Barkada's Diner - Manila

Barkada's Diner is a newly opened venue on Suter Street, near Plaza Hugo Sta. Ana, Manila, right in front of Terry's and next to Naughty Krato Flamed Grilled Bu... read more Barkada's Diner is a newly opened venue on Suter Street, near Plaza Hugo Sta. Ana, Manila, right in front of Terry's and next to Naughty Krato Flamed Grilled Burger. I was curious to try it out and ordered the sizzling liempo and sizzling T-bone steak, along with a cookies and cream milkshake. The diner was a bit warm since it has recently been renovated from a closed garage into a restaurant. When our food arrived, the sizzling plate was not hot at all, and it was served with regular rice. There were only a few pieces of liempo, and the T-bone steak was quite small compared to Naughty Krato's offering or other steakhouses in the food court, like Steak Escape. The gravy was bland and somewhat watery, lacking the richness you’d expect, which might be due to their focus on Tuguegarao-style cooking. Unfortunately, this was a letdown for me. Even the milkshake was disappointing when compared to Naughty Krato's, both priced at 55 pesos. I don't think I'll be returning to Barkada's Diner anytime soon, as there are plenty of other affordable and delicious options in the area, like Rarjap, Naughty Krato, Everything but Cheese, and other ihaw-ihaw places.

The sizzling dishes are not very good. They weren’t hot when served and were a bit small. However, I highly recommend their barkada’s sinigang and chicken wings... read more The sizzling dishes are not very good. They weren’t hot when served and were a bit small. However, I highly recommend their barkada’s sinigang and chicken wings. They are very affordable and generous in portion! It makes up for the group dining experience, hehe. Give it a try!

The utensils and cups did not appear clean, and there were small insects on the chili and calamansi at the service counter. I even spotted a mouse. There is a s... read more The utensils and cups did not appear clean, and there were small insects on the chili and calamansi at the service counter. I even spotted a mouse. There is a significant need for improvement in both the cleanliness of the establishment and the service. However, the food was excellent and served in generous portions.