Parent's Choice

Grilled to Perfection: Tasty BBQ, Ribs, Steaks and More

Craving meat? These BBQ joints and steakhouses are must-visits for all you carnivores! Bonus: They serve hefty portions that are perfect for sharing with the family!

We’re always on the hunt for new and exciting flavors to share! This time, we’ve rounded up four restaurants that serve big plates of meaty goodness and then some. From juicy smoked ribs done Kansas-City barbecue style to sweet tender baby back ribs paired with mouthwatering truffle fries, unlimited fall-off-the-bone ribs, and the most affordable premium steak experience in town—it’s all here.

Not only do these places offer dining, but they also have catering services and retail options for their bestselling products. Check them out!

1. Fat Smoke BBQ

Situated along the bustling Aguirre Street in Parañaque, Fat Smoke BBQ’s nondescript façade belies its distinctive menu. This one-off restaurant is a showroom of the extraordinary grilled creations of its young CEO—28-year-old Laurenz Liwanag. In 2016, while taking his internship in the US, the young chef happened on a BBQ joint called Q39 in Kansas, Missouri.

“For me, it was love at first bite of their smoked BBQ ribs. I wanted to bring that flavor back to the Philippines and improve on it,” he shares.

And Laurenz did just that. With PHP 15,000 as his starting capital, he bought a barrel pro offset smoker (which allows for slow indirect heat cooking while using wood as the source of heat and smoke) and did numerous experiments on different cuts until he came up with the winning flavors of his now famous grilled meats. 

Grade A Meat and Meals—Fat Smoke BBQ offers hearty selections that are surefire palate pleasers. From heaping nachos to delicious rice bowls, and their signature ribs, the menu is just full of oh-so-good choices.
Grade A Meat and Meals—Fat Smoke BBQ offers hearty selections that are surefire palate pleasers. From heaping nachos to delicious rice bowls, and their signature ribs, the menu is just full of oh-so-good choices.

Must-haves from Fat Smoke BBQ

But what sets Fat Smoke BBQ apart from the competition? They don’t boil any of their meats to preserve the flavor, the freshness, and the juices.

Our favorites? All three of their bestseller smoked meats deserve the top prize, really. But the 8-hour smoked pork ribs edge out the wagyu beef and the Angus by just a little margin. Here’s why. There’s an underlying sweetness that permeates through every layer of the tender pork spare ribs, which combines well with the distinct smoky taste of the top charred portion.

On the other hand, the 10-hour Wagyu beef ribs are the most succulent by far. The cut comes from Bukidnon-raised cattle, which produces large slabs of ribs that are consistently juicy with the last bite as mouthwatering as the first. What’s more, the underlying fat melts into the meat like butter. Coming in a close third is the boneless Angus BBQ.

Whether eaten at the restaurant or kept in the ref and reheated slice after slice, this cut stays savory, and soft and keeps its slightly smoky sweet undertone. All three pair well with vegetables, mashed potatoes, and Fat Smoke BBQ’s steak rice.

Entrepreneur on the Rise—Laurenz Liwanag shares that quality products coupled with excellent reviews have been instrumental in his booming meat trade. “Our private catering business and meat delivery account for almost 60-65% of the business. The company is 7 years old while the restaurant just celebrated its first year of operations.”
Entrepreneur on the RiseLaurenz Liwanag shares that quality products coupled with excellent reviews have been instrumental in his booming meat trade. “Our private catering business and meat delivery account for almost 60-65% of the business. The company is 7 years old while the restaurant just celebrated its first year of operations.”
Modern Country—Fat Smoke BBQ’s wooden tables and benches, coupled with scattered greens give the place a welcoming picnic vibe. 
Modern CountryFat Smoke BBQ’s wooden tables and benches, coupled with scattered greens, give the place a welcoming picnic vibe. 
  • Cost per head: PHP 950 +++
  • Location: Unit 2, DEXCON Bldg, 58 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Paranaque
  • Reservations: +63 916 6908 750

2. Fireside

Started by four families (Meer, Santos, Tanjangco, and Tenchavez) as a company selling quality frozen meat products in Subic Duty-Free Shop Inc. in the early 90s, Meat Plus Specialists Philippines, Inc. has expanded its retail business to dining establishments in the metroone of them being Fireside, which opened its first branch in 2015.

“Fireside’s concept revolves around a gathering of family and friends around a fireplace, sharing good conversations and hearty, comfort food. Over the years, we have perfected our recipes (and continuously developed more satisfying meals) using the best quality USDA meat, globally sourced tender, juicy steaks, and burgers,” says Corporate Chef Cirilo “Chiloy” Santos. Jr.

Big-sized Comfort Food—From starters to the mains down to the dessert, Fireside delivers great taste to guests, young and old.
Big-sized Comfort Food—From starters to the mains down to the dessert, Fireside delivers great taste to guests, young and old.

Fireside’s newly opened Molito, Alabang branch is fast becoming a favorite dining destination for the Southies. No surprise there as the 55-seater, two-storey establishment offers big plates and rich wines for pairing!

Must-haves from Fireside

We give this place top scores for taste, hefty servings, and great service. Even if we sat on the second floor, the attendants were always just a wave awayhighly engaged and even giving great suggestions!

Must-try dishes include its famous buttermilk fried chicken fingers served with house gravy and honey, truffle potato chips drizzled with blue cheese, steak salad (big serving of uncut Romaine lettuce with generous slices of melt-in-your-mouth top blade steak, mouthwatering US Angus choice ribeye steak (the 700 grams can feed 5-6 people!), and 4 cheese pizza topped with honey.

The surprise winner for the night is the fall-off-the-bone US lamb ribs (so tender with a sweet undertone, served with mint leaves). For dessert, we had homemade smores that were happily shared around the table—a sweet ending to cap our big, delicious dinner.

Steward of Creative Cuisine—It’s the simplest of dishes that are the hardest to perfect. Fireside Corporate Chef Chiloy Santos, 47, keeps the diners coming back for more hearty servings of the restaurant’s well-loved culinary creations.
Steward of Creative Cuisine—It’s the simplest of dishes that are the hardest to perfect. But even so, Fireside Corporate Chef Chiloy Santos, 47, keeps the diners coming back for more hearty servings of the restaurant’s well-loved culinary creations.
Rustic, Industrial Vibe—Evoking a cozy ambiance, the main dining hall is lined with wooden tables and black chairs. The cluster of hanging lanterns, and the bold red panel by the staircase dotted with various chopping boards lend whimsy, while the exposed beams make the place a modern yet functional space.
Rustic, Industrial Vibe—Evoking a cozy ambiance, the main dining hall is lined with wooden tables and black chairs. The cluster of hanging lanterns, and the bold red panel by the staircase dotted with various chopping boards lend whimsy, while the exposed beams make the place a modern yet functional space.
  • Cost per head: PHP 600 to PHP 800
  • Location: Molito Lifestyle Building
  • For Reservations: +63 917 1521 043

3. Single Origin

Guests have been enjoying Single Origin’s brews, blends, and big breakfast plates since it opened its doors in 2015. Since then it has expanded its menu and now has a full range of food and beverage selections from sunrise to moonrise!

CEO Lucas Lorenzo states succinctly, “Single Origin is more than just a place to dine. We offer a lifestyle destination where every visit comes with a promise of not only quality but consistency in serving excellent culinary creations and libations. We serve good food.”

All Day Delights—The café has 70 menu items for every kind of diner. Whether you are eating solo, with business colleagues or just wanting to have a chill rendezvous with friends, a satisfying meal is yours to enjoy at Single Origin.
All Day Delights—The café has 70 menu items for every kind of diner. Whether you are eating solo, with business colleagues or just wanting to have a chill rendezvous with friends, a satisfying meal is yours to enjoy at Single Origin.

Must-haves from Single Origin

Our top picks are the sausage platter (Hungarian, Kielbasa, and Kasekrainer sausages served with truffle chips), The S.O. Burger (juicy wagyu burger patty with melted emmental cheese, lettuce, tomato served with hand-cut fries), homemade corned beef benedict (hefty slices of brined brisket with two poached eggs and hollandaise sauce served with potato hash and a side salad) and the sweet and smokey Jack Daniels BBQ ribs.

The café also just recently launched its delicious pastry offerings (like fluffy bombolonis, flaky cruffins, and premium doughnuts), which all pair perfectly with its signature coffee. We love that we get our money’s worth with these hefty servings. There’s definitely no scrimping here!

Man on a Mission—Lucas Lorenzo, 31, is the newly minted CEO of Restaurant Concepts Group, Inc. His plans include opening  20 or more mini Single Origin cafés (in addition to the seven branches) with a curated menu.
Man on a Mission—Lucas Lorenzo, 31, is the newly minted CEO of Restaurant Concepts Group, Inc. His plans include opening  20 or more mini Single Origin cafés (in addition to the seven branches) with a curated menu.
Well-loved and Well-lived Spaces—Single Origin’s interiors combine furniture that may not traditionally match achieving a visually stimulating mix for diners to relax in.
Well-loved and Well-lived Spaces—Single Origin’s interiors combine furniture that may not traditionally match achieving a visually stimulating mix for diners to relax in.
  • Cost per head: PHP 1000 +++
  • Location: G/F Edades Tower, Amorsolo corner Rockwell Drive, Makati City
  • For reservations: +63 906 2736 048

4. Route 95 Diner

The never-say-die attitude of young entrepreneur John Horeb Dela Cruz has resulted in eight ribs restaurants since Route 95 Diner’s inception in August 2022.

“I studied to be a pilot but the pandemic halted that dream. When I lost my job, I went into the retail business and started selling premium wines. That venture took off and entering the food business seemed like the natural progression for me. Steaks, ribs, premium meat—all are good to pair with wine,” shares Horeb.

The company he built with the help of his family has gone into franchising, and presently, construction is underway for their biggest store with a 200-seating capacity covering 1,300 sqm in Tabang, Bulacan.

Big Servings and Cherished Memories—Excluding the Unlimited Platter, all viands here are good for sharing with friends and family.
Big Servings and Cherished Memories—Excluding the Unlimited Platter, all viands here are good for sharing with friends and family.

Must-haves from Route 95 Diner

Looking to get the best value for your buck? Route 95 Diner’s Unlimited Platter includes a big slab of smoked BBQ ribs, a serving of Salisbury steak, thigh/leg fried chicken, one Hungarian sausage, potato & leek soup, six side dishes to choose from, and a drink. Whew!

And all that will cost you an unbelievable PHP 799—including refills. “The standing record is 5 refills. But mostly it’s our fall-of-the-bone ribs that get requests for second fillings,” adds Horeb. 

We also recommend the truffle mushroom soup (so good and comes in a super-sized bowl with bread), the dynamite shrimp (battered and fried to perfection, served with chili dip), and the ribeye steak (delicately marbled, served with butter, string beans, and mushroom sauce). You can have wine for as low as PHP 275 (red or white Gufo) or go the sweet route and enjoy their delicious milkshakes.

We liked the loaded Oreo S’mores Milkshake very much!

Destined for Higher Heights—President of Efaprodito Dela Cruz Corporation, John Horeb Dela Cruz, 29, is looking to expand his food business in the Metro and the South.
Destined for Higher Heights—President of Efaprodito Dela Cruz Corporation, John Horeb Dela Cruz, 29, is looking to expand his food business in the Metro and the South.
Nostalgia Lane—Reminiscent of American diners, the restaurant has American memorabilia like bottled soda caps hung on the wall. Its owner is a car and plane enthusiast which explains why he has some on display in different branches.
Nostalgia Lane—Reminiscent of American diners, the restaurant has American memorabilia like bottled soda caps hung on the wall. Its owner is a car and plane enthusiast which explains why he has some on display in different branches.
  • Cost per head: PHP 700 +++
  • Location: Petron AMVEL, East Arcade, C5 Ave. Extension, Parañaque City
  • For reservations: +63 985 776 7818

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