Dayrit's Burger and Roast Beef House: Serving Burgers, Roast Beef, and Meats Since 1974

We always see food spots and concepts come and go. But some stand the test of time (and even the pandemic). So I want to feature and celebrate these institutions in this new series that I’m launching, Legends of Manila. Let’s start with a burger and roast beef place, Dayrit’s.

I was in a work meeting when the titos (uncles) of the group started reminiscing about food, eventually mentioning Dayrit’s. They told me that they have good burgers. Since then, I’ve been wanting to visit Dayrit’s. And I eventually did…during the pandemic!

Dayrit’s Burger and Roast Beef House was founded in 1974. It’s the brainchild of the Wilfredo “Freddie” Dayrit Sr., a Kapampangan who formerly owned a casino. When his business was shut down during the Martial Law era, Freddie shifted to making chorizo and tapa for friends and neighbors. Due to its warm reception, Freddie had an idea of opening a restaurant and thus, Dayrit’s was born.

Its first branch opened near De La Salle University (Animo!) in Taft Ave., Manila. They eventually expanded but through the years had to close down some branches. They’re presently located at BF Homes (Parañaque) and Magallanes (Makati).

Dayrit’s Burger and Roastbeef House in Magallanes, Makati

I like what they put in their website:

In this day and age of commercialization and quick-fading fads, it is refreshing to see that some institutions not only remain but also remain true to what they stand for.[1]

Here’s the food I tried in Dayrit’s (in alphabetical order):

Big D Burger

Dayrit’s is known for their burgers, so I got their biggest one, the Big D Burger. It’s like their Big Mac, with two juicy and tasty patties sandwiched between three buns.

It also has cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and…cucumbers! So this is a like a homemade Filipino-style burger on steroids. LOL. But instead of ketchup and mayonnaise, I think they use gravy.

Chorizo Macao

I had to try the product that gave birth Dayrit’s. I like that it’s rightly sweet and will make a perfect breakfast!

Fresh Corned Beef

No, this not the canned type that we Filipinos are used to.

Rather, this is like a Nilaga (a Filipino soup dish with protein and vegetables) with a huge chunk of corned beef.

Porkloin Steak

Think of this as a thick-cut bacon or ham that’s tasty and has fat in it. Since it’s served in a sizzling plate, it also has a crisp exterior.

I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be sweet. I didn’t find my dine-in order sweet but my take-out came with a sweet sauce or glaze on the side. Still, I think I prefer it without the sauce or glaze. Anyway, the pineapple slice is enough to give it sweetness and tang.

Roast Beef Plate

Finally, the other item that Dayrit’s is famous for. Their roast beef is tasty, tender, and nice with gravy. It also comes with veggies and a whole piece of potato topped with bacon bits!

Everything I have tried so far at Dayrit’s is satisfying. I especially recommend that you try the burgers, porkloin, and roast beef. But I guess you can’t go wrong with any Dayrit’s meat. I highly recommend this place and I encourage you to support this Legend of Manila.

For branches and operating hours, you may visit their website. You may also check their Facebook and Instagram accounts.