Cane & Grain

The location is really cool! You access the restaurant from the bar downstairs via a «hidden» door. On the top level is a rum bar which supposedly has rather good cocktails which we didn’t have a chance to try.
The décor is quite striking in the restaurant (squirrels on the walls) with a well stocked bar and the cocktails the bartenders were making looked delicious. My boyfriend and I came to take advantage of the 50% off January deal. He ordered ribs and I ordered the rib roll sandwich. Unfortunately, we were a bit disappointed. His ribs had very little meat on them. I thought he was exaggerating when he mentioned it, but when he gave me one to try it was almost all bone. They were also quite dry and not saucy as was expected however this can perhaps be chalked up to the particular ribs he ordered. There was some additional sauce served on the side.
As for my rib roll, there was similarly not much meat on the sandwich so the «coleslaw”/cabbage to meat ratio seemed off. Being American, ribs/​rib sandwiches are fairly common where I’m from and I have to say I’ve never seen so little meat served in a restaurant whose specialty is BBQ.
Given the 50% off deal going on, I gave three stars for the value. However, if we would have gone and paid full price it would have been at least a star lower. Given the other reviews, perhaps it was a one time thing. I would have loved to rate this place higher given the cool setup with the bars upstairs and downstairs. Unfortunately, given our experience I don’t think we will be back very soon.

We only stopped in here for a quick after dinner drink, so I can’t comment on the food or the overall service really. The get a solid four star review however for a really seriously good old fashioned. It always makes me smile when the bar tender asks which kind of bourbon you’d like and really takes the time to make it perfect without looking annoyed about having to make a time consuming drink.
Need to return to try the food, but great for a traditional cocktail.

Visited with friends last month, as it’s one of the few places in Northern Quarter where you can book a table! It was packed downstairs when we arrived on the Friday night — good atmosphere — and upstairs in the restaurant it had an upbeat vibe but a good volume for talking.
Cool décor, although the seating was a little odd — lots of stools and they wouldn’t let you switch chairs. Still, it was a cosy ambience and we were served quickly.
Good menu — very indulgent so great for weekend treats. I went for the burger with Mac and cheese in the side. Both were delicious, especially the mac which was packed with garlic and loaded with cheese. Washed down with a nice bottle of white wine too at a good price.
My friend was a bit upset at the service; the waiter didn’t bring her coleslaw with the meal, despite her reminding a member of staff. Then at the end he made a weird comment about her not pointing it out.
Anyway, aside from that incident the service was okay — nothing to write home about but fast and the food redeemed it!

YUM! I went here not long after opening with Jess H one evening after work and i’ve been back plenty times since! I do not order ribs enough and Cane and Grain really gave me no other choice!
I always go for the st louis spare ribs with a side of vimto sauce — served with fries its super good and believe it or not its not too messy to eat! The meat just falls off the bone…
Don’t forget to order a pint of truffle mac & cheese which is to die for! I shall be back soon to try some of the amazing rum cocktails. watch this space for an updated review…

Popped in the other night for a few beers with friends, so this review doesn’t take into account the food and day time service.
On first looks it seems fairly small inside however there is an upstairs section that pretty much doubles the capacity. We grabbed a drink downstairs from the bar before heading up to the upper deck which I preferred.
It was a nice chilled out setting and the bar staff were really friendly and great at recommending drinks. I’ll be back to taste the food some time soon, and will update the review once I have!
Stay tuned :)

Decent bar, visited on a night out along NQ and it didn’t disappoint. Busy both downstairs in what’s a more bar like area and then upstairs it’s a little more like a club with blaring music etc. The décor tries to give out a skater sort of vibe however the crowd isn’t like that.
Good bar staff, don’t have to wait too long to be served.
Prices are what you’d expect for NQ. Would definitely go back again.

Hmmmmm so I have heard good things about this place. I love the northern quarter. Manchester’s own version Of NYC Meat packing district versus Ibiza’s old town. Quirky. Stylish. Chilled. Diverse. A real mixture of life.
So after our Spinningfields visit we end up here. We walked in to the hustle and bustle of a trendy bar. Some funky music. Nice tidy clean crowd. Next thing a guy opens a door in the wall. Like bloody Narnia. We are ushered upstairs to a coolish indoor seated area. Bar was quiet. Lots of seats.
On closer inspection it was mainly couples compared to our gaggle of girls and gays. Most people were eating. We were not. The music was some country music nothing like downstairs. The waitress was over friendly bless her. It lacked atmosphere. The prosecco we Purchased was a little flat and harsh to the taste. Felt like we had been put upstairs out the way. They also dont take amex which is always a let down. All in all not quite the experience we had hoped for. I will go back to check out downstairs.

Cane & Grain only opened recently in Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter, and billed itself from the beginning as being a bar and rib joint, spread over several floors, including a tiki lounge.
I decided to pop in for lunch one day whilst I was in the city, and was pleased to see there were some tasty and very affordable lunchtime offers available, so I wandered inside.
The décor is that modern-​hipster style of rough-​and-​ready, distressed paint and textures etc, but still spacious and colourful with art on the walls. Also it’s not really related, but I love their logo!
From the lunch menu I ordered the rib-​roll and fries, which I thought for £5 was very well priced! I also ordered a lemon-​lime Ting (£2 a can, but hey you can’t win them all), which was perfect for the sunny hot day, which also prompted me to sit outside in their outdoor seating area, and people watch… which in the Northern Quarter is a bit more interesting than in the rest of the city!
The staff are young, friendly, and professional, which is pleasant and welcoming to those of us who might otherwise feel a little out-​of-​place in modern and dare I say «hip» places. Yes I said hip. Shut up.
My food arrived looking delicious, and served on a metal tray and with a metal mug of fries (hipster places don’t like plates). The pork roll was succulent and tasty, served with red onions and gherkin slices. The fries were seasoned absolutely perfectly, with «tiki salt» according to one of the staff. They were hot, crisp, and very tasty indeed!
I only popped here for lunch during the day, and I imagine when it’s busy at night and the cocktails are flowing in the Liars Lounge it may have an atmosphere different altogether, but I think it’s one I’d be quite happy to check out sometime, as this came across as a friendly and good quality venue which I can imagine hanging out in with my friends.
I’ll definitely be back for that fabulous lunch deal again! 7 quid for a large freshly made pork roll with seasoned fresh fries and a drink in the city centre is a steal!

(Deliveroo review: all about the food)
Had some amazing food, ribs were out of this world and the way they packaged food for delivery was excellent!
So best ribs I’ve ever had. The cornbread was lovely and warm with the right amount of savoury and the hot as f*ck fries where gorgeous, though I would contend they were not close to hot, same as the wings, spicy but nowhere near hot as f*ck.
The flavours throughout all the food were immense, it was a great hearty meal with superb portion sizes, my guess is that they give a little extra on delivery as the price is a tad on the high side but I did feel I got my money’s worth, enough leftover for me n the gal to have food tonight too so can’t moan there!

I finally ate here after having previously drunk in all three bars (once to serious excess which nearly resulted in me missing a flight. Never. Again.)
I really like the look of the mid level speakeasy bar, which also has good old music. The cocktail I had last night, autumn leaves, was absolutely delicious. We were however surprised that no one came to see if we wanted another one, so eventually we just left. It had only just opened and so maybe the staff weren’t really going yet. I t kind of had a weird vibe like they were hanging out with friends and it was kind of annoying that we were in their as customers.
The bottom floor bar has a skater theme and features the likes of Metallica as background music. It’s a bit more industrial chic, the décor really does nothing for me. We had food down here and enjoyed the comfy leather seating along the wall.
i really really enjoyed my ribs (St Louis Spares), which were far better than those I’ve had at Red’s. The meat fell of the bone and although I initially thought I wouldn’t be able to finish it I cleaned every rib. I normally don’t like fat but on these ribs it was just enough to give it a delicious flavour. I ordered the bourbon sauce (which surprised me by coming cold) but ended up swapping with my date who got the very nice rum one. He also suggested I ordered the dark and stormy cocktail which I would have avoided due to fact I believe rum makes me crazy. Again it was really really good — these cocktails are more expensive than other places in the NQ but strong, big and well made. Just how I like them.
Oh also I got truffle fries. They were so damn good. So. damn. good. I just can’t even talk about how much I love cheese and truffles and potatoes and things that are fried.
it’s interesting how similar this place is to Crafty Pig but I think across the scale is better. I do think it’s good to go early for food though, imagine it’s probably stressful later on.

Cane and Grain aka ‘the bar with several floors’ is one of a few bars I frequent on a night out in the Northern Quarter– this is usually my first stop as it’s a bit more low key.
I usually just hang downstairs in the American-​style bar, which has a huge selection of beers from around the world, as well as tables and high tables with stools so you can pull up a seat and chat with friends. It’s a good meeting spot for a casual drink and its square shape makes it easy to spot your friends, although like everywhere in the NQ, it gets packed on weekends.
Like another reviewer said the décor is a bit like something out of the Flinstones. They’re known for their ribs, so last time I got a half rack of baby back ribs with the bourbon sauce, which comes with a small pot of fries for £7. They have a huge selection of BBQ sauces to go with your ribs and they also serve burgers, among other things.
I’ve also been to the second floor which is a tiki bar and gets rather warm… we had buckets which reminded me of being in Thailand and the rest of the night was a blur. Generally though, I stick to downstairs. The music can be quite rock-​y, but on weekends they play a lot of the mainstream hits too.
Most people in here seem to be dressed pretty casual/​hipster.

Great place! Two words — rum and ribs! You really can’t go wrong! Some of the yummiest food you’ll taste and not too bad a price to pay for it as well! Another thing is the secret door to go upstairs quite a nice touch and I guarantee you’ll think somebodies having you on when they tell you to go through it!
A must for anybody who loves meat and drink!

I had high hopes for this being spectacular.
we was seated very quickly the restaurant area was loud and was lacking atmosphere the bar tender failed to crack a smile or even look remotely intrested her job as was more intrested in chatting to here friends who where sat at the discussing work and what seemed to be bar politics.
We was given or starter but as soon as soon as we had finished and yes I was still chewing she started clearing our plate rude to say the least.
I was very disappointed with the food going for the ribs and only to be greeted by them topped by onions I never got told about or asked was i ok with this and did not state on the menu luckily I do not have a aligi.
The meat was bland and dry on the ribs
The sides of corn bred where dry and heavy.
And I am bored of being served my food in a tray and in a camping mug this is my biggest bug bear.
Overall I have been left disappointed in this place.

Been here a few times now and love the vibe, the food, the drinks, the music. Somebody controlling the play list loves a bit of rock and roll and I’m always happy to drink in an AC/​DC-​friendly establishment. :-)
Went for lunch the other day and for £5, we had the tastiest shredded rib burger ever. With the ample portion of fries too, it was a highly satisfying great value meal. (Consider the meagre portion of nachos for £9 at El Capo, in comparison)…
Good selection of rums and wine, with some great/​entertaining staff who like to set fire to things.
Ended up on the second floor late last night and ordered the macaroni cheese around 9.30pm…it was served in a mug which I thought was a fantastic idea! It was delicious and just what I needed to carry on drinking rum into the small hours!

I have to unfortunately lower my rating on this place due to sorely being disappointed last night…
I decided to bring a colleague here after work because we were both starving after a late finish. I wasn’t sure what time they stopped serving food here because it just said until late…
When we arrived at 9.20pm we discovered the ground floor busy… the lovely lady at the front suggested we try the saloon bar upstairs…
The décor was very cosy with odd stuffed squirrel lamps on walls and leather seats… when we were guided to a table I sat down in a puddle… there was a big spillage under the table so we moved… I notified the waitress who didn’t seem best pleased.
The male waiter that served us was lovely and apologised for the spillage and poured us some water with slices of cucumber…
He was soon replaced by the grumpy waitress who told us to order quickly because the chef was going home…
For the rest of the evening I felt hostile… the waitress made us feel most unwelcome.
When the food arrived my usual salad, Mac n cheese and Corn bread was well presented and tasty… my friends however struggled to get any meat from the ribs…
Overall I left feeling unsatisfied and unwelcomed… and a bit embarrassed how I had raved about this place to my friend…

As a Saturday drinking den, I wasn’t impressed with what Cane & Grain had to offer.
It was super busy (as you’d expect it to be!) with three people behind the ground floor bar. Three people serving a combination of simple shorts and complicated cocktails; unlucky for us, we were behind a large group all ordering zombies. Which meant a wait of at least 20 minutes to get anywhere near the bar.
We did try to get a drink in the upper tiki bar but found it to be just as busy — and less staffed — than the ground floor.
We wanted to check out the first floor bar but were told it was fully booked — obviously until some friends of someone who worked there arrived and they were escorted upstairs straight away. Expected for a Saturday night, but I’d like to think the NQ was above that. Perhaps not.
Stick to ribs — and maybe the cheeky mid-​week drink.

I really enjoyed our night at Cane & Grain — this could be because we were on a night out already and our group was a good’un but it really hit the spot in terms of being somewhere I could see myself hanging out for a few beers time and time again.
The food menu being pretty limited — it’s basically just ribs (but they were damn good ones), we sat near the bar and tucked into some pretty amazing Flintstone-​esque pieces of magic — which came with a few sides such as the mac’n’cheese that I had and it doesn’t happen often but I was totally stuffed afterwards! A good job there was no dessert menu because if I had been tempted I may have exploded across the whole bar!
The beers were all pretty standard NQ offerings (which means pretty decent craft beer) and I am coming around more and more to the Longhammer IPA which I seem to be seeing in more and more places.
Due to limited menu this is somewhere I couldn’t see myself eating in more than once a month but when I do I’ll look forward to getting back into some serious bone chewing…

I had been wanting to try out Cane & Grain ever since it opened. This is a place which specialises in ribs (and rum, bourbon and beer).
Its a cool looking place which consists of 3 floors. Unfortunately, when we went the top floor — a Tiki style beer — was closed. The 2^nd floor was closed for a private party. Thats a shame!
I decided to have a Zombie cocktail. One of my favourite cocktails — I do like my rum based cocktails. It was OK — I have tasted better. Still good though.
On to the actual food and I went for Baby Back ribs. I had a full one which cost £13. This includes fries. When it came, I thought it might not be enough and I would still be hungry but it was filling.
The thing with baby back ribs is that you have to «navigate» your way between all the actual ribs. It was served in a similar way to Red’s True BBQ on a metal tray/​plate and between the tray and the ribs, is some paper (like greaseproof paper). This is a bit of an issue with something like baby back ribs where you doing lots of cutting. You end up cutting into the paper — so if your not careful, you could end up eating some paper. It must be the «done thing» having this paper in these rib places? I guess without it you would end up scratching the tray. Damaging the tray and also not making a nice noise when you scratch a knife along a metal tray!
The actual ribs did taste really good. On top of the ribs it looks like it had a few pretzels — which was a bit odd. It wasn’t just mine as people who got other types of ribs had it too. The fries were not bad. Nothing particular different to standard fries.
Some people had the beef ribs — some had the dino ribs, some the short ribs. Both of them were big huge ribs with lots of meat on a big bone — very caveman/​Flintstones style. I was told it tasted good.
One thing I thought about the menu was it could have done with some descriptions. Things like the dino ribs and it coming as «short» or «dino». There is no description about exactly what the difference is.
Also, the different sauces and what sort of flavour the different sauces are. For example, there is a sauce called Ting. I happen to know its a Caribbean soft drink but I don’t think its well know. Also, I don’t really know what flavour «Porter Beer» is.
If you are a vegetarian, there are options for you on the menu. One of our party was a vegetarian and she said what she had was nice.
So overall very good food, not bad cocktail and great service.

How to describe the ground floor of C&G…probably Sk8er Bois crossed with a bit of voodoo crossed with dinner at The Flintstones’.
It was bustling in there when we arrived for our meal (we booked ahead of time) and our table was tucked to the side of the bar so we were still immersed in the atmosphere of the place but nicely out of the way. The Rib Joint & Tap Bar is covered in 80s skateboarding elements, including an awesome ’tiled’ wall made from sawn-​up skateboards.
Set over three floors, we were disappointed to hear that the upper two weren’t open that night (the First Floor Bar had been booked for a private event and the Liars Lounge on the second floor was simply closed). Hope to be able to fully explore next time.
Anyway, on to the dining — they have a decent cocktail menu, including examples such as Deep South Zombie (hence the earlier voodoo reference) and a huuuuge list of beers either on tap, in bottles or cans.
Conversely, the food menu is remarkably short — with varieties of pork or beef ribs and about a dozen side dishes. The only vegetarian main course is the Watermelon Salad (which was very good apparently).
The carnivores in the group awaited the ribs and when they arrived I think most of our jaws hit the floor. They looked like meals for cavemen. Serious pieces of meat on the bone but with a generous meat-​to-​bone ratio. The gorgeously juicy beef Short Ribs I ordered (£22) simply sloughed off the bones. The side order of Smoke Pit Beans & Burnt Ends (£4) were tasty, but not as good as Red’s True BBQ’s in my opinion.
Cue the meat sweats. I was still full until dinnertime the next day, which if you know me is a serious matter indeed!
The only minor quibble was the flimsy paper covers on the metal dinner trays that the food was placed on — it gets somewhat ‘mushed’ when you’re trying to eat your ribs which is annoying — get rid of them!

The description may read American restaurant, but my experience of Can & Grain has thus far been only as a meeting place/​drinking hole that remains open when other establishments have closed.
«Excuse me is this the new place with three floors?»
One Saturday not so long ago we all got a tad merry and were looking for a place to continue choo choo’ing our party train. A typical Saturday night shouting match of a phone conversation had taken place earlier in which a friend of mine had told me about C&G (Sounds like a fashion brand when I say it like that no?). Despite her repeating the name of this humble abode three times, for numerous reasons (noise/​second conversation/​merryment/​music/​Oddbarness) I failed to catch it each time. All that I retained from the conversation was «Its the new place with three floors».
And that concludes the pretext to the opening question to the bouncer at C & G!
The exaggerated/​tacky American décor was immediately forgotten as we streamed in, blissful in the knowledge that our night was to continue. Having multiple floors filtered the crowd throughout the venue, which is essential when it’s busy. And that it was. We had our dancing shoes ready and the crowded atmosphere fuelled the urge to satisfy our respective needs to boogie boogie the night away. And we did!
Majority of our time was spent in the Tikki bar on the second floor and a great time was had. The seating was plentiful/​comfortable and the introverts of our group were more than happy with that arrangement as well as the flat screen showing an old film on the wall.
I’m yet to grace the 3^rd floor and try the food, so expect more check ins and an updated review in the not so distant future. In the meantime try it on for size yourself and let me know what you thought.