When in Manila, you’d realize that there is no shortage of burger joints as they seem to be popping out one after the other. However, if you’re craving for burgers that are not only delicious, but are also made up of quality ingredients and are wallet- friendly, then head on over to Boulevard Diner along Xavierville, Quezon City.
Although the establishment is relatively small, it can comfortably seat 20 people and exudes the “diner” vibe by means of the swiveling stools and the red and white checkered floor. There is also a community board wherein people can post announcements, leave their business cards, magazines and what-not.
Alvin Ong, the brains behind Boulevard Diner‘s food was kind enough to accommodate my friends and I, and was such an awesome host. Alright, wait, before I continue on with the food, can I just say that I’ve been invited to several food establishments, but I’ve never encountered a host as passionate about food as Alvin is. I was so amused and overwhelmed as he was talking about anything and everything food-related at 100 words per minute! One can easily pick up that he is absolutely passionate about his food and does a great job passing the enthusiasm onto others. He had several containers of different chilis brought out so that I could see and smell the ingredients that he was talking about, a gesture that I greatly appreciated. Anyways, let’s move on with the food, shall we?
The inspiration behind the menu was basically putting whatever Alvin and his co-owners liked (food wise) on a bun. So, if they wanted onion rings with their burger, they’d present it in such a way that was not only aesthetically amusing but also delicious. Basically, they’d play with their ingredients, if they liked how it tastes and thought it looked good, then onto the menu it’d go!
Ice-cold Rootbeer Float. A&W rootbeer with a big scoop of Vanilla ice cream.
Chocnut Milkshake. Vanilla ice cream blended with chocnut. Incredibly smooth, filling and delicious!
El Pollo Negro (P185). Lettuce, tomato slices, chicken fillet seasoned with Mole Negro, and Cheese. Mole Negro, which hails from Mexico, is comparable to our local chocolate tablea. Personally, I found this absolutely delicious as the chicken fillet was flavorful and juicy, but according to Alvin, not everyone is a fan of the Mole Negro as it is definitely an acquired taste.
Sha-zam (P195). Lettuce, tomato, beef, eggs, cheese, bacon, hickory sauce, and crispy potato strings.
Gorgon-zola (P185). Lettuce, tomato, beef, sauteed oyster mushrooms, and gorgonzola dressing. Among all the burgers served, this was my favorite!
Volcanic Viktor (P175). Lettuce, tomato, beef, cheese, bacon, fried onion rings topped with hickory/hell sauce.
Wingerangs (price varies). You may order 1/2 lb or 1 lb of wings in one of the ff flavors (arranged from the most mild to the spiciest): hickory, lust, fury, love, smoked, death, hell, and hotter than hell. We opted for the not so spicy flavors as Alvin was kind enough to let me taste a drop of their “hotter than hell” sauce, and I’m not kidding, I literally tasted one tiny drop of it and initially felt nothing, but then my mouth and throat started to burn up. Goodness, definitely not for the weak.
Jalapeno Poppers (P220). 8 pcs. cream cheese stuffed jalapenos with tomato salsa. Among all the dishes served, this was my absolute favorite. As opposed to the salsa making use of lemon, Alvin opted to use lime which made it even tangier than usual and was such a delightful contrast to the cream cheese. The boys had more or less gobbled up the burgers, but I made sure that I had my fair share of this. Take note that this is best eaten as soon as it is served.
Cross Trax (P110). Fried crisscut potato fries.
All our food was served by the lovely, Scarlett.
I don’t know about you, but whether I’m in a fast food joint or in a fine dining restaurant, I’m very particular about the service. Although you can’t expect different establishments to be at par with one another, I’m the type of person who appreciates servers who are warm towards their patrons. Scarlett is no exception as she never fails to greet me and more or less knows what I want to order whenever I visit Boulevard.
From left to right: Paulo, Anthony, Alvin, Me, Martin and Jonathan.
My friends and I definitely enjoyed the meal and look forward to coming back. So, when in Manila and craving for burgers that are not only delicious, but are also made up of quality ingredients and are wallet- friendly, head on over to Boulevard Diner along Xavierville, Quezon City.
Boulevard Diner
91 Xavierville Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines
Mon to Fri: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Sat to Sun: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Boulevard-Diner/151906051514496dhfg
Boulevard Diner: Wallet- friendly Artisan burgers and Milkshakes in Quezon City
