Señor Manuel Mexican Cuisine

"## Señor Manuel's Restaurant Review - A Staple with Room for Culinary Refinement Located at the bustling intersection of Nevada and Garden of the Gods, Señor Manuel's Restaurant is a fixture in the Colorado Springs dining scene, with a legacy that spans decades. This eatery invites a diverse clientele, from locals with storied connections to the establishment, to newcomers eager to explore its offerings. Upon entering, diners are warmly greeted with a serving of chips and salsa, setting a welcoming tone from the outset. The chips, notable for their crisp texture, pair exceptionally well with the salsa. Unlike the thicker, robust salsas one might expect, Señor Manuel's version leans towards a thinner consistency. This lighter, more watered-down approach doesn't skimp on taste, offering a tangy and enjoyable start to the meal. However, as the dining experience progresses, Señor Manuel's reveals a culinary juxtaposition. The menu, abundant in traditional Mexican dishes, suggests a rich tapestry of flavors. Yet, the execution often lands in the realm of mediocrity. While authenticity is not in question, the dishes tend to lack the depth and boldness anticipated from such an established venue. Generous servings do little to overshadow the fact that the food, overall, doesn't quite meet the expectations set by the delightful appetizer. Service at Señor Manuel's, however, is a redeeming feature. The staff showcases a commendable level of attentiveness and a genuine commitment to ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Moreover, the restaurant's ambiance carries a certain nostalgic charm, reflective of its storied history within the community. In sum, while Señor Manuel's Restaurant excels in creating an inviting atmosphere with its exemplary chips and uniquely thin salsa, the main offerings fall short of the culinary excellence one might hope for. It remains a destination for those drawn to establishments rich in history and character, yet it underscores the ever-present challenge of balancing tradition with the pursuit of gastronomic distinction."

"When I hear people say that Colorado Springs has terrible Mexican food, I imagine the people that are giving this place good reviews on google are the ones telling those people to eat here! I am not the type to be too critical or send food back but I have to say something to spare a family from wasting their money at this place. #1 the prices are OUTRAGEOUS. $120 for a family of 6, 3 kid menu orders and water ONLY and no dessert. A side of beans, not rice and beans, just beans is $6.25! My husband is convinced they are from a can. #2 the menu is unusual but not in a unique fun way. Macaroni for a side dish?? Yuck! #3 the flavor and texture of the food is AWFUL! The carne asada, which is an expensive plate, was the driest piece of beef I've ever tasted! The shredded beef in the chimichanga (picture below)was somehow WORSE! I should have dipped it in some water to make it easier to chew and safely swallow! Cheese is sprinkled on the rice and beans. That's a huge red flag! My husband was right when he said the rice tasted like spaghetti-o's! How is that possible?? I usually try to take our leftovers home from other restaurants but absolutely no way this time. I understand the economy makes everything difficult for local businesses but this place has lost a since of pride in quality and has decided to punish their customers for the sake of staying open and turn a profit. I want my husband to call tomorrow and get a refund because it was that bad. If anyone from management sees this, go ahead and respond to my review. Let's have a chat! It's not fair to your waitstaff to be excellent servers yet they have to pretend to like the food and offer recommendations to customers. Shameful!"

"Our waitress was a local and was so sweet, friendly and attentive! It's definitely a "hole in the wall" place that we always like to find! The outside and inside are older but everyting seemed clean. We ended up having chicken fajitas and the chicken enchilada and the portions are huge! Not seasoned as well as I would like, but still good Mexican food. Happy to see a "non chain restaurant" still in business!! Check it out! Be sure and get the macaroni as a side--it sounds a little weird but you won't regret it!!"

"Our family has been going there for more than 40 years and have never had a bad meal. Recently we gave my husband an 80th surprise birthday party there for more than 30 people and it went off without a hitch. The staff and food was wonderful. We have never felt rushed in all the years we have gone there and have always had wonderful food and meals are very generous."

"This is a must try!!! Never been here before & with the service that was given it was truly a great choice. Make sure when you come here & if it's your 1st time they will bring out every chili or Sauce they have to let you test Try to see whats your desired flavor. From medium to burning hot! The food on the other level is insane. These plates are full the portion of the food you get it insane. We got the giant chicken enchiladas & a bean & cheese burrito supreme with guacamole & sour cream! With rice & beans. They took a while to come to our table so our waiter gave us a free appetizer of our choice! Which was even more food! We chose the bean dip, which was another great choice. There was nothing small about this place, I mean every meal we ordered was a huge amount! The environment was a happy comfortable place, all the workers were so friendly & very attentitive to every one the place was constantly packed. Our waitress was jeniece & she was awesome!! Very friendly & made our visit even better!!  Overall I loved it!! I'll be back for sure! & next time I'll be sure to try there famous Margaritas!!"