Mañana Cafe — Restaurant in Groton

Wanted to like it...

We were seated promptly, and asked what we would like to drink. A few minutes later someone else asked us what we would like to drink, which was fine. Then a few minutes later, a third person came and asked us what we would like to drink, which ended up being the theme for out entire stay. Everyone was reasonably friendly, but they bothered us so much we couldn't really get a conversation going.

We asked if chips and salsa were complimentary. You know, like every joint I've ever been to in the Southwestern United States, ever? We were informed that chips and salsa were $3.50, and the server said they charged that because "we make the chips here." While this may be standard practice in New England, telling anyone familiar with Mexican food that you have to charge extra for complimentary items like chips and salsa because you make it onsite, vice serving pre-packaged crap, is an insult. While the serving size of chips was only adequate, the salsa serving was downright insulting. It would be measured in tablespoons, and as a "scooper," vice a "dipper," I got about five chips worth of scoopage before the salsa rations were depleted.

To the main event, we ordered Enchiladas Verdes, which is enchiladas in a "Tomatillo, Cilatro and Jalapeño" sauce, and an especial item listed as Braised Beef Burrito in Chile Sauce. To keep it short, the Enchiladas' tortillas were dry and crumbly, the chicken bland, unseasoned and tasted like chicken straight from a can. The salsa verde was also bland, sweet and without real flavor, and certainly not strong enough to cover the sheer blandness of the rest of the dish. The Burrito was the best item we had. The beef was cooked in a red chili sauce long enough to impart some flavor, but also tasted strongly like... soy sauce. Whether it really was soy sauce or not, it sure tasted like it. I get that this place is trying for the trendy 'Fusion" designation, but if fusion is defined as chile paste plus soy sauce, well, let's just focus on Mexican-food basics first.

Both dished came with unflavored, unseasoned black beans which were also dry and uninspiring, and the enchiladas also came with Mexican rice, which, like nearly everything else, was dry, unflavored and not really worth the time or money.

My recommendations to the proprietor is as follows:

1. Have the service staff better define their roles to make their job easier and reduce interference time for guests.
2. Budget for at least one complimentary serving of chips and salsa per table, and an additional serving for every entree or appetizer ordered. Yes, I know this cost must be made up in prices elsewhere, but it keeps the customer from feeling nickel-and-dimed from the time he first walks in the door.
3. Make those serving sizes reasonable. Five chips-worth of salsa falls far short of this recommendation.
4. All of the food we tried, from Salsa, Rice and Beans, to the Enchiladas and the Braised Beef Burrito, needed a serious injection of flavor and freshness. If I want Gringo Mexican, Taco Bell is right up the street. Paying the prices charged here, I simply expect better.

For people reading this review, I have two recommendations in the greater New London area: Mi Casa, which has a place in Norwich and another in New London, and Elim Bakery in New London. While Elim's is technically a bakery, the Guatemalan owners also sell street-style tacos, burritos, pupusas and other tasty...

I was browsing Sound Waves Magazine (Swaves.com) to help decide a different place for dinner when I saw the MANANA Mexican Cafe. THE GOOD: Greeted and served by Erica who was friendly and professional and provided excellent service. For a appetizer my wife and I shared a Guac & Chips. And for our main meal she had the Fish Tacos, and I had the Braised Pork Chimichanga special in a mild but very flavorful chili sauce. We both LOVED our main dishes, the Appetizer not so much. The Not So Good: Although the service and food were excellent, the place had zero atmosphere. Basically, a large concrete room with paint on the walls with tables and chairs. It made for a very loud experience where sound carries, and we had screaming kids at the table next to us. Also, we were surprised at the guac & chips. Everything looked fresh & homemade Except the guacamole - It looked like it was made into a soupy puree mixed with lime juice & spices. And finally for dessert we tried the Flan. It had an unappetizing beige color instead of the usual golden tan color with the caramelized top. Tasted good but not what we were expecting. To sum up IF you don't care much about atmosphere but instead looking for authentic, delicious Mexican food, this place is for you... It's actually a shame because with a little imagination and a little money, this place would not only have great food but could...

I only leave reviews for the very best experiences we have. Count this as another top rated experience for sure! I simply can’t recommend this place enough as it exceeded every expectation you could have. Starting with the margaritas, I would say (and my wife whole heartedly agrees) that they were as good as we’ve ever had anywhere. And what a selection-Outstanding! The food was authentic, delicious and worth every penny. The owner (which we met) was fantastic and it was easy to see after talking to him why this is such a highly rated restaurant! The staff was equally as friendly and welcoming. We live almost an hour away but were in the area this weekend and found this wonderful place via a google search. Boy are we glad we stopped in. It was the highlight of our weekend and we are looking forward to the next chance we get to stop back in. The restaurant business is a very tough market and to survive you need to get most everything exactly right. This place was a home run from beginning to end. Go there-...