Manchester isn’t exactly short of places to grab a bite - whether that be from high-end restaurants for a special occasion or somewhere for a quick fix at lunch.
However, with such a diverse range of options it can be hard to choose one that ticks all the boxes, with both price and quality being paramount.
Good food shouldn’t cost the earth, and luckily the team at 2Chill have compiled a list of the best places for food if you’re working with a tighter budget across the city.
Vegan Shack
The plant-based takeaway joint may have only formally opened a premise in Piccadilly Gardens earlier this year, but Vegan Shack has made a name for itself by offering wallet-friendly food that vegans and meat-eaters alike can enjoy.
Diners will find a packed menu of burgers, wraps, sides and shakes, all made with meat and dairy alternatives.
Hero dishes include the breakfast Shack Muffin, made with a vegan sausage patty, fried tofu and vegan cheese, with other breakfast items including hash browns, and fluffy pancakes with vegan bacon.
At lunchtimes, people can choose from seitan doner meat kebabs, crispy vegan chicken burgers, and the Big Shack burger made with two beef-style patties, smoked vegan cheese, and in-house burger sauce.
The best news? Prices start at £4.50 for the Chick’n Strip Burger, with the most expensive item on the menu being the Big Mock burger which clocks in at just under £8.50.
Vegan Shack is located at One Piccadilly Gardens, M1 1RG. For more information, visit their website here, or follow their Instagram page here.
Northern Soul
Easy, breezy and cheesy is the name of the game at one of the Northern Quarter’s most enduringly popular eating spots, and their sandwiches not only ooze cheese, but also affordability as a quick lunchtime bite.
Their signature sandwiches are mainly vegetarian friendly, and stuffed with three types of cheese, with gherkins, mac n’ cheese, and much more.
They even have a gargantuan Man vs Food challenge sandwich which features a ‘Pig on a Lead’ , their nine-hour BBQ pulled pork mac and cheese, for £7.90 if you're feeling especially peckish.
Northern Soul have currently opened a pop up stall at Escape to Freight Island's Winter Wonderland, where they're offering their 'King of the Christmas Sandwich' which contains a whole Christmas dinner between two slices of bread- plus cheese of course.
Northern Soul is located at Unit G20, 21, 44 Tib Street, M4 1LA. For more information, visit their website here , or follow their Instagram page here .
Pancho's Burritos
Arndale Market certainly isn't short of options for food-lovers, but Pancho's has been a fixture for over a decade, serving an authentic taste of Mexico thanks to owners Enrique and Colette.
The stars of the show are obviously their freshly-made burritos, with a Chico Burrito costing £7.20, while a large is only 60 pence more.
Customers can choose from a vast array of fillings, including Prawns A La Diabla, Chipotle Beef, Pork and Green Salsa, as well as a variety of vegetarian and vegan alternatives.
Burritos are then stuffed with any number of free toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, sweetcorn, salsa and even Enrique's own extra-fiery Habanero Salsa- try it if you dare!
If burritos aren't up your street, then the stall also offers other traditional Mexican dishes like Tostadas, Quesadillas and Nachos.
Pancho's Burritos is located at 49 High St, Manchester M4 3AH. For more information, visit their website here , or follow their Instagram page here.
Bunny Jackson ’s
Bunny Jackson’s - home of the 20p wings. Yes, you read that right. 20 whole pence.
The self-styled ‘dive’ bar and live music venue opened near Oxford Street in 2017, and has since made a name for itself with its unusual interior, extensive range of beers and spirits, and US food that one reviewer described as ‘the best buffalo chicken wings in the UK’.
There is a range of wings, costing between 20p and 50p, as well as a variety of sides including seasoned fries, mozzarella dippers and deep-fried pickles.
Even their burgers are reasonably priced. For £8.50 you can get the Backyard Burger that features two beef patties, American cheese and salad.
One reviewer said: “Definitely the best wings in Manchester. Really good deals and prices.
“Good variety of flavours, great all-you-can-eat deal with unlimited cocktails and beers. If you want good wings, don't go anywhere else!”
Bunny Jackson’s is located at 1 Jack Rosenthal Street, M15 4RA. For more information, visit their website here , or follow their Instagram page here.
Slice Pizzeria
Earlier this year it was announced that Slice was back on the Manchester scene, after having to close its doors in 2019 for refurbishment, much to the dismay of many customers who had enjoyed an alternative to the Neapolitan style pizza that has dominated the Northern Quarter foodie scene.
Its new home, tucked into Oxford Road station, makes it the perfect passing place to grab on the go, and still serves the old classics, including their most popular offering topped with broccoli, sausage and chilli, as well as other favourites.
Slice Pizzeria is located at Oxford Road, Station Approach, M1 6FU. For more information, visit their website here, or follow their Instagram page here.
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