Walrus is one of those bars that just opens their doors and is always busy. Whether it be grabbing the attention of the lunch time crowd or a must-go stop on that big NQ night out, Walrus is sure to entertain. Since the refurbishment a month or so ago, it's looking very suave, with copper everywhere - the bar, tables, stools and lighting all giving off this orange tinge. I quite like it. The staff in here are great, and the cocktails even more so. read more

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Short review. We put a feature on the website but Yelp might not be ready for our 'art'. But do check elfoodbrothers.com for that. In short. I don't think Walrus is really geared up for a lunch time spot. We won a 'free' lunch. We booked in as told. We went in at this time and waited at the bar to speak to someone. This took longer than it should, as there only appeared to be one member of staff. We were clear that we had booked and mentioned the prize. They would have to check with a manager. So no record of the 'booking' then. We had to get this checked another 3 times during our visit. Each time adding another 5 minutes to our 'express' lunch. In the end it took around 15 mins before we'd even ordered. It was nearly an hour until we had our Calzones, and we had no time to try and enjoyed them as like most people, we have to be back at work. The Cazlones weren't worth the wait. I'd expect more burger than 3 small slices in something called a Cheeseburger Calzone. And the 'free' lunch cost us £8 in total, which seemed steep for not even a pint of meantime. You may say I'm a dreamer. But I expected more, even if it was a free lunch. We didn't feel like winners by the end of it all. read more

Walrus - Is there any burger in there? - Lounges Near Me - Manchester, XGM

After a relaxed Bank Holiday weekend, we decided to get outside and try something new; in fact, we have a massive list of places to try in Manchester and Walrus was too tempting to refuse. As we're in love with Tusk, it was an easy sell! It wasn't too busy, and we found booth seating easily. As it was 'Happy Hour' we shared a very tasty bottle of wine for £9.95. The menu here is fairly small, but perfectly formed. I'm under the impression that Walrus used to offer bento-box style food, but now it's changed to small plates of beef spring rolls and halloumi skewers, a burger or fish & chips, and 4 sharing platters. Though the platters were tempting, we couldn't agree between the two of us which one we preferred, so settled for a burger each and the halloumi skewers - after seeing them in Tusk, I just had to try. The halloumi was delicious, and the batter was just right, not too overpowering. The pea & mint bon bons were 'interesting' on their own (not to my taste) but paired with the halloumi and cucumber, they added a whole new level to the dish. The burgers were served pink and juicy, perfect, though hard to eat on a wooden platter! The chips were seasoned well and had some great crispy ones hidden away. The onion rings, sadly, were a bit of a disappointment after the "life changing ones at Tusk" (his words, not mine) but you can't win them all. Nice atmosphere and great food. read more

Walrus - walrus burger (2013) - Lounges Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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The specials board outside was what caught my attention. I've never really thought to rush to try Walrus, purely because there's a lot of other places that have caught my eye. The specials board displayed a small selection of dishes for £5.95 a bargain I said to myself. We got our window seat, ordered drinks and 2x Fish and Chips off the menu. It did take approximately 25 minutes to come which I thought was quite long as I'm not used to waiting that long in most places situated in the NQ. Having said that, it was worth the wait. Great price for a great plate of food. Perfect portion size for a lunch time meal. The tartare sauce was AMAZING! Only bad thing about the place, which wasn't so bad, was the staff could of been a bit more welcoming and helpful when it came to where to order food etc. As I am fairly new to MCR and most NQ bars/restaurant waiters coming to your table to welcome you i did find myself scratching my head a little! read more

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Found ourselves in here after a wander through the northern quarter, and having been in some of the other venues that belong to the owners, thought it would be a pretty safe bet. The drinks are reasonably priced, but, as with so many places, you wouldn't be getting very much if you took the ice out, never the less, my cocktail was pretty tasty. We both went for exactly the same order of sliders, which is one of the joys and simultaneous disappointments to not have something else to try of a friend with similar tastes. Served in a typical hipster, plate free fashion, but good, and filling enough, which I know many often doubt of sliders, and perfectly seasoned herby skinny fries that always save my heart a dose of far more salt than I should be gobbling! It took a while to be noticed by the staff, at all points (getting there, ordering drinks, getting the bill, leaving, the works) so that's one of the reasons they've had a drop from four, as there shouldn't be a lack of attentiveness enough to raise a mildly passive aggressive "Thannnnks guyyyyys!!!" from my mate as we headed down the ramp :') read more

Walrus - Quite possibly the iciest cocktail ever! :') - Lounges Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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A venue seemingly designed as a substitute fix for those trying come off the psychedelic substances, Walrus is nothing if not an assault on the senses! Candy striped rubber floors, over-sized light fittings, hat wearing wildlife, neon fish-tanks and chairs that look like boiled eggs are just some of the jazzy design elements that make up this adults play pen. Word of advice- this is NOT the place to stage a hair-of-the-dog post clubbing chill out! Situated at the city centre end of the Northern Quarter however, it certainly IS the place to start off a fantastic night. The food is daring and the bar menu eclectic- a bento box washed down with an umbongo cocktail cannot possibly be the start of a dull evening! read more

Walrus - Lounges Near Me - Manchester, XGM

This place is certainly a must when visiting the Northern Quarter for a few drinks. Unlike any other bar in Manchester, Walrus has a unique and uplifting decor a crazy mix of coloured walls and psychedelic drawings with white oriental furnishings. Walrus is a strange fusion of cocktail bar and a modern Asian fusion eatery. The Bento boxes here are amazing and only cost £5 Monday to Friday 12-5pm-absolute bargain if you ask me! If you want a relaxed atmosphere with great food and fab cocktails get yourself down to Walrus sharpish. read more

Walrus - www.walrusmanchester.com - Lounges Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Like stepping into a Dali wet dream, this place offers a vibrant, funky hangout for the populace at large. Designed by Bernard Carroll, the visionary architect behind some of the city's other innovative establishments (Reform, Panacea, Sugar Lounge, Piccolino, Ampersand being his other notable projects), this place is certainly ambitious in composition and not afraid to experiment with the layout. Some sections certainly feel like you're drinking in IKEA but the laid-back aesthetics provide a calming stop-off before jumping back out into the Northern Quarter and out to a club. Spread out over a couple of floors, it's theme is colourful and individualistic - akin to an art gallery. It is no coincidence that this place is dense with students and bohemian types. The decor alone stimulates conversation and I can guarantee a trip to the aforementioned IKEA the following morning, as your girlfriend/wife/mistress uses this place for idea-gathering. Walrus also serves food and signature dishes include; Black Pepper Ribs, Oyako (chicken and egg) Donburi, a three day cooked beef curry and a selection of traditional Bento boxes containing an array of Asian delicacies. A modern, unpretentious, trendy place with a positive vibe. Decent selection of bottled beers from around the world and a colourful, eclectic cocktail menu. Not overly priced but certainly not cheap either. Overall, other than the decor there is not much else to talk about in here. A nice place to chill and have a drink, but not as impressive and less fulfilling than other venues in Manchester -despite the designers intentions for the place. read more

Walrus - Lounges Near Me - Manchester, XGM

I'd been in Walrus a few times but always just for a quick pint. This past weekend I got the chance to spend a longer period of time in there and I really enjoyed myself. Drinks are reasonably priced and bar staff were great - never keeping you waiting to long for a drink, which is a nice change as I was starting to debate whether or not as invisible to certain bartenders and certain bars. Upstairs you have a nice bar area with some high top tables and booths for you to sit in and grab some food, whilst downstairs, at least when I arrived, was a more of a dance floor/nightclub setting. The owners have done a good job here, and I believe it's not their only venture in NQ, so I guess I'll have to go out for another drink soon, sigh. read more

We've been here a few times since it re-opened for after work drinks or pre cinema food. The sharing platters are good value and every time I've been in they have been playing lots of 90's indie tunes - right up my street! The only negative I have is from our last visit on Saturday. A group of us had been sat in a booth for about 3 1/2 hours having a lovely time, spending money and waiting for more to join us. At about 9pm one of the floor staff came over and abruptly told us the table was reserved in 40 mins so we would need to move, surely you could tell us when we sat down, or when you saw our party growing? It won't stop us going back there though as it's a good place to go as a group and still be able to hear yourself talk. read more

Happy Hour Ahoy! A drinkable bottle of wine for £8 you say? served in a place nice enough not to require hand sanitizer? (looking directly at you here 'spoons). Madness I cry, MADNESS! However I was proven wrong a couple of Fridays ago when I did indeed indulge in a bottle (or two *Hic!*) of perfectly passable house red at Walrus. Their happy hour runs until 8pm and includes lots of cocktails too. Thankfully judging by previous Yelpers photographs they've had a bit of a makeover and the candy coloured eyesore of an interior has been wrestled into submission. Replaced by your run of the mill 'artisan' decor: chunky dark woods, age worn leather with comfy booths. Neither original nor migraine inducing. After escaping from an unseasonable summer downpour and managing to secure a booth we thought we might as well make the most of it and ended up staying for a good few hours. Although it was relatively early in the evening Walrus had a really nice atmosphere, quite laid back with attentive and yet unpressured table service. Wine consumption meant that there wasn't much of a focus on food and to be honest, it would have felt a bit weird ordering a full meal, as no one else seemed to be eating. But we did order the handmade vegetable and balsamic crisps. As someone who prides them self on their crisp connoisseurship I can concur that they were possibly the tastiest three quids-worth handful of crisps I have ever tasted - or so I thought after two glasses of wine?! (make of that what you will) Looking forward to sampling the cocktail menu on my next visit, not sure it'll ever be on my dining-out list though. read more

I can honestly say that I don't know why this is only a 3 star review for me but it just lacked something and I'm not sure what! Very unhelpful I know! I have only ever been on a busy Friday/Saturday night and I have never eaten there so my review is based purely on that. We got served very quickly at the bar, I had a Negroni (thanks for the tip Matt!) which was delicious and the music was just what I wanted for the evening so all in all not a bad experience but like I said there was something missing to make this place great. For me it is a reliable place to go for kowledgable bar tenders and good tunes but reliable isn't special, I go to northern Quarter for a different experience but I wasn't wowed. I will go back because it serves it's purpose well but I wasn't blown away. read more

I went here recently due to having a money off voucher. The venue is great and they have a good drinks selection. I would suggest that the food is fairly average and won't necessarily be rushing back for another meal, although Walrus is also great for a night out (albeit it can get quite busy!) Given the plethora of options in Northern Quarter then I would suggest that there are better options available. read more

We came here for a couple neat the end of a night out. It was OK. That's pretty bland I know but the service was....pretty bland too! Drinks were standard rum and coke so nothing special there but when I informed the bartender that there was no loo roll left in any of the ladies toilets, he just told me to go to other set of them! Pretty rude and not arsed about the impression he was giving! Not sure I'd come here on a week night again. Pretty dead (OK not their fault) and service was dire. read more

TL;DR - Good for alcohol and ambience, less so for food. Popped in here for some lunch. First impressions are good - it's nicely decorated and they play some great background music (lots of unusual acoustic covers of well known tracks). We took a look at the menu and then went to order at the bar. The first problem we hit was that some items on the menu aren't available at weekends (couldn't see any notes explaining this, but I may have missed them). Weirdly, it was the simple things like soup and a sandwich which you couldn't get - more complex dishes were available. The second problem we hit was that we couldn't get a cup of tea - they don't do hot drinks. Again, this seems a bit of a weird omission; they may be a bar first, but it's weird that they're not geared up to pour hot water on a tea bag. Finally our food came - I had the boar burger and Sparky had a spicy bean burger. Both burgers were hot - nice and freshly cooked, but mine came in a bun which was cold which spoilt matters somewhat. This place could be amazing, and I reckon if you're just hear for some cold drinks then it is. But for a bit to eat at lunchtime? I don't think I'll bother again. read more

I really don't understand the fuss about this place. Of a weekend it is completely rammed but seemingly utterly devoid of atmosphere. The decor is so all over place it makes my eyes bleed and the bar staff are so rude they make my soul sad. Long drinks are horrendously overpriced and poorly mixed - I have rarely tasted a worse gin and tonic than the one I had had here a few weeks ago. The saving grace is the music which, on a Friday night at least, is some of the best in the Northern Quarter - a mix of hacienda classics and stone cold disco-soul numbers. If you bring a hip flask and keep your eyes closed then the place is actually pretty good. read more

This is the place to have a quick lunch if you are ever in the Northern quarter Manchester. It is very much in line with the eclectic cool feel of this particular part of town. The decor is unique and you can tell the owners lover their quirky cool fish tanks. These are the same people that brought you Hula and M2 in Didsbury, so credit must goto the quality in diversity in their offerings. Whats more it's also perfect for after work drinks as Monday-Friday 4-7pm you get two for on cocktails....brilliant!!! The Bento boxes are a steal also at £5 a pop for lunch. The light bite food really does go down a treat especially with after work drinks if you're planning on playing out on a school night. On a friday night it actually is perfect spot to meet and kick off the night and have a bite to eat before moving on into town. Walrus is an example of what makes the northern quarter in Manchester so great. If you havent been here already, make an appearance, you won't regret it... read more

Came here for lunch with my friend the other day. Service was a little slow initially but once we were served, our waitress was lovely! Think her name was Rizzo?? Very friendly, polite and attentive! I ordered the pulled pork​ burger and pizza fries, friend ordered the vegan ciabatta dish with sweet potato wedges. read more

This place is nothing if not fun. Once I'd got over the fact that I felt a bit like I was on the big brother set, I took a closer look at the effort that's actually been put into the decor in here - especially the small touches like the animal illustrations. The designers have really taken a tongue-in-cheek approach to the style here and once you go with it you realise that the vibe is fun and relaxed. The menu is Japanese with a hint of Thai. I'm a Ramen girl myself so have only ever eaten the Chilli Beef Ramen with a side of edamame and Asahi beer but it's so delicious that I my theory is, if it ain't broke... Soul, funk and Disco djs are here most nights and there's ''happy monday'' and a £5 lunch bento box. Get in! read more

We came, we saw, I awarded it a fifth star. When my dearest first lived in Manchester (long story, I'll bore you with it one day), he always referred to Walrus as his favourite cocktail bar. So when he casually mentioned moving back and taking me here to treat me like a queen, I suggested him living up to this promise on my birthday. After our meal we mooched to Walrus for a post-dinner cocktail and it did not disappoint. It was characteristically quiet for a weeknight so we pulled up stools at the bar and chatted with the barman like real cool cats. SO loves sweet, I love sour, and the barman himself was a huge whisky sour fan so made me an absolute stonker of a cocktail. My beau was treated to a fruity concoction topped with nutmeg, and through chinwagging with our bartender so much we got onto the subject of his signature cocktail, of which he made us a complimentary glass to share. Awesome. AND the cocktails were two for one. Banter, brilliant booze and birthday treats... what more could one wish for? read more

Watered down cocktails! On comparison the Porn Star cocktail in Walrus with Tib Street Tavern I would give Tib Street 5*. I could only taste fruit juice in the Walrus cocktail plus the cocktail glass was smaller in size (including the prosecco shot glass). Very disappointing for the price and bar staff not very friendly. Won't be ordering any drinks in Walrus again! read more

If you want a night out in Manchester's Northern Quarter, you really don't need to walk much farther than the crossroad of High St and Thomas St. There are so many bars and clubs that you can safely party the whole night long, popping in and out of different places within a very small urban ground. Walrus oozes freshness and space, and their lower ground dance pool is always cool, no matter how many people there are. Upstairs they served a very tasty Chinese lunch, complete with stylish black dishes. It is hardly a place for a business meeting (unless your partners have a good sense of humour), but for a friendly crowd Walrus is a great choice for lunch. read more

Went here one Monday lunch for the bento box deal - £5!! Was really good. Apparently not authentically Japanese, but still very tasty and cheap for what you get. Was super quiet though, which is why I guess they've brought this offer in. The decor is a bit Ikea, but ok. After having read cherylS's review I really want to try their 'Fifth Sense' sounds good! Would definitely go again. read more

My first experience of Walrus was on a Saturday night, and I came away thinking that it was very loud, rather brash, and quite pricey, although served a pretty decent cocktail. On that night it was almost entirely populated by idiot fashion boys in waistcoats who insisted on picking up the furniture, so I came away rather nonplussed. However more recently I have been lucky enough to go to one of their 'Fifth Sense' tasting evenings, held mid-week in a little roped-off area round the corner from the bar. This was a much more civilised affair, serving a six course tasting menu with matched wines for the bargain price of £35 per person. The food was fantastic with lovely Japanese and Thai flavours (the salmon sashimi, mackrel teryaki and beef mussaman were particular standouts), the menu well designed and startlingly matched wines to go with. I'd highly recommend it. read more

Imagine, if you will, Nathan Barley moving to Manchester and scouring the Northern Quarter for a new place to hang out with people in horrible skin-tight vests and veiny arms. The Walrus Bar is the first place he'd settle down for a night of inane yappery. Yep - this is one KOOKY place and doesn't it know it? Cod psychedelic decor clashes with the ubiquitous city DJ playing electronic dining-pap. However, all is not lost. This may well be a place to avoid in the evening (frankly, there's a myriad of places to get a cocktail down you in Manchester if you're really keen on having one, quite a few a stone's throw away from this very venue) but in the day, if the surroundings don't melt your eyeballs until they trickle listlessly down your puffy little face, there's some decent grub on offer. So yeah. A real mixed bag this place that feels a bit flash in the pan... but I could be, and most likely to be, wrong. read more

I went for a quick Monday meal and it wasn't so quick... The menu is very basic full of burgers and pizzas but none jump out at you like an Almost Famous burger or Ply pizza! I had the chicken burger which was distinctly average but the curly fries brought the overall meal to a higher level (simply for childhood memories sake nothing more) To sum up, I'd only advise drinks not food which is a shame due to the effort they've put into the furnishings. read more

The first aspect of Walrus which I feel obliged to highlight, are the plate glass doors as you enter. I mention these so that you don't suffer a similar fate as me, and confidently stride straight in to them. Luckily I suffered no serious injury and was able to enjoy, what I would consider to be, one of the best bars that Manchester's Northern Quarter has to offer. The live DJ energizes the place but doesn't dominate, the drinks selection is creative and the décor is flamboyant but falls short of garish. Food wise, Walrus has created what it calls a 'canteen lounge environment'. What they actually mean by that is not clear, but the menu did look quite adventurous and alternative with an Asian theme running through it. read more

When i went in with friends they weren't serving food as they were mid-refurbishing the kitchen. We decided to stay for a few cocktails instead. They don't have draft beers or ciders, but they do have bottles. Smallish cocktail list but a lot of variety in there. I think when we went in they had hired several new staff as none of them knew how to make 2 of the cocktails we ordered but they said they would bring them over. When they arrived they were lovely, not sure if they were worth £7 each but almost. read more

At lunch they do a £5 bento box. I had the meat version whilst my wife had the seafood. Both were excellent - nice and spicy, and generous portions. Great value! Decor is looking a little tired but I guess this is more an after-dark type place anyway, so it's less noticeble then. Service was quick and friendly. read more

Good for: Interior design, DJ's, skilled bartenders Bad for: A tight budget and high heels. read more

Walrus isn't one of the best bars in the Northern Quarter for me. It has a hint of Deansgate Locks about it but is okay if you are out with a big group as there is quite a bit of room and they have large booths where you can sit together. The cocktails are alright but have had more inventive ones elsewhere. read more

The food was decent, but expensive for what it was. I opted for chili beef ramen, which was £9 - it was good but there wasn't a great deal of it. My companion chose the meat bento lunch offer, which she said was pleasant. The setting is really poor. It is like a cheap and sticky bar, not a restaurant, and it didn't seem to have been cleaned recently. Finally, when it came time to pay, they had raised the price of the bento lunch by £1 and had not bothered to change the menus to reflect this. An argument ensued because the menu said £5 and they were charging £6. Not good practice at all. I would not go back here. With Wagamama just down the road, why bother when you'll get something better there for slightly less money? This is a bar that has decided to do some food - it can't compete with proper eateries yet it seems to price itself as one. read more

This place was excellent. Inventive and delicious food. Great cocktail menu; every cocktail we tried was incredible. Topped off by a very sexy bar tender! If I was local, I would frequent this top venue for sure. read more

Walrus is a fairly new addition to the every expanding Northern Quarter of Manchester. I have been here on a Saturday night but have been told that mid week is just as good, I keep meaning to try it but just not got round to it recently. Personally I have heard mixed views about this place but I think it's fantastic. As soon as you walk it you can't help but notice the amazing lights hanging from the ceiling and the spacious room. They offered what I though was a wide variety of drinks and a really friend atmosphere. We got to talking to the lads on the bar and they were really polite and done the place justice. They recommended cocktails which I assume must be Walrus's speciality as they were amazing. Walrus is located in the extremely popular Northern Quarter to they need to pull out all the stops to stay popular. If you like the Northern Quarter I would definitely give this place a go and judge it for you. I'm heard great things about the food so I'm going to try and go back mid week at some point read more

Arrived at Walrus as a large group of 6. There was lots of space to seat everyone and the ambience was great. Service from the bar staff was excellent and drinks were very reasonable. Food was tasty - perhaps not quite Michelin star but if you're after a burger and some good curly fries then look no further. read more