There’s no denying there’s something special about the good ol’ US of A; from its vast and varied landscapes, to its rich foodie heritage taking in global influences and a domination of popular culture like no other nation. There’s a lot to thank the United States of America for and, as Thanksgiving is just around the corner we thought we’d celebrate all that’s great and good about their fair nation by shining a light on some of the best food and fashion icons right here in Newcastle!
FOOD
It’s widely agreed that the Americans invented the hamburger, and Five Guys on Northumberland Street is a great example of the American Dream coming good. The original family-owned chain has burgeoned into a global success story thanks to their fresh take on the American classic, serving up juicy burgers with a myriad of toppings and extra-crispy fries.
That’s not to say that Newcastle’s finest can’t compete with the big boys. Meat:Stack in the Bigg Market pride themselves on serving up real American cheeseburgers. They offer up a supreme experience every time and their tenet of ‘quality, flavour and simplicity’ results in lip-smackingly good patties and inventive house toppings and seasoning. Check out their Texan BBQ bacon burger for a real taste of Southern hospitality!
If you prefer a cosier affair, look no further than Fat Hippo on Shakespeare Street where you’ll find a quirky interior and relaxed vibe that's perfect for chowing down on their award-winning concoctions. It doesn’t get any more USA than their PB + JJ burger which includes a double patty, American cheese, chunky peanut butter, bacon jam and smoked chilli jello!
Eldon Square is home to one of the most iconic of American eateries, TGI Fridays, where you’ll find some great examples of classic American cuisine including appetizers (that’ll be ‘starters’ to you and me) like mac & cheese bites and corndogs, rib combos and signature grills - not to mention crispy fried chicken and Tex-Mex specialities too. Also in Eldon Square, Frankie & Benny’s takes influence from the Italian-American community in the States, with its family-friendly approach to pizza, pasta and classic dishes like chicken parmigiana, hot dogs and New York BBQ chicken.
If it’s an authentic New York pizza experience you’re after, DoughDaze offer up plenty of by-the-slice action from their 90s-obsessed diner-style joint on Ridley Place where you can pick up a slice (or a whole 20” pie if you’re feeling hungry!) along with thick milkshakes, mac and cheese, dough balls and more!
Contrary to the popular belief that God gave rock and roll to you, it’s actually true that the Americans did, and the Hard Rock Café in Newcastle’s iconic Guildhall on the Quayside is here to prove it. The original rock and roll-themed restaurant is the place to go for the proper all-American experience, from the memorabilia-covered walls to the menu serving all the favourites you’d expect - from wings and sliders to legendary steak burgers or massive steaks, baby back ribs and crispy fried chicken. For those with a sweet tooth, Kaspa’s on Clayton Street is the place to go for American-sized helpings of delicious desserts, and they’re renowned for their premium milkshakes and ice cream scoop shakes, as well as soda floats. For dessert, look no further than waffles topped with Hershey’s pieces or Reese’s peanut butter spread. Yum!
FASHION & SHOPPING
You can’t fail to notice Hollister in Eldon Square, thanks to its quirky shopfront and interior which beckons the shopper in to find hidden delights! The retailer is owned by all-American brand Abercrombie & Fitch, and shares its sister brand’s love of colourful, carefree jeans, tops, hoodies and more. Another iconic US brand shares their Eldon Square location with Next; Victoria’s Secret is a justifiably famous lingerie retailer which puts comfort and style at the forefront of its range, from gorgeous lingerie sets to loungewear and gifts, it’s a perfect place to pick up that special something just for you!
Eldon Square is also home to perhaps the most American brand going: Levi’s. A byword for American style and effortless cool, Levi Strauss & Co was founded in 1873 and have become synonymous with hard-wearing and fashionable denim, worn by everyone from rock stars to presidents – no matter your size or style, there’s a pair that’ll fit you like a glove! If it’s vintage denim you’re after, Flip Vintage American Clothing on Westgate Road has everything your heart could desire, including pre-loved Levi’s along with many other brands. They import directly from the States, meaning shoppers get an authentic and well-curated selection of apparel from denim and shirts, to dresses, jackets, t-shirts and accessories, all soundtracked by hip-hop, doo-wop, rock, rhythm and blues for that truly authentic shopping experience!
So, whether you’re shopping for red, white or blues, looking for classic American cuisine or you just fancy paying homage to the traditions of the United States of America, get your all American kicks in Newcastle!
