Congress Avenue Staple Manuel’s Turns 35 This Month
Feliz Cumpleaños, Manuel’s
by Abby Moore
Illustration by Madison Weakley
Less than half a mile from the Mexic-Arte Museum resides another celebration of Mexican culture, Manuel’s. Located on Congress Avenue, the restaurant is a downtown staple, known for its traditional Mexican cuisine and its compassion for the community.
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The Manuel’s menu does not echo the myriad TexMex eateries populating the city. Instead founder Greg Koury wanted to introduce Austinites to the authentic dishes of interior and coastal Mexico. Koury’s vision has been a success, proved by the restaurant’s upcoming 35th birthday.
Explains Koury, “For the first four years Manuel’s was open, we did everything, including cooking, cleaning and waiting on most of the customers. When a car would pull up in front we would stop what we were doing and eagerly run to the door. After serving close to three million customers, we still have that attitude.”
Within those 35 years, Manuel’s has opened a second location, partnered with more than 20 organizations on community and financial support, and has continued to honor its heritage through cooking.
To the restaurant that brings Austin mole and margaritas, Sunday jazz brunches, and a rich cultural perspective, thanks for giving us another excuse to attend happy hour. Happy birthday!