For those craving genuine Mexican cuisine in Hawaii, especially in the Captain Cook area, the wait is over. Manny’s Mexican restaurant has officially opened its doors, promising a delightful culinary experience. As a huge enthusiast of Mexican food, I was eagerly anticipating the grand opening of Manny’s in Captain Cook, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The vibrant outdoor umbrellas and the welcoming “Grand Opening” banner were just the beginning of a truly satisfying visit.
Manny’s occupies the space previously known as Mahina Café, a local favorite. While I still fondly remember Mahina Café’s unique potato-mac salad, the location’s return to its Mexican food roots is a welcome change. Before Mahina Café, this spot housed another Mexican restaurant that I adored and was sad to see close. Learning that Manny’s would revive the Mexican culinary tradition in this location was fantastic news.
One of the immediate advantages of Manny’s Mexican is the ample parking – a significant plus in Captain Cook. Upon arrival, you’ll find parking spaces readily available in the front, back, and side of the restaurant. Parking convenience is definitely a highlight here.
Stepping inside, the cheerful ambiance is immediately apparent. Manny’s has retained the red chairs from Mahina Café and added charming checkered tablecloths, creating a cantina-style, Western-Mexican atmosphere. The entire restaurant, including the visibly spotless kitchen and restrooms, is impeccably clean.
Manny’s Mexican also proves to be a family-friendly establishment. During my visit, I observed families with young children being warmly accommodated, with special requests handled gracefully by the attentive waitress and kitchen staff.
Now, let’s delve into the heart of the matter – the food. My husband opted for the chicken burrito, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. I managed to sneak a bite and detected hints of lime and cilantro, a testament to the freshness of the ingredients. Even the tomatoes tasted wonderfully like real tomatoes, a delightful surprise these days. I chose the Sope special with pork. For those unfamiliar, a sope is a shallow, lightly fried masa shell filled with delicious ingredients. My plate featured three sopes, each generously filled with tender pork, refried beans, lettuce, and queso. I savored every bite of the one sope I could finish; it was truly excellent. While I found the medium salsa to be a bit spicy for my palate, my husband, ever the chili enthusiast, declared it perfect. Next time, I’ll opt for the mild salsa, but both were clearly made with fresh ingredients.
Prices at Manny’s Mexican are quite reasonable, ranging from approximately $8 to $16, offering great value for the quality and portion sizes.
Currently, Manny’s is awaiting their liquor license, expected in May. So, if you prefer a beer with your Mexican meal, you might want to plan your visit accordingly. However, their iced tea was exceptionally refreshing and a perfect accompaniment to the flavorful food.
The staff at Manny’s were incredibly welcoming and helpful. They were genuinely happy to answer our questions and provided thorough explanations of the daily specials.
Manny’s Mexican is located at 82-6123 Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook, Hawai’i. They can be reached at (808) 936-6124. Parking is conveniently available around and behind the building. Manny’s is open Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closed on Sundays. Credit cards are accepted. Make sure to arrive hungry to fully enjoy the Manny’s Mexican experience!
