COCONUTS HOT SPOT — In recent years, Marikina has earned a reputation for being a food destination that can rival Maginhawa Street in Quezon City. The place may seem out-of-the-way for anyone who’s not living in the area, but some restaurants make it worth the trip.
Along the now-popular Gil Fernandez street sits Beeffalo, a sweet spot for comfort food like steaks, ribs and pizza. Patrons brave the infamous Marikina traffic to enjoy laidback dinners in this casual restaurant surrounded with lots of greenery.
When owners Louie and Girlie Abad and their good friend Caren Diaz first opened Beefalo in 2013, the place became a neighborhood novelty because of the restaurant’s rustic style décor, which includes an old safe, typewriter, telephone and sewing machine. The restaurant recently got an updated look, but it maintained the homey charm that made it well-loved.
Of course, word about the good food got around, too.
The menu is somewhat similar to what was served in Louie’s first food venture, HotRocks in Libis and Pasig, which was known for steaks and barbecued meat. Though both branches have already closed, Beeffalo breathes new life to these well-loved recipes.
What’s on the menu? Glad you asked.
Diners can take their pick from Beffalo’s extensive offerings: from American favorites to Pinoy classics with a twist; from light appetizers to full meals; from sweet delights to refreshing coolers.
Family favorites include affordable but high-quality steaks. The porterhouse (PHP395/ 250g) and T-bone steak (PHP355/250g), which were also served in HotRocks, remain a popular choice among diners. An order comes with fresh vegetable salad and mashed potatos made from scratch.
Beeffalo’s baby back ribs (PHP285, single serving, served with Java rice) is also popular among meat lovers. It is slathered with barbecue sauce and has a tender meat that falls off the bone. For a more Filipino flavor, they have the sizzling beef ribs (PHP330) served with tamarind gravy, which is a new take on a popular sinigang.
The biscuit pizza with a thin crust is pretty popular too. They come in four flavors: pepperoni (PHP150), margherita (PHP155), three-cheese (PHP135) and garlic and mushroom (PHP 45).
Unlike most Manila restaurants, the place doesn’t feel cramped, so going with a big group should not be a problem.
Next time you’re in Marikina, you know where to go! Or maybe, you can go out of your way to indulge in a full rack of ribs by yourself.
Lot 6, Block 3, Mayor Gil Fernando Ave, Marikina; +63 920 388 0782. Daily, 11am-10pm.
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