Manuel's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina | Bell Rd

When we visit Phoenix (every winter for the past 3 years), one of our reasons to return other than the warmer weather and long-time friends is the excellent Mexican fare. And one of the restaurants that never fails is Manuel's at 1111 W. Bell Road. This place serves the best chimichangas we have tasted in Phoenix, and this visit exceeded our expectations.

My spouse and I arrived about 4PM-ish and asked to be seated in a secluded place since the Omicron virus had just begun to strike the valley and few folks chose to wear masks (as we were).

Immediately our efficient and charming server, Brittany, appeared at our table to fulfill our requests for food and libations. She checked on us frequently and waited on us with a smile and happy disposition.
Fresh chips and 2 salsas arrived shortly after we sat down followed by our order of one of the most delicious boats of guacamole dip we've tasted -- chunks of avocado topped with fresh tomatoes and sliced green onions and more warm tortilla chips. We also drank margaritas in tall glasses with blue-rimmed tips that tickled my spouse because the glassware reminded him of the first margarita glasses he'd sipped from on our honeymoon in Mexico.

Then the chimichanga senior plate arrived...arranged beautifully on the plate with beans and rice and lettuce and guacamole and cheese and sour cream and oh, so crispy and hot with chicken so tender.

We were lost in Mexican food paradise.

— Susan

I had heard about Manuel's for years and suggested we go. Went to the one on West Bell near Sam's club. Was fairly empty at 4:30p on a Saturday. Given small bowl of chips and smaller bowl of salsa. It ran out quickly. Had to ask for more chips even tho bowl sat empty. After chips delivered, had to ask for empty bowl of salsa to be filled. Food was very disappointing. The enchiladas tasted as though they had been frozen and then heated. Even the beans lacked flavor. The waitress was nice but that's the best I can say about Manuel's. I rarely write poor reviews but this one is deserved.

— Dee

Our family has been coming here for a few years. We moved to this area and were excited to see a Manuel's near by. And as most diners have experienced with the beginning of the pandemic, restaurants were hit the hardest. Take out and DoorDash were families savior. We still do takeout but less so when you go to get your order and you specifically ask "Is everything in there"? and they says yes, you want to believe someone reviewed your order to ensure everything you ordered (and paid for) was in the bag. With our experience yesterday that wasn't the case. My husband loves their Flan and always orders it. But after coming home and unpacking the bag it was not there. I called the restaurant and notified them the Flan wasn't in the bag. The young lady apologized and asked if I wanted to come back or issue a refund. I said refund. She said she would get her manager to do so.

Since this wasn't the first time something like this has happened (and just Manuel's), my husband (who has been a manager) called to speak with the manager on duty about this situation. The young man who identified as the manager, said that he had just came on and gave an air that he just didn't care. So of course that did not set well with my husband. 5 minutes later the same person who spoke with my husband called us. Super apologetic, concerned our order wasn't complete and insisted he drive over my husband's Flan. Husband graciously accepted and not just his Flan but a second Flan was delivered along with a gift card.

We weren't seeking a free dessert or a gift card. It was very much appreciated. We empathize with the restaurant industry because as you know today's workforce isn't what it was. Jack In The Box is hiring at $15 an hr. The restaurants can't do that without raising the menu prices significantly. Waitstaff depends on tips as their main wages. To keep their doors open they have to keep costs down and that starts with staff. I couldn't dream of making $15 an hr as a hostess when I was 18.

We again appreciate the steps that Manuel's took to make a small wrong a big right.

— Shelley

Having grown up in Arizona, I know what Mexican food should taste like and Manuel's makes the cut.

An entree packed menu, delicious food served hot and fresh with generous portions. I only ate half of my meal and took the rest to go which I enjoyed the following day.

Before Covid, my wife and I enjoyed dining on the outdoor patio.

When hankering for authentic south of the border food, this place is on top of my list.

— David