7 cool places to go for a cheap (inexpensive) date in Manchester

Let’s face it, January is never really the best month, money-wise. We’ve all spent a tad more than we should have over Christmas and then again at New Year and, to top it all off, went a little OTT at the January sales, too. Never mind, I’m sure those half price fluffy Christmas slippers will come in handy at some point.

Until then, here’s a list of spots in Manchester for anyone fancying a night out with their significant other but can only afford the McDonalds saver menu. These places all have budget friendly offerings that won’t have you for praying for payday to come early.

Walrus (& Tusk)

I know that when you’re strapped for cash, a plush joint like Walrus isn’t exactly the first place that springs to mind for a cheap date but, throughout January, they have buy one get one free on all pizzas. Choose from firm favorites like Goats Cheese & Red Onion, Hawaiian or Americana. And, for those love birds out there who fancy something with a fiery kick, why not try Drop It Like a Shot, which is served with lashings of tabasco and a shot of tequila! Book online to make the most of this offer.
walrusmanchester.com

Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza

A quaint indie little pod set in the heart of Manchester’s Little Italy, this spot is easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet, too. It has a vintage urban feel to it, with whitewashed walls, bare light bulbs and quaint wooden tables. With pizzas like the Marinara priced at under a fiver, this joint is significantly cheaper than neighbouring pizza venues but just as delicious. They also offer up Italian signatures like limoncello and Birra Moretti, which doesn’t hurt either.
rudyspizza.co.uk

Almost Famous

With burgers the size of your head, this is the place to go if you want to impress your date on a budget. The Triple Nom burger is a firm foodie favourite with two juicy patties and a generous portion of charred barbeque meat in between. There is plenty of non-burger deliciousness to choose from, too, but it’s worth mentioning that throughout January they’re running any burger, fries and a drink for just £10. Winner winner.
almostfamousburgers.com

Soup Kitchen

Rustically romantic, Soup Kitchen is the perfect spot for a cheap date. Not much on the menu is over £5, the soup is always fresh and the atmosphere electric. There are top notch craft beers, cask ales and house spirits to choose from, too. Whilst the crowd is a little rowdy, and it often gets packed in the evenings, you can catch live music most weeks which always makes for a fun time.
soup-kitchen.co.uk

Umami

Umami has been a long-time favourite with Manchester’s student crowd. It’s a far cry from the typical pot noodle lunch and comes with an eclectic menu that will keep you satisfied and, more importantly, debt-free. A set of stairs lead down into the industrial-chic restaurant with clean, minimalist décor, and there’s plenty on the menu to choose from, including ramen noodles, katsu curries and wok fried favorites. The chefs craft their Japanese sushi from scratch, which gives the place an edge over most budget-friendly Asian eateries. With student discount, and a two course lunch menu which leaves change from a fiver, Umami is a good bet if you’re trying to be fiscally responsible.

Ziferblat

Here’s a good one for all of those Tinder-dater’s out there. If you don’t know how long you’re going to spend, head to Ziferblat and enjoy fresh coffee and baked goods for free. The décor is trendy and you only pay for the time you spend – which is pretty good if you’re thinking of making a quick exit.
ziferblat.co.uk

Sinclair’s Oyster Bar

Most of the food here may be under a tenner but you come here if you want a really cheap drinks date. A craft pint at Sinclair’s typically costs around £2 and under. The dark wood beams and old English décor add to the cosy quaint atmosphere and the upbeat jangles are sure to put you in a good mood. If it all gets a little too packed for your taste and you’re wearing your thermals, you can always take advantage of the beer garden, which is one of the largest in Manchester.