“it’s not just a taco, it’s a love affair.”
There is something Mexican food or specifically tacos that when you think of them, you want to do a little dance around before eating. Arguably one of the most ‘party vibe’ street food there is which just makes you want to jump up and down. Also, I think it’s a given, never trust anyone who says they don’t like tacos. They are probably serial killers or worse, flat eart…okay never mind 😅.
Alright, let’s talk food. This joint had us buzzing with excitement. Sure, it’s been a mere 12 months since we basked in the glory of Mexico itself, so we weren’t expecting an exact replica, but with the hype from the reviews, our expectations were soaring. Tucked away inside one of Manchester’s coffee legends, Koffee Pot, the magic happens after 4 pm when it transforms into Birria Brothers – a taco haven for all the taco aficionados out there. Picture this: dim lighting, a chill atmosphere, some peculiar octopus-like artwork, and a wall of condiments that’s a bit quirky. It all adds up to a unique experience you can just kick back and take it in. 🌮✨
I won’t lie, there’s a bit of drool on my keyboard right now because we just can’t get enough of our own pics. We had a standout hero stealing the limelight, a service hiccup that almost took the spotlight away, and a conversation about whether we were staring at a picture of an octopus or something a tad more cheeky 😅. So, without keeping you on the edge of your seat any longer, let’s dive into the review of Birria Brothers…Let’s Tacos about the food (🤓)
VIBE – Alright, here’s the lowdown on the dress code: Keep it casual, folks. We’re talking about Koffee Pot, the OG coffee and brunch haven in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Now, if you’re not from around these parts, trust us, it’s an institution that’s been around forever. But here’s the twist: once the sun sets, it morphs into Birria Brothers, embracing a Mexican vibe while still flaunting the quirks that made it legendary (seriously, someone tell us if that’s an octopus on the wall). It’s a bit of a pop-up situation, seamlessly blending into the Koffee Pot charm. Loads of comfy seating, booths up for grabs, and, heads up, no reservations – it’s all about that lucky walk-in game. We strolled in around 4 PM, and by the time we left, the joint was buzzing with a post-work crowd, queue snaking out the door. It’s a wild ride, and you just might strike taco gold.
Gram-worthy – Let’s spill the beans on these tacos and cocktails – a dynamic duo designed for the gram. I mean, when was the last time you saw an ugly taco? Rarely, unless it’s a serious culinary crime. The trio of tacos hit the table looking like they just walked off a runway. And if that’s not enough, there’s a lineup of cocktails (hello, 2 for 1 happy hour!) that you can dive into for about £9 a pair. Not a bad deal, right? Although, fair warning, those glasses were on the petite side, and the cocktails didn’t quite steal the spotlight from the food. But hey, they’re Insta-worthy, and that’s what matters – making everyone else wish they were you. 🌮🍹
FLAVOURS – Let’s dive right into the star of the show – the Quesabirria. Hold on, let me gather my emotions for this one. Slow-cooked beef shin, brisket, and short rib, hugged by cheese, onions, coriander, and salsa – it’s not just a taco; it’s a love affair. This little gem has earned a permanent spot in my heart, and I dare anything to top it. The Taco De Tinga De Pollo (Chicken) held its own, but it’s an unfair match against the Quesabirria masterpiece. Now, the Chiccarones, pork and crackling, were a bit chewy and crunchy – not exactly my comfort zone. But, hey, with the Quesa Birria stealing the spotlight, all is forgiven. Taste is subjective, after all. The quality across the board was top-notch. As for the taco truck fries, as tempting as they sounded, we decided against them – I lie, I lie. We got them as well if you are eagle-eyed enough you will spot it in our videos on Insta so we wanted to come clean 😆. Verdict, mouth-watering!
THE FORK-OUT– Confession time: we snuck in during the January 50% off deals (we’re savvy like that). But even at full price, picture this: a feast of 6 hearty tacos, a couple of drinks, and you’re looking at around £30-40. Not bad at all for a prime spot in the heart of Manchester. As our usual ritual goes, we weigh the quality against the price, and it’s a solid win. Now, the 2-for-1 cocktail deal sounds tempting, but unless you’re sipping on something that lasts, consider giving them a miss. Oh, and a heads up on those rim salts – let’s just say I’m a tad salty about them.
Crew – Now, let’s dive into the make-or-break segment of our adventure. We won’t drop names because we’re not here to play the blame game, but our initial server might need a refresher on customer relations 😬. When we requested a dash of spice or jalapeños on our dish (it is Mexican, after all), we were met with a ‘no sorry’. Undeterred, we inquired about a side of jalapeños to sprinkle ourselves as the response didn’t seem logical (cue the long pickled jalapeños eye-roll 🤦♂️). And the cider query? “I don’t know; it’s just cider.” Enter Abbey, our hero! She swiftly brought us sliced chillies and tackled all our cider curiosities. Abbey, you’re a legend!
Summing it up, we had a darn good time indulging in some top-notch tacos. If you’re after a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine with a side of posh vibes, maybe look elsewhere. But, if your idea of a perfect night involves rounding up a bunch of pals for some downright delicious food, this joint is the place to be. As for our server, maybe a tad short on enthusiasm to cater to our every whim, but hey, no hard feelings. Taco Truck fries & Quesabirria, until next time, adios amigos.
Birria Brothers Tacos Menu
The Koffee Pot
84-86 Oldham St,
Manchester,
M4 1LE