Bunny Chow @ Manhattans Action Bar
Manhattans Action Bar (or Manhattans Pub & Grill in Umhlanga/Durban) offers a unique twist on…
Category: Manhattans Action Bar
Manhattans Action Bar
Category: Bunny Chow / Pub & Grill / Umhlanga Location: Shop 1, Gateway Theatre of Shopping (entertainment level), Umhlanga Rocks / Umhlanga Ridge Phone: 031 566 5506 Type: Modern pub & grill with strong Durban curry credentials
Manhattans Action Bar (also known as Manhattans Restaurant & Bar / Manhattans Pub and Grill) is a lively Gateway Shopping Centre venue that successfully blends sports-bar energy with solid Durban Indian flavours. What started years ago as the old “Get Lost” pool and action bar has evolved into a more family-friendly yet still vibrant spot offering pool tables, live music, cocktails, and a full restaurant menu.
The Bunny Chow
Manhattans earned a place on Coca-Cola’s Top 10 bunny chow list, putting it on the radar of serious local bunny hunters. Their version is a proper Durban-style offering:
Soft white bread hollowed out and filled with rich, spicy curry
Classic options centred on mutton and chicken
Generous gravy that soaks into the bread walls
Served in the familiar quarter, half, or full-loaf sizes
A standout practical detail is their Monday special: a quarter bunny + Coke for R99 — one of the more accessible ways to sample their bunny without committing to a full meal.
The broader menu & vibe
Beyond the bunny, Manhattans runs a typical pub-and-grill menu that includes:
Durban-style curries (mutton, chicken, prawn) served with rice or roti
Burgers, pizzas, grills, and classic bar snacks
A focus on generous portions and approachable pricing
The venue itself sits on the entertainment level of Gateway, making it convenient for shoppers, families, and groups looking for food plus atmosphere. Expect a mix of daytime diners and evening crowds drawn by the pool tables, music, and casual energy.
Why it fits the list
While it doesn’t claim the pure no-frills heritage of the old Grey Street or Chatsworth takeaways, Manhattans represents the modern suburban evolution of bunny chow culture — accessible, consistent, and popular enough to make a national Top 10 list. It’s a solid choice when you’re already at Gateway or prefer a sit-down pub environment over a pure takeaway counter.
Recommended first order: Monday special quarter bunny (if available) or a standard mutton bunny. Pair it with the carrot salad if offered, and settle in for the Gateway people-watching.