Scratch in Makati: Smashing New York-Style Burgers by Chef Mikko Reyes
In the lively streets of Poblacion, Makati, Scratch Smash Burgers has become a go-to stop for diners looking for a hearty, flavor-packed burger that feels both familiar and exciting. Established in 2024, the burger restaurant brings together the neighborhood’s casual energy and the comfort of a well-made smash burger, making it a fitting choice for late-night cravings, quick meals, and laid-back food trips with friends.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Scratch was opened by the same team behind Nolita Joe’s, with Mr. Patrick Santos serving as one of its managing directors. Built with a clear commitment to quality and flavor, the brand focuses on burgers and sandwiches that are bold, satisfying, and thoughtfully made. Its name already captures the heart of the concept: food prepared from scratch, from its house-made potato buns to its freshly ground beef patties, giving each burger a more personal and carefully crafted touch.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Inside is Dumbo, a speakeasy bar with its own food and drink menu. Its name comes from DUMBO, a neighborhood in New York that stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” adding another layer of character to the Poblacion concept. While it is a different concept, you may still order Scratch’s signature smash burgers while at Dumbo!
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
At the center of Scratch’s menu is the Scratch Smash Burger, the brand’s signature offering. What makes it stand out begins with the bun which is made with real mashed potatoes. Scratch makes its own potato buns in-house, but unlike the usual denser potato buns, its recipe was developed to be fluffier and softer while still being strong enough to hold all the burger’s components together. The result is a bun that feels like a cross between a potato bun and a Hawaiian roll or dinner roll, giving each bite a light, slightly sweet, and comforting finish.
IMAGE from Scratch Smashburgers Poblacion’s Facebook page
The patty is just as carefully made. Scratch grinds its own imported beef in-house every day, using a secret blend of two different cuts to achieve the flavor it wants. The team also computes the specific fat level of every patty to keep its texture and juiciness consistent. Once smashed on the grill, the patty develops crisp edges while staying juicy inside, creating the satisfying contrast that makes a smash burger so crave-worthy.
IMAGE from Scratch Smashburgers Poblacion’s Facebook page
To start, you may want to try the Bacon Smash Burger, made with double patties, bacon, cheddar, Scratch sauce, caramelized onions, pickles, and the signature Scratch potato bun. The bacon adds a smoky depth to the smash burger, complementing the rich beef patties, melted cheddar, and tangy pickles for a bold, satisfying bite.
Bacon Smash Burger (Php 445) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Now, those craving a different type of sandwich that blends sweetness with savory flavors, may go for the Chorizo Smash made of Spanish chorizo patty, fried egg, cheddar, banana BBQ glaze, twister fries, pickled red onion, between Smash potato buns.
Chorizo Smash (Php 460) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
For those who prefer chicken over beef, the Hot Chicken Sandwich offers a bold and satisfying alternative. It features a crispy fried chicken thigh coated in Scratch spiced oil, then layered with bleu cheese sauce and pickles on Scratch’s signature potato bun. The result is a flavorful sandwich with heat, crunch, creaminess, and a tangy bite in every mouthful.
Hot Chicken Sandwich (Php 320) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Looking for the perfect side to pair with your Scratch Smash Burger? The burger joint also serves Chopped Cheese Fries, a loaded and indulgent dish made for those who cannot get enough of their flavorful burger patties. It comes with crinkle-cut fries topped with chopped burger patty, cheddar, Scratch sauce, caramelized onions, pickles, and tomatoes, bringing the familiar flavors of a smash burger into every cheesy, savory bite.
Chopped Cheese Fries (Php 300) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Or you can go for the Chick Fingers featuring three large chicken fingers, coleslaw, buttered bun, crinkle cut fries and a choice of either OG ranch, hot honey mustard, southern BBQ or truffle ranch.
Chick Fingers (Php 420) / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Behind the smashburgers is Chef Mikko Reyes, whose experience spans a wide range of culinary backgrounds. He studied culinary arts at ISCAHM (International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management) in Katipunan in 2007 and later worked at ADB (Asian Development Bank) in Ortigas from 2008 to 2010, where he was part of the team managing the executive dining room.
He eventually opened his own restaurant in BGC, 2nd’s, before joining the Palace Group in Uptown BGC, where he served as executive chef for eight years. After the pandemic, he joined Patrick Santos, owner of Nolita Joe’s and Scratch, bringing with him years of leadership and kitchen expertise that now shape the restaurant’s food identity.
Chef Mikko Reyes / IMAGE from Scratch Smashburgers Poblacion’s Facebook page
From its Poblacion home, Scratch has since grown beyond Makati, with branches also listed in BGC and Eastwood. Still, its Poblacion branch remains central to its identity: a casual, lively burger stop built on the promise of honest, satisfying smash burgers made from scratch.
