The view of Citizen Pub and Burger Bar spells intimidation from the outside, but once I stepped inside, I finally proved myself wrong. Tables, couches, and a huge flat-screen TV showing a basketball game – this place is truly one heck of a pub.
I have seen what pubs look like in American movies, and never have I imagined that I would see one face-to-face without even leaving the country. Inside Citizen Pub, my eyes can’t help but linger around. It seems like the real thing – a pub where you can enjoy your meal and then savor your favorite beer.
Citizen Pub and Burger Bar, located at City Golf in Ortigas, was established on May 28, 2010. Its idea came from a group of friends who wanted to have a place to relax after a long day. This amazing restaurant portrays three different ambiances in its three different levels – the first floor being the pub, the second floor being the sports bar, and lastly, the roof deck being the chill-out spot. Emil Perez and his friends wanted to have a place for the laid-back ones in the Ortigas area. They want the food in their pub to be known to all.
Their inexperience in having a restaurant business didn’t stop them from doing what they could do. When you want to spend the night lounging, the first floor is best for you. The couches will definitely give you the relaxation you need. The second floor, on the other hand, is best if you are more of the gimik person. It has fewer couches and an open bar where drinks can be mixed. A fridge displaying all the imported beers sold at Citizen Pub will surely entice your taste buds. Meanwhile, the third floor or the view deck is the best place for intimate gatherings. More importantly, Citizen Pub and Burger Bar wanted to preserve their image as a chill-out place and not a place for drinking. You can enjoy a drink or two, but its main purpose is for relaxation.
Of course, complementing the whole place is the food. Upon settling down, we were served appetizers that included double cheese sticks, beef salpicao, Citizen pizza, and chicken tenders.
The double cheese sticks are a hit. I am a cheese lover, so I enjoyed every bite of it. It is thick with cheese, yet it is not nakakaumay. The beef salpicao is very tender. I must admit that up to this point, I still think about how great it tastes. It is a personal favorite. The right combination of spices made it unique. For me, the Citizen pizza. Meanwhile, the chicken tenders lives up to its name. It is very tender and very spicy. If you love spicy food, this is the best appetizer for you.
The burgers came after. Citizen Pub and Burger Bar showcased their best burgers: Citizen Burger, Buffalo Burger, Blue Cheese Burger, and Chori Burger. What distinguishes the patties of Citizen Pub from all the other burgers from different burger bars is its juiciness. Aside from this, all of them are easy to chew. They perfectly complement the burger bun by being tender and flavorful.
For the last part of the gastronomic experience, the Fried Oreos were served. This is the first time I have tasted this kind of dessert, and I could never wonder why this is a house best-seller. It feels like I could finish all of them.
Truly, the new pub in town is a perfect hang-out place to enjoy good food and ambiance while enjoying your bottle of beer.
