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Federal Cafe & Bar

4.5 (118 reviews)
Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Federal Cafe & Bar Photos

FEDERAL CAFE & BAR ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Hipster
Casual
Dogs allowed

Recommended Reviews - Federal Cafe & Bar

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Eggs Benedict on sourdough with bacon. Deeeeelicious!
Debi J.

I had a fantastic brunch! The food, service, coffee, and cocktails were all outstanding! There was a line out the door. I was alone, but was still told there would be a 20 minute wait time. It was literally 5 minutes. They opened at 8am on a Sunday! I got there around 10. If you don't want to wait, you'd better be standing there when they unlock the doors!

Latte
James W.

This review is solely based on the take out menu as thats all I did. However, I really wanted to go here for a while and last time it was queued for ages. Luckily this time I was able to get in and get an order. This placed looked amazing ... when I feel more confident to eat out, I would deffo go here and eat in ... Antipodean coffee is great. I just ordered a basic latte and even though COVID things have eased a little bit, I was glad they still took it seriously. So I ordered a basic latte, which was really easy, the menu easily available and readable, ordered without any wait and then waited outside and they brought it out to me. The staff were all very nice and the food looked great and they even had some Aussie chocolate which was a nice touch. The coffee was great too ... very well made, had their own recyclable cups and it was super tasty ... a great way to start any day.

Assam tea
Melissa T H.

Excellent brunch here! All the staff were friendly and despite being quoted a 20 min wait, it was about 10 min. We got window counter seats and ordered at the till. The Tumeric Latte was absolutely delicious, the Stuffed French toast was super decadent and delicious, as was the Halloumi and Shrooms was perfect! The poached eggs were done just right and the sauce was flavorful. The Pineapple porridge reminded us of Hawaii. Portions were generous and the atmosphere was lively at this cozy restaurant. All of it was wonderful! Can't wait to go back!

Scrambled Eggs on GF toast with chorizo and bacon. £11.99 including OJ and Deliveroo service fee
Aaron S.

Federal Cafe & Bar is one of Manchester's most popular restaurants on Yelp, mainly a brunch spot they have two branches around the city centre with this being one of their main stores as it was the first one which opened back in 2014. It is currently serving food on a collection basis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is also on Deliveroo during this time. The menu is currently a much-reduced menu and some of the items don't seem to travel very well, including the freshly squeezed orange juice which might have been tasty and good quality, but the fact it didn't come with a straw made it hard to drink, especially considering I was eating outside myself. For my food, I ordered the gluten-free eggs on toast which comes with a spicy tomato sauce, however it was more sweet and sticky than spicy. The eggs, however, were pretty good and seasoned well. For £5 this wasn't bad. I also got some extras including bacon and chorizo at £2 each, the bacon was a little fatty and the chorizo was slightly chewy but the latter did have nice flavours. The gluten-free toast was pretty bad, it was barely toasted and it was inedible, even the fact it was soggy due to being drenched in the sauce didn't make it edible. I threw some to nearby pigeons, and even they turned their backs on it. A good place for brunch, do bear in mind this place doesn't have disabled access but it really isn't a good place for take-out from a lack of straws to the food being too messy and just not suitable for take-out or delivery. 3*

Treated myself to lunch and dessert
Natalie W.

What an oasis! Super friendly staff and appealing menu make this a great place for a little treat (I wouldn't come here for a standard weekday lunch as it's fairly expensive, although generous portions and certainly not unreasonable for the quality). I like how you pay at the till so you don't have to stress about waiting to pay at the end. I tried the famed smashed avocado on sourdough and it made a very satisfying meal when paired with perfectly cooked poached eggs and a pile of smoked salmon. The coke was a disappointing 200ml (but I do need to cut down) and they brought water without asking, always a good sign. The nata tart was very nice but not a patch on what I had in Lisbon, I should probably stop ordering it and expecting a different result! It must be a good sign that I recommended two sets of friends to come here before I ever tried it, just on the basis of consistently excellent online reviews, and they all raved about it. On a shockingly summer October day it was delightful to sit on the pavement and watch the trams go by...the closest Shudehill will ever come to beautiful!

Jonny Q.

It's hard to review this place based on atmosphere as I popped in at 430pm last Thursday and I was the only person in here - saying that, it did give me a good opportunity to really check out the place and have a good natter with the barista. It's a great new addition to the NQ as the likes of NTP and Takk do seem to get super busy now and there really does need to be somewhere new to take the numbers and offer something a little bit different (and space) - the layout is all cool booths and the windows are perfect for people watching. The barista was friendly (I remember him from Caffeine and Co Spinningfields) and it was great to see them stocking OZone coffee from London (I do miss that wonderful place on Old Street...) - the coffee was damn good! I'll definitely be making this place a regular stop on my list of places to hit while I'm in town, I just hope that they get the word out about it a bit more as NTP was crazy busy when I went after here and that is just around the corner. Wifi is: federalcafebar

Americano
Matt F.

As it stands, my favourite breakfast/brunch place in the city. I only say as it stands because I haven't visited every single breakfast/brunch establishment (2016 goal right there). Back to the review, Federal is awesome! They have a great menu with a different twist that your regular breakie menus and some healthy options at that! A popular choice is the smashed avocado but I went for poached eggs on sourdough toast with bacon on the side - amazing - and the bacon was some of the best I've ever tasted. Oh and the juices, especially the Superman juice, are fantastic. The Superman is blended fresh in the cafe and contains like 100 of your 5 day; Kale, Avocado, Lime juice, chia seeds and a dozen other really super uber healthy ingredients. I read the ingredients before I had it and expected a horrible taste - nope - delicious! Pretty obvious that I like this place, I'll be back!

Smashed avocado, streaky bacon and poached eggs on sourdough toast with rocket
Michael B.

If you're selling a) poached eggs b) streaky bacon c) avocado d) all of the aforementioned, then I'm going to be your customer. Having seen other Yelpers' reviews and their comments on the food, I decided to give them a try when I decided to brave the city for some shopping. Located on a corner plot on the opposite side of the road from Oklahoma and across from the NCP car park, the outlook from their windows may be bleak, but not so their interior and definitely not their menu. After a friendly hello from the staff behind the counter, I sat down and glanced the options, having already decided to order their 'smashed avocado, streaky bacon and poached eggs on sourdough toast with rocket' (£7.50). With a pot of Earl Grey, brunch would come to a reasonable tenner. Having missed the large lettering on the menu saying 'Order at the till' I waited for a few minutes before coming to my senses and heading up to the counter. There were only a couple of other customers in when I arrived but they quickly filled up post 11am. My tea was brought out first and was followed not long afterwards by my meal. One word: delectable. It all worked - the saltiness of the bacon with the freshness of the avocado and tang of the rocket. Eggs poached to perfection and hearty toast. Scrummy. I wanted to order another plate of it and berated myself for eating it too quickly. As others have mentioned, their location, though ideal for commuters near Shudehill to pop in, or Arndale shoppers wanting a quiet escape from the food market, for Northern Quarter wanderers you'll have to walk past a few competitors before you reach them. If you are in the area though, do try them out, they rustle up a seriously good brunch.

Piccolo coffee and poached eggs with salmon Delicious!!!!
Eric B.

I love grabbing breakfast at federal, it has such a great atmosphere and a real urban modern feel. The cafe is a little small but I think that's what builds the character of the place. Because of the size waiting time can be a little while but it is definatley worth the wait. I had the haloumi with shrooms which was an amazing meal with sourdough bread, pouched eggs, with sauce haloumi and yes mushrooms. This meal was absolutely delicious would highly recommend if your feeling hungry! If your a coffee lover like me you will not be disappointed in federal cafe and bar as the coffee is delicious and they have so much choice. I have a new favourite which is the piccolo.

Stevie M.

Another day, another breakfast, but another great breakfast. I really liked Federal, the portions were large and the coffee was strong. Coffee wise it really feels like these guys know what they are doing - as soon as you walk in the door you are hit with the waft of roasting beans. It was really hard to choose what to eat from the menu, in no way is this a criticism, what I mean is that nearly every option sounded mouth watering. I eventually opted for the tried and tested Eggs Benedict although I knew that in the next 30 minutes I was going to experience some pangs of food envy. That prophecy came true when Jonny Q's french toast came out piled on his plate and topped with clotted cream. Mine by comparison looked truly boring. Have you ever hear the phrase 'empty cans make the most noise'? Well in this case I think my eggs benedict spoke for itself. The bacon was incredibly morish, to the point that as I ate my last rasher I started ripping tiny bits off so it would last longer. The vibe is most definitely hipster but don't let that put you off - they're a cheery bunch in here! Easy 5 stars - one of my many Manc highlights.

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2 months ago

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1 year ago

Great vibes, delicious food, and excellent service, all at a reasonable price. Highly recommend and would definitely visit again.

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1 year ago

Great food and wonderful staff. I was there for 10 year anniversary and it was awesome event. Very fun environment to be in.

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1 year ago

Staff provides great service and food was very tasty. I don't usually give review but it was so good that I want to give a 5 star. Thanks.

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Evelyn's Cafe Bar - All I ordered

Evelyn's Cafe Bar

4.5(45 reviews)
0.1 miNorthern Quarter
££

The food and drink at evelyn's was amazing! It was tasty and filling with reasonable prices. The…read moreservice was quick and the staff were very friendly. It is a cute and cozy spot perfect for a quiet brunch

Evelyns is a place where I always saw it online and recommended but never got around to going. Im…read morenot sure why because I'm always in that area. One Sunday I went up as I could get there for opening time and decided to cross it off my list. When I got there it was already open so that was a little confusing ... but it was RAMMED. Luckily, I was going on my own so could easily be sat at the window, which was a great view, and easily got served. So many people came in after me and couldn't be seated without a reservation. But the host was very lovely and gracious and people understood. Food wise I went for the shakshuka, it sounded nice, and it really was ... it was also EXTREMELY hot because it was served in cast iron and kept its heat. It was delicious. The toast was crispy, the tomatoes were tasty, chickpeas were crunchy and a nice addition, The added sausage was very delicious, the eggs were good although I would have preferred if they had some runny yolk but its almost impossible to get that with baked eggs. Server was lovely, staff were great, absolutely need to return here when I can.

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Evelyn's Cafe Bar
Evelyn's Cafe Bar - Shakshuka, eggs, chick peas, tomatoes, toast, feta

Shakshuka, eggs, chick peas, tomatoes, toast, feta

Evelyn's Cafe Bar - Table water in a lovely bottle

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Table water in a lovely bottle

The Koffee Pot - Menu

The Koffee Pot

4.2(36 reviews)
0.2 miNorthern Quarter
£

I had a day to myself in Manchester recently and I was recommended this spot (very randomly by a…read moregirl on tinder who lived in Newcastle) so I thought why not try it out! I'd been eating a lot of unhealthy foods so it was really nice to get a smoothie and a vegetarian full English (but I did get the black pudding on the side). Ironically the coffee machine was broken but my spirit wasn't! Plus I don't really like coffee anyway so it didn't matter. The staff were all super nice (not a requirement obvi but it's nice) and the food was really tasty! The interior was nice too very maximalist vibes and it reminded me of something I'd see in LA. Overall a great place to get breakfast

Passing through Manchester to play music, some of my bandmates discovered this spot. I optes for…read moretake away, but wished I had time to dine-in. Very friendly ostess took my order and I had my food in less than 15 minutes (this was after the breakfast/brunch rush so they weren't super busy). I got the taco truck fries which while very spicy & garlicky were amazing. I also got the Eggs in Purgatory whoch were out of this world amazing. The hot honey toast was a perfect vehicle for mopping up the sauce. Hoping I get to come back again!!

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The Koffee Pot - Interior

Interior

The Koffee Pot - Mex Brex breakfast special: Chorizo, Canellini Beans, spicy sauce topped with 2 poached eggs, cheese, & chillies.  Mmmm

Mex Brex breakfast special: Chorizo, Canellini Beans, spicy sauce topped with 2 poached eggs, cheese, & chillies. Mmmm

The Koffee Pot - The new koffee pot on Oldham street. Same people same great food and service new hammo art on the wall. A remix on a classic .

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The new koffee pot on Oldham street. Same people same great food and service new hammo art on the wall. A remix on a classic .

Alabama's All American Eatery - very verynice!worth waiting

Alabama's All American Eatery

3.9(38 reviews)
0.3 miNorthern Quarter
££

This place is closed down. Someone should remove it! Called numerous times and couldn't get…read morethrough. I figured something was wrong when address wouldn't pop up on my. Google maps. Finally did some more looking and found out they've been closed for a year. Very disappointed as I was looking forward to an American breakfast.

I really wish this place opened in the evening.. from Monday to Thursday it closes at 3pm and other…read moredays 5pm this is why it's taken me so long to eat here!! After a heavy night I took my friend here for brunch. On the outside it looks closed. Walking up the stairs exposes a open kitchen and large seating area with cacti everywhere and a cool kat clock over looking the place. The service was enjoyable from start to finish..90 percent of staff including the chef looked genuinely happy to be working there dancing to the music smiling as they cooked and served. It gave it a buzz! The menu consists of well..a American diner..from the special board I chose the maple pecan nut shake and the Benny crab cakes.. my friend had the spinach and poached eggs dish with fresh mint tea. The Shake was huge and yummy and while I waited for my food I kept seeing indulgent stacks of pancakes being whisked away. My poached eggs were oozy and perfect and the crab cakes.. well very crabby! And rich..to break it up there was water melon on the side which refreshed the palette. My friend really enjoyed hers too. I really want to come back here :( please extend your opening times!!

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Alabama's All American Eatery
Alabama's All American Eatery
Alabama's All American Eatery - French toast

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French toast

Elnecot - Welsh Beef burger, Chips, and ketchup

Elnecot

4.9(10 reviews)
0.4 miAncoats, Petersfield

I LOVE Ancoats, and I love cutting room square. Whenever I come up to Manchester, 9 times out of 10…read moreI will find myself in ancoats and just walking around and trying the bars and restaurants there. It's amazing. So when it came to a December trip, I knew I wanted to treat myself and go somewhere new and somewhere in Ancoats, and Elnecot popped up on my feed. Ive walked passed this place so many times and never been in and decided to change it. I booked a time and it was in-between lunch and dinner services so they still served lunch and was before the workers finished so it was quiet. Walking in, it was a lovely place. Looks upscale, looks trendy, looks cozy and it really was. The length of the restaurant has floor to ceiling windows sou can still see the beautiful buildings and people walking passed, and they had a curtain light in the window next to me so it added to the ambiance. As it was the festive period, and I wanted to be a bit fancy with a wine, I chose the Mulled wine from the festive specials menu. Then went for the welsh cheeseburger and fries and the chocolate lava cake thingy for desert. The service was nice and super quick, and the food was delicious. The mulled wine, was better than at the Christmas markets and nice and warning and warm. The burger was delicious and chips were epic. Then the desert came and OMG .. I shall let the pictures do all the talking.

Fantastic small plates, extremely attentive service and just generally a great vibe. I loved coming…read morehere, really felt like the perfect slightly decadent treat. I particularly rate the kohlrabi.

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Elnecot
Elnecot - Some of the decorations around Christmas

Some of the decorations around Christmas

Elnecot - More Christmas decorations

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More Christmas decorations

Fress - More of inside

Fress

4.8(9 reviews)
0.2 miNorthern Quarter
££

The food here was delicious, the menu unique enough to be interesting, the decor beautiful, and the…read moreservice exceptionally friendly. I shared the chicken toastie and the steak and eggs with my husband and both were amazing.

Fress has been gorgeously redecorated with tiling on both the floors and walls - whatever they…read morespent on it was totally worth it, and the warm lighting illuminates it all perfectly. I started with a Bloody Mary which came with a teeny tiny bottle of Tabasco floating in it - I am def one of those girls who likes miniature stuff so was almost too excited to notice that in any case the spice level was perfectly balanced. We had padron peppers and octopus to start. The octopus was really excellent - tender with a beautiful flavourful sauce. The padron peppers came with some kind of sauce and no cracked sea salt, which was a shame because the traditional way to do padron peppers is wildly popular for a reason - I wouldn't get these again. For mains, bf loved the crispy pork belly with bacon (and refused to let me have any, so let's take his word for it). I had the half chicken which really is a lot of meat - I love the gravy and sugar snaps but the beetroot potato, while a great idea and having a nice flavour, was really too dominated by the beetroot. We had a penicillin cocktail to finish - it's a very tart whisky cocktail though so I wouldn't recommend it for dessert. Overall we really enjoyed our meal here and you should definitely give this attractive restaurant a try. NB while I initially put categories indicating this is more of a brunch/bar place, it is a proper evening restaurant and unless there's something downstairs, there's not much bar space.

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Fress - Inside

Inside

Fress - OJ, flat white and flowers

OJ, flat white and flowers

Fress - Beef brisket potato hash, poached egg, chilli, hollandaise, mushroom

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Beef brisket potato hash, poached egg, chilli, hollandaise, mushroom

Federal Cafe & Bar - cafes - Updated May 2026

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