When stepping into Hacienda Don Manuel in Brookfield, customers become immersed in the sights, sounds, and cuisine of Mexico.

Owner Edgar Romero opened Hacienda Don Manuel after the previous version of it closed down. Having experience working in restaurants, Romero decided to take it over and upgrade everything. He gave it a new look, new menu, and new chef.

The changes proved to be just what the restaurant needed to thrive, and Mr Romero explains, “It is going really well.”

To the right of the entrance, a sunny yellow paint coats the walls of the dining area that seats 110. Beautiful pink flowers, as well as blue and white accents, are etched, popping out of every wall. The textured design is authentic to how homes are built in Mexico. This attention to detail took a month to complete and was all done by hand.

The Mexican flag hangs on the wall with pride along with multiple brilliantly colored serapes shaped into bows. Serapes are traditional shawls that people in Mexico usually wear when it gets cold. Numerous sombreros also hang from the walls, some plain tan and others in a variety of colors, such as red, white, and green.

Romero said when people enter his restaurant, “You feel like you are in Mexico, especially when we have the Mariachi band playing music.”

On Fridays and Saturdays, from 6 to 10 pm, Mariachi music fills the room as the performers go table-to-table entertaining guests. The vibrant music can be enjoyed by all and offers a family-friendly environment.

The fun, happy atmosphere extends to every part of the restaurant, including the bar area that features beers on tap and an extensive collection of liquors for personalized drinks. The room has table and booth seating and is perfect for large groups of up to 75 people.

Happy Hour takes place in the bar area Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 pm. Customers can enjoy appetizer and drink specials at low prices. Two popular drink choices are the sangrias and giant margaritas.

During the warmer months, up to 60 people are able to dine outdoors on the extended patio. No matter where guests sit, all are able to enjoy the authentic Mexican food at Hacienda Don Manuel that is always fresh and homemade.

A Sample Of The Menu

Appetizers: A top-selling item that customers crave is the fresh guacamole, made with avocado, cilantro, tomato, onion, and jalapeño peppers and prepared tableside.

Soup: The Sopa Negra is Hacienda Don Manuel’s delicious black bean soup.

Salad: A standout dish is the Ensalada Bandera. It includes fresh lettuce, avocado, tomato, and Oaxaca cheese.

Vegetarian: With a specific portion of the menu catering to vegetarian options, the Grande Burrito is a popular item for all to enjoy. The mixed vegetable burrito is made up of bell peppers, guacamole, onion, green beans, cauliflower, broccoli, beans, and white cheese.

Kids’ Menu: Hacienda Don Manuel offers a menu for children that includes a variety of meals, such as cheese quesadillas, chicken quesadillas, and chicken fingers.

Entrees: All “Traditionales” dishes are served with Mexican rice and beans. Among the different options are the chimichangas, consisting of deep-fried flour tortillas stuffed with beef or chicken and garnished with guacamole and sour cream.

Steak: One of the items on the menu is Tampiquena, which is a grilled New York strip steak topped with onion, poblano peppers, slices of avocado, and red sauce, with a side of chicken mole enchilada.

Seafood: The Acapulco is jumbo shrimp wrapped in bacon and stuffed with white cheese.

Dessert: Some dessert highlights include crunchy churros, homemade flan, and fried ice cream.

Specials: The food and drink specials change every other week.

Hacienda Don Manuel, 265 Federal Road in Brookfield, near Costco, is open Sunday through Thursday, from 11 am to 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 11:30 pm. Takeout, catering, and seating reservations are accepted by calling 203-740-0666. For more information, visit haciendadonmanuel-ct.com or its Facebook page, facebook.com/haciendact.