Why Not ? Cafe-bar
Quick info
About Why Not ? Cafe-bar
Why Not ? Cafe-bar sits on Leigh Rd in Manchester, combining a cafe and bar menu that pairs Mexican dishes with Western breakfast items such as scrambled eggs on toast, omelette, or a full English. The beer garden hosts live music when weather allows, giving the outdoor seating a role beyond just extra covers. Table service runs throughout, and dogs are welcome, making it a straightforward option for owners out with their pets. High chairs are available for families with young children. The cafe-bar opens Wednesday to Sunday and stays closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and reservations are recommended given the mix of dining and entertainment on offer.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree of charge street parking
- Good for kidsGood for kids · Kids' menu
Menu & Prices
15 dishes- Ham And Strong Cheddar With Pesto Or Piccalilli
- Peppered Brisket, Onions, Mushrooms With Buffalo Sauce
- Brie And Rocket With Bacon
- Falafel, Hummus, Onion, Sundried Tomato And Rocket
- Sweet Chilli Chicken With Rocket, Tomato And Onion
- Halloumi With Rocket, Tomato, Onion And Sweet Chilli Sauce
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention vegan burger and chips, full english breakfast, live music and beer garden.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention vegan burger and chips, full english breakfast, live music and beer garden.
Customer Review Summary
Breakfast draws the most praise, with reviewers pointing to the full English, scrambled eggs on toast, and omelette as cheaper and more satisfying than nearby alternatives. Close behind, the burger and chips get called out, with the chips described as delicious even when the burger itself was a bit sloppy to eat. Live music and the cosy indoor atmosphere also come up repeatedly, along with the beer garden, which one visitor called beautiful, and the dog friendly, table service setting. Staff are consistently described as friendly, welcoming, and accommodating, with a couple of reviewers noting the owner goes above and beyond. One recurring gripe concerns pricing, most sharply from a reviewer charged £2.50 for lime and soda water, calling it far above what other pubs charge for the same drink, though most others describe prices as reasonable or good value. A vegan reviewer also notes the hotdog once recommended elsewhere is no longer meat free. Several say they stumbled upon the place and plan to return.
Customer Review Summary
Breakfast draws the most praise, with reviewers pointing to the full English, scrambled eggs on toast, and omelette as cheaper and more satisfying than nearby alternatives. Close behind, the burger and chips get called out, with the chips described as delicious even when the burger itself was a bit sloppy to eat. Live music and the cosy indoor atmosphere also come up repeatedly, along with the beer garden, which one visitor called beautiful, and the dog friendly, table service setting. Staff are consistently described as friendly, welcoming, and accommodating, with a couple of reviewers noting the owner goes above and beyond. One recurring gripe concerns pricing, most sharply from a reviewer charged £2.50 for lime and soda water, calling it far above what other pubs charge for the same drink, though most others describe prices as reasonable or good value. A vegan reviewer also notes the hotdog once recommended elsewhere is no longer meat free. Several say they stumbled upon the place and plan to return.
Featured reviews
- Steven Nathaniel
“A few drinks and some live music. The atmosphere is excellent. Bad weather prevented the entertainment from performing outside but the cosy atmosphere indoors was perfect. Dog friendly. Table service with a smile.”
- RD Tax Consultants
“Local live music and a friendly atmosphere. Food looks lovely too.”
- Timothy Peace
“Mega expensive i will not be going back. I bought a lime and soda water and was charged £2.50 for half a pint. Come on this is theft. Soda water is usually free. A whole bottle of lime is about 75 pence. I usually get charged 50 pence to a pound at other pubs.”
- Jake N
“If you are in the area and you want a simple western breakfast, like scrambled eggs on toast, an omelette or even a full English then forget Nook and come here. Way cheaper, way more satisfying. Very friendly and welcoming staff to boot. The Mexican food also looked really nice too.”
- Donna Thompson
“Stumbled upon this cafe/bar. What a unique and quirky place. Beer garden beautiful. Staff so friendly and accommodating. The food was delicious, fresh and cooked to order. Will definitely be back again. Hidden little gem. Loved everything about it.”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
Amenities
- Free of charge street parking
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Dine-in
- Good for kids
Show more amenities
- Bar on site
- Casual
- Beer
- Coffee
- Free water refills
- Quick bite
- Dining options· 6
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Pet-friendly· 2
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Highlights· 5
- Great beer selection
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
- Facilities· 1
- Toilet
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
- Offerings· 4
- Alcohol
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Wine
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Atmosphere· 2
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Family-friendly· 1
- Kids' menu
Location
Cafes near Why Not ? Cafe-bar
- Cafe Elliott4.53522 mi
full english breakfast, lasagna, latte
- Cafe 184.41273.2 miDelivery
mega breakfast, cheeseburgers and milkshakes, burger and cheesy chips
- Buttyfull Cafe4.41883.2 miVegetarian optionsDeliveryReservations
dog friendly with free sausage, full english breakfast, fast service even when busy
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why Not ? Cafe-barOutdoor seating · Reservations | 4.7257 | — | vegan burger and chips, full english breakfast, live music |
| Cafe Elliott | 4.5352 | 2 mi | full english breakfast, lasagna, latte |
| Cafe 18Delivery | 4.4127 | 3.2 mi | mega breakfast, cheeseburgers and milkshakes, burger and cheesy chips |
| Buttyfull CafeVegetarian options · Delivery · Reservations | 4.4188 | 3.2 mi | dog friendly with free sausage, full english breakfast, fast service even when busy |
The 3 nearest cafes by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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