El Capo

Late night tequila specialist with more than 70 bottles behind the bar and quality hip hop soundtrack.

El Capo
12 Tariff Street, Manchester, M1 2FF
0161 388 6093

Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Thursday: 5pm - 12am
Friday: 5pm - 2:30am
Saturday: 12pm - 2:30am
Sunday: Closed

Walk into this intimate tequila bar on any given Friday night and the atmosphere is tangible. Discreet on the outside, with its single red crucifix neon light guiding the hungry and thirsty in from the street, once through the door it’s party time pretty much every time whether you’re sticking to the tables in the small bar upstairs, or prefer to head to the larger basement where the primary focus shifts to food. Starting with the drinks, though, and guests will find a strong selection of Mexico’s finest agave-based shot, in fact no less than 70 tequilas and mezcal varieties are on offer.

The beer selection is solid, too, with Pacifico always a winner, a number of other options in the fridge, and Capo Cuatro among the stand out choices in the tap, with the establishment also doing a great trade in margaritas, which take up an entire section of the menu. In terms of bites, tacos are dominant, as you would probably hope and expect, and these range from classics like Pork Carnitas and pico capo pickle, to roast cauliflower, and halloumi. Meanwhile, the burritos and Pequenos (small plates), such as Corona beer battered jalapeños, only add more reasons to stay for a few hours more. As does the line of resident and guest DJs in charge of tunes on weekends, who take their soulful, Golden Era, and funk-infused hip hop seriously while still remembering the most important thing about tunes and drinks — everyone should be having fun.

It’s also worth noting the Tacos For Days offer, with tacos starting at just £1 Tuesday – Thursday, Tequila Thursdays (50% off shots day and night) and Late Night Happy Hour Tuesday – Thursday.