Still planning your post-lockdown reunion?
We’ve got your back. While many of Manchester’s popular bars and restaurants are pretty booked up already, we’ve done the hard work for you and found the best spots in town with alfresco walk-ins available this month. Without further ado…
1. Wolf at the Door
Returning with £1 tacos and bao buns, Northern Quarter’s Wolf at the Door is operating on a walk-in basis only, meaning if you don’t have a reservation for anywhere already – you don’t need to worry. Just rock up on the day, and the team will do their best to accommodate. The bar has also introduced extra outdoor seating alley-side, providing more space for us to chow down on baos, tacos and loaded fries. Wolf at the Door, 30-32 Thomas St, M4 1ER.
2. Almost Famous
Almost Famous’ beloved burgers are back, and the good news is, you don’t need a reservation to enjoy them. Popping up on Edge Street, Almost Famous will host an outdoor terrace this summer, where you can simply turn up and be seated by one of their friendly team members. Almost Famous, 100-102 High St, M4 1HP.
3. Hatch
Bookings are now open for Hatch, however, if you haven’t secured a table yet – fear not. Hatch will be holding a number of their tables for walk-ins, too, meaning you can still head over for a spontaneous pint and a bit of grub on a Friday afternoon. If you’d rather book, head on over to their website here. Hatch, 103 Oxford Rd, M1 7ED.
4. The Oast House
The Oast House is operating on a walk-in basis only, making it a little easier for us to enjoy the Spinningfields sun-trap this summer. Guests can enjoy both their indoor pub and outdoor beer garden, with footy screenings during the Euros, hanging kebabs on the menu and plenty of beers and cocktails on offer. The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard, M3 3AY.
5. Seven Bro7hers Taproom
Seven Bro7hers’ taproom has officially reopened – and no bookings are required. Enjoy the return of live music, the Salford-born brewery’s exceptional beers, street food and more, with seating both indoors and outdoors. The popular brewery is also offering walk-ins at their bars, too, however, they do also have a booking system in place for Ancoats, MediaCityUK and Middlewood Locks. Seven Bro7hers, Unit 63, Waybridge Enterprise Centre, Daniel Adamson Rd, Salford, M50 1DS.
6. Junior Jackson’s
New to the NQ, Bunny Jackson’s little cousin Junior Jackson’s is operating on a walk-in basis only, at their brand new underground spot on Oldham Street. Sitting below the new Lost Cat cocktail bar, Junior Jackson’s emulates the uber-cool American dive bar vibes that Mancs already know and love from the original Bunny Jackson’s, providing Jukebox music, beers and bourbon. Junior Jackson’s, 64 Oldham Street, M4 1 LE.
7. Mackie Mayor
The Northern Quarter’s popular food hall, Mackie Mayor, is operating on a walk-in basis only – so if you fancy some street food and a few pints, simply turn up on the day and let their friendly team help you find a spot to sit. The walk-in rule applies to all of their vendors. Mackie Mayor, 1 Eagle St, M4 5BU.
8. GRUB MCR
GRUB MCR is back, with plenty of walk-in tables available for those who fancy popping along for some fantastic food and drink. Offering a rotating roster of vendors, guests can simply turn up on the day and be seated both undercover and outdoors, and you’ll find more information about who’s serving what and when over on their Instagram here. GRUB MCR, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, M4 4HF.
9. Bunny Jackson’s
Bunny Jackson’s is continuing to welcome guests on a walk-in basis only, with seating both outdoors and indoors to enjoy. Live music, proper good American grub and live sports has also returned, so you can finally enjoy the old BJ’s that we know and love once again. Bunny Jackson’s, 1 Jack Rosenthal St, M15 4RA.
10. NQ64
Retro gaming and cool AF cocktails are back, with NQ64 currently operating on a walk-in basis only. The same will apply for their brand new Peter Street venue, too, meaning that guests can simply rock up whenever they fancy and play unbeatable their array of retro games at their own leisure. NQ64, 9 Short St, M4 1AA.
11. Roby 1844
Newcomers to the Northern Quarter, Roby 1844, currently do not accept bookings, meaning guests can simply turn up to the waterside venue whenever they choose. The rule applies for both food and drinks, with guests able to enjoy American-style grub (including super stacked burgers), tasty wines and beers and unbeatable views of the canalside. Roby 1844, 25 Aytoun St, M1 3AE.
12. Flok
Flok is operating on a walk-in basis for both indoor and outdoor seating, with their outdoor space, in particular, proving pretty popular on the summery days. There, guests can enjoy cold pints, Aperol Spritz and a fantastic wine selection, as well as an array of small, Mediterranean-inspired plates. Flok, 5 Stevenson Square, M1 1DN.
13. Quarter House
Another popular spot on Stevenson Square, the Quarter House – formerly Rosylee’s – is operating on a walk-in basis only, with ample outdoor seating available. Enjoy an extensive menu of BBQ-inspired dishes and plenty of beers, as well as some great cocktails and wines, too. Quarter House, 11 Stevenson Square, M1 1DB.
14. 19 Cafe Bar
19 Cafe Bar is back – with no bookings required to enjoy their moreish pancakes, fantastic cocktail selection, and most importantly, cake. The popular brunch spot is working on a walk-in basis only, so make sure you head on over in good time if you’re hungry. 19 Cafe Bar, 19 Lever St, M1 1BY.
15. Federal Cafe Bar
Serving both indoors and outdoors in the NQ, Federal NQ is allowing walk-ins only, meaning you’ll need to either queue or get there early to enjoy your morning brunch and coffee. The same applies to their Deansgate cafe, too, however, unlike their Northern Quarter cafe, there is no outdoor space available. Federal NQ, 9 Nicholas Croft, M4 1EY.
16. Terrace
Now home to not one, but two terraces, Terrace is operating on a walk-in basis only, with plenty of seating spanning from their street-side terrace, indoors and up to their rooftop terrace. The bar is offering a variety of craft beers, ales and cocktails, as well as Neapolitan pizzas from their neighbours at Noi Quattro. Terrace, 43 Thomas St, M4 1NA.
17. Sugo Pasta Kitchen
Offering walk-ins as well as reservations, Sugo Pasta Kitchen is serving up authentic Italian pasta in the heart of bustling Ancoats, with tables big enough for groups of six to take advantage of. We’d recommend getting there with plenty of time, however, to be sure you manage to snap up a table before it gets too busy. Sugo Pasta Kitchen, 46 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 6BF.
18. Escape to Freight Island
While Escape to Freight Island is super busy this summer, they keep walk-up tables available, too – meaning you can simply rock up and wait for a table. The huge new venue is home to both indoor and outdoor seating, too, with both shaded and covered al fresco spaces and sun-soaked areas, too. The venue offers tons of food from an incredible array of street food traders, with tons of beers, cocktails, wines and more on the drinks menu. Escape to Freight Island, 11 Baring St, M1 2PZ.
19. Delhi House Cafe
A cosy yet stylish Indian restaurant within the Corn Exchange, Delhi House Cafe is offering walk-up tables this summer, with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors to take advantage of. Enjoy people-watching in the sun on Exchange Square, or take in the stunning decor inside, alongside their delicious Indian menu. Delhi House Cafe, Unit 10, The Corn Exchange, M4 3TR.
20. Fress
Fress is back, offering walk-ins til 6pm every day. Enjoy their filling brunch dishes, a non-traditional Afternoon Tea packed with fried chicken and sweet treats, as well as tasty cocktails, cakes and more. Fress, 62 Oldham St, M4 1LE.
[Featured image: Shutterstock]