was fantastic and was a large portion. The special also included ice cream. I chose the mango-banana which was as delicious as it sounds. I usually go with chocolate as a default but this was worth the change for the night and finished off the spice of the entre very well. The service was great overall, they were quick to take care of things(keep drinks full, clean up plates as you finish, check in to see if you need anything else). They all seemed to work as a team on never did anyone tell me they needed to get my server to help me. Whoever I asked just took care of it. Great! I was told this is the best Mexican place in Santa Cruz for traditional food, I don't know if it is yet, but it will definitely be tough to beat and is definitely a favorite restaurant of mine now in this town as a must visit for anyone looking for great Mexican food. I'm very picky with Mexican food and this place definitely...

With four stars, I had high hopes for this place, but it is decent at best.

Parking was kind of a nightmare; I had to drive around in circles until I realized I would just have to park down the street and walk over. It’s not the worst, but it wasn’t the easiest. Upon arrival, it was packed….like so crowded you are literally sitting corner to corner with others. We thought about going elsewhere bc we just didn’t want to be THAT close to others. That actually almost happened as they said they did not see our name on the reservation list, but I told them I KNOW I made the reservation bc online, it says to call a week before your desired date; I didn’t just make that up. They hustled and bustled, and finally got us a seat.

Three entrees, one guoc and four margaritas later, we were hit with a $120 bill pre tip. I mean that’s not expensive, but for a meal that was just OK at best, I would’ve taken my coins elsewhere.

Overall, the place was meh. I am giving them three stars bc Jesus was a great waiter. Although he messed up our order, he fixed it, and fast. Food is out in about 5-7 minutes, and I get the idea that they don’t want you lingering. We came in thinking we’d have a few drinks, hang, eat, drink some more, but we were in and out in about 45 minutes.

Likely...