Side Street is a day-to-night venue, with brasserie style all day dining, something of a rarity in Manchester’s City Centre.
Its newly made-over relaxed space is a well-designed set up that comfortably transitions come evening from buzzing coffee shop, to date night restaurant, to late night bar.
I had dinner there on a cold Tuesday evening and was immediately warmed up on entering, dining in the cosy front room off Quay Street boasting deco style lighting, a classic checkerboard floor and a central bar.
In the back there is a larger lounge space, fit to accommodate parties on weekends.
On reading the menu I found to my delight there was no sign of small plates to share, instead it was all hearty main dishes and sides, with extra snacks should you want even more (such as caviar with hash browns, mini chicken kievs and tartuffe gilda).
If you do happen to find yourself fed up queuing around the corner at Deansgate’s latest chain: Flat Iron, then I insist you head immediately to Side Street and order a superior steak from their kitchen, currently run by Tartuffe.
I had the flat iron steak, which was extremely succulent and well-seasoned, accompanied by a variety of sides including giant mac and cheese with broccoli, and a tangy Caesar salad loaded with anchovies.
My friend ordered half a rotisserie chicken served with a roasted bulb of garlic that almost stole the show, roast potatoes, which were cooked in dripping from the chicken and then seasoned with thyme, and a warm brassica salad with roasted cauliflower, and Yorkshire pecorino cheese – all of which were exceptional.
We washed our feast down with Side Street’s famous happy-hour spritzes, trying the winterberry and the pear and peppercorn, both were perfect light accompaniments to the meal, as by now I was well and truly stuffed.
Side Street serves dinner Tuesday-Saturday 16:00 – 21:00, as well as daytime coffee, brunch, lunch (I will be heading back to try the Chicken Kiev sandwich) late night cocktails, and events into the early hours on weekends.
Side Street offers a lot, and it delivers.
This should be your main squeeze, not just your bit on the side.
Side Street, ABC Buildings, Corner of Quay Street and Lower Byrom St, Manchester, M3 4AE