When a carnivorous craving kicks in, it's hard to resist thinking about wolfing down a slab of Steak. Its name derived from the Old Norse term for roast beef ("steik"), this cut of beef is prepared in many ways, and can come with different accoutrements such as vegetables, sauces, and side orders of carbs. More commonly, the steaks popular in local restaurants are the Rib-Eye (which is, as the name states, coming from the rib portion of the cow), and the T-Bone and Porterhouse (both cuts taken from the short loin portion of the cow).
A good and thick chunk of the good stuff with the perfect doneness most often can cost an arm and a leg (you do pay for the ambience and service, too). Good thing there are many affordable options all around Metro Manila for a quick yet decent fix of the beefy goodness. Some offer budget steaks for under P200, while others sell them less than P500; and for just a little bit more, you can chow on thicker and juicer steaks (using imported meat at that) for a little under P1,000.
Here's our cheat sheet of 12 cheap steak places in the metro for all you meat-loving cheapskates! Can't find your fave budget steak in our rundown? Hit the comments section to share your go-to steak place.
Matalino Street (Diliman) and J. Jimenez Street (Kamuning)
At this al fresco carinderia, you can get right down to the business of eating your steak without hurting your wallet. Their T-Bone (P150) and Porterhouse (P150) are priced the same. Snackaroo is the complete opposite of your fancypants steak restaurant, and by default steaks arrive medium-well to well done. If that floats your boat, then go ahead and dig into their cheap eats!
Photo from Slice N Dice Website
2. Slice N Dice
Various branches (P.Tuazon, Sta. Rosa, Munoz/Waltermart, Legarda, Starmall, RCBC Tower, Timog, etc.)
They have many branches around Manila, so a quick and cheap steak meal is easily found at an outlet nearest you. Order the T-Bone (P195, 230-250g) or Porterhouse (P235, 270-300g). Want it cheaper? They have a Junior T-bone as part of their Steak 99ers. At P99 you get a junior T-bone served with corn and carrots and mushroom soup (add P10 for unlimited rice).
Annapolis, Little Baguio, Banawe, and Binondo
The go-to of the San Juan crowd for budget steaks, this restaurant's T-Bone (P225) and Rib-Eye (P225) are both best-sellers. These two are served with rice and your pick of flavor (rubbing), sauce, and siding.
Taft Avenue, Mother Ignacia, and Ortigas Home Depot
Rap's has been a campus crowd hit for years with their rice meals and desserts that hit the right spot for students in Taft. Their unique yellow gravy sauce is also a big hit. Choose your steak: Porterhouse Steak (P195 Regular, P225 Large), T-Bone (P185 Regular, P215 Large), Filet Mignon (P240). For about twice the price of their steaks, you can upgrade to imported US Meat of Angus Bone-In Rib Eye with Bordelais sauce (P699, 330g).
Photo from Empire Steak Facebook Page
5. Empire Steak
Masinsinan Street Cor. Maginhawa Street, Teachers Village East QC (www.facebook.com/EmpireSteak/info)
To match its punny name, Empire Steak's decor is inspired by New York. Nothing too fancy though, this laidback restaurant serves affordable US Boneless Rib-Eye Steak (P199 – Regular) which comes with rice or pita, veggies, and choice of sauce (gravy or bbq). For bigger cravings, order the King Kong Steak (P499).
Photo from Mad Mark's Website
6. Mad Mark's Creamery and Good Eats
Kapitolyo Pasig and Glorietta 5
Most make a beeline to this restaurant for its luscious ice cream creations, but do try their savory dishes, they're awesome too. Mad Mark's Signature Steak comes in three servings: Healthy (P245, 150g steak with 2 sides), Regular (P285, 200g steak with 2 sides), and Feast (P460 for sharing, 300g steak with 3 sides).
Loyola Heights, QC
What sets apart Brickfire's meats is its cooking preparation, as their steaks are roasted in a 400-degree heated oven. If you want to taste the brick oven difference, order a Cowgirl Annie (P164 – 220g, P274 – 350g), or The Duke (P285, Tenderloin).
Photo from House of Minis Website
C5 Pasig, Glorietta 4 Food Choices, Shoppesville Greenhills
Now this one's an old school choice. House of Minis has been around since the 70s, and has been the go-to for family gatherings for their international cuisine offerings, most popularly their steak selection. There's Tenderloin (P420 – Mini , P485 – Regular), Porterhouse (P440 – Mini , P520 – Regular), and T-Bone (P405 – Mini , P460 – Regular), all three steak options offered for under P1,000.
Photo from Tender Bob's Website
9. Tender Bob's
Promenade Greenhills, Greenbelt 2, The Block SM North EDSA, Shangri-La Plaza Mall
All of their branches are spread out in the metro's popular shopping malls, perfect when the hunger strikes while doing your shopping. Their Prime Ribeye Hungry (P800) is 6oz of USDA Prime meaty goodness–that's the highest grade of beef from the US Department of Agriculture, by the way. For a more affordable dish, try the US Peppercorn Steak (P480), a 6 oz. serving of USDA Choice Flat Iron steak crusted with freshly ground pepper.
Photo from The Farm Resto Facebook Page
10. The Farm Resto
Alabang Hills Muntinlupa
Foodies down south swear by their certified organic steaks and burgers. Not only are their meats organic, they're easy on the pocket as well. Order the Rib Eye (P790 Regular, P590 Large) or New York (P495 Regular, P590 Large). You can bring home frozen meats as well.
11. Jake's Steaks
Wack Wack Road Mandaluyong
Their USDA steaks are a steal at less than P1,000. Choose aomong Porterhouse (P825, USDA), Rib-Eye (P665 – USDA, P765 – Angus), and T-Bone (P185 – Regular, P235 – Mega, P345 – Ultimate).
Salcedo Makati, Burgos Circle BGC, Westgate Alabang, Citigolf Ortigas
For an affordable but delicious slab of steak, many have the Bugsy's Siegel (P695, minimum 400 grams) in their list. Its may have increased in price a little through the years, but it is still much less than P1,000. Their best-selling steak of USDA Angus rib eye comes with mashed potatoes, green beans, and red wine sauce.
