Skip it and summarize:  This restaurant/bar combo has a little something for everyone with surprises around every corner.

Located in the heart of Southend Charlotte, across from another fave of mine, Tupelo Honey, The Manchester has a little something for everyone. A separate whole bar area designed with bird cage chandeliers suspended from the ceiling. The lighting and booth seating in the dining room, give it a modern yet cozy feel. A summer’s night can be spent out on the patio. 

The Manchester is a poppin’ little place that does not take reservations for parties less than 8, so plan on waiting a good half hour or more to get seated. The good news is they take your phone number so you can wander around taking in Southend while you wait. 

With a group of 5 ladies we all loved our meals. My meal included the Bishop’s Chicken which is fried chicken bites tossed in a special honey sauce topped with candied pecans, sesame seeds, and chopped scallions over rice. 

Don’t tell anyone but there’s a prohibition themed speakeasy underneath The Manchester. You need a password though, which you can find located on Room 1812’s Instagram story renewed daily! Learn more about Room 1812 here. 

$$: The Manchester is comparable to an average in Charlotte, averaging around $20 per entrée, not including any beverages. 

Bonus, there’s a GIF maker when you walk in. Yep – you and your friends get to pose under a sign boasting “You are exactly where you need to be” for all of your social media fans to fawn over. 

Why you should go: It makes for a great girls/guys night, Instagram story, and you get to sneak downstairs through a door hidden in the wall to Room 1812 and see what all the buzz is about!