Mac’s Diner: An All American Restaurant in Marikina City Housed Inside a Double Decker Bus!

I only know of two American 50s diner in Metro Manila: Filling Station in Makati City (read my review here) and Hackensack in Quezon City and Parañaque City (review coming soon). Now, there’s a third legitimate player located in Marikina City…and it’s housed inside a double decker bus! It’s called Mac’s Diner.

Mac’s Diner is an all American restaurant owned and operated by an engineer-turned-chef-slash-restaurateur from Chicago, chef Daniel San Juan Etimoff or “Danny”. The restaurant is named after the chef’s wife, Maria Airene Celestin or “Mac”.

Chef Danny imported the double decker bus all the way from Germany. It originated in Untersteinach, was driven to Antwerp in Belgium, and roro-ed to Batangas (Philippines). Finally, it was driven again (this time by Chef Danny himself) to Marikina City. There, Chef did some modifications, like installing stainless steel, to give it a 50s diner feel.

The first floor of the double decker diner is the kitchen and takeout counter:

The second floor is where the dining area is. Let me just warn you that it’s tight and, even though it’s airconditioned, can get stuffy. I hope that Chef Danny, being an engineer himself, can make some improvements in the ventilation.

Because the seats are limited inside the bus, there’s also al fresco and restobar areas:

There’s also an acoustic set at the restobar (I’m just not sure if its available every night):

While waiting for our orders, the crew gave us popcorn on the house!

Mac’s Diner claims to serve all American food with a slight twist. But is it good? Let’s talk about the food starting with the appetizers.

We tried their Mac’s Fried Onion Loaf, which is really onions rings clumped like a loaf of bread. It’s crispy and sweet, and is elevated with the tartar dip. I can easily finish a whole “loaf” of it!

Next is the Mac’s Fried Cheese. Its cheese (it’s not mozzarella or processed) is nicely salty and tart, covered in crunch batter. Again, the tartar dip elevates it!

For mains, we had to go for the Mac’s Burger. It’s made with two hundred grams of char-grilled beef patty, sandwiched between two sesame buns, and topped with cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, and white onions.

Mac’s Burger (PHP279) with Cheese (PHP35)

We had a conversation with Chef Danny and he told us that their burgers are a hundred percent made with beef, unlike some Filipino burger joints that puts extenders in their patties. And you will notice it right away.

The patty is beefy and juicy, and has a nice char flavor. Even though that it’s not a smashed burger, the patty has a slightly crisp exterior, which I think helps in keeping all the juices. The cheese is mild, the veggies are crisp, and the white onion add sharpness. Though the patty may need a bit more salt (I think it’s made the American way where you season your food), I think Mac’s Burger is one of the better burgers I’ve had in the Metro!

We also tried their Mac’s Tenderloin Steak Dinner. The steak is juicy and super tender, and has a nice smoky taste. It needs salt but that’s expected.

The steak plate comes with a bowl of Mac’s Home Made Smoked Ham and White Bean Soup, which is tasty and comforting.

Mac’s Home Made Smoked Ham and White Bean Soup (Free with the Mac’s Tenderloin Steak Dinner; Ala Carte: PHP229)

Other dishes we tried that are good include Mac’s Patty Melt and Mac’s 2+2+2, which is two eggs any style, two thick slices of bacon, and two fluffy pancakes. I guess if there’s a “Mac” in the name, it’s probably good!

And don’t forget to order their milkshakes! It’s thick and creamy!

Mac’s Chocolate “Malted” Milk Shake (PHP159)

Mac’s Diner is a one of a kind food experience you should try in the Metro. Where else can you find a restaurant housed inside a double decker bus? (Well, there are only a few around the world, according to Chef Danny’s research.) And yes, the food is good that even my American friend approves of it. Plus, the food is really affordable. It’s like half the price of what you’ll get in Makati City! Needless to say, I highly recommend it to you!

Address: Parking 3/Taverna, (near The Studio), Riverbanks Center, Marikina City, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 4PM-12AM; Thursday & Friday, 12PM-1AM; Saturday, 12PM-1AM; Sunday, 12PM-12AM | Instagram