For a hungry patron on their first visit to Wichita Falls’ Casa Manana, it would be easy to get overwhelmed with all the unique choices. I visited for the first time recently and I had to rely on Hadleigh, my knowledgeable server, to clue me in on the original offerings at this humble local favorite.
Casa Manana is known for their “red tacos,” so I had to order those, with rice and beans, and when Hadleigh offered to bring me chips and salsa, she upsold me on the small queso.
My first hint that it wouldn’t be another so-so dinner was when she brought the chips and queso. Casa Manana has the thickest tortilla chips I have ever eaten, and they are awesome. I’m told they make them from scratch, and they are absolutely unique. I’d describe them as something between a cracker and a corn chip.
I was busy relishing the tortilla chips and talking Hadleigh’s ear off when my red tacos came up, and they were equally unique. Again, as with the tortilla chips, the red taco shells are obviously made from scratch, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, a little like a chalupa.
As if the tacos weren’t unique enough, Hadleigh brought me a squeeze bottle of wine sauce. Apparently, people clamor for it, and I tried it, but it was a little bit like cocktail sauce for my taste. There was not much heat in the dishes I ordered, either, which was fine with me, but might come as a surprise to any diner expecting a more traditional Mexican dish.
Nevertheless, I went away from this modestly decorated restaurant stuffed, and impressed with the unique experience and tasty meal. The staff was friendly and attentive and polite. If you visit downtown Wichita Falls, you can’t skip a visit to Casa Manana, 609 8th Street.
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