Almost Famous

Reviewing Almost Famous seems almost too trite for a Mancunian. You’ve been there, right? You must’ve been. Come on now. There’s absolutely no excuse for not going. (Unless you’re a vegetarian. But then you’ve other questions to answer.)*
The Northern Quarter outlet is up a couple of steep flights of stairs off the High Street, opposite the old Fish Market. While the menu has subtle differences (the only subtle thing about the place) with the newer Great Northern restaurant, the two are much of a muchness. While carefully disheveled, the place is looking rather smart and clean since its recent renovation.
But what you really want to read about are the burgers. They’re the bee’s knees. They’re towering behemoths of beef, each with two meaty patties and a pile of other delicious nonsense squished into a brioche bun. The menu rotates, but the gluttonous adornments are strongly flavoured, and frequently surprising. Contrasting textures add to the fun: my most recent burger included garlicky shoestring fries, jalapeño mustard and salt and vinegar crisps; others include fried chicken and ‘suicide sauce’; even Cheerios, a poached egg and a Pop Tart (yes, in one burger).
Alright, it’s all a little bit silly. It’s very messy, too. Don’t try to avoid that: just make ample use of the kitchen roll on each table. It’s great, though. Fun, big flavours, without being stodgy or homogeneous. The various combinations of fries on the side are worth your attention. I’ve yet to find any loaded fries in the city that beat the Pig & Waffle fries, which combine waffle fries, pulled pork, BBQ sauce, blue cheese and jalapeño relish.
I’ve not delved deeply into the drinks menu, though the selection seems decent. The shots, such as the Eagles Beak (Jack Daniels, maraschino, mint, plum bitters) are fun, zingy, and usefully small. I’ve never got as far as the desserts, which look as ambitious as the burgers. It’s deliberately crude and over-​the-​top, but sometimes that’s just what you’re after. Judged for what it wants to be, Almost Famous is a near-​compulsory stop on the Mancunian culinary circuit.
* Vegetarian options are available. But you know as well as I do that’s not what it’s all about.

Still the big daddy when it comes to Manchester burger, a revisit to Almost Famous NQ has been on the cards for a while. Fully aware that we’d be putting our names on a list, we headed upstairs earlier than we wanted to eat and agreed to a two hour wait time. The perfect amount to head to The Smithfield for a few drinks.
An hour later, we got that all important text and headed back — and it wasn’t that busy. The two hour wait time was potentially just a sensible guess to manage our expectations, but the pessimist voice inside asks whether they only hand out these waiting times as force of habit; if there are tables available (at least 3 were empty throughout our meal), why can’t we book in?
A re-​branded menu means new options and more variety in their non-​burgers, including pretzel buns and on menu vegetarian meals. Although I like this more grown up, less ‘hush hush’, style Almost Famous, it seems to have resulted in no specials unless there’s an occasion or event taking place; a bit of a shame. Having planned this visit, we’d each already had a look at the menu so we were quick off the bat to order.
Overall we had — I’m Crack-​ed Baby, Johnny Mac, Buffalo Beach Club, suicide wings, redneck wings, pig & waffle fries, and phoenix fries. Phew. The Jonny Mac was excellent, with plenty of cheese, and I’m a massive fan of adding crisps into basically any form of sandwich. The mac & cheese ball was simply the ‘icing on the cake’, so to speak. The pig & waffle fries were the right balance of meat and sauce for me (previous experiences have been far too heavy on the blue cheese) and we were pleased to see these transferred from the Great Northern menu.
The only disappointment were the suicide wings. They were much smaller than memory serves and, although hot, had more of a buffalo heat than the overpowering spice I’ve had in the past. For £5 it’s not a bit hit on the final receipt but elsewhere in Manchester would easily win the battle of the wings for me.
It was a fun Saturday night experience and I always feel childlike excitement at the different potential combinations of meals here. The brand is sure to keep changing and, really, we can’t hold on to those early days of secret suppers and unique special combinations; they’re growing up and so is the brand. I’m looking forward to seeing where this takes them.

So good you inhale the burger so quick you need another.
Some of the tastiest food I’ve eaten in a long long time. Only beaten burger wise by trips to America. Even then they rank high.
Pink melt in the mouth beef patties. And a poached egg too just to make it even juicer.
Not the cheapest but oh so worth it.
I need to go again soon now this has got my mouth watering.
Little on the noisy side but the vibe is good.

Of all the places to get a burger from (and milkshake) this is fast becoming my favourite place to acquire them. The city has become quite flooded with burger places but Almost Famous seems to have the edge with the price, variety, atmosphere and almost hidden venue. Been a few times recently and have been impressed. Plus, the bacon bacon fries are worth going for alone.

Amazing place, great environment. Hipster. Cool, fab. I just love this place. I was introduced to almost famous not long after it opened and ever since ive been introducing it to many others. I usually order a river phenix burger with winning fried. Ive also tried all the other fries to. Depends who im with depends what type i order. The portions are big so to much for one person so better to share.
There cocktail are tasty to.

Do you like burgers? If you answered yes to that question and you ever find yourself in Manchester, visit Almost Famous.
A great selection of inquisitive yet mouth-​watering Burger choices and some taste-​tantalising sides are on offer here. Personally, I can’t look past the Crack Baby with it’s amazing Bacon-​aise accompanied by the Bacon Bacon Fries (yes, I like Bacon).
Now for the bad part… the secret is out, as sometimes it can seem that every man (or women) and their dog are waiting for the same exotic beef experience that you are. Queues can mean up to an hour wait, however in my opinion, WELL worth it — plus it gives you an hour to check out one of NQ’s amazing bars!

This place was really cool, I had chicken blaster starter with BBQ sauce and the triple threat burger. The chicken was crispy and draped in lovely spicy BBQ sauce, it also came with a lovely cool dip. The burger was smoky and juicy, the beef wasn’t over cooked and the bacon was lovely and crisp. This place had tasty food however it was a bit pricy, fries are extra and drinks are a bit pricy too. If you want free water make sure you mention tap water. Other than that it was really good. I mean it is the northern quarter after all, you should expect to be paying a tad more.

Stumbled on this place by accident. We were going to T&Q, as recommended by the Crowne Plaza folks. However, British upscale dining is not something our two boys (ages 5 and 3) do well. We were looking for another place when one of the security folks pointed us in the direction of Almost Famous.
I immediately enjoyed the funky… hipster if you will… atmosphere. The staff as friendly and the place was loud, a perfect stop for a family of four looking to drown out the whining of two hungry boys.
I tend to judge a place by the quality of the kid’s menu. Clearly anyone can throw together a burger and fries or chicken strips and fries for kids, however, when they boys’ food came out, it looked exactly like ours, just smaller. Same juicy burger, same puffy fresh bun.
The décor, food, and atmosphere was great. Looking forward to coming back to Manchester to visit Almost Famous.

If you like burgers look no further. An excellent, imaginative menu with specials that are always changing, they are just the best burgers in Manchester! Cocktails are fab too — keep an eye out for the cherry bomb with its added sparkle :)

I liked this place — a very fun atmosphere, very good service and the food was really tasty. The kind of places that makes you smile while you’re waiting for your food, and then smile more once it comes. A good place for a fairly quick lunch or an eventful feeling group dinner.

Coming from the land of burgers aka the US, I was expecting Almost Famous burgers to have the wow factor. I must say, I was a bit disappointed, given that I have eaten better burgers for a cheaper price. The only thing that made my burger good was the sauce (it was a good attempt for the chipotle). Nonetheless, Almost Famous is the best option if you are craving for a good quality burger in Manchester.

Unfortunately I have to admit I was part of the crowd that admits I found AF before it was big and trendy.
From what I was told at the time, «this über cool new gaff has opened up that’s only here for three months» so I went to try it nearly 3 years ago and so much has changed since that! Now with over 5 restaurants to there brand name in Manchester alone you can see why it’s so popular !
My standard order which I could order blindfold and be sat by the window! Triple Nom Burger with trailer trash fries with a
B#tch juice. Heaven in a plastic basket and a jam jar !
The vibe inside is a cool nice vibe nobody I have every taken here pre or post the fire has ever felt uncomfortable and that include my family members! After the fire and I suppose rightly so lots of the quirky little bits of art were removed and it has now become more youth friendly. From memory there is now no swearing on the menu !
Prices range from
Around 7 to 11 for a burger and fries about 3 quid so not too bad for one of the dirtiest burger in Manchester
Seriously Enjoy!

I somehow never got round to going to Almost famous during the period of hype. I think the ‘no photos’ and queuing to get in for the sake of it put me off.
But a good couple of years later when i fancied a burger and one of my favourite joints was full we nipped round the corner to give it a try.
My first impression wasn’t great, as the atmosphere was dead and although the waiting staff are friendly enough on the surface you cant help but feel like you’re being judged… too old, or not hipster enough for them to bother with. I tried to have a chat with the girl behind the bar whilst ordering to just receive flat, one word responses and a look of horror that i might want to order cider.
The burger itself was ok. Really quite nice in fact, but i wont be going back in a hurry

Last minute plans on a Friday night led us to wandering around the NQ looking for somewhere good for eats. Luckily, Almost Famous managed to squeeze us in. Hurrah.
This was my first visit back to the NQ site since the fire and they have done a great job with the refurbishment. The restaurant is small, cosy but still has that ‘cool’ element to it just like their GN Warehouse place.
Our food took a while to arrive, which led to 2 rounds of drinks and a few shots on an empty stomach — but I’m not complaining, it was Friday.
I went for the cherry bomb (pictured, with a sparkler! Oooh) one of my favourite drinks in here. Almost opted for a boozy milkshake but next time!
I ordered the Smoky & The Bandit burger — with cheese, JD candied bacon, bbq fried onions, chillies, chipotle and baconnaise. It was amazing as always.
I washed it down with a portion of bacon bacon fries too — although I will admit I had to give up on these towards the end, eyes bigger than belly it seems.
I’m a fan of AF and always will be.

After visiting Almost Famous in the Great Northern Building i wanted to give the original Almost Famous a try and i loved it! Its based in the Northern Quarter on High Street opposite the Bluu Bar, there isn’t any signage so just go straight up the staircase! Me and my friends visited on NYE at Midday and we was the first people there so we could have sat anywhere, the place was a bit chilly but it warmed up after a bit. I loved the décor and the intimate feel to the place, i loved the posters and wall art alot. the staff were all young and friendly. Its one of the those cool places whats hidden way from everything else though its a very popular place now due to its amazing twist to burgers and fries. I had the very tasty triple nom with trash fries simply amazing and almost famous wins again for the best burger in town! I do love this location alot more than the bigger one across town which does seems a bit pretentious at times. This place dosnt take reservations guys so prepare to queue at busy times but its well worth the wait!

As soon as we had booked our flights for a weekend in Manchester, I started looking forward to one of the Almost Famous burgers. Vienna has very good food, and there are restaurants that try to do American style burgers, but they all have a long way to go get anywhere near the Almost Famous burgers in my opinion. We went there on Saturday afternoon, and as usual the place was packed… even at that time of the day. I had the «Hello, is it brie you’re looking for?», my boyfriend had the «Smoky & the bandit», and our friends had the «Shut up America» and the Special «Triple ho ho ho». Of course we had to have the bacon bacon fries as well. I just LOVE the Almost Famous burgers, juicy meat, super tasty, lots of sauce, great brioche bun, and the bacon bacon fries are to die for. Nothing for the health conscious, or people counting calories ;)

Wednesday evening, wet windy and cold, cant be bothered to cook so ended up in AF norther quarter. I’ve been here a couple of times now since the reopening and although it has lost some of its original charm, it’s still one of my favourite places to eat in Manchester. Hands down this place makes the best burgers in town !
Didn’t have to queue to get in this eve which was a bonus, the one at great Northern just seems to be CRAZY busy all the time !
Opted for a Hong Kong Philly this eve whilst my friend had a California screaming. Both burgers were perfect as ever. Gorgeous chuck patty and a fair
Amount of thought must have gone into the perfect taste combinations. I really enjoyed the HKP as it had a really spicy kick to it Which always wins points with me.
Unfortunately the river Phoenix wasn’t on the menu which meant AF only gets 4 stars this time.

I can’t but give this, the original Almost Famous anything less than 5 stars, it deserves them for opening back here alone, although it is very handy when handing out 5 stars that the food/​booze and general vibe is as good as it was before the fire…
We went at about 5ish on Saturday evening before a night of debauchery in The Star and Garter, and we were sat down at a table straight away, and whilst Mrs Z went to the bar to order (Getting my priorities in order there!) I gave the place the once over. I really missed this place! Don’t get me wrong, I love the new place too, but this one is in the NQ, and that means it just edges it, even if the menu is a little bit smaller (They have the Smokey and the Bandit burger, so it’s all good!).
My word I’ve missed this place!!!

Great burger place, no burger after will seem the same.
Caters for fussy eaters who dont like all the addons so naked burger for them.
Funky interior but since the fire some of the décor is not as good. Do prefer the ‘pop up’ look and thought the post-​its were a great idea.

Does Almost famous really need a review ?
In the spirit of how this brand grew … Ask around, ask your mates, ask people in pubs n bars … But you can see some piccies :-)