New Meat coming through! Almost too literally.

A new place just opened up in Jupiter St. Makati last week--the 52nd State Gastropub.

[caption id="attachment_710" align="aligncenter" width="800"] No Visa Required! 52nd State Gastropub[/caption]

Given the name I was actually expecting an all-American menu but surprisingly they had Filipino dishes, too. (Maybe that's what they're trying to say, "52nd state", they mean they're beyond American food, eh? That's just me trying to be smart. .)

There have an average amount selection, which I think is usual in pubs, but most sounded delicious. The prices weren't so bad. The dishes served with rice were ranging from Php 180 to Php 280 (roughly) and sandwiches were around Php 190. The non-alcoholic drinks are less than a hundred.

[caption id="attachment_705" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Hi Kalvin! How's the iced tea?[/caption]

The drinks come in these cute mason jars that are almost very common now.





The place was small and cozy and people were really nice and welcoming. I've always loved that about restaurants and makes me very likely to come back.



Before we get to the burger, do you see that Dynamite behind it? That one was delish! It had a generous amount of filling but wasn't so spicy. I loved it.

Then there's my American burger, which, in my opinion, would be better if they put pickles in it instead of cucumber--but that's just me.

I was able to get an up close shot of the patty, and I cut through it to give you a closer look.



Yup. That's not looking very pretty. The patty is coarse and it doesn't at all taste better than it looks. It was cooked "well-done", but not quite. Get it? Ha. Ha.  It was a little too oily so it might have been fried not grilled. The bread was okay, if only it wasn't soaked in mayonnaise. I can handle a little bit of mayo, just a little bit. I know a lot of people who hates mayonnaise, so if you do, too, make sure you ask the waiter nicely to leave that out.

Lastly, it has a hint of cumin. That is a very unwelcome surprise.

Their Filipino dishes, on the other hand, were outstanding.

My friend Kalvin had Binagoongan and my my, it tastes so good. It had the right balance between sweet and salty. The Bagoong (fish paste) was not overwhelming and it didn't smell so bad. (Maybe because of the garlic? I don't know). All of this in a generous portion. I'll definitely come back for this one.


[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="800"] 52nd State Gastropub (right across Red Ribbon in Jupiter St.)[/caption]

Overall, my experience was nice. I am seeing myself eating here maybe at least once a week, so that's good!

Ever since we have moved to the new office (you probably don't know about that but I just want to put that out there), I was kind of hoping I could explore new places to eat and at the same time, find that one familiar place I could go to and eat alone and feel at home. The 52nd State Gastropub, most especially being just a few steps outside our office building, is a very strong candidate.

Have you visited the place yet? Any dish you might suggest?

No Visa Required!
52nd State Gastropub

IPO Bldg, Jupiter St.
Makati City