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The Manchester
Master Critic Review
The Manchester
7.9
Part cocktail bar, part neighborhood dining room, The Manchester brings a more polished, urban feel to Westchester with a menu of burgers, braised meats, and shareable plates. It’s a popular evening hangout with strong drinks and a lively room, making it a natural pre-game spot for airport runs or nearby arena events.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Manchester burger and fries, Barbera braised short rib, Fried chicken sando
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cocktail-forward neighborhood spot with elevated pub fare and a buzzy bar.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting drinks-centric dinner near LAX
When to visit: Happy hour into prime-time weekend evenings for energy
What to order: Manchester burger, braised short rib, fried chicken sando.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for the best cocktail banter and quicker service on busy nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is generally available in the surrounding neighborhood, but it fills up quickly after 6pm. No valet; expect to circle a bit during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but most guests lean polished—think casual date-night attire.
Noise level: Lively. You can have a conversation, but weekend evenings get buzzy around the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: They don’t typically serve lunch, but early evening on weekdays has little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of solid options—think shareable veggie plates and customizable sides.
Vegan options: Limited. Expect 1–2 items that can be made vegan with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be made gluten-free upon request, but there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The dim lighting, polished interior, and strong cocktails create an easygoing but elevated vibe. It’s lively enough to avoid awkward silence but not so loud that you can’t talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—especially if you’re flexible with bar seating. Weekends after 7pm get busy, so walking in earlier or joining the waitlist is your best bet.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The space skews adult with a cocktail-forward focus. Teens may be fine, but families with younger kids may prefer a more casual, quieter spot.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward nights, pre-event meetups, and elevated bar bites in a neighborhood that doesn’t have many trendy, polished options.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, a fully vegan/gluten-free menu, or a true fine-dining chef’s table experience.