Pablo’s Pub and Restaurant is a good place to try if you are in the BGC area.
It is located at the second floor of the Forum, on 7th Avenue cor. Federacion Drive. The Forum has actually been opened for more than a year now, and we have been to the Fort Strip several times but never really noticed this new building sort of across the street.
My first time at the Forum was actually to dine at Pablo’s Pub! I have since dined twice at Pablo’s Pub, so let me tell you all about it!
What is with all these mafia-themed restaurants lately? Pablo’s Pub is actually named after Pablo Escobar, the notorious Colombian drug lord, who was also known for his generosity and hospitality – the pub is conceptualized to serve food how Pablo Escobar would have served his guests.
The ambience and decor brings to mind a more modern-style speakeasy – dark, casual, laid-back, relaxing, boozy, but still upscale.
As the name suggests, Pablo’s pub is a pub and serves drinks. It is a hangout of some BGC habitues. But that’s not all it is. It actually serves some good food, too – they are proud of their signature burgers and their pesto chicken jambalaya.
THE FOOD
My favorite dish at Pablo’s is their Grilled Chicken Jambalaya (P330) – the chicken was juicy and flavorful with the generous pesto sauce, but the jambalaya rice is the star of the dish! Sorry about the poor quality photos, the lighting at Pablo’s Pub was a bit dim, and my camera wasn’t cooperating; I already enhanced the photos as much as I could.
As for burgers, Pablo’s Pub has a menu of signature burgers. You can choose to get either a 1/2 pound beef patty or a 1/4 pound beef patty. The burgers are served with Paprika Fries.
- The Classic (P325 for 1/2 lb ; P260 for 1/4 lb)
- Wild Shroom (P390 / P325)
- Wasabi Mayo (P350 / P285)
- Wake Me Up (P370 / P305)
- Nacho Libre (P360 / P295)
The burgers are well-seasoned, could be on the salty side for some, but the thing that makes Pablo’s Pub’s burgers special are the buns! Seriously, you should take note of Pablo’s Pub’s burger buns! They are not your typical generic, commercial burger bun.
Pablo’s Pub’s burger bun is light and airy, like good ensaymada bread, and it is soft, but structured, and doesn’t fall apart even if drenched in sauce. It is the best hamburger bun I have ever eaten! I can’t remember, but I think I was told it has a bit of potato in the recipe. These buns really make a big difference! The delicious, airy buns just make the burger taste better.
The beef patties are well-seasoned and juicy and delicious, however, I did notice some gristle (litid).
I also really liked the Spicy Chicken Tenders (P295) – it was gone even before I could take a picture! It’s sweet and spicy and delicious!
Chicharon aficionados will surely like Pablo’s Chicharon Bulaklak (P330). My fellow diners were raving about it! It was very soft, but still crispy and flavorful from the breading.
I also liked Pablo’s Pub Signature Nachos (P390) – they use chopped beef (cooked rare).
For dessert, the Homemade Cheesecake (P200) is a standout – it’s so creamy, yet light and cheesy! You must try this for dessert!
SUMMARY
Pablo’s Pub is not only a place to drink and stay – the food is actually pretty good, too. It’s worth going even if it’s just for the food.
The dishes to try at Pablo’s Pub are the Grilled Chicken Jambalaya (P330) and their burgers! Make it a point to notice the wonderful hamburger bun. I suggest going for the 1/2 pound burger just because the bigger patties end up being juicier.
Parking can be a problem when going to the Forum. There is a parking lot for Forum guests, but it seemed small and was always full whenever I go there. I always end up parking at the Fort Strip parking areas instead and just walking to the Forum a small block away.
Pablo’s Pub and Restaurant
7th Avenue corner Federacion Dr (2nd floor, The Forum), Bonifacio Global City
Contact #: +63 916 618 7045
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pablospub
Hours: Mon-Fri: 12:00 pm-2:00 pm 5:00 pm-1:00 am; Sat:
5:00 pm-1:00 am; Sun: 4:00 pm-12:00 am
