Seated at one corner of Rub Rbs & BBQ at Sct. Rallos St. Quezon City branch one busy weekend lunch service, thoughts came running through my head. First, I will finally get to try the much raved about Raki's BBQ Ribs and second, holy guacamole the place is so jam packed!
Another diner from the next table was seated so close to me I feared that if he popped in the ribs into his mouth and chew it, I could might as well spit the bone for him.
Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the picture.
Our visit happened prior to the opening of their newest branch at nearby Roces Ave. corner Sct. Tobias St., also in Quezon City. So, it is pretty understandable that people from the area who craves for ribs at RUB were still pointed to the same direction. Hence, I am not complaining. Also, a school of thought dictates that a restaurant crowded with people hankering for their specialty is always a good sign. Indeed, at RUB Ribs and BBQ, it was a good sign.
I was given a heads up by a friend who was with me during my visit that the place is just small. We have the option to go to Kapitolyo or Makati branch instead if securing a table at Sct. Rallos will close in to impossible. Contemplating another tedious drive from Quezon City to Pasig or Makati, we held our head up high and stuck to the original plan. We were in for a gutsy undertaking as walk-ins devoid of reservation.
Luck was on our side as we scored a seat before waves of diners came in a minute after. The place indeed is just small but therein lies its charm - at least in my opinion. Peppered with wall decorations I would want to have in my own room, these framed aesthetics ranges from James Dean to The Beatles to other vintage knick-knacks.
My friend, a fellow Beatles fanatic could have go on and on talking about the art works plastered on the wall if only I was not starving. So, we placed our orders. After which, I primed my camera for some food snap shot but ended up deciding against it. Economy of space mattered that the enormity of a camera with speedlight attached to it was a candidate for competition in space. I let my camera phone, no matter how down-at-heel it may seem do the dirty work instead.
Given the number of diners, I was half expecting that food wouldn't hit our table until my stomach linings were bleeding. Yet, service at RUB Ribs & BBQ was unfussy and efficient. The food servers worked as if they are wired to function as fast as they can without glitch, while being perpetually armed with unfazed swag you wouldn't dare challenge.
There is an impressive line of appetizers on the menu, but by the rate that our stomachs were grumbling, an unspoken agreement to get the real deal right off the bat came freely.
Pardon the stiff neck inducing food shots, there were some serious arm twisting and will bending that transpired before I was able to get some frames.
First on the table was the RUB Fried Chicken (Php260). It was vague in my memory if I may have counted six pieces but what I am sure of was each was fried to crisp golden brown perfection. I nibbled on it as if there was no tomorrow because it was the kind of food you would love to munch on while talking about random things and while waiting for your baby back ribs to appear on the table. You would want to have rice with this dish, but even on its absence, it'll do well.
Beautiful, delicious mess. I cannot think of any apt words to describe this Pulled Pork Sandwich (Php195) Photo gave no justice, but judging from the way it hooked me flavor-wise, dare I say it was one of the most sexiest pulled pork sandwiches I have ever come across with.
Crisp fries and equally delicious coleslaw on the side, the sandwich was still the scene stealer especially when it hits your palate. The tenderness of the pork was seemingly noticeable it could have been cooked way back Ming dynasty because it just melts.
Smoked Pork Belly (Php200) isn't really the kind of dish I would skip once it caught my eye while perusing the menu. No regrets that we went for it because just like the tenderness of the pulled pork sandwich, this one merit its own right to be rave worthy.
The flavor got the fine balance between savory-sweet and smoky. The veggies on the side were great accompaniment that cuts through the meat feast that happened in my mouth. I finished the entire cup of rice with complete disregard that I should be sharing it with my companion.
Then, the ribs.
Raki's BBQ Ribs is available in three serving portion; Family Brunch Php720 (Ribs+3 Sides / good for 4), Super Duo Php390 (Ribs+2 Sides / good for 2), and Singles Php220 (Ribs+1 Side + Plain Rice).
Side dishes include some great stuff you would want to have with your ribs such as fries, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, garlic buttered corn, bacon and potato salad, coleslaw, and so on.
We went for Raki's BBQ Ribs Super Duo with sidings of coleslaw and bacon & potato salad. The cage was big alright, but the bones itself were short compared to the ribs I normally have at home and in other restaurants. But it's not to say that it wasn't any good. As a matter of fact, I was quite happy about it.
It didn't hold the fall-off-the-bone kind of tenderness in my opinion, but it was tender enough that the meat could be easily scraped off the bone. The flavor I deem was the reason why some people rave about it, and I would side with them. Because it is the very same reason why I could vouch for this ribs.
There are quite a few choices for dessert but we went for what was tagged as the classic and highly recommended on their list; Fried Oreos with Vanilla Ice Cream (Php190). I wasn't so sure about the brand of vanilla ice cream they used but I find it enjoyable. My friend thought it's a bit pricey but it's just fine in my opinion. I also serve fried Oreos at home to my nephew and I tell you, making these babies isn't a walk in the park especially if you are aiming for that perfect round shape. We both agree however that it was a great way to cap off our meal.
The tab went up to a little over a Thousand bucks only, and considering the quality of food and service we got, I say it was a good lunch.
It was a 180 degree turn, from starving to nearly passing out due to the degree of satiety I got myself into. But it was a great experience that when everything comes full circle, when hunger pangs and cravings for a good meal came knocking, I did itched to go back at RUB RIBS & BBQ once again.
RUB Ribs & BBQ Branches:
Quezon City
- 64 Scout Rallos St.
- Don A. Roces Ave. cor. Scout Tobias
Pasig City
- 88 East Capitol Drive, Brgy. Kapitolyo
Makati City
- Nicanor Garcia (Formerly Reposo St.) cor Baler Street
Contact Nos.: 501-2799; 625-2939; 8900972
Facebook: /RubRibsBBQ
Twitter: @RUB_RIBSBBQ
Instagram: @Rubribsbbq
