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This Is America in Manchester: Our Top 7 Diner Picks
American food is perhaps best known for three things: big portions, indulgent recipes, and LOTS of cheese.
It’s great that our neighbours across the Atlantic have been sharing their cuisine with the world, because sometimes, we just need a break from our own.
We’re not saying which is better—we still love our fish and chips!
But if you’re an American missing home, or a Mancunian Brit curious to try how the other side of the world eats, then this list is for you. Follow us on this quick guide to Manchester’s top American diners!
Bunny Jacksons
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Address: 1 Jack Rosenthal St, M15 4RA
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours: Daily – 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: £
Bunny Jacksons may not be a diner in the strictest sense, but it’s as American as you can get if you’re craving good ol’ food and booze à la USA. This laid-back spot is perfect for rock and roll gigs and other events that locals love to frequent.
Be sure to grab a bite of Bunny Jacksons’ famous wings.
The traditional Buffalo flavour is both delicious and affordable. If you’re brave and have a strong stomach, try Bunny Jacksons’ Hot Wings Challenge, where you’ll need to eat 10 wings drenched in the shop’s hottest chilli sauce within a span of 10 (gruelling?) minutes.
| Pro tip: Bunny Jacksons’ drinks Happy Hour starts at 10:00 PM, so drop by with your over 18 friends for a great night of fun and booze at this time. |
Grand Daddy’s Diner
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Address: 133A Grosvenor St, M1 7HE
Contact details: 0161 222 4610
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: £
Step back into the sights, smells, and sounds of 1950s America with a visit to Grand Daddy’s Diner, just a stone’s throw away from Manchester Metropolitan University.
True to the diner spirit, the best thing to get here is the milkshakes. Grand Daddy’s Diner offers a variety of cleverly named flavours like Cotton Candy, Nutty Professor, and Cookie Monster, which you can enjoy with one of their tasty burgers (we’ve got our eyes on the Chicken Burger).
Grand Daddy’s Diner is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so dive in whenever you crave quick, delicious American fare and boomer-era shop aesthetics.
| Pro tip: You can personalize your burger order with different toppings, each priced individually. So go wild and create your perfect burger! |
SHAKEDOWN – Withington
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Address: 533 Wilmslow Rd, Withington M20 4BA
Contact details: 0161 401 0812
Operating hours: Daily – 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: £
SHAKEDOWN at Withington has been a go-to diner for enthusiasts over its great American-style burgers, milkshakes, and fried food. The looks of this place is great, too, with its black and yellow motif that is eye-catching and memorable.
This joint’s most popular offerings are the Beefed Up! and Super Beefed Up! burgers. You’ll get two or four meaty smashed beef patties, a mount of caramelised onions, and melty cheese, all sandwiched between soft brioche buns.
The milkshakes and chicken wings (and tenders) are also a hit. Go all-in with the American Loaded Fries, especially if you’re visiting SHAKEDOWN in a group.
| Pro tip: SHAKEDOWN has a treat for the kids. Get the Little People Meal for a complete package of burger, fries, and drink for the little ones. |
Sweet Diner – Hyde
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Address: 48 Hyde Rd, Denton M34 3AQ
Contact details: 0161 337 8886
Operating hours:
- Saturday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: £
Get a huge load of sugar right at the heart of Denton with this next American-style diner entry. The Sweet Diner offers typical savoury dishes (read: fries and burgers) in its brunch fare, but its all-day menu adds an all-dessert twist to the usual diner experience.
The waffles and milkshakes are the stars of the show, no matter what time of day you visit.
For the waffles, definitely get The Usual which is topped with Nutella, cream, strawberries, chocolate, and vanilla gelato. Or cosy up with its other versions that highlight other sweet delights like Biscoff, M&M’s, or Kinder chocolates.
| Pro tip: Enjoy Sweet Diner’s offerings from the comfort of your home. You can order online via its official website for pick-up or delivery. |
American Pies – Manchester
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Address: 23 Blossom St, Ancoats M4 5EP
Contact details: 0161 215 8276
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: £
American Pies specialises in US-style pizza, particularly the famous Chicago-style deep-dish variant that has its “toppings” nestled inside a thick, deep-dish crust.
Thus, it goes without saying that you should spend your first visit here having a taste of the Chicago-style pies–the Classic one with mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil won’t disappoint. To complement your meal, the twice-fried Dirty Tots loaded with toppings and sauce are a must-try.
Lastly, if you’re looking for some more protein, the 24-hour slow-cooked ribs are divine and come in spicy and non-spicy variants. There’s truly something for everyone here at American Pies.
| Pro tip: American Pies updates its menu with the seasons, so check out its website for the latest offerings. |
Legends – Rusholme
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Address: 203 Wilmslow Rd, Rusholme M14 5AQ
Contact details: 0161 224 5500
Operating hours: Daily – 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Pricing: £
Legends Desserts & Burger Bar at Rusholme’s Wilmslow Road is truly legendary for its food. This cool and modern diner is home to the famous Spicy Dip Burger, which sold out on the day it’s launched.
Aside from the burgers, Legends is also known for its smash burgers like The Fat Ronaldo, featuring a Middle Eastern twist with added donner (kebab meat). Pair any of these burgers with Legends’ unique milkshake version of the quintessential American snack, PB&J.
For those with a sweet tooth, Legends offers a variety of desserts, including brownies, cakes, and cheesecakes.
| Pro tip: Legends’ menu offerings are certified Halal, allowing our Muslim brothers and sisters to fully enjoy the tasty burgers, wraps, and fries. |
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese – Tib St
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Address: Unit G20-21, 44 Tib St M4 1LA
Contact details: 0161 832 7026
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: £
If you need something to lift your spirits after a hard day at work or because of the weather, look no further than Northern Soul. It’s one of the best places to get the ultimate American soul food: grilled cheese sandwiches and mac and cheese.
Grab a North Soul sandwich for its toasty golden sourdough and the diner’s secret blend of three sweet-savoury cheeses—we like ours topped with some jalapeños for a spicy kick. For a more filling meal, try the Mac ‘N’ Cheese with or without any toppings.
For the fries, we’re fans of the Baby Ray Fries that mixes fries, chicken, onions, and pickles.
| Pro tip: The milkshakes here are simple but feature unique flavours, especially during the holiday season. Keep an eye out for those special mixes! |
Hard Rock Cafe
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Address: The Printworks, Hanover M4 2BS
Contact details: 0161 831 6700
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Last but not the least, who would not have heard about the Hard Rock Cafe? This iconic American restaurant also has a branch in Manchester, near the National Football Museum.
Most people come here to feast their eyes over the many rock and roll memorabilia sprawled over the Hard Rock Cafe’s walls, but the food is A-tier, too. For one, the Legendary Nacho platters do not scrimp on ingredients—it’s full of cheese, beans, jalapeños, and pico de gallo.
The cafe’s Legendary Steak Burgers are also popular with its patrons for the great addition of bacon to the juicy burger patty, veggies, and cheese.
| Pro tip: Hard Rock Cafe offers a daily Happy Hour. Visit between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday, and from 9:00 PM onwards every Friday and Saturday. |
