August 15, 2019

Al’s Place in Banaue Is the Perfect Brunch Spot With Unlimited Coffee

Mornings in Banaue wouldn’t be complete without sipping a hot cup of coffee while appreciating the magnificent view of Banaue Rice Terraces and its town proper. Luckily, we know just the perfect place to experience all of those!

Al’s Place is a new dining spot in Banaue that only opened last June 2018. It started off as a drinking place called Traditional Bar before it was transformed into a restaurant named after its owner, Alexander Mamanglo.

Al’s Place is located just across the Municipal Tourism Center of Banaue

This cozy restaurant is located in the marketplace near the Municipal Tourism Center of Banaue.

Everything inside this simple diner is made from wood—starting from the flooring, wall panels, ceiling, and even to the tables and chairs. The interior will surely remind you of an overwhelming homey vibe of the traditional Kubo or bale house.

If you are into wood carvings, you’ll see a few bululs—a wooden figure that represents the god or guardian of rice crops in Ifugao—placed on the wall. Among other decors are wall photos and paintings, perfectly representing every stunning aspect of Banaue.

A little trivia: Alexander’s father was the one who did all the woodwork like bululs and a few of the chairs. The materials used for the wood pieces are Acacia and Narra wood, which came all the way from the village of Poitan, Banaue.

Tourists who pass by the Municipal Tourism Center would also drop by Al’s Place to have a cup or two of their special Benguet Coffee before they take off to their tours. Coffee lovers will surely have a wonderful time because they offer unlimited coffee for only Php 40!

Unlimited Benguet coffee for only Php 40

Most of the dishes on their menu are Western-inspired but the ingredients are sourced in Banaue.

One of their best sellers that Alexander is very proud of is the Monte Christo Sandwich (Php 80). This three-layered ham and cheese sandwich with mayonnaise will remind you of a tweaked version of French toast.

Monte Christo Sandwich (Php 80)

It is served with wedge-cut fries on the side—a perfect breakfast pair with your unlimited coffee.

For the appetizer, they have their own version of the classic spicy Buffalo Wings (Php 140), made with buttered chicken covered in a spicy marinade sauce.

Buffalo Wings (Php 140)

You will also love their super cheesy Tacos (Php 105) filled with ground pork, tomatoes, shredded cabbage, and lots of cheese. This meal can be shared by two people.

Tacos (Php 105)

For lunch, a savory rice meal is the way to go. Try their Thai Chicken Stir-fry rice meal (Php 165), a spicy chicken dish with vegetables sauteed in oyster sauce and egg on the side.

Thai Chicken Stir-fry rice meal (Php 165)

Not only do they offer unlimited coffee, but also sell packs of Benguet Coffee (Php 280), Lunad Sagada Coffee (Php 280, small), Hazelnut Flavored Coffee (Php 150 small), and Lunad Oganic Honey (Php 250 small, Php 450 large) that you can take home if you cannot get enough of their cup of Joe.

(L-R) Lunad Oganic Honey (Php 250 small, Php 450 large); Lunad Sagada Coffee (Php 280, small); Hazelnut Flavored Coffee (Php 150 small); Benguet Coffee (Php 280)