Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina | Indian School — Restaurant in Phoenix

I write this review as I finish the second of two lime candies that were given to me along with the check. So nom! While that part comes last, I feel the need to comment on how good those things are. They are exponentially better than peppermint candies that are ubiquitous at family restaurants. Anyway, that's probably not why you're here reading this review. Manuel's provided exactly what I was looking for--great Sonoran Mexican food and a down-to-each, low-key atmosphere to go along with it. The experience started off walking into the building, which is located in a strip mall. The building itself seemed to be older than the rest of the mall. Anyway, it worked. The interior is standard 1980s Mexican with the terra cotta tiles all over and sombreros gracing the walls and ceiling. Pretty much sets up the experience the way is should be. Two waiters both tended to the table, answered questions, took part of the order, and continued to serve us through the whole meal. Not only were they both affable, we got twice the attention!The recommendations they provided were genuine; not limited to "people like this..." No, both waiters told us exactly what they liked and gave reasons. The entrees were preceded by some pretty tasty salsas (yes, two o' them!) and chips and a cheese crisp, which we ordered from the appetizers.The two of us who dined there had carnitas and the three amigos enchiladas, both which came with rave reviews. If you're not looking for three enchiladas, may I recommend the spinach with white sauce. Neither disappointed. It's true, you need to like cheese and a little grease with you food. But that's exactly why you'd be at...

My goddaughter and I went to this location a couple of weekends ago for lunch and everything seemed great at first. There was a hiccup with my goddaughter's food, however, the server was attentive and remedied the mistake. I normally go to the location that is more convenient for me, however, I assumed that this location would also have the same service as the others. Going over my finances recently I noticed that they charged me $5.00 more than what I had agreed to pay and that had me upset. I contacted the restaurant to get the situation remedied and I was advised that this must be resolved by the corporation. When speaking with the manager and expressing that his action has jeopardized their integrity with the customers, they only offered to refund me the $5.00, which is fine but there should be more than that because of what happened. I spoke to two managers, and I was refunded the forged tip amount when speaking to the managers there was no accountability from the managers, and I was made feel as if I made a mistake on my ticket which I did not as I wrote exactly the amount that was tipped and the total amount for my bill. I was not thrilled with how the situation was handled and I recently called their corporate office and spoke to the owner I have to say that I was also not happy with how the owner kept interrupting me to tell me how cards are processed, and I was trying to ask questions. Appreciate the owner for speaking with me however, I will not be patronizing this establishment chain...

If I could give zero stars, I would.

Disclaimer: This review is wholly based off of service. I placed a to-go order and upon my return home, realized they forgot my cheese crisp. I’d argue that I shouldn’t have to check my order if this was even a mediocre establishment considering they read my order back to me when picking up, but fine, I’ll take the hit, my fault for not checking. I had my wife call to let them know they forgot our cheese crisp while I drove back. They confirmed that it would be ready when I got there. Upon my return, not only was our cheese crisp not ready, they had the audacity to ask me if I was sure they didn’t give it to me. After waiting for them to actually make a cheese crisp, I headed home. When unpacking the remainder of our dinner, nothing was correct in regards to the substitutions we made. I had red sauce instead of the green I specifically ordered. No added shrimp on one of our dishes. No side of sour cream. No guacamole.

The entire restaurant lacks any degree of even mediocre service. When you can’t even get the most basic of details for an order, it’s pure laziness and lack of care for your patrons.

DO NOT GO HERE. The lack of service, the mediocre food, and the relatively exorbitant prices are not worth your time or money. This place deserves to fester and die for its serious lack of...well...everything. You’d be better off at Chipotle. At least they get your...