WE ARE ABOUT GREAT FOOD...
From humble beginnings, Gaby & Emma Gabaldon started serving their delicious recipes, with a tiny kitchen in the back of this original home in 1951. Emma’s unique and flavorful dishes wowed and amazed guests from all over. Casa Mañana soon became the destination restaurant of the Gila Valley. As time progressed Casa Mañana continued to grow in popularity. The Gabaldon’s moved their home next door to allow Casa Mañana to grow. Converting the house into an open dining room and adding a bigger kitchen.
About Casa Mañana
Our Address
502 S 1st Ave, Safford, AZ 85546, USAStories are still told by our vintage guests that remember making tortillas & tamales in the shed between the restaurant & house. After owning and operating Casa Mañana for more than 25 years the Gabaldon’s retired and sold their business to a new family. Passing down their nostalgic recipes and ensuring they were followed by the new owners to maintain the Casa Mañana heritage. These 67 year old hand written recipes, found on an old notebook paper, are still in use today.
Casa Mañana in Safford, Arizona currently holds a 4.4-star rating on Google Reviews, so my experience may not reflect that of every guest. My wife and I were in Safford for just one day and, while searching for dinner options, several locals highly recommended Casa Mañana for Mexican cuisine. The exterior of the restaurant creates a welcoming first impression, and once inside, it's hard to miss the plaques highlighting recognition from a 2019 Arizona publication and another featured in Celebrity Chef. The staff was friendly, and the restaurant gives the impression of being deeply rooted in family tradition and community history. The menu offers an extensive selection—perhaps too extensive for me. I was looking for a simple red or green chile plate served with rice and beans, which I consider a staple at many Mexican restaurants. Since that wasn't an option, it was suggested that I order the Green Chile Meat Burrito Plate "deconstructed." Concerned that this might complicate the order and potentially add extra charges, I decided to order the dish as it was intended and deconstruct it myself. I also ordered a premium margarita to accompany my meal. The food arrived quickly on this Wednesday evening, which seemed appropriate given the moderate number of diners. After cutting into the burrito, however, I was disappointed. As I searched through the filling, there was very little green chile or sauce to be found. The burrito consisted mostly of a thick, dry mixture of meat and possibly beans. It was lukewarm and lacked the green chile flavor I had anticipated. Instead, the dominant flavor reminded me of corned beef—though I cannot say with certainty what protein was used; that was simply my impression. After three bites, I could not continue. I then turned to the rice and beans, along with the complimentary chips provided at the table. Unfortunately, the rice was also lukewarm, mushy and clumped together, and lacked flavor. The beans were acceptable, but overall, the side dishes did little to redeem the meal. As someone who appreciates a good margarita, I found the premium margarita to be decent, although a bit sweeter than I prefer. I recognize that a single dining experience does not define a restaurant, and Casa Mañana has clearly done many things right to remain in business since 1951. Unfortunately, based on this visit, it is unlikely that I would return—especially since I do not frequently travel through the area. That said, this was simply my experience, and yours may vary.
Food was really good except for the green chile which was ok but not as good as other places. Chips and salsa good and tacos really good. Portions are above average and we all had our fills. Service was acceptable with no problems except a little longer than expected food delivery, and everyone is polite and friendly. It has been years since I was here. I'd say go unless you want green chile. It can be noisy at times. I prefer less. Parking is great and although they were busy we had no trouble parking next to the building.
Came from Tucson for work. Really happy our crew stopped here after working all day. It smelled great as soon as we walked in. Tickets were very reasonably priced. But best of all was the food and service. Everyone at my table was super happy with their meal and I cant say enough about the service. Next time im in town, I will make it a point to stop here again
I liked the baja fish tacos and the friendly server & hostess so that's mostly why I keep going back. I'd like to be able to substitute my sides though. Even if I have to pay a small fee to do so. If I don't like the rice and beans, but it comes with the $16 meal I'm purchasing, why can't I get something like fries ? Kinda silly not allowing substitions.
Great portions, great flavor. You will not leave hungry.