Raices Authentic Mexican Cuisine — Restaurant in Manchester

Wow…Raices is just brilliantly killing it across the board. Unbelievably perfect in every way.

This fab restaurant opened down the street from us about a month ago in a spot that had seemingly been cursed. A few banks that had repeatedly been robbed, then a Thai place that we thought was dismal and depressing (despite other people seeming to love them), so we were happy when they found another location. We were cautiously hopeful to hear about a Mexican place opening, but expectations were low given this spot’s history. Yet, as we followed their journey to opening day, it was clear how much thought was going into every single decision. Fingers were crossed!

On launch day, we somehow weren’t in the mood to eat out, so we did an online order that was ready very quickly. The food was good, but not as good as we thought it could be in person. They’d done a great job packaging things separately, and I think we got overwhelmed trying to figure out what went with what when it got it home. However, the ceviche tostada was SO magnificent, and that one dish alone told me that we simply had to eat there in person. Everything was so fresh and well made, but it was clear we needed an in-person experience.

So tonight, five of us ventured in, and from minute one, we were smiling. The interior has had a much-needed and very stylish makeover, with super comfortable seating and a modern slat partition separating the main dining area from the bar (which, BTW, has a stupendous Day of the Dead hand-painted mural on the back wall). Such a lovely ambiance, including Mexican music at a reasonable volume that didn’t cut off conversation and only added to the feel of the restaurant. We were so warmly welcomed in and attended to all night by Julie and Harry. Both were funny, kind, charming, and professional, and so clearly devoted to Raices and their customers. Julie let us personalize dishes without raising an eyebrow, and got any accommodations perfectly.

Most importantly, the food! The five of us ordered a bunch of things to share, which I totally recommend so that you can sample a bit of everything. The guacamole is made outside the kitchen by the woman who also cooks up all the tortillas on a flattop, and she’ll customize it as you like (ie: with or without cilantro, jalapeño, etc.), and it was some of the best I’ve ever had. You get a heaping serving in an authentic Molcaiete Mexicano that goes beautifully alongside the free chips and salsa you get when you are seated. Queso dips come out literally bubbling hot, and the only joking complaint is that they’re so cheesy that it’s impossible to separate the dip from the chip even two feet away, lol.

Because I’d loved the ceviche tostada so much from our first order, I had to try it again, and pushed it on the other shrimp lovers with us. Drooling. My talented chef husband gave me a bit of a glare when I said it’s one of the best things I’ve ever eaten in my life, but it’s a perfect balance of sweet and salty, and each ingredient (as with all of their dishes) is so damn fresh. The chiles poblanos also deserve a special shout out (wild scream out?). A giant portion stuffed with cheese and topped with red sauce and more cheese? Nothing to not like there.

Our table also shared delicious chicken fajitas and tacos and then finished with fried ice cream (with a nicely rich chocolate giant bomb of ice cream) and the mango cheesecake that was much, much lighter than most cheesecakes. Both were unique and delectable! Every dish was also presented so beautifully, giving the food the respect it deserved.

The drink menu is extensive, and nothing but rave reviews for their margaritas (again something they are happy to tweak to your preference).

We were there for three hours and never once felt rushed. They knew and loved that we were there to savor the food and the experience, letting us order rounds of food to share as we...

I went to Raíces for the very first time tonight and the experience left a lot to be desired.

First and foremost, when my party (3) arrived, we waited by the door for over ten minutes without being acknowledged. As someone who has previously worked in the service industry, I have no problem waiting, but we were not even greeted.

Once a host finally acknowledge us and we were taken to our seats by a waiter, we were faced with an awkward seating situation. This is not the place to go if you want to have a private dinner. The booths and tables are uncomfortably close to one another to the point where you feel like you are ONE with the patrons sitting beside you. Additionally, the restaurant is brightly lit to the point it feels like a hospital waiting area. Less than ideal.

The young man that waited on us was abrupt and ill-mannered. He took our drinks order and asked if the party wanted to put in some appetizers. My party and myself stated we did not want to put in appetizers and were ready for main courses. The young man insisted that we put in appetizers. We stated we were ready for main courses, once again. Annoyed, he took down ONE food order and left. I did not get to order my food at the same time as the rest of my party as a result of this. He did not ask nor wait for me to state my order. I ordered my food a while after the rest of my party once he returned with our drinks.

Regardless of the initially poor reception, I hoped that their cocktails and food would redeem the experience.

I got very excited when I saw a Porn Star Martini on their cocktail menu.

I LOVE passionfruit and I had many Porn Star Martinis while on holiday in Europe.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good gimmicky/craft drink as much as the next person, but IT HAS TO BE GOOD.

The waiter used a Flavour Blaster to create a bubble on top of the cocktail and asked me to pour the shot of prosecco over the bubble.

While a fun experience, the gimmick did not redeem the sugar-laden, weak tragedy of a martini.

Hands down the worst cocktail I’ve had in a while.

Regarding the food, I will give credit where credit is due. They have a solid vegetarian menu, which is why I’m giving them a higher rating. I’m vegetarian myself and it was nice to see plant-based meat alternatives on the menu. That is a pro and something we need more of in Manchester!

I ordered the veggie chorizo tacos and the rest of my party ordered the Three Amigos plate. The general consensus around the food was that it was lackluster. For the price tag (ex: $20+ for veggie tacos), the expectations were high and we, as a whole, were left disappointed. The food had a solid kick to it, in terms of spice, but not much flavor other than “heat”. It was bland.

When it came time to pay and the waiter stopped by to process my payment method, they looked over my shoulder the entire time I was inputting the tip into their card reader. Unprofessional and uncomfortable.

The dining experience at Raíces was underwhelming and overly pretentious. I will not...

A Flavor-Packed Gem You Don’t Want to Miss – A Must-Try New Mexican Restaurant in Manchester, NH.

If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, vibrant, and welcoming new spot to satisfy your Mexican food cravings, this is the place you need to check out. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were greeted with a warm smile and an impeccably clean, inviting space that immediately set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. The custom finger painted walls behind the bar are incredibly impressive!

What truly sets this restaurant apart is the thoughtfulness behind everything – from the menu to the service. The staff was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. We had the pleasure of speaking with the owner, who shared that he is vegan himself. That ethos is reflected throughout the menu, which boasts a generous selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options, making it an inclusive spot for a wide range of dietary preferences.

Now, let’s talk food – because wow. I ordered the carne asada, and let me just say: it was out of this world. Perfectly seasoned, tender, and bursting with flavor in every bite. I paired it with a few of their mojitos, which were crisp, refreshing, and just the right amount of minty cool to complement the richness of the meat.

My wife went for the street tacos, and she hasn’t stopped talking about them since. They’re deceptively simple, but every component – from the tortilla to the filling – was fresh and perfectly balanced. She’s officially addicted to their El Diablo spicy margaritas too, which deliver a fiery kick with a smooth finish. If you like your cocktails with a bold personality, don’t skip this one!

Whether you’re plant-based, gluten-free, a spice lover, or just someone who appreciates thoughtfully crafted food, this spot checks all the boxes. It's rare to find a restaurant that combines flavor, hospitality, and inclusivity so seamlessly.

This isn’t just a place to grab a bite – it’s an experience. Do yourself a favor: grab some friends, bring your appetite, and go try this place. You’ll...