Patio closes at 9PM. (Due to recent labor shortages, we have at times been unable to open the patio, if patio seating is important to you, please call ahead to verify our patio hours.) Heaters are available as is limited shade, please consider bringing a hat and a sweater or a blanket for flexibility, it's Aptos after all and chilly at night!
A local tradition since 1965, generations of guests have enjoyed our delicious food, cooked fresh daily, served with a genuine smile. Founded by my father, Manuel Santana, here at Manuel's Mexican Restaurant we proudly serve his original recipes. Whether you're visiting us for the first time, or you're one of our devoted regulars, we love you.
A local tradition since 1965, generations of guests have enjoyed our delicious food, cooked fresh daily, served with a genuine smile. Founded by my father, Manuel Santana, here at Manuel's Mexican Restaurant we proudly serve his original recipes. Whether you're visiting us for the first time, or you're one of our devoted regulars, we love you.
Services
Located just off the "State Park Drive" freeway exit in Aptos, Manuel's Mexican Restaurant serves freshly made Mexican food daily. Manuel's opened in 1965 by founder Manuel Santana, and has been continuously operated by the Santana family since. While you might think of only Margaritas or Beer with Mexican food, we pride ourselves of a great wine-list, featuring many local wines.
Manuel is cook, server and dishwasher. Alice has a day job at the school district to support the family. Leonardo is six years old. Restaurant serves its first Friday fist special: Huachinango la Jarocha. 1968 - Menu expands to 21 tables. Becomes a hangout of Ken Kesey and some of the Merry Pranksters; restaurant is mentioned in the book, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.
We accept a limited number of reservations up to 7 days in advance for parties up to ten (10) gests by phone only. Please call (831) 688-4848. If you cannot get a reservation, we are happy to add you to the wait list for next available table. Your entire party must be present before we can seat you.
We're located just off State Park Drive, on Hwy 1, approximately 7 miles south of Santa Cruz. Take "State Park Drive" exit and head toward the ocean. You'll get to a stop sign (right before entering the beach area.) Make a left and look for the blue awning with the white "Manuel's" sign (and parking!)
Reviews (9)
Em Morris
Jan 04, 2022
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Jessica Woods
Dec 28, 2021
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Amy Dahlberg
Dec 20, 2021
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Vivek Ramnani
Dec 17, 2021
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I have had Mexican food from all over the world. This is was by far the worst.
The staff was nice but unfortunately the food didn’t resemble anything like Mexican food.
To simply describe it : A mush of beans and cheese on everything.
I ordered a burrito and it was horrible.
They definitely tweak their food for certain clientele which is fine, but if you love authentic Mexican food, avoid this place.
The staff was nice but unfortunately the food didn’t resemble anything like Mexican food.
To simply describe it : A mush of beans and cheese on everything.
I ordered a burrito and it was horrible.
They definitely tweak their food for certain clientele which is fine, but if you love authentic Mexican food, avoid this place.
C. L.
Dec 15, 2021
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Michael Cody
Oct 13, 2021
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I had dinner here yesterday and got the guacamole for starter which had cheese on it so those who are intolerant should specify no cheese on the guacamole. The Guacamole was good. I had the special of the day Chicken Enchilada with a fantastic mole sauce and came with a unique salad that had garbanzo beans on it and a unique dressing, unique and surprisingly went well together. The enchilada was fantastic and was a large portion. The special also included ice cream. I chose the mango-banana which was as delicious as it sounds. I usually go with chocolate as a default but this was worth the change
Debra Shertenlieb
Sep 12, 2021
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Kjirsten Cuevas
Aug 17, 2021
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Scott Patterson He Him His
Aug 14, 2021
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I haven't been here in many years, it was fantastic and exactly as I remembered. I arrived right at their opening time and was second person seated. Covid precautions were in force the whole time I was there.
Water with chips and salsa were promptly delivered. I ordered my lunch and it took about 6 minutes for my extremely hot plate to be delivered. The food was delicious and the wait staff were very attentive the whole time. Everything was extremely tasty.
The staff notified us when opening that the outside patio was closed due to staffing issues.
If you have to wait, do it.... It's well worth
Water with chips and salsa were promptly delivered. I ordered my lunch and it took about 6 minutes for my extremely hot plate to be delivered. The food was delicious and the wait staff were very attentive the whole time. Everything was extremely tasty.
The staff notified us when opening that the outside patio was closed due to staffing issues.
If you have to wait, do it.... It's well worth
