Buen Comer 2.0: Old and New Faves in a Much Bigger Space
The Kare-Kare Burrito is as good as ever.
Buen Comer 2.0
164 Calamba Street, Quezon City
Contact: 0961-711-9089
Instagram: www.instagram.com/buencomer2.0
Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Monday to Thursday); 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. (Friday to Sunday)
(SPOT.ph) Ah, Buen Comer by Poquellas. Students—most, if not all from the University of the Philippines Diliman—had some of their college memories going out of their way after (or in between) classes to this quaint, hole-in-the-wall spot for comfort beer chow, and overall some "good eating," as they are aptly named.
And when we say quaint, it was essentially a sidewalk cantina in the middle of Teacher’s Village in Maginhawa. Still, students and residents around the neighborhood were drawn to them, like a magnet. It’s a magnetic field with the other side being their famous Kare-Kare Burrito, among other specialties.
The neighborhood eatery closed due to the pandemic lockdowns but has since reopened after the lifts. More recently, they even gave birth to a newer, biggerversion of Buen Comer: Buen Comer 2.0, located just on the other side of QC; nestled along the quiet and laidback streets of Calamba.
Also read:
Taguig’s Mamacita Boasts Bold Interiors, Even Bolder Tacos by Chef Charles Montañez
La Chinesca BGC Serves Great Tacos, Snazzy Interiors, Cool Merch—Dog Treats, Too
Say hello to Buen Comer 2.0
The then quaint Buen Comer that we know transforms into a fully operational restaurant in this new venture. But creating this wasn’t easy. It took Benjo Quing, who is one of the people behind this franchise, years for the owners’ approval. They were childhood friends.
"I have been encouraging them to expand outside of the original space," Quing shares with SPOT.ph. "2.0 was a result of friends coming together to offer what we are good at—food, franchise and expansion capabilities, and the perfect location."
If the perfect location means a bigger space with lots of parking space, then Buen Comer 2.0 hits the spot. The space invites warm sunlight in through floor-to-ceiling windows, which makes it even brighter and more laid-back. Buen Comer 2.0 can seat over 100 guests, with ample tables and chairs that can accommodate big groups inside. There's space for cars inside, but you can also park just outside.
Stepping inside the space, wall interiors, especially further inside, boast fun and brightly colored illustrations topped with decorations like the Mariachi sombreros. We also spotted some outlets. The signal might be a bit challenging to find at Buen Comer 2.0, but all the more reason to enjoy eating good food and having good conversations with an even greater company.
It took Quing more time to complete the structure and train the staff needed for an elevated but casual Mexican dining experience. When it comes to food, Quing said that Buen Comer’s food philosophy remains constant, “[which is to] provide good food every time you sit down on our table.”
Kare-Kare Burrito + new faves
Of course, their famous Kare-Kare Burrito is present on Buen Comer 2.0’s menu.
Yep, it’s the Filipino favorite wrapped inside a burrito, and somehow it ends up being more than the sum of its parts. You’ll get the whole package: kare-kare flavored rice, lechon kawali, bagoong, and just enough greens for balance. It’s the perfect handheld meal with a twist at P348 if you’re looking for something really filling.
Other burrito options include the Ceasar Salad Wrap, which we also tried, as a lighter option. You can choose between Grilled Chicken (P428) or Rib-Eye Steak (P578) for your protein. Both burritos have their ingredients tightly sealed inside the pita wrap.
Another favorite is the sisig taco, which is another bar chow fave served over soft shell tacos. It’s savory with a tangy kick (courtesy of the calamansi you’ll yet to sprinkle on, as sisig requires), balanced perfectly by the soft taco.
A personal favorite is the Rib-Eye Steak with Dirty Rice (P508). The meat is just the right amount of tender and paired perfectly with the reddish rice. You will be reaching out for this combo again and again and again (we know we did). The contrast of the color, encircled by a white sauce and the blue plate makes a good visual feast.
Speaking of visual feast, the Nacho Potato Crisps (P378) for the sides is just scrumptious. Instead of tortilla chips, it uses potato crisps fried until golden, then layered with sauces, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon bits, and even sliced jalapenos. Dip it into the cilantro and mayonnaise sauce on the side and you'll have flavor overload.
Though we didn't try it since it was noon when we visited, Buen Comer 2.0 now offers cocktails and craft beers.
"We want our space to not just be a dining experience but a space where people come together, share good company, and enjoy great food! We look forward to welcoming you to our table," Quing said.
Buen Comer has always been anchored on good eating with good people, the 2.0 version still rings true—but with the promise of old bites, and future of new dishes, and a much bigger space for your growing company to create new memories in.
Also read:
This Cozy Katipunan Café Serves Coffee, Cocktails, and Comfort Fare With Love
Slurp on Mighty Satisfying Pho at This Hidden Vietnamese Spot in Poblacion