Almost Famous. Mutter the words and even the none Mancuians amongst you are very likely to have heard of it. The popularity of the place seems to be passed through the grape vine, rather than via marketing and advertising. Their cult status began with people finding out from a friend and then telling their friends and then those friends would tell their friends…you get my drift! Originally placed in the Northern Quarter, the first Almost Famous burnt down in a fire two years ago which saw it close down and re-open in a new branch at the Great Northern. This only added to their mystery and allure. For us, that’s where it all began and we were impressed from the start. However, recently we got the opportunity to try out the newly (re)opened Northern Quarter branch and see where it all started.
Both branches have a cool, outspoken vibe about them. With graffiti on the walls of a distorted Mickey Mouse and some ‘banksy’ inspired wall art, it certainly makes its mark once you enter. The NQ restaurant has a slightly different vibe the the Great Northern one. Whereas at the latter you’re suddenly engulfed in their ‘world’ as soon as you step through the door, the entrance to their original site will have you unsure as to whether you’re in the right place. A walk up some narrow stairs and a simple wooden door with the words ‘Almost Famous’ on it. It has the feeling of an exclusive place known only to the locals, which is what it started out as, so nice to see with the reopening they haven’t moved away from this. But once you’re through the door it’s classic Almost Famous; bright colours, great tunes, cool artwork. With such an extreme vibe, there could be a slight concern that there might be an arrogance with the staff, but this could not be further than the truth. Every member of staff was nothing but friendly, helpful and all in all made it a great experience.
So, the staff are great. But what about the much sought after food? It’s dirty food at it’s best. We went for the classic hoghammer. With it’s combination of pulled pork, slaw, shoestring onions, famous sauce and redneck BBQ, it’s a great option if ‘proper’ burgers aren’t your thing. I’ve tried this one at both branches and it’s been fantastic every time. Perfectly cooked meat with a great combination of sauces, there’s not much more to ask for. And on the side of this I opted for the ever classic bacon bacon fries. Something that everybody who’s been to Almost Famous will most likely have tried (and something everyone needs to try!) and if you like fries and you like crispy bacon then this is just all your dreams come true. Both the hoghammer and the bacon bacon fries are pretty classic to the AF menu, but on our visit we noticed there was a whole host of new additions. There’s a variety of new burgers, including a new veggie option which is great if you’re trying to find a place to eat and have a none meat eater in the group. The Down & Out (in beverly hills) was the new choice we tried with American and cheddar cheese, wonderdust hotdog melt, trailer trash onions, french’s mustard, winning ketchup and million island sauce. What a burger this was, one of my favourites I’ve tried at Almost Famous, adventurous enough without straying too far from the tree. Along with the new burgers there’s also some new sides and the phoenix fries did not disappoint! Similar to the bacon bacon fries, but with the addition of chilies and JD maple, there are certainly for people who like a kick!
Our meals were great, but we’ve only seen a glimpse of some of the amazing new dishes that Almost Famous have cooked up recently. They’ve also introduced burgers on pretzel buns, mac ball sides, buttermilk chicken, a kids menu and an even bigger selection of cocktails than before and if our experience with the cocktails at the Great Northern is anything to go by, they surely won’t disappoint.
All in all, we’re enormous fans of Almost Famous and in honesty, unless you aren’t a dirty food fan, we can’t see why you wouldn’t be! Both Manchester locations are great, however there was something about the laid back atmosphere at the Northern Quarter that makes us favour it ever so slightly! But one thing is for sure about Almost Famous, there’s not really any almost about it!
The Highs
Amazing burgers, great selection (especially with the new menu additions), lovely staff and one of the coolest places you’ll find in Manchester.
The Lows
If you aren’t a fan of the ‘edgy’ art scene, then you won’t be a huge fan of the decor and if you don’t want something between slices of bread then you’re in the wrong place…but we’re just being very picky here, there’s nothing not to love in our eyes!
Back again?
Oh yes! We’re already returning Almost Famous visitors, however we’ll most certainly be heading back to the Northern Quarter soon. Not in Manchester? They also have restaurants in Leeds and Liverpool!
savoy truffle mcr 