Beeffalo by Hotrocks: Ribs, Liempo, Burgers, and more!

Beeffalo by Hotrocks

I'm back at Beeffalo! This time, I visited their newly-renovated branch in Marikina. This is their first branch which was established in 2013. At that time, the location was surrounded by vacant lots and was not very appealing to the public. But because of the restaurant's good food and affordable choices, add to that the big serving sizes, customers started to come in and spread the positive feedback. Even though there are now restaurants popping up around the area, Beeffalo by Hotrocks remains a go-to place for families and friends.

be welcomed by this air-inflated witch

This is my first visit in their Marikina branch so I have no way to compare how it was before and after renovation. But I was really amazed with the decorations and the effort they put to furnish the place.


a DIY giant spider	decorations from recycled materials everywhere

I don't think they spend much on the decorations as most are made of recycled materials. The giant spider is made of garbage plastic, while its web is from straw string. There are also empty containers, tree branches, and old tire. This place was just so creatively decorated and would definitely put a smile in every customer's face. By the way, these pictures were taken in October when they still have the Halloween theme.

a spooky night at Beeffalo

Compared to Antipolo branch, which is the first branch I visited (see my post here: Beeffalo Antipolo), Beeffalo Marikina is more spacious. Though in terms of ambiance, both provide that harmony-in-randomness vibe. Vintage objects such as old CRT TV, rotary dial-up telephone, typewriter, and other novelty items can be seen in the place. It is in this way that Beeffalo by Hotrocks retains the charm of their place regardless of which branch.


neat and pleasant interior	harmony in randomness

Backyard grilling is what I also love in Marikina branch. Especially that we're seated at the al fresco area. Even weekdays feel like weekends having that casual meetup with family or friends on this laidback environment.

backyard grilling

Now onto the food! Most of these were already mentioned in my Beeffalo Antipolo branch post. But you can also find new loves here.

Broccoli-Cheese Soup (120Php)

Broccoli-Cheese Soup

Broccoli-Cheese Soup has got to be my favorite soup in their list. I just had a sip or two of this before so this time, I ordered one for myself, and yes, I love it! It has a really good combination of broccoli and cheese. Creamy, yummy, not overpowering and would ready your appetite for more.


Broccoli-Cheese Soup	Roasted Tomato Soup

Roasted Tomato Soup (75Php)

Roasted Tomato Soup

For a more familiar and safe choice, Roasted Tomato Soup can be an option. I love how balanced the flavor is. Tomato goodness without being too sour.

Croquettes (145Php)

with bacon, cheese, and jalapeno

Croquettes

A dozen of Croquettes is a good filler while waiting for the main dish. The crunchy coating is complemented by the mushy filling composed of potato, meat, bacon, and cheese. A bit of jalapeno gives the oomph, while the dip just made it better.


Croquettes	Barbecue Platter

Barbecue Platter (195Php)

3 sticks each: pork isaw, tenga, bulaklak

Barbecue Platter

I've tried the Barbecue Platter before but it was only this time that I appreciate it more. The barbecue flavor is so natural, infused from charcoal grilling -- far from the overpowering artificial barbecue flavoring. The smoky aroma made it so appetizing. Though expect that there will be pieces not as tender as the other given the pork parts.

Margherita Biscuit Pizza (155Php)

fresh tomato and basil

Margherita Biscuit Pizza

Margherita Biscuit Pizza is another favorite of mine. It's a simple crispy thin pizza topped with cheese, tomato, and basil, so light you wouldn't notice you're going for the second or third slice.


Margherita	Taco BBQ Salad

Taco BBQ Salad (275Php)

Good for two; Lettuce, nachos, taco beef, salsa, cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing

Taco BBQ Salad

Taco BBQ Salad will literally confuse you if you're eating a taco or salad (at least for my case as when I eat taco, I mash them altogether). I find this a different kind of salad in a way that you still get the greens but with a Mexican twist. So if you're looking for a not-your-usual-salad, then go for this.

Baby Back Ribs (full rack - 765Php)

Baby Back Ribs

Baby Back Ribs is my favorite since I first visited Beeffalo. I crave for that hickory smoked flavor and tender meat. This is good as it is but if you long for more flavor, then the extra sauce will be useful.


Baby Back Ribs	Breakfast Steak

Breakfast Steak (125g - 190Php)

Breakfast Steak

Breakfast Steak is composed of a smaller portion of their steak, mashed potato, sides, and egg. It is available all day so don't be misled by its name. I've tried the Porterhouse before and it was a huge piece which took time for me to finish. Breakfast Steak has the same flavor, seasoned with just salt and pepper, and same tenderness. It is relatively smaller than their Porterhouse or T-bone but for me, this is just enough.

Jack Daniel's Country Style Pork Ribs (430Php)

Jack Daniel's Country Style Pork Ribs

Something new I've tried in this Marikina visit is the Jack Daniel's Country Style Pork Ribs -- yet, it instantly became my new favorite! Marinated and glazed in sweet flavorful Jack Daniel's sauce, this tender pork will satiate your craving for savory grilled pork with a kick of liquor. Oh, and this one's for sharing.


Jack Daniel's Country Style Pork Ribs	Pork Liempo with Java Rice

Pork Liempo with Java Rice (195Php)

Pork Liempo with Java Rice

But if you're longing for a more Filipino taste, this Pork Liempo with Java Rice will do. It's simply grilled to goodness until tender and smoky.

Sizzling Beef Ribs (330Php)

Tender beef ribs in tangy tamarind gravy. Served with plain rice

Sizzling Beef Ribs

One of the best sellers and a common favorite is the Sizzling Beef Ribs. This is Beeffalo's own take on sizzling sinigang. This is composed of a huge but tender piece of beef rib surrounded by vegetables and a well-balanced tamarind gravy sauce -- still capturing the essence of a sinigang.


Sizzling Beef Ribs	Salisbury Style Burger

Salisbury Style Burger (215Php)

Angus burger with mushrooms, caramelized onion, mozzarella

Salisbury Style Burger

Since I wanted something I haven't tried in my first Beeffalo visit, I went for burger. I was originally eyeing for the Beeffalo Burger but since the cheese they're using for it is out of stock, I had Salisbury Style Burger instead. It is literally salisbury steak in a burger form. So you have your usual ground beef (plus other ingredients) steak, mushroom, and gravy -- which is good as it is true to being "salisbury". But it is also due to the gravy that the buns and fries became soggy and messy to eat. The idea can work but might need a bit of a twist so it would fit a burger form more. Not sure what it is so for now, I'll stick with Salisbury Steak paired with mashed potato or rice.

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake (165Php)

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

Now that I've tried more of the other desserts in their list, I hereby declare Dulce de Leche Cheesecake as my favorite dessert in Beeffalo! It embodies my ideal cheesecake... from the texture, to the taste, and it's not even heavy on the pocket. It may look too sweet, but no, it's not. The thick cream layer is deceiving but it is so light you wouldn't even notice it. Or probably, it's the key in balancing both the texture and the sweetness.


Dulce de Leche Cheesecake	Banana Creme Brulee

Banana Creme Brulee (145Php)

Banana Creme Brulee

For Banana Creme Brulee, you do not just get the oh-so-soft melts-in-your-mouth texture of a creme brulee. Since it has actual sweetened and halved banana on top, you get something to chew and enjoy. I think the presentation can be improved though (eg. smaller slices of banana, different orientation, etc).

Turtle Pie (165Php)

Turtle Pie

Another new dessert I've tried is the Turtle Pie. This is also a good choice with its different layers and textures of cream, chocolate, caramel, and crust. Such a delight to the eyes and to the palate as it is not overwhelmingly sweet.


Turtle Pie	Jar of Monkeys

Jar of Monkeys (145Php)

3 scoops of ice cream, banana, crushed pineapple, nuts, mini mallows, chocolate and strawberry syrup

Jar of Monkeys

Jar of Monkeys tickled the giddy kid in me with its huge glass of ice cream, mallows, nuts, fruits, and syrup. A safe option for something cold, playful, and child-approved.


Beeffalo Wings (Php 195)	Lamb Adobo (Php 260)

It was again a fun-fun night at Beeffalo by Hotrocks. Different branch but the same homey and comfortable atmosphere. Because I enjoyed here so much, I went back with my whole family (even though Marikina is no where near Taguig) to celebrate my mom's birthday. This time, they have the Christmas theme.