One thing that I hear from a lot of expats here (especially from American expats) is that they really wish that they could find a good hamburger in the Philippines. Well, I have to agree that finding a good burger here is not an easy thing. Many times, the meat is sub-standard, the buns are made with sweet, sugary bread, etc. Overall, it just is not the kind of burger that we are used to. After all, what is more American than a good hamburger?
Well, over the years I have found a number of places with a decent hamburger, but never the perfect burger. Al’s Diner has been a favorite of mine for a decent burger, but still, it could not compete as being on par with some of the better burgers from the USA. Another local burger place that is quite good is Space Burger. Again, it’s good, it’s not great, though.
So, even though I had found a couple of burger places in Davao that were “pretty good,” the quest continued for the ultimate burger in Davao.
About 2 weeks ago, I was reading an article in our local newspaper. The article was about the grand opening of a place in the Damosa area of Davao. The place was called “Brothers Burger” and they served gourmet hamburgers. Hmm… gourmet hamburgers? That did it for me, and Feyma and I went there to give it a try for dinner that evening.
At first, I must admit, I was disappointed in the place. I went there expecting a somewhat upscale restaurant. It turned out to be a rather simple fastfood place. I expected nice tables and chairs, maybe akin to a “sports bar” type atmosphere. Instead, they have plastic tables and chairs, and only a few tables in the entire place.
But wait… every table was full. Tables outside on the sidewalk were all full. In fact, there were people sitting on the curb eating hamburgers. When I looked inside, there were about 15 people waiting in line to order. Hmm… if the place was attracting this many people, I believe that it must be good. So, I waited in line to order a burger.
Now, in this place, ordering a burger is, in itself, a task. Why? Because there are so many good burgers to choose from! For my first visit, I ordered a “Wagyu Burger” which is made with premium wagyu beef, among the most premium beef in the world. Because they were so busy, it took 30 minutes for our food to be served! I was a little upset about it taking so long, but I’ll say more about that later in the article.
Once the food was served – we both ordered burgers and onion rings – WOW! What a great burger! To be honest, this was the best hamburger that I had ever eaten in my life. The onion rings were excellent too. The quality of the beef used on the burger was so good, it was like no beef I had eaten since coming to the Philippines. The bun was an oatmeal bun that had no sweetness, and was simply delicious.
Now, here is one thing to keep in mind, though… the place is expensive! My Wagyu Burger was P350, about $7.50. This was a big burger, but not huge. $7.50 is a high price for this burger. But, these are imported ingredients, so it is understandable. They have other burgers for less, in fact, the Wagyu is their most expensive burger. Most of the gourmet hamburgers are in the P250 price range, but they even have some for less than P200. So, don’t expect to go get a burger for P20 or P30 like you can find at McDonald’s. But, again, don’t expect to get the quality of burger that you would find at McDonald’s either. This Brothers Burger is like a Cadillac, compared to the little economy car you will find at McDonalds!
So, I have now become addicted to Brothers Burger. I have sent my nephew there several times to pick up a burger for my lunch or whatever. I am trying many of their different burgers too. Right now, I must say that my favorite is their Black Angus Burger. It has a half pound of pure angus beef on it, with lettuce, tomatoes, barbecue sauce, and an oatmeal bun. It’s quite a treat.
Last week, I called a friend and asked if he was interested in going out for lunch. I told him about Brothers Burgers, and how good it was. I think he might have been a little skeptical, but he told me I had always steered him right when it came to restaurants, so we went and gave it a try. My friend had the Brothers Pounder, which has two half pound patties among other things. He was simply amazed with the burger and told me that it was the best burger he had eaten in his life (he is American too, and had eaten at some high end hamburger joints in the States). I agreed. He is now a regular customer at Brothers Burger too. I am a little upset, though, as Brothers Burger is located very near his house, but it is a long drive from me!
When I took my friend, I noticed that the speed and service had improved a lot too! I even talked to the manager, and she told me that it is something they had been working on, and she was happy that I noticed an improvement.
Brothers Burger is a franchise, and they have branches at many high-end locations around the Philippines. If you find yourself near a Brothers Burger outlet, I recommend them highly!
Let me say, this is not a paid post. Brothers Burger has paid me nothing, and they don’t even know that I am posting this article. In interest of full disclosure, though, I have contacted their marketing department in Manila in hopes of getting them to advertise on this site. I believe that my readers would really enjoy their product, and because of that, I believe that advertising here on LiP would be a good move for them to make. But, everything I said about the place and their food is what I honestly feel.
hi Bob,
That sounds great. I am planning to move to Tagum city in about 3 months. I will have to get direction to Brothers Burger from you. I went to their web site and Davao was not listed. maybe they will update it soon. I wonder if there are any plans to build one in Tagum City. Still waiting on a KFC.
Hi Richard – I kind of doubt that Brothers Burger would ever locate in Tagum. They are really after the high end market. I doubt there are enough people in Tagum who are willing to part with P350 for a single burger! 😉 I would highly recommend, though, that you swing by and visit them every time you are in the City!
that might give me another reason to visit Davao on a more frequent basis.
Hi Richard – I want to make sure you have company every time you visit Brothers Burger, so I will accompany you on every visit! You have to buy the burgers, though! 😉 Ha ha… just kidding, my friend!
I agree. There are several Brothers Burgers here in Manila and we eat there all the time.
I’ve always liked Mcdonalds but in the Philippines they tend not to follow any of the franchise rules and cut corners to make up for the high franchise fees. My advise, never eat at Mcdonalds ,Pizza Hut or OutBack Steakhouse.
Hi Matt – Glad to hear another vote of confidence! Brothers has an excellent burger, and I absolutely love the place!
Hi Matt, indeed that is one of my complaints living in the metro Manila area. Whenever a US franchise opens up, it will be great. A taste of home, generous ingredients, etc. However there is always this pervasive ‘cut corners’ attitude that takes over, and in a few months the food no longer resembles the US version. I often eat at my local SM mall becuase I typically go there to exercise. I really enjoy Wendy’s … the people there are top notch. But the food? Not at all like a Wendy’s hamburger in the US. I’ve watched it over the last couple years sharing in size and ten shrink further, and not only the size … the meat has gotten very non-descript. At least the burgers aren’t full of sharp bone chips as so many Filipino burgers are, but basically everything else .. strings, gristle, hard ‘stuff’ that ought to be thrown away rather than ground, and way, way overcooked so there is no juiciness and taste.
Brother’s is a Filipino company, and they prove once again that Filipinos _will_ spend money for quality .. I just hope they don’t fall into the ‘make it cheaper’ trap that so many others do.
The closest Brother’s to me is in TriNoMa, I’m looking forward to heading there soon and try them out … Bob has made my mouth water yet again …
Hi Dave – I fully agree that a lot of restaurants here lose quality over time. Nice thing about Brothers Burger is that they have been in business for a long time already, so the fact that the quality is still good is a nice sign that it will stay that way.
Looks like they have offerings similar to this … http://www.heartattackgrill.com/menu.html
Ha ha… “a burger worth dying for!” 😯
Hi Bob,
Well i missed out on that one,Brothers didn’t exist last time i was in Davao, and not far from where i was staying,never mind, next time.
Angus beef is my favourite also,here we call it Aberdeen Angus beef,from where the breed of cattle originate.
I will put it on my “must visit list” for next time i am there.
regards Chas.
Hi chas – yes, very close to where you were staying in Davao! Don’t miss it on your next trip!
Hi Bob, just saw your comment on Facebook and rushed over here. I haven’t even checked to see if we have a Brothers Burger in nearby Iloilo but next time I am in Manila I will check it out. A great burger in the Philippines is something I really miss from America. McDonalds is just OK, but a great burger? Wow! Thank you for this info, Mindanao Bob.
Hi Dave – I don’t see Iloilo listed on their website. However, I do know that the website is not up to date on locations. Because Davao is not listed, and it’s been open for about a month or so. Also, there are some problems with their website… it’s a great site, but some links are broken and such. But, their burgers are absolutely superb! Don’t miss it, if you have a chance!
Hi Bob;
A great Burger is a thing of beauty; we here in the Olongapo area have a few restaurants owned by Australians and Americans, and there are some good burgers. But now I’m going to have to seek out the “Brothers Burger” you spoke so highly about. I will stop at MacDo’s for breakfast, as that, they still do well, but their burgers???? When I’m over by Pangasinan, I’ll have a whopper from Burger King and Onion Rings, but again it’s just fast food. After posting this I’m going online and find the Brothers Burger that is close to my area. Mmmmm, a great burger, priceless!!!
Hi Paul – Yep, a good burger is indeed priceless! How could something with such a simple list of ingredients taste so darned good? 😆 Yeah, if you have a chance to try Brothers, don’t miss out! You won’t regret it, I’m sure of that!
Unfortunately, the list of locations on their website is not complete though.
Hi Bob – Think we might have passed by a “Brothers” or two in our travels about the island, but can’t for the life of me remember where. Will have to search out their website and check.
Have to admit, though, that I stopped beng a burger fan just after Jollibee went international and standardized their burger composition. Pre-“big time,” the Jollibee I used to visit regularly served a burger that was part ground beef & part ground pork. Different? Sure was (mixed meat burgers can’t be served in the USA by law). Good? I’ll say! Like a fine beer, you acquired the taste. You also acquired a habit! When the ‘bee standardized, I went cold turkey and never really enjoyed a hamburger again. 🙁
I’m willing to see if a “Brothers Burger” is my methadone! 😆
Hi Paul – If you get a chance to try a Brothers Burger, give it a shot. I don’t think you will regret it. As I recall, the furthest north location is in Baguio, but I could be mistaken.
Hi Bob! One of the owners of Brothers Burger is an old friend from the tourism industry. I’ll forward this post to him. Thank you! (and I envy you!) 🙂
Hi Cathy – Thank you so much! I would really like to have Brothers Burger do some advertising on this site, as I really believe that the readers here would really patronize the place. I think it’s a natural match. Please, also pass along my e-mail address (and my cell number if you like) to your friend! 😀 Thanks again.
Morning Bob!
How true it is to satisfy a western stomach when it comes to fast food! Were the clients more composed of locals or of expats? I am curious as I have had an idea of such a place in Cebu. Do you know of any branch in the Cebu area? Mmmmmmmmm…writing about food makes me so hungry, hahaha. But seriously, making a western such as a hamburger can be a delicate thing. If someone were to try to make Poutine (a creation from my city, which is french fries/cheese and sauce and the sauce depends on the place too) it has to be the same value in my mouth or better! Omg drool………good post!
Hi Jason – When I have gone to Brothers Burger, except the foreigner friend that I brought there, I have never seen any other foreigners there, only me.
Yes, they do have at least one branch in Cebu, although I don’t know exactly the location.
Hi Bob,
Just last night a few Filipino friends and I were discussing the McDonald burger. They were asking me if it is the same size in the U.S., and if I remember correctly, it is pretty much the same small size and not a very good tasting burger.
Also you mentioned you were disappointed in the looks of the Brother Burger establishment,but when I read your description of the place, you were describing the great burger places from my hometown in Texas. Small buildings, plastic tables and chairs, and very busy!
Thanks for the tip, I will be in Davao for Christmas, I will check out burgers at Brother Burgers.
Hi Jakeb – I am sure you will enjoy Brother Burgers if you drop by when you are in Davao! Yeah, I wish it was a bit more “upscale” in the building and atmosphere, but good food is good food, right? 😉
Hi Bob,
It’s 5:30 AM here in Austria and I haven’t had breakfast yet, and your description of the burger had me drooling! I can’t remember ever having a good hamburger here either. Guess I’ll have to wait until I get down to Davao, but will be looking out for a Brothers Burger place on my travels. Thanks for the tip.
Hi John – Maybe when you are in Davao we can go share a burger experience together! If you haven’t found a good burger in Austria, I am sure you are in withdrawals as much as I was! 😯
Ok so when are we meeting there for lunch? 😆
Just let me know, Louis! I think you’d like the place. It is located in Damosa, at the Market Basket area, right by Concentrix Call Center.
With so much negative news about Mindanao in the world press recently and on this website as well, leave it to Bob Martin to come up with some news worthy content that should brighten up everyones day !
I checked out the website link in your article Bob and Brothers Burgers certainly looks impressive. According to the menu page it appears they have something for just about anyones budget ! All things considered, the equivalent of $7.50 for one of Brothers Burgers top menu item is not really out of line at all. At my local Diner here, their Hamburger Deluxe ( half pound ” real ” hamburger , generous portion of Fries, a small amount of cole slaw and a couple of slices of tomatoe and a leaf of lettuce ) goes for $7.95 plus 8.25% sales tax, plus tip. Considering where you are and the beef is ” imported ” thats not a bad deal at all.
If they open a location in Iligan City or Cagayan De Oro you can be sure I will give them a try. I will keep an eye on their website for new locations. This will certainly be on my list of places to go on a future visit, and of course I’ll tell mey friends there about it.
A place that gets a Bob Martin ” Thumbs Up ” rating is all I need to know !
Thanks for this review article Bob.
Hi Bob – Ha ha… thank you for your vote of confidence! You always come through when I need you! 😉
I would not be surprised to see a Brothers Burger in Cagayan de Oro, but I doubt we’d see one in Iligan very soon, though. I don’t think there are enough customers willing to pay that price for a hamburger in Iligan. But, who knows? It might happen and surprise me! Nothing would make me happier!
I hope, Bob, that we can sit down and enjoy a Wagyu Burger or an Angus Burger together sometime! 😀
Hi Bob,
Its good to here that Brothers Burger is now “Local”. About 3 years ago I had a one pounder Black Angus burger in Cebu! Wow, being a greedy sod I ate the whole thing much against my better judgement! The next day, when it passed into its next life, the consistancy was equally as good as it entered! I bet you did not really wat to know that! Yup, a great burger house!
Hi Chris – Ha ha… a Pounder! I could never get one of them down! The half pounder is just right for me…. leaves me full, but not sick!
You’re right, Chris… you have a little more information there than most of us need! Ha ha 😯
Hi Bob- I hope these burgers are Atkins burgers otherwise your waist line is going to increase and with Christmas around the corner you may have to find a new tailor if you are going to fit into your shorts.
Hahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope there is a branch in CdeO so I can try them out but you never mentioned french fries?
regards.
Jim in Bukid.
Hi Jim – So far, no Brothers Burger in CdO, but it won’t surprise me if they have one later. Davao was their first Mindanao branch, and it opened last month.
I didn’t mention the fries, you are right. I tried them once, and was not impressed, to be honest. Maybe I should give them a second chance, they might have improved. But, I like onion rings anyway! 😆
while driving to work, i mentioned this article to my wife. i remember saying something along the lines of “bob’s says he’s addicted… i don’t know. i can’t see myself always going there….”
2 minutes later, i was making a right turn to damosa gateway for my 3rd burger in 4 days. hey, it was lunch, i was hungry and you reminded me of the wagyu i keep enjoying 🙂
Hi macky – Ha ha… See what I mean? They are quite addictive! I’m glad you are enjoying them.
But… I have to say… you were going to “work”? ha ha.. I didn’t know you did that! 😆
Hey, are you “Papa macky” yet? ❓
yep, i blame myself for the 1st two burgers, but you’re responsible for the 3rd one. um, thanks?
i’m currently trying something new… commuting to work. for the past decade, the office was only a few steps away, now i’m trying to enjoy separating home & work so i set up my laptop & tablet at avh. my sked’s a little light this month, so i can afford a little fun experiment.
not a papa yet. i still have a little under 2 months of freedom 🙂
Hi macky – I’ve been working from a home office for 20 years already, so I understand what you mean. Trying to separate work from home life is hard to do when you work at home!
Hey Bob,
Do the burgers come with real cheese and tomatos?
Hi hudson – Yes indeed! You even have a choice of different kinds of cheese! I particularly enjoy the bleu cheese and also the garlic cream cheese – very delicious! Tomatoes too!
Bob,
I have to give it a try next time I am in that end of town. I have found a few decent burgers here in Davao. Pancake house and Bigby’s. I do want to try the burger at Boyd’s since everything else I have eaten there is US quality and their prices are good.
Hi Bruce – Yeah, Brothers is, in my opinion better than anything in town that I’ve ever tried. Bigby’s has a decent hamburger, but it can’t be put in the same class with what you can get at Brothers, though. That’s my opinion anyway!
Damn! Now I have to go there for lunch since you put that mental image in my head 🙂 They are great. A little pricey, but worth every peso.
Hi Miguk – Never deny yourself a simple pleasure like a Brothers Burger! Enjoy your lunch!
That’s the problem. I never deny myself — which is why I am turning into the incredible bulk!!!
did some one say burger?? sounds like i will have to go down the street from where my wife and i live in lanang , and have one ,to bad i have to wait ,till im back to davao in april. im still stuck here in alaska working :[
Hi Ken – you better hurry up a bit! By April I might have the Davao branch eaten out of beef and buns!