Americana – the mood of country, blues, jazz, bourbon and food – is big business in the UK. Especially in Manchester, where I hail from. From dive bars to hospitality palaces of chicken wings, American whisky and saxophones, Manchester has an American undercurrent running through its Northern soul.
And here’s some of the best Americana venues to check out while you’re in the city.
Blues Street Kitchen
A go-to hangout for the city’s Americana music fans, Blues Street Kitchen is the place to be for those kinds of vibes. On the first floor, you’ll find a regularly packed out restaurant serving up American Deep South classics like cornbread and big ass burgers that definitely evoke the American spirit.
On the second floor, you’ll be sucked into the circuit of country, blues and jazz singers that burn the house down week in and week out. There may even be the occasional eating competition to put your food and spice tolerance to the test. (I did a hot wing challenge here and was one of the last people standing – and had burning hands for the rest of the night. Still worth it for the bar tab.)
Bunny Jackson’s
A Manchester institution, Bunny Jackson’s is the classic deep south dive bar with the cheapest chicken wings in the city. (Again, I’ve done a hot wing challenge here and that’s one of the biggest draws of the place. It involves eating ten hotter than the sun wings in ten minutes. Winners get a t-shirt and their pain is immortalised on the wall forever with a photo. My tear-stricken face is on there somewhere…)
If you aren’t hooked on the wings, the music and atmosphere will keep you here for a couple of drinks.
Whiskey Jar
Bourbon hunters will want to pay a visit to the Whiskey Jar in the Northern Quarter. By far the best whisky bar in the city, you’ll find an impressive collection of bourbon on the back. Old reliables like Knob Creek, Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve. Rarer finds like Eagle Rare 10 years and Grand Old Mac.
Honestly, you can go across the world in the Whiskey Jar with the bottles they serve. Go from America to Japan in the space of a couple of sips.
Matt and Phred’s
Jazz aficionados should get a seat at Matt and Phred’s. This Manchester stalwart has been knocking out excellent jazz performances for years and invites some of the UK’s most talented acts to the stage every week.
The cheap and tasty pizza makes for a great companion too.
Moose Coffee
After a night on the town, you’ll probably want to soak up the hangover. Head on over to Moose Coffee, an American/Canadian inspired brunch spot with two locations in the city centre.
The pancakes are heavenly – soft, light and filling. But don’t just go for the obvious choice. There’s a range of dishes that are suitable hangover cures and great for eating when you’re sober as a judge.
Both Moose Coffee locations are popular so I recommend booking in advance so you don’t miss out.
Black Milk
Have a sweet tooth? Then you’ll be in your happy place when you step into Black Milk. The cafe specialises in American desserts that will either put you into a sugar coma or give you all the energy you need to travel around the city.
The cafe also sells a range of sweet products that you can take away with you and have as a memento of your trip.
Let me know if you’ve visited any of these places or you’d recommend any other Americana style places in Manchester.
Americana Aspects 
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