Last week, I found myself walking around Poblacion — a part of Makati I don’t usually frequent. The noise, the hipster bar crawl energy, the ever-changing storefronts — it’s a far cry from my quiet corner of Quezon City. But I was glad I ventured out. Something about this place keeps shifting, reinventing itself. Beneath the chaos, you can feel the pulse of creativity and an honest hunger for flavor.
Once affectionately called “Pobla” by the regulars, the name was eventually banned from commercial use by the city — apparently in the interest of preserving heritage. Maybe it took a bit of the edge off the branding, but the vibe? Definitely still intact. This neighborhood hasn’t lost its flavor, figuratively or literally.
I didn’t come in with a grand plan or checklist — just a white outfit (risky for eating tacos, I know), a curious appetite, and a loose sense of direction. I tend to prefer simpler, more straightforward food, and I think that’s reflected in the dishes I chose to try. Over the last two weekends, I wandered around, splitting my stops across back-to-back Saturdays to savor the experience without overdoing it. One dish (or drink) per place gave me just enough to get a good feel without burning out. Think of this as a snapshot, not a comprehensive review. There’s plenty more to try, and I’ll probably be back to explore the rest.
Onlypans Taqueria (@onlypans.ph)
Onlypans was a bit of a rage post-pandemic — people were raving about it left and right. And after several years of hearing the buzz, I finally got to try it for myself. Tucked on Don Pedro Street, the name alone is worth a grin — but their food delivers, too. It’s a no-fuss joint slinging bold, juicy tacos, especially their quesa birria. I was eating very mindfully that night — I was in an all-white ensemble, and one wrong drip of taco juice could’ve ruined my look for the entire evening. Thankfully, it was worth the risk. I also enjoyed their classic horchata — simple, clean, and more satisfying than the flavored variants. A good call to reset the palate. Messy, meaty, and made to satisfy.
Krapow (@krapow.mnl)
This Thai spot brought both comfort and surprise. The flavors were clean and fresh — the kind of straightforward Thai cooking that lets good ingredients shine. We had their namesake dish, the krapaw gai (chicken krapaw), which was flavorful and had just the right amount of heat. What I really loved was the perfectly fried egg on top — runny, crispy-edged, and everything it needed to be. I chose to sit outdoors to soak in a bit of that Thai street food energy — it added just the right atmosphere to the experience.
But what really stood out was a secret, off-menu dish: fried chicken wings that somehow captured the essence of pad Thai. Sweet, spicy, nutty, tangy — it was all there, but wrapped in a crispy, juicy bite. I can only describe them as OMG wings. I truly hope they make it to the regular menu sometime soon.
Nolita Joe’s (@nolitajoes)
A short walk from Krapow led me to Nolita Joe’s. There wasn’t any hype or big reputation pushing me through the door — just shelves of great-looking pizzas and the smell of something familiar. You can grab a slice à la carte — very Manhattan. I had the sausage, pepperoni, and mushroom (SPM Pizza) slice, and it brought me so much joy. It reminded me of the Shakey’s Manager’s Choice from way back, when it was still something to look forward to. A sturdy crust that could hold its generous toppings, and that satisfying bite. A total win — especially for people of my generation who remember when pizza had heart.
The other pizzas looked just as tempting, and I’m sure I’ll be back to try more. Perfect to go with the slice was a beer flight featuring Joe’s Brew, a proudly local craft beer brand that actually started right in Poblacion. Their brewery has long been a cornerstone of the area’s craft beer scene, so it felt fitting to enjoy their pours alongside the pizza. In my book, pizza and beer will always be a perfect pairing — and this one hit all the right notes.
Scratch Smash Burgers (@scratch.mnl)
This place is all about that flat-top sear and nostalgic fast-food format done right. I’m not even a big fan of smash burgers, but this was one of the better ones out there. The patties were juicy and flavorful, despite the smash technique, and the buns — yes, the buns — were perfect. Soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold it all together. Go for their classic double smashed burger — no veggies, just cheese and their signature sauce. Simple, messy, and completely satisfying.
Also worth mentioning is their Harlem chopped cheese — juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of sleeper hit that could probably outsell their burgers if it got more attention. I’d gladly have that, or the classic double smashed burger, or both — the next time I’m back.
And here’s a fun surprise: tucked behind the counter is Dumbo, a hidden cocktail bar that feels like a whole other scene. It’s one of those blink-and-you-miss-it spots that Poblacion does so well — small, moody, and serving legit cocktails in a place you’d least expect. The kind of twist that makes a burger run feel like a full-blown night out.
Original House of Doner (@houseofdonerph)
One of the places I was genuinely excited about. The fact that there were plenty of Turkish guests dining there was a good sign. Their homemade pita bread was excellent — warm, fluffy, and full of character. I ordered the small German doner, which was good enough to satisfy my curiosity. If I were hungrier, I would’ve gone for the large and maybe even asked for double the fillings — just to resemble the hefty wraps I remember from my visits to Germany. I wonder if they’d do that. Flavor-wise, it was solid and definitely worth the stop.
Kampai (@kampaiph)
I dropped by Kampai early for dinner — before the party crowd rolled in — curious enough to give their menu a shot. Lo and behold, the food was actually really solid. Their steak bowl and salmon plate completely delivered. Well-executed, satisfying, and clearly more than just bar chow. Pair with one of their cocktails and you’re in for a good time.
The Spirits Library (@thespiritslibrary)
Just a few steps away, I wandered into The Spirits Library — and I was immediately amused. The place had this strange but charming grand-uncle vibe. It felt like walking into a storybook, with dark wood shelves lined with bottles and books. Ask for their signature Old Fashioned — it’s smooth, deep, and quietly dramatic, just like the space itself.
Poblacion may not be for everyone — it’s not polished, it’s not curated. But that’s the point. It lives and breathes. It welcomes chaos and cooks from it. And sometimes, that’s what makes food exciting.
