Papa Rock’s Burgers – Marikina City

My taste buds are quite easy to please. Give me a piece of bread and I’ll be happy. Put some cheese or liver spread and I’ll be happier. Put some meat and veggies and I’ll be much happy. But I’m not that adventurous to go out of my comfort zone (Quezon City) just to try a new resto (with exceptions for the best nachos and Pancit Batil Patong). But then I was irked by my buddy to try something new.

An invitation came from my buddy to try this unassuming burger joint in Marikina City that offers wide selection of food items at very affordable prices, hmmm, might as well try it eh? And so I tagged along some of my housemates (read: family members) to join us so we could order everything on the menu (more mouths to feed, more dishes to try).

Papa Rock’s Burgers is located in a subdivision just a few tumblings away from the Marikina Sports Complex. Who could think of opening such establishment inside a subdivision? That’s me talking to myself while we’re scouring for this particular burger joint (check here for discounted tours, transportation and activities in Metro Manila).

An unassuming burger joint

A few more wrong turns on this one-way conquered area then we finally reached the Papa Rock’s Burgers, everyone was starving (which is not a good thing for we ended up ordering almost everything on the menu).

The moment we get there I understood such placement of the diner; it’s strategically placed right outside the owner’s house (which explains the reasonable food prices, no rent or whatsoever). The supposedly “take-out only” burger joint expanded into a dine-in experience due to the demands of the customers. We checked out the menu and almost ordered everything listed on it.

Waiting time was average (they cook everything upon order). Everyone turned into chaos mode after each food item was placed on our table. The requisite food photos were taken and we dug in right away.

First in line were their sandwiches; we had Papa Rock’s Classic Burger (1/3 lb. burger /85 pesos), the Jaw Breaker (2/3 lb. burger/150 pesos) and the Grilled Deli Sausage (Hungarian Sausage/60 pesos). Everyone loved the burgers. The flame-grilled patties are cooked to perfection (you decide on the meat temperature). The sausage as well is heaven.

We also had some Burger Steak meal (85 pesos) which has the same juicy patty as with the burgers and two orders of French Fries (40 pesos).

Next were their pastas; we had Carbonara, Seafood Special and Mac n’ Cheese (60 pesos each). All of which were served on penne. The Carbonara was yummy, the Seafood Special was just ok and the Mac n’ Cheese was lovely. It’s not your typical cream-cheese-heavy Mac n’ Cheese but a fusion of red and white sauce in a bowl - happiness.

And then the breakfast favorites, yes, they have all-day breakfast meals. We had two orders of their Heavy Breakfast Meal (60 pesos each), the pancake meal and the waffle meal which comes with cocktail hotdogs, egg of your choice, whipped butter and syrup. We were told that they make their own batter and don’t subscribe to those packaged ones. And you’d really feel the difference. The moist texture of the pancakes and waffles were nice. The cocktail hotdogs looked and tasted very familiar; kids can really tell (winks).

We wanted to try the barbecue (15 pesos), which I heard is very tasty and yummy, and the Arroz ala Cubana (60 pesos) but we're already stuffed so we'll ujst reserve it for our future visits.

We had some Chocolate and Strawberry shakes (40 pesos each) to down everything. It was ok (not a fan of sweet stuff).

After a gruelling one hour of non-stop munching and gasping we surrendered and scratched our huge tummies afterwards. Checking out our bill afterwards was very surprising; 740 pesos for everything, and we’re five in the group. Can you believe that? All of their food items are yummy and they make everything from scratch and the prices are reasonable and you get more than your money’s worth.

Ugh! I’m starting to hate this. Why? Because I live two jeepneys, two tricycles, one FX and two train ride away from that place and I’m craving for their yummy food. Someone take me to Marikina now, please.

Papa Rock’s Big Burgers & Grillery

23 Sparrow Street, New Marikina Subdivision, Sta.Elena,

Marikina City, Philippines

Contact Numbers: (+63) 2.209.6758 | (+63) 927.879.2924

Open Hours: Mondays to Saturdays | 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

                   Sundays | 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.