Savor Manitowoc has lunch at the new El Patio restaurant on Washington Street

Alisa M. Schafer and Patti Zarling, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
·2 min read

MANITOWOC - Lunch at a Mexican restaurant is almost guaranteed to spice up a person's day, so Patti and I had to try the newest Mexican restaurant in Manitowoc's food scene, El Patio.

The restaurant is in a small building on Washington Street across the street from the former Mirro building site.

The spot is less crowded than some of the other eateries in the downtown district, but it is only a short jaunt away from the shops and parks that residents and tourists alike love to visit.

Here's what we tried at El Patio.

Alisa's angle

The burrito zuizo, a classic chicken burrito smothered in a mild sauce, melted cheese and sour cream, from El Patio on Washington Street in Manitowoc.
The burrito zuizo, a classic chicken burrito smothered in a mild sauce, melted cheese and sour cream, from El Patio on Washington Street in Manitowoc.

Since I arrived before Patti, I had the pleasure of enjoying a refreshing horchata beverage ($3.99) while I waited.

The dining area was comfortable and offered a wide view of the busy Washington Street area.

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For lunch, I ordered the burrito zuizo ($11.99) with chicken. The burrito came smothered in a mild sauce and melted cheese and topped with sour cream. Even though I came in hungry, I hardly finished half of the large meal and absolutely felt it was worth the money.

Next time, I'd like to try the chalupas ($8.99) or the huevos rancheros ($12.99).

Patti's perspective

A chimichanga, with sides of rice and beans, from El Patio in Manitowoc.
A chimichanga, with sides of rice and beans, from El Patio in Manitowoc.

El Patio is tucked away in a downtown building and the food is authentic.

Soon after sitting down into the cozy dining room, the owner of the restaurant approached us and told us about the homemade beverages. I chose Agua De Pina, or pineapple water ($3.99). Nothing beats a drink made from fresh fruit!

For lunch, I kept it simple, ordering the chimichanga with pork ($11.99). My meal also came with refried beans and rice. We munched on some delicious chips and salsa before the meals arrived.

The meals came quickly and were beautifully plated. My chimichanga had just the right amount of spice for me and was flavorful and filling. I definitely took enough home for an additional meal.

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There is something very satisfying about eating an authentic Mexican meal rather than American Mexican at a chain restaurant.

Next time, I would try a burrito ($11.99.)

Fast facts

Like many other Mexican restaurants, patrons are served tortilla chips and salsa while they wait for their meals.
Like many other Mexican restaurants, patrons are served tortilla chips and salsa while they wait for their meals.

Name: El Patio

Address: 1521 Washington St., Manitowoc

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Sundays

Menu price range: $8-$20

Parking lot or street parking: Both parking lot and street parking

This article is part of the Herald Times Reporter's Savor Manitowoc series that features local restaurants. Reporters Alisa Schafer and Patti Zarling choose a restaurant to sample their offerings and share their experience with readers. Have a restaurant for us to try? Contact Alisa Schafer at aschafer@gannett.com or Patti Zarling at pzarling@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Savor Manitowoc at El Patio Mexican restaurant on Washington Street