Satisfying your inner ‘murican in MCR
There are many things I love about America; the weather (state-dependent) their breathtaking scenery (hello Yosemite), but best of all? Well, it's gotta be the food.
Sandwiches dripping in gravy, frosting with satisfying sweet secrets (diabetes) the absence of portion control - sigh, does it really get better than that?
If you haven’t managed to get yourself across the pond just yet, please don’t worry; I have discovered that you can grab a bite of the best USA offerings right here in Manchester. How do I know? Well, I did the extensive leg work especially to make sure your yankee-doodle experience is as gut-pleasingly filthy as it should be.
Bluu NQ
First up we have Bluu; a seemingly unassuming bar-come-eatery just on the cusp of the Northern Quarter. Mostly known as a Saturday eve watering-hole, you might be surprised to know that this joint also serves up southern-American inspired eats by the bucket load.
If you’re into wings and things, their chilli and caramel marinade is somewhat legendary and seriously worth an order - sweet, sticky with a devilish heat behind every bite. Unbelievably messy and 100% totally worth it.
Oh! And don’t even think about leaving without trying the mac and cheese.
Sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella and crispy smoked bacon bits are just some of the richly satisfying flavours which make up this seriously naughty side.
An American classic at its best.
West Corner NQ
Looking for the complete diner experience? Then you’re going to want to hit up West Corner found…would you believe, on the corner of Hilton Street in the heart of the Northern Quarter.
Go for brunch, go for lunch, go for a midnight snack, whenever you go - just please order the French Dip?
Something of a meat-lovers dream, juicy beef brisket is piled onto a baguette loaf, served hot with melted Swiss and a layer of hot mustard; you’ll enjoy this bad boy with an extra portion of gravy - just for dips.
It’s crazy messy and outrageously delicious.
Order it with a side of their 5-cheese mac and thank me later.
Gorilla
My favourite way to beat jet lag? A deliciously decadent brunch; and it just so happens that Gorilla serves up one of the best in town.
If you’re after a true taste of America, order up their fried chicken and waffles; the fluffy bites of sweet waffle contrast superbly with the crispy crunch of fried chicken, add the golden nectar of an impeccably fried egg, salty bacon bites and lashings of chicken gravy and I’m pretty sure you’ll have a good idea of what heaven tastes like.
Get Chucked
The chaps behind Get Chucked have a seriously special way with their food.
Serving up sweet yet savoury, meatalicious concoctions, these succulent burgs are loaded with all kinds of toppings to appease your inner child and pack some serious flavour into a hand-sized portion; which is great - because you’re gonna need a spare hand for those piggie fries.
The menu changes often so you can enjoy a unique experience with every visit. Find them in Urmston, take your appetite.
Well would you look at that, all this American splendour right in your backyard without having to spend a dime on air fare; pretty neat huh?
If you have a favourite US hang in Manchester, please share your discovery with @HazeManchester - we’re always on the hunt for bigger, bolder and beige-er ways to satisfy our hunger.