Charlie's: A Yummy Burger & Chicken Wings Combo

Manila is rapidly becoming more receptive of “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants, and this next foodie place is no exception. Imagine a diner beside a carwash...how hole-in-the-wall can you get? There’s no need for fancy introduction or build-ups because if you’re a foodie like us, you’d definitely know what place we’re talking about: Charlie’s Grind & Grill.

Internet-famous for their Black Angus burger and chicken wings, Charlie’s has become one of the most visited (and populated) food places in Kapitolyo, Pasig . That says a lot especially when the place is filled with lots of equally good dining places. Hello Mad Mark’s, Thai Dara, RUB (which we will review soon!), Milky and Sunny...the list could go on and on. Charlie’s has grown a fan base especially among the working people around the Ortigas area, so much so that people are willing to wait for “parking space” just to be able to grab a bite of Charlie’s famed burgers. And you know what? So did we.

A Divine Murray & D'Vine

If you are new in the area, Serendra can be very intimidating. You scan the row of restaurants and you see unfamiliar names like Gaudi, Abe, Chelsea and the likes. We wouldn’t blame you if you’d hurriedly walk (with poise) to either Bonifacio High Street or Market! Market! The sight of McDonald’s or Krispy Kreme eases your tensed body (and pocket). We, however, didn’t let the foreign-sounding names scare us; instead we braved through the place and looked for the resto-pub we were looking for: Murray & D’vine.

Okay, we have to admit: Serendra is not something new to us. We’ve blogged about Sonja’s uber delicious cupcakes before, and to be honest, it was love at first sight. It felt good to know that we can dine somewhere in Metro Manila without being confined inside a mall. It also helps that there are less stores with the word SALE on it. Money will be spent somewhere else, aka good food.

A Burger-filled Boulevard

What makes a great burger? Oftentimes, people say it's all about the patty. Others say it's the cheese that makes it work. Others say it's the sauce that brings it all together. While most burgers have all these, it all boils down to which burger offers the best flavor at the most affordable price. There are already a handful of notable burger places in the Metro. No, we're not talking about Jollibee or McDonald's, or even Burger King. We're talking about unique burger places that serve mouth-watering burgers. One's just along Xavierville Avenue.

If you're the type who wants twists to your burgers, then Boulevard Diner is the perfect place for you. Located within the Katipunan/Loyola Heights area, this burger place has been fulfilling burger cravings since October of 2010. With unique burger concepts, Boulevard Diner has created a big market for die-hard burger fans who are looking for something better than the usual hamburger or cheeseburger. Mind you, these burgers aren't for the faint of heart. Boulevard Diner's burgers are packed with flavors that will surely give you an unforgettable burger dining experience.

This Ain't Your Average Burger Place

Nothing beats a good ol' burger for a snack. You'd be lying when you say that you haven't craved for that delicious beef patty with the crunchy lettuce and the yummy burger sauce sandwiched in a bun. It wouldn't be surprising to note that because of its delicious taste and convenience, burger places can be seen almost anywhere. Some even offer buy 1 take 1 burgers for as low as 20 pesos. Of course, there are the burger stalls such as BurMa (this is the 'sosyal' way of calling Burger Machine hahahaha) and Minute Burger. Oh, and let's not take the Burger McDo's and the Regular Yum's out of the long list. But, what makes a delicious burger? We've seen, and probably tried, a lot of burgers out there. And to tell you honestly, it has become a bit overrated. At the end of the day, no matter which burger place you choose, a burger won't be a burger without the usual patty, the usual stuff inside the burger such as the tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese (more commonly known as TLC), and the usual sesame seed bun. So, what else can a burger offer? Well, a burger place at Makati can tell you just that.

Located at A Venue Mall at Makati Avenue is a burger place named Burger Avenue. Don't underestimate this food place, because despite its small size it already has acquired quite a number of followers. Burger Avenue actually capitalized on one aspect other burger joints in the Metro are having a hard time doing - being unique. Burger Avenue does its very best in serving delicious and affordable food while making sure that every burger will not just be a burger, but a Burger Avenue burger.

The Good Burger

When we talk about burgers, the first thing that comes into our minds is the cholesterol we'll get. Yep, burgers can be so fatty that you'd want to resist eating it if you're a health conscious person. So, it's ridiculous to call a burger a healthy food, right? Well, not for long. We've found a burger place that not only serves delicious and affordable burgers, but also healthy ones that you'll surely won't regret eating.

In Sikatuna Village, just further beyond Teacher's Village in Diliman is a small burger place called Good Burgers. It might not be noticeable during the day, but it's very much visible during the night because of the lighted signage and the many people who eat here. It might be small, but during our time there, every table was occupied. The owner (we think he was the owner hahaha) was forced to place extra tables and chairs when we came so they could accommodate us as well. The place can seat probably around 20 people estimate. Nevertheless, the place is kind of cozy because the tables are set outdoors. The only bad thing is that the place is hot because there are neither air conditioners nor electric fans. The place is more popular, though, for takeouts. When we were there, there were a lot of people ordering burgers to-go, probably to eat it at home since there are no more tables available.

The place is self service, just like a normal fast-food place. The difference lies in the food they serve. They serve very delicious burgers here and they serve it hot off the grill. Upon opening the wrap of the burger, you'll feel that it's hot, a very good indication that your burger is freshly cooked. You'll also notice that the cheese is melting (that is, if your burger has cheese). Plus, the service is quick.

Good Burgers offers healthy burgers that you'll surely enjoy eating. They don't offer oil-rich patties here. They'll either serve you a chicken patty burger or a veggie meat patty burger, depending upon your choice. Whichever you choose, you won't regret it since you really can't distinguish the difference of their patties from the normal burger patty. They're both delicious. The only difference is Good Burgers' patties are healthier. They're a bit messy to eat, probably because of the sauces and the melted cheese. But, you definitely won't regret every bite of their yummy burgers.




Here's what we tried at Good Burgers:

Cheesy Mushroom Burger, 75php (Good), 85 php (Better), 100 php (Best)

Glutton Guy: Nothing beats a good burger with lots of burger and lots of cheese. This burger is really delicious. It's not actually a bestseller of Good Burgers, but it really is a good burger to me. An added plus was the melting cheese in the burger. It's not too overpowering. I ordered my burger with chicken patties. You really can't tell the difference. In fact, in my opinion, I think Good Burgers' patties are even better than the normal patties. What I can say is that whatever burger you try here is absolutely delicious. : )

Glutton Girl: I enjoyed eating this delicious burger. Not only was it served hot, it was also the perfect burger that I was expecting to have. Every ingredient in the burger was delicious. I actually craved for more when I finished eating mine. Like Glutton Guy, I also liked the melting cheese in the burger. The burger patties were perfectly cooked. They were hot and easy to chew. It wasn't too salty as well. You definitely have to try this burger. It's absolutely delicious!

Persian Burger, 75 php (Good), 85 php (Better), 100 php (Best)

Glutton Guy: Another perfectly cooked burger, I must say. You can really taste the delicious onions and peppers. And the garlic sauce works perfectly! I thought that the sauce wouldn't blend well with the flavors of the onions and peppers, but I was wrong. The patties were also cooked perfectly. There was also a little bit of crunch from the onions which I liked. If Persian burgers were this good, I think even the Prince of Persia would endorse it hahahahaha : )

Glutton Girl:  I liked the garlic aioli sauce. There's the sweet-sour-salty taste from the sauce that complements the burger. I would have to say, though, that I didn't quite like the peppers. The onions, however, are perfect. The burger buns were soft, like a slightly bigger pandesal. The burger patties are once again the star of the burger. Again, this burger worked for me.

Garlic Barbecue, 75 php (Good), 85 php (Better), 100 php (Best)

Glutton Guy: Aside from cheesy burgers, I also like burgers with barbecue sauce. An example of such a burger would be the barbecue burger of Burger King. That, for me, is a delicious barbecue burger. However, when I tasted Good Burgers' barbecue burger, I have to say that the reign of Burger King's barbecue burger is over. Everything is just perfect. The patties, the sauce, everything worked really well. It's another must-try at Good Burgers. : )

Glutton Girl: The barbecue sauce worked well with the burger patties. I liked the sweetness of the sauce. It wasn't overpowering. I kind of didn't like the vegetables in the burger, though. I think it would be better for me if it was just mayo and barbecue sauce. Nevertheless, it's still a must-try burger.


Good Burgers offers healthy burgers for those guys that are looking for a healthier option. In here, you wouldn't worry about fats or cholesterol. All you have to worry about is what to order, because every burger is a must-try. So, if you wanna try something good, why not go for Good Burgers' burgers? Who knows, it might just be a start to a healthy yet delicious diet that you've been planning months ago.

Rating: Buddhalicious!
(Good Burgers has 4 branches: 1. 162 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, Diliman, Quezon City (Beside Mexican Express), 2. 106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Barrio Ugong, C5, Pasig City (In front of Silver City), 3. 10 East Capitol Drive, Baranggay Kapitolyo, Pasig City, 4. One Kennedy Place, Annapolis corner Ortigas, Greenhills.)

Stack 'em up!

Burgers are very overrated, isn't it?

Think again.

Stackers Burger Cafe offers you a different kind of burger experience. And by different, we mean it offers you new ways on enjoying their good old burger.This 24-hour (Yes, it's open 24/7 hahaha) burger place offers delicious and as they call it, "Auss'mly" good food perfect for the hungry stomachs. It's another food place that gives value for your money because of their big servings. Aside from the burgers, they also offer other diner foods such as fries and chicken. Of course, the burgers are still the main attraction of the place. It wouldn't be called a burger cafe for nothing, you know.

The place has a nice ambiance. It's not your ordinary burger place because you'll really feel comfortable, not only because of the place itself, but also because of the courteous people that'll take your order and serve your food. Plus, it's really hard not to notice it because it's really visible in the area. The fact that it's open 24/7 gives people, especially friends or teens who like to gimmick during the night, a chance to taste their delicious food. I have to say, it's not your ordinary-normal-patty-lame-dull-burger; It's your burger with a twist. 

So, without further a do, here's what we tried and tasted:

 BBQ Burger Bowl, 155 php


Glutton Girl: I ordered ranch barbeque burger bowl. It's so strange to have a burger patty on top of your salad, but the combination actually tasted good. The ranch dressing with barbeque sauce was a refreshing twist from the typical Caesar's or Thousand Island dressing. The burger patty was also cooked very well; not raw, which I really liked.

Fried Mozzarella Sticks, 115 php

Glutton Guy: I've already tasted other versions of these fried mozzarella sticks. However, this version is one of the best I have tasted so far. The sticks are super crispy outside, and the cheese melts and oozes from the inside. It's perfectly cooked and the taste is delicious. The dip that comes with it is also delicious. The dip balances the flavor of the cheese sticks and gives an added kick to the appetizer. : )

Glutton Girl: I begged Glutton Guy to buy this. He treated me to mozarella sticks, which I super duper love. I love cheese in general, so I might be biased. Their dip was different too. It wasn't the typical salsa dip. I loved this appetizer so much.

Jack Burger, 225 php

Glutton Guy: This was my order. I have to say, I was really shocked when the order came. It was a really big burger hahahaha What I want in a burger would be mushrooms, melted cheese, crispy bacon strips. So...is it just coincidence or does this burger have all that I want in a burger? The bacon strips are really crispy - true to its word. The cheese is really good and the mushrooms are perfectly cooked. No wonder it's a burger that's worth the try. : )

Chicken & Fries, 95 php (1 pc.), 168 php (2 pcs.), 205 php (3 pcs.)


Glutton Guy: Another order of mine. (What can I do? It's all part of my job as Glutton Guy, right? hahaha) And once again, another excellent dish. The chicken is perfectly cooked. It's tender and it's crispy. What's also good about it is that it's really a big piece. It's not like the little piece that you get in fast-food chains, another perfect example of your value for money. The fries are perfectly cooked as well. They're not greasy and they're not soggy. They're not too salty as well. They also offer the chicken with rice, in case you really are hungry for a big meal. : )


So what are you waiting for? If you're after an Auss'mly good meal, an Auss'mly delicious food with an Auss'm price, Stackers is the place to go. Whether you're with family or with friends, you'll never go wrong with this burger cafe. We promise you that you'll leave the place with an Auss'mly satisfied appetite and an Auss'm stomach.




Rating: Buddhalicious!
(Stackers Burger Cafe has 2 branches. One is in the ground level of The Venice Piazza, another is in Eastwood City Walk, in front of Il Pirata and beside Agave.)