San Juan, La Union, more commonly known as Surf Town has a lot more to offer other than surfing. Its wide array of cafes, bars, and restaurants should tell you something about their food and beverage game. In this article, we’ll feature 7 of the many impressive restaurants you should not miss when in San Juan.
Without further ado, here’s your Surf Town Food Guide:
1. Tagpuan
Tagpuan started when its owners, a group of friends with a shared love for good food and life by the sea, wanted a place they can go to after hours, when everything else is closed and there is nowhere to eat or recover from a night of partying or drinking in Surf Town. It started as a take-out counter, until more and more people were coming to eat so they decided to put tables and chairs outside for them offer dine-in service.
What to eat:
Tagpuan is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 8AM to 2PM and 6PM to 2AM (closed on Tuesdays); Wednesday from 6PM to 2AM; Saturday and Sunday from 8AM to 2AM.
2. Makai Bowls
Looking for something healthy and refreshing? Head on over to Makai Bowls for a dose of colorful and Instagrammable shakes and power foods!
What to eat:
Makai Bowls is open from Thursday to Monday, from 8AM-6PM (closed Tuesday and Wednesday).
3. Ol’ Pub
The owners – JC Valero, Paolo Ortega, JB Valero, and Lunzan Ortega-Valero – shared that it all started with their love for beer. The original plan was to put up a beer garden in the Surfing Capital of the North with good food to offer. They named it Ol’ Pub because they all agreed the vibe they want is that of a good old pub, and it is also named after one of the owner’s father, Pablo. Ol’ Pub has a vintage-rustic ambiance and actual vintage items can be found here such as an old typewriter, clock, and camera.
What to eat:
Ol’ Pub is open daily for lunch (11AM to 2PM) and dinner (5PM to 2AM)
4. Surf Shack
Surf Shack was born out of San Juan Vice Mayor’s wife – Mrs. A Magsaysay’s immense love for cooking. She said she did not undergo any formal education on cooking but she would always cook for her family and their guests and even come up with her own recipes. Most of the items in Surf Shack’s menu are her very own. She said she wanted their food to represent La Union so she incorporated local ingredients that do just that.
What to eat:
Surf Shack is open daily from 10AM to 1AM.
5. Mad Monkeys
Mad Monkeys is the brainchild of surfers who decided to stay in Elyu for good, and who also have a hunger for great tasting burgers. They named their burger joint after a hostel they saw in Cambodia while they were travelling years back.
What to eat:
Mad Monkeys is open from 10AM-10PM on weekdays and 10AM-12AM on weekends.
6. Le Point Bar
Le Point Bar is located in Monaliza Surf Resort, which is in the laid-back part of Urbiztondo. This bar is definitely that chill drinking place by the beach you are looking for because it’s a little far from the crowded side. It is owned by Roland Radier, a French man who decided to retire in Elyu, so expect nothing but legit French food goodness. Bon Appetit!
What to eat:
Le Point Bar PH is open from 4PM to 12AM daily.
7. Sea Nymph Surf Cafe
What better time to dig into seafood than when you’re by the beach? Sea Nymph gives you a great view of the beach while you feast on good food. It’s actually one of the best places to just chill and people watch in the area.
What to eat:
Bonus: We're including San Fernando, La Union’s famous Halo-Halo de Iloko Balay on our list since you can swing by before or after your stay in San Juan!
8. Halo-halo de Iloko Balay
Halo Halo de Iloko is one of the most talked about restaurants in La Union. It is famous for its pretty and yummy halo halo served in a coconut shell. It is also said that most of the ingredients in their halo halo came from restaurant owner Xavier Marcado’s farm in Aringay, La Union.
What to eat:
Halo Halo de Iloko de Iloko is located at 12 Zandueta Street, San Fernando La Union. It is open from 9AM to 9PM daily.
