Hacienda Don Manuel — Restaurant in Town of Ramapo

We enjoyed the food in the authentic cantina atmosphere. However, it's not a romantic spot. (It can be a little loud when crowded). It's great for large groups and families. It's also good for kids who enjoy authentic Mexican food.

You'll find a lot of Hispanic people earing there, (which is a very good sign for me). I've also seen live entertainment on the weekend. (Usually, someone singing Mexican songs with a guitar. I really enjoy that. It adds to the authentic atmosphere. )The staff is very, very, very attentive. There was just a slight lack of warmth because the service was so fast. (It felt a little mechanical)

Don't miss out on the guacamole appetizer. It was really good. There wasn't a miss amongst any of our choices of entrees. The shrimp dish my wife chose had a very good number of large shrimps.

All of the entrees were all delicious. We keep going back for the great food. It is a favorite place for my adult niece, so we always go there when she comes to visit.

There are many choices in town for Mexican food due to the large population of people from Vera Cruz, Mexico. Some are better for Spanish speakers, some also cater to English speakers too. Hacienda is great for both.

The food reflects all of the authentic flavors from that area. Really, really good food. We also enjoyed a 1/2 pitcher of margaritas, which were spot on.

There is street parking only. You may not be able to park very close because there is also a very busy sushi restaurant close by. (But you'll always find a spot to park). There are no steps and is accessible for most...

Update: I forgot that the salsa was incredible as well. Upped the food from 1 star to 2. Where can I start? Okay, the good: table side guacamole and the guitar player. The bad: Refried beans were made of water they essentially offer 30 meals of shredded chicken or shredded beef / rice / bean soup and 2 tortillas, but all are plated differently and called something else. The majority of the staff don't look at you in the eye, and speak at warp speed in an unintelligible dialect The chef does not use any spice. you literally get chunks of white chicken in a corn tortilla, done. Dryer than the Mojave, and tastes just as good. We all have an idea of what a margarita looks like. When we order it on a Fri night there is an expectation of this gorgeous, bountiful glass full of delicious tangy drink. Instead, we got a 4 ounce glass of something that tasted like it was strained through a gym sock. And we got to pay $14 bucks for it. Somehow this place has adjusted their prices to suggest they are in downtown Manhattan instead of downtown Suffern. Shameful. Somehow, not sure, but somehow they managed to have an entire menu that is practically devoid of cheese. It may be inauthentic, but I am a big fan of gooey melty cheese accompanied with anything that has tortillas and one of two available protein options.

I write this review knowing it was the last visit I shall ever make here.

¡Hasta la...

Have been here many times. Even came here the night before my wedding. Always love it. This time I brought a group of 8 friends on a Thursday night. Service was sketchy. Seems the waiters were more concerned about joking around together. Normally I get the enchiladas, which are excellentt, but wanted to get something different so got shrimp fajitas, no cilantro in the guacamole. Shrimp were overcooked, came with no guacamole and no explanation, not great flavor, and the refried beans were a bit watery. None of the fajitas at our table were sizzling. Seems they had been sitting a while. But I have to say that the chicken quesedia appetizer was awesome! Overall bad night for them though, and stinks as I had brought 3 other couples with us to introduce the restaruant. At least they were good the night before,my wedding! Stiil 4 stars due to prior performance. But hope this is not a sign of...