Tucked away behind Piccadilly Gardens is the classy and cool Grill on New York Street. This aptly named Manchester restaurant bar may not be a place you walk by every day, but it's definitely worth a visit. Known primarily as a restaurant, the venue also includes a bar where non-diners are welcome to pull up a stool and enjoy a few drinks. We went along to check it out for some early evening refreshment.
Venue
On entry you are greeted with an impressive wine cabinet, which alludes to the wide array of wines this place has to offer. Although largely devoted to dining, there is a lovely, bright bar area which offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for after work drinks or pre-dinner cocktail. The space exudes an air of old New York, emphasised by a huge mural of the New York skyline across its walls. The restaurant and bar are immaculate, and this is mirrored in the service, with the staff being incredibly friendly and efficient.
TGONYS is one of the best restaurants in Manchester, with an extensive drinks offering to match
The Clientele & Atmosphere
Alongside diners, you are more than likely to find after work drinkers looking to unwind or a group of girls enjoying a tasty and sophisticated cocktail. During the day time the venue offers a light and contemporary atmosphere and by night, a comfortable easiness to take the edge off a day long day at work, with enough buzz to keep you at the bar for another drink or two. This bar offers post work drinks without the pretence.
The venue makes a top spot for lunch in Manchester or after work drinks
The Food & Drink
Once you've got yourself comfortable in the bar, you'll definitely want to try the cocktails. The cocktail menu is interestingly organised by glass type, meaning there are no surprises when you get your drink. Having said that, the menu is experimental and exciting, providing twists on the classics. We particularly loved the 'Champagne Mojito' which provided sophistication but still with the kick of a mojito; a real livener. Other highlights include their signature 'Smokey Old Fashioned', served in a theatrical and impressive smoking carafe.
Innovative and exciting cocktails at this chic Manchester cocktail bar
The food menu at Grill on New York Street is classic, focusing on the quality of their steaks as I am sure can be guessed from the name. This place is grill with a side of frill. In short, if you like your steak, this is one of the places to find it and the 'Best of British' menu is worth a look. There is also a great mix of starters if you are not meat mad, which the staff are happy for you to have at the bar along with your cocktail, including Rock Oysters.
Summary
Grill on New York Street is everything you would wish the name to inspire. The venue is welcoming, the food moreish and the cocktails modern and exciting. This is definitely somewhere you could come and enjoy a couple of drinks, none of which would be in any way the same. There is something for everybody here, but nothing of the average.
