Where to go for late night munchies in Manchester

Paris Hilton once proclaimed she doesn’t like parties beyond 2am because “then it’s all losers and weirdos”.

If you share her thoughts, then you’re probably wondering why the new Taco Bell restaurant on Deansgate has decided to open its doors until 4am every day of the week.

But the team behind the Mexican-themed restaurant believes there’s a real need for a new late night eatery in the middle of Manchester.

“With any opening of a new restaurant we ensure we adhere to all recommended guidelines and procedures for licensing,” says Laura Manley from the QFM Group that also operates Costa Coffee and KFC.

“We also research the customer demographic and footfall patterns in and around the site so that our opening hours and facilities appeal to our customers.

“With Deansgate being right in the heart of the city centre with lots of shops, restaurants and bars we wanted to extend our opening hours in order to serve our delicious Mexican-inspired food to customers who have enjoyed an evening out or who have finished work.”

The truth is, for a growing city like Manchester, there isn’t a lot in the way of food choices past 10pm.

A vox pop on the city’s streets suggests party goers aren’t averse to a new late night option on the high street.

“I think it’s great there’s a new place to go to,” says Sheena, 23, from Oldham. “When you’ve been out partying and dancing for hours, you’re usually really hungry so a chance to sit down somewhere and tuck into food is great.”

Matt, 28, who lives in the city centre, agrees. “Manchester’s known for its nightlife so it makes sense for there to be as much choice as possible when it comes to eating out. You don’t always want to grab a kebab or chips on the way back home.”

The chain’s first Taco Bell opened in 1962 in Downey, California by American businessman Glen Bell. Over five decades later, there are now over 7500 restaurants across the world.

There’s already a Taco Bell kiosk in the Arndale Centre’s Food Hall but the Deansgate venue, which is open from Friday, June 29, is the company’s first standalone restaurant in the city.

Accommodating up to 70 people, there’s an open kitchen, free wi-fi on site and charging stations with all the usual suspects on the menu – cheese-laden nachos, quesadillas and burritos – along with beers and cocktails to wash it all down.

If that doesn’t ring your bell, here are five other places for late-night munchies in Manchester

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Crazy Pedros

If you’re looking for pizza with punch then make a pitstop at Crazy Pedros near Spinningfields or in the Northern Quarter. The dough’s made daily with toppings including hot dog, fried chicken and Thai quorn and both branches stay open until 4am every day.

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The Bagel Shop

Following their street vending success, the friends behind Eat New York opened their first shop on Oldham Street in November last year. With tantalising salt beef, crab shack and grill melt bagels on the menu, it’s enough to satisfy any carb cravings. Open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Mughli Charcoal Pit

If you’re after a midnight feast, you can’t go too wrong by heading to Manchester’s famous Curry Mile. But this Indian restaurant on Wilmslow Road stands out for its authentic small dishes and attention to detail. Open until 12am Monday to Thursday and 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Leo’s Fish Bar

Forget the idea of greasy fries. This family-run favourite on Oldham Street has been voted Greater Manchester’s best fish and chips. It’s open until 12am Sunday to Thursday; 4am on Friday and 5am on Saturday.

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Matt and Phred’s

Known for its live music, this Tib Street venue also serves up food every week day until 12am and until 12.30am at the weekends. Tuck into pizza, bar bites and a selection of chef’s specials such as chocolate chilli nachos and chippy supper.

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