Trashy is definitely one word which comes to mind when thinking about Raxx. It is, regardless of one's opinion of it generally, a dump. A front and back door, both constantly broken, held together with old chewing gum and good intentions. Dimly lit and generally a bit full, Raxx rose to take over the generally crude, often violent rocker crowd, who wish to pretend to be real badasses in a real city.
As it is still Manchester however, Raxx's patrons attempts to paint it as a rough and tumble spot with black hoodies, dumb piercings and generally unpleasant attitudes fails to hit the mark, leaving it feeling like little more than a second rate rock club. And as tempted as I am to cite it as a pool hall, the uneven surfaces of the small barroom pool tables, the arched cues and overall inconsistency of the table tops themselves, leaves one feeling more like they are playing a table top version of miniature golf than actual billiards.
Were it not for the generally cheap beer and occasional chance to see a street level freak show at the front or rear of the establishment whilst smoking, I'd see no reason to go there whatsoever.
There are two reasons you go here nothing more, nothing less. Cheap beer and cheap pool.
I went here with a couple friends on a Thursday looking to play some pool. I was there waiting for the rest to show up. I walked in sat down and got the "we are regulars you are irregular" stare. The bartender though was friendly as heck, very prompt. I ordered a bud light at the 2 dollar draft price.
My friends then showed and we went to play pool. The pool tables are 5 Dollars an hour so doubles is 1.25 a person. The place is all pool tables so it lives up to the Raxx name emblazoned on the outside in lighted vertical signage.
By the end of the night I had two drinks and a pitcher and left a tip my bill came to 13 bucks. This I feel is a good sign as like most I get payed Friday and had little left for an "night out".