Filling Station Bar Cafe: A 50s Diner with Retro Memorabilia in Poblacion (Makati City)

One item in my foodie bucketlist is to eat at a legit diner in the United States. I was inspired by movie scenes that featured diners with retro looks, delicious breakfast, and free-flowing coffee. I’m praying that one day, I may be able to visit America and try a diner and other amazing food experiences.

For the meantime, I will have to settle with diners here in the Philippines, like there’s many! But I’m happy that one of it is in my neighborhood of Poblacion in Makati City—Filling Station Bar Cafe.

Filling Station is a 50s diner that was started by a former Navy chef back 1989. His dream was to bring traditional and home-cooked meals to Filipinos and tourists in the heart of Makati.

What Filling Station is known and has gone viral for is their retro memorabilia. It’s truly a feast for the eyes and perfect for your Instagram fix.

A Mini Cooper and Other Retro Memorabilia at Filling Station’s 1st Floor

But is Filling Station another trendy spot with mediocre food? Far from it! They have good food that even my American friend approves. Let me share some of my favorite items at the diner.

First is the Power Breakfast. It includes bacon, ham, sausage links, which are all sinfully good. It also comes with eggs (I had mine scrambled, which is fluffy), crisp hash brown, garlicky button mushroom, and two slices of bread.

Another breakfast item is the Chicken N’ Waffles. The chicken is crisp and tender, while the waffle is crisp outside and soft inside with a nice chew. The syrup is nice.

I’ve also tried their Camaro (Baby Back Ribs), which is fall-off-the-bone tender. A word of warning though for those avoiding cholesterol (like me): There’s oil in my plate, drenching some of my fries. I’m just not sure if it comes from the ribs or the fries. Overall, it’s a good dish.

Finally is the Steak and Eggs. Steak is tender, super juicy, and has a nice charred flavor. The eggs are runny, but needs some salt just like the fries. I think it’s the American style.

But we couldn’t leave Filling Station without their yummy desserts. I love their cakes and their over-the-top ice cream, especially their Lucille’s Hot Fudge Bowl, which can easily feed a group of four to six. And the best part? It’s cheap given their quality and quantity.

And not only their ice cream Instagrammable, it’s also really decadent!

Now before I give my conclusion on Filling Station, let me just answer this question: Is the place safe and decent when it’s located in the red light district? And the answer is yes! In daytime, Families with kids dine there in the daytime, while barkadas (group of friends) hang out at nighttime.

Filling Station Bar Cafe has somewhat satisfied my diner dreams. It’s truly a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Although it’s on the pricey side, every cent is worth it. I highly recommend it to you!

Address: Burgos St., Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines | Operating Hours: 24/7 | Contact No.: 0917-8337837 | Facebook | Instagram