Manny's Cocina — Restaurant in Eau Claire

When we arrived at 5:30 PM, perhaps it should've been a warning to us that the parking lot was empty. Upon entering there were three individuals at the host station, as our party approached we were greeted and asked how many were with us. We stated we made a reservation yesterday for 10 tonight at 5:30 PM, and that 8 Guests would be joining after all. Staff immediately brought our party back to an empty room with 20 chairs pulled out from the table. Without salt & pepper on the table, we quickly discussed the large party setup. When 3 Servers arrived to take our order, we were shocked we hadn't received water or been asked if we had questions. Instead, the Server wished our party a "Happy Birthday", and asked if we were ready to order. We quickly corrected the lead Server that we're celebrating a Bride To Be, and would like water and chips & salsa first. We came from a wine tour and had no reason to rush. We were told our chips & salsa would be served with our meals — IF we ordered entrees. An assumption we wouldn't? Or, a brash way to share their policy? Either way, it sent our group another warning, after another warning, after another warning. The three Servers took our drink orders, together, for 8 people — no one knew who to talk to, it was extremely confusing and took away from the hospitality of the dining out experience. Half of our party ordered in Spanish with one Server, while the other half of our table seemed to have a lead Server and a Server Assistant? Wish we knew. Our orders were accurate, and the female "assistant" (?) was attentive, and kind. The lead Server did not know the Draft Beers available, and had to leave during our order to check. Our meals arrived warm, but not hot. The two orders of fajitas were served in cast iron pans with handle mitts, yet the pans were easily moved with our hands. It was mediocre. Food was seasoned well, and this could've been a wonderful experience!! We were not asked if we'd like another beverage, or dessert. We were not given a reason to sit and enjoy our time, or spend another dollar, like we had planned and hoped to. Our tabs were paid, and no one was at the host stand to say goodbye when we exited. Underwhelming, and unfortunate — it was all of our first times there. We were celebrating a friend who left feeling...

Firstly, Manny himself was a joy to talk to, however I wish we did not have to involve him. Our waitress was deceiving from the outset. We ordered a margarita and she asked us what kind of tequila we would like without telling us that the prices for margheritas listed on the menu are actually for virgin margheritas and tequila is considered an add on. Further, when I ordered a meal without meat or cheese, she asked if I wanted vegetables in my meal, never stating that this would charge extra. She also asked if I wanted soup or salad with my meal, again, never stating that this was not included. We were charged extra for the tequila that should have been included with the margherita, the vegetables ($3??), and the salad ($4). My meal was also topped with cheese when I specifically asked for it to exclude cheese.

The guacamole we ordered was essentially just mashed avocados and tasted as if it did not even have salt.

When we confronted the waitress, she kept referring to the menu and saying that we received those up charges because that information is in the menu (halfway down the page listed under details for a different item). She also stated, "what did you expect to happen when you ordered a soup as one of your meals?" (mind you, their bowls of soup are $10, nearly the cost of a meal). I have never had an experience at a restaurant where wait staff did not give a warning about an upcharge, especially after offering items to you themselves.

Manny did give us 30% off to compensate for his waitress's actions but that woman most should not be in this business, or honestly in any business involving customer relations.

If you choose to visit this restaurant, ask exactly what every single item is going to cost before you order, because your side (or even your tequila!) might be an upcharge even if your wait staff suggest otherwise.

Edit to add that my fiance got explosive food poisoning after our visit. He had chicken in his meal that likely...

We visted Manny's with a decently sized party while in town for a wedding. First impressions were okay - it was a clean restaurant with ambient music that wasn't overly-loud. However, the restaurant feels almost cave-like with how low the lighting is kept. Compared to the bright and open bathroom, it felt strange that it was so dark in the dining area. (If you're visiting for a date night, maybe the moody lighting would be more fitting . Not as ideal for a large family gathering in my opinion.)

The service was, in short, lacking. Due to the set up of the tables and the design of the chairs - our server had a hard time delivering items to our table. She reported that the chairs jabbed into her side/ribs when she leaned over to place items directly on the table. She mentioned this struggle multiple times. Rather than passing out waters to everyone individually, she handed them to my seventy-seven-year-old grandma and asked her to pass them around the table. My grandma was a sweetheart, and obliged. However, as the meal went on, it became somewhat annoying to pause conversations and assist the server with her job.

We're not high maintenance people at all and we didn't expect her to ram her ribs into the chairs. However, if the chairs cause that much of an issue, it should be brought to management's attention immediately so servers can serve and patrons can enjoy a meal without working for it.

There isn't much to say about the food other than it was also okay. Some family members gave their plate a thumbs up, but mostly our palates were unsatisfied. The server also entered in some meals incorrectly, leaving us to wait for extra condiments to be brought out slowly.

TLDR: Probably a decent place for a date night of 2 or 4 people, especially during Happy Hour for apps and drinks. Would not recommend for a larger...