Do you know which restaurant has got the best burrito in Manila? Well, according to spot.ph, the champion in this category is no other than Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar in Makati. Beat that? There’s only one way to find out—and it’s when you grab a bite of their “finest Mex-Tex” food yourself!
Ines Cabarrus (in photo with me below) and Elian Habayeb have ventured in the Philippines to serve authentic flavors of Mexico and American Southwest cuisines combined. The menu is so joyously predictable. To boost their competitive edge against Mexican food establishments that are sprouting over the city, Chihuahua plays with much creativity and innovation.
With bigger and newer plans still up and coming to improve their menu, Chihuahua teams up with world leader Monin, the French company that has been producing gourmet flavors for over 100 years. This February 2014, they will be releasing three new margarita variations: strawberry, red berry and passion fruit. For the non-alcoholics, there are new flavors of quesadilla, new variations of nachos and smaller size of burritos to intrigue patrons like me. Let’s see how Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar’s food fared in my taste test.
Review of Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar (Makati City)
Ambiance: ★★★★★
This branch of Chihuahua across A-venue Mall has two floors and can accommodate up to over 50 people. This place is screaming RED! Making the ambiance pretty upbeat, this predominant color in the interior stimulates the energetic vibe.
Acoustic music pumping through the speakers helped to set the mood for the night. Incidentally, we came on a Wednesday night and Chihuahua has a live acoustic singer/guitarist every Wednesday. Tip: Say the password “acoustic” to the cashier and get a free Chihuarita shot to help you sing along.
Disco lights pulse and dance around the walls and ceiling. Props such as game boards, cowboy hats, balero cups and other toys are placed at the sides. These can be borrowed for picture-taking.
Service: ★★★★★
The owners and staff are very accommodating and friendly, so ordering from a wide variety of food on their menu board on the wall behind the counter can be done easily. The ordering process starts upon selection of meats or veggies, then deciding whether you want them in a soft taco, burrito, salad or burrito bowl. Third step is either you witness how preparation of food is done or wait at your table. Mostly everything else once the food is served must be self-service.
Different types of condiments (pickled Jalapeno peppers, fresh guacamole and Pico de Gallo) are available at a counter, and several types of homemade sauces are accessible from their “hot sauce library.”
Food: ★★★★☆
First and foremost, we had the classic favorites: three types of nachos, namely Chips & Queso “Special” (PHp 195), Steak Nachos (PHp 385) and Chicken Nachos (PHp 345) which all had corn, salsa, grilled pepper and onions. The Chips & Queso “Special” was made with queso and some chili con carne; the Steak Nachos, with tender, char-grilled, perfectly marinated American beef; and the Chicken Nachos, with lean marinated breast. All were really tasty and the matching condiments were as well rich and intense.
After having a bit of everything, it was hard to say which I preferred the most. The nachos were crisp and crunchy. The toppings worked harmoniously with the delicious corn flavor.
It seemed almost like a rare deal when the dish was served to us warm. I loved that melted cheese was still runny-rich and viscous and not a state where it had already cooled and thickened. What I also liked was the mix of quality ingredients in a bowl.
Next were two types of burritos, the “pride and joy of Chihuahua.” The Mini-Me Burritos (PHp 225) are lighter, less packed but just-as-good-yet-smaller portion of the original 12-inch sized award-winning burrito.
The Two-bean Burrito (PHp 135), an entry-level burrito worthy of the coveted Chihuahua brand, can suit vegetarians’ taste best. It is made with smoky refried beans, Mexican rice, black beans, creamy queso, and chipotle salsa, wrapped in the 10-inch soft flour tortilla.
Thirdly, we had two different viands of brilliant quesadillas: the Veggie Quesadilla (PHp 385) and the Chicken Spinach Quesadilla (PHp 495). These quesadillas look like a large Mexican pizza made with two toasted flour tortillas held together by three kinds of cheese. Both were served with pico de gallo, chipotle salsa, sour cream and guacamole.
I tried a slice of each but I could not just finish the whole thing. There was a lot going on upon the first bite. I thought the Veggie Quesadilla was more delicious, since the corn kernels, grilled peppers, onions and zucchini had a good contrast.
On the other hand, the overall taste of Chicken Quesadilla was not as appealing to my taste buds, but I liked it, too! This quesadilla was made with grilled marinated chicken breast and butter-sautéed spinach with garlic, onion and cilantro.
Coming soon are the Steak Quesadilla (PHp 545) with grilled USDA beef, onions and peppers; the Carnitas Quesadilla (PHp 485) with slow-cooked pork, red onions, and cilantro; and the Picadillo Quesadilla (PHp 465) with spicy ground beef and red onions.
For a good Mexican dessert, we closed the deal with Chihuahua’s Banana Nutella Quesadilla (small PHp 195, large PHp 345), which had a firm but moist patty. Each bite was nice, juicy and nutella-flavored, thanks to the following ingredients: Nutella®, Jiffy’s Peanut Butter® and then topped with vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, shaved almonds and cajeta (a Mexican caramel similar to dulce de leche). The fresh bananas were responsible for the hint of sweetness. Yum! 😛
We washed all the food down with Strawberry Frozen Margarita which was made with real tequila. It was nicely tart but wasn’t too fruity or too sweet for me. As a “powerful cocktail drink,” this margarita was a little less syrupy than most versions I’ve tried in other bars. The acidity was adequate and the drink didn’t come with an unpleasant aftertaste.
Price for Value: ★★★★☆
Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar is a Mexican food lover’s paradise. Their offerings are so much a marriage of Mexican and Texan food and flavors. I was mostly impressed with the quality and presentation of the food but less impressed with the prices which I thought should be tagged a little lower. Of course in Manila, you can get nachos, burritos, quesadillas and drinks for half the cost. However, what you can’t get elsewhere is the FUN!
In Chihuahua, one can take advantage of the festive ambiance and enjoy the night away with free salsa dancing lessons every Saturday night at 10:30PM. Yup, this place transforms instantly from a rather quiet dining area to a home of the best salsa dancers residing in the metro. The good news? Everyone is invited and the party lasts until 5AM. 😀 So if you feel like chilling and letting loose, schedule a trip to Chihuahua this Saturday right now. I bet you’ll have the most fun, hands down.
If you’re not okay with Saturday, you can still have an equally fun ride at Chihuahua’s every Friday when they feature music more on the Reggaeton tip. You’d know it’s real when you see Domicans, Cubans, Costa Ricans and Panamanians in the crowd. The Corona-sponsored weekly’s Urban-Latin club music comes courtesy of Jonathan Picayo and some of the best DJs the city has to offer.
I’m not exactly running back for another set of Mex-Tex food right away, but if a burrito craving strikes me back again, I’ll know where to go. And by now, I think you also do. 🙂
Thanks, Aldous, for the invite! 🙂
Operating Hours: 11am until 3am (Mon-Thurs), 5am (Fri-Sat), and 12am (Sun)
Other branch:
G/F Greenbelt 2 (Esperanza street-side across from The Residences) | 625-0106
Operating Hours: 11am – 11pm daily
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
At first I thought Chihuahua dog haha WHy is this called Chihuahua? Hehe
I would love to try it here, very near to where I live right now. I love nachos, burritos and quesadilla! Oh my! I hope to visit this soon!
Haha yeah we had the same initial thought. I only knew Chihuahua refers to one breed of dog. Then I researched online and learned that the same term refers to a state in Mexico. Interesting, right? We learn new things every day. 😛
Muchos gracias, Senorita
You’re welcome, Señor. 😀
Wow, it sure looks like a cool Mexican place! Will check it out! 🙂
Yup! Whenever you’re in the mood to grab a drink and some fine Mexican food, hope this place comes to your mind. Both food and drinks stand out here. 😀
Nice placceee.. very Mexican nga yung place. hihihihi 🙂
You gotta love love love this neighborhood Mexican restaurant across A-venue Mall. As you can see from the pictures, the place is quaint and beautifully decorated literally from the ceiling. The food is classic and the portions are generous.
*jealous* love mexican food , your post made me crave it
Hehe 😛 I didn’t appreciate Mexican as much not until last Wednesday. I grew fondness on their food love the food. What’s more, the vibe is so chill and I think no other Mexican resto in Manila comes close.
waaa my favorite nachos tacos , really love them .. the place is nice too 🙂 happy valentines!
Nom nom nom 🙂 Happy Valentines! <3
Never pa akong nakatry ng burrito but would love to try it someday. Since Chihuahua offers the best burrito in town maybe I’ll dine there someday. Nakakagutom yung food lalo na yung Banana Nutella Quesadilla and Nachos. 😀
Yeah haha the dessert as finale was just the best! 😀 Forget all the troubles and eat ’em like a king. 😀
Oh wow! i didn’t expect the inside to be pretty modern! nonetheless the atmosphere looks great 😀 and omg the quesidilla looks so delicious! those are my faves!!!
Yeah the atmosphere makes Chihuahua a good place to bring your group of friends. I’ll definitely be back for another try! 😀
Love the ambiance & oh, the food looks yummy. Thanks for sharing this! 😀
You’re much welcome! 🙂 Order their must-try burritos!
You look so cute with the Mexican Sombrero. I’m sure to love the tacos here.
Thanks, Franc! 🙂 Their tacos might be the best ones you’d ever have.
I should try it their tacos then. I’m sure to love it.
When in Makati, come and try them out. 😛
That place is really awesome,nice photos.
Begin with the chips and salsa. Everything is excellent. 🙂
Burrito is really not my thing. I tried it before but I swear that I won’t eat something like that ever again. If I’m craving for a mexican cuisine, I prefer nachos or quesadilla.
I also didn’t like burritos after getting the vegetarian kind from Mexicali. It was far from delicious yet my boyfriend likes it and I can’t understand why. My preconception about the taste of burritos changed when I tasted Chihuahua’s version. You can try it, too, and see if theirs would successfully lead to a change of heart. 😛
I like how the place has that festive mood. The food looks yummy, especially that Quesadilla.
The quesadilla was really good and so filling. If you love Mexican food, you MUST MUST MUST come here and try it out!
We’ve heard so many good things about this resto. I guess we should visit soon and try their burrito.
Chihuahua has been named one of the top stops for dating as well, a satisfying Mexican start to your night out. Expect what you’re paying for and this place will make you happy. 😀
We have mexican restau here rin but not as spacious as like this. And the menus. I just love how mexican foods taste. Not your everyday craving but hanap hanapin mo siya diba? I will share some your orders from their menu to the owner of the mexican restau here. Para matry nila iadd. Thanks Roch! 🙂
Oh you know the owner of the Mexican restaurant near your place? Sure, give him the link to Chihuahua’s menu on Facebook. Let’s see if they can replicate some of the dishes or make them as inspiration to their own. 🙂 We need more restaurants serving great food because at the end of it all, we will gain benefit from their friendly competitions.
I liked Burritos and quesadillas with lots of tomato salsa. I’ll try this Chihuahua some other time.
The best part for me is that they offer burritos and quesadillas for vegetarians so I also am excited to bring my family here next time. 🙂
Masarap talaga dyan and one thing that I really like aside from the food is that in Makati Ave branch they have gameboards so you can play it with your friends while waiting
Ohh thanks for the tip haha I thought they are merely props / decorations to fit the overall playful theme.
We love Mexican food, particularly burritos. Yum! This is another great find. Thanks for the post!
Welcome. 🙂 You may bring your real estate prospects here and you’ll have a good time.
and now i think i’ll be getting some later after church. i just love mexican food, the tacos, nachos, buritos and the cheese overload.
Those are the best comfort food you can get, and Chihuahua Mexican Grill’s version of them shine. The stars here are unquestionably the crispy wrap, rich cheese and fresh ingredients.
ohhhhh!! lovin’ the Mexican vibe of this bar and grill sweetie!!. Gusto ko i-try yung Chicken Quesadilla nila, for sure masarap yun! 😀
Be prepared to have food coma! Everything looks and tastes so good.
the mexican grill looks fantastic!!1 i love mexican! the place looks very happy and full of energy!
Yup. They got plenty of seating, an outdoor patio and full bar. Aside from the food, you’ll be satisfied with customer service. Our waiter didn’t less us die of thirst; he always checked on us and refilled water.
The food looks good, and the ambiance is perfect for gorging a burrito. Mexican food has always been interesting.
Upon entering the place you are immediately hit with a wall of smells. Once food is served, you know you are in for something good.
I looove Mexican food! Thanks for this review because I now have a new place to try! Their food looks great!
You’re welcome! If you want some Mex-Tex style food, you have to come to this place. If you want to dance or sing along with a bunch of friends, then come here as well. 🙂
The line up of their Mexican menu is totally refreshing, I hope I can visit this restaurant whenever when we visit Manila. Burritos, Nachos and Quesadillas are my all time favorites.
Hehe soon you can. Swim in the flavors of warm home style Mexican food and gorge into a bowl of nachos with your choice of meat, melted cheese over all of it and a dallop of cream!
I am very interested to eat Mexican foods for Iy haven’t eat anyone of them. I know if there is Mexican foods in our capital city here in Negros Occidental.
Oh I’m not familiar with restaurants there because I have never been to Negros Occidental. I’ve heard of this region only in Social Studies classes way back in secondary school whaha. Drop me a note once you find one. Meanwhile, life goes on. 😛
The place looks vibrant and inviting. I hope to go there soon. Anyway, burrito is so yummylicious!
Yup, the place is really cute and quaint. The decor is bright and typical of what you would find at a Mexican restaurant. The burrito is a must-try. 😉
What will make me love this place, aside from the dishes, is its friendly and cool ambiance. I can see from your pictures na it’s a relaxing place to dine 🙂
The atmosphere is pretty no-frills, but you will surely love their wickedly fun activities and delicious food options. 🙂
I love Mexican food… tempting and mouth-watering.
Mexican is one of the most interesting cuisines and it is so easy for so many places to get it so wrong. Chihuhua does not do that. Every dish served is full of flavor!
Seeing the pictures make me miss NoName Bar in Cozumel, Mexico.
Ohh NoName Bar – what a catchy name. 😀 I bet it’s good.
This place looks really nice and fun <3
The food looks yummy too!
It’s most fun during Saturday nights! 😀