gerry’s grill – Jellybeans in the City

Did you know that the well-loved Filipino restaurant chain Gerry’s Grill was founded in 1997 by Gerry Apolinario? The first branch was located in Tomas Morato, Quezon City, Philippines, and quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists alike. Its menu features a wide range of Filipino dishes, including grilled items, seafood, and traditional dishes such as adobo and sinigang. Over the years, Gerry’s Grill has expanded to numerous locations throughout the Philippines and has even opened branches in other countries, including the United States, Singapore, and Qatar. The restaurant chain is known for its casual and laid-back atmosphere, as well as its affordable prices and generous portions.

Its OG branch in Tomas Morato, in particular, provided the perfect spot for lunch for my officemates and myself who were looking for a satisfying and delicious meal in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Located within a stone’s thrown from our workplace, Gerry’s Grill has been our go-to spot for casual lunches or after-office drinks.

Thanks to some recent renovations, the restaurant’s interiors are now more tastefully designed, featuring comfortable seating, warm lighting, and vibrant decor that exudes a distinctly Filipino yet modern vibe. The attentive and friendly staff also adds to the welcoming ambiance, making us feel at home as soon as we stepped inside.

There’s little wonder then, that during one of our #ReturnToOffice days, our boss treated us at Gerry’s Grill for her belated birthday celebration. There, we feasted on tasty Pinoy dishes such as:

Sugba Kilaw (Php485). This is one of Gerry’s Grill’s signature dishes that features grilled liempo and fresh tuna cubes marinated in vinegar and spices, topped with sliced onions, ginger, and chilies. The dish has a refreshing tangy flavor that goes perfectly as an appetizer leading up to the other dishes.

Pinakbet (Php285). A classic Filipino vegetable dish that features mixed vegetables sautéed in shrimp paste, garlic, and onions. Gerry’s Grill’s version includes eggplant, squash, string beans, and bitter gourd, creating a flavorful and healthy side dish that pairs well with grilled meat.

Inihaw na Pusit (Php545). Grilled squid marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and calamansi juice, giving it a smoky and savory flavor. It is then filled with chopped tomatoes and other aromatics, then perfectly grilled, resulting in a tender and juicy texture and an explosion of flavors that is sure to satisfy any seafood lover’s cravings.

Nilagang Bulalo (Php515). A hearty beef soup made of tender beef shanks and bone marrow cooked with vegetables such as corn, cabbage, and potatoes, resulting in a savory and flavorful broth that warms the soul. (Yes, the bone marrow that we fish out from the bone is the piece de resistance!)

Crispy Pata (Php715 regular | Php895 family). A classic Filipino dish that features deep-fried pork leg with crispy skin and tender meat. Gerry’s Grill’s version is marinated in spices and served with a vinegar dipping sauce, making it the perfect indulgence for those who love meaty and crispy dishes.

Gerry’s Grill is a restaurant that embodies the Filipino spirit of hospitality, warmth, and generosity. It’s a place where families and friends can come together to enjoy a meal, create memories, and celebrate life’s little moments.

So, the next time you’re looking for a great meal in a welcoming atmosphere, head to Gerry’s Grill and experience the best of Filipino cuisine.

This Gerry’s Grill branch is located at Tomas Morato corner Eugenio Lopez Avenue, Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 12mn and Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 2am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 83326353, +63 2 83732529 or +63 998 8467472.

Stay updated on Gerry’s Grill menu and offers by visiting its website or following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts on Gerry’s Grill:

Fun Barkada Lunch at Gerry’s Grill, Tomas Morato

What comes to mind when one thinks of the number 23? Is it Michael Jordan, the G.O.A.T. of basketball? Is it the age of real adulting for some, a point in one’s life where he realizes he’s a full-grown adult with all the responsibilities that come with being one?

For Gerry’s Restaurant and Bar, more widely known as Gerry’s Grill, the number marks the years it has successfully catered to the discriminating palate of the Filipino people. Twenty-three years ago, on February 14, 1997, the first Gerry’s Restaurant and Bar opened its doors on Tomas Morato, Quezon City. And the dining landscape has never been the same since. Gerry’s Grill pioneered the resto-bar concept that continues to appeal to the Gen X, its original clients, as it does the Millennials of today. Many have followed suit but Gerry’s maintains its uniqueness for a good number of reasons.

Touted as among the few preferred go-to restaurant–bars in the metro, Gerry’s boasts of over a hundred stores thus deserving to be called the “sari-sari store” of resto-bars by virtue of its being found in every major dining and entertainment hub in Metro Manila. And in each branch, one is surely never short changed.

Gerry’s has proven time and again to withstand food fads like the grill wars, i.e., shawarma, samgyupsal (Korean Grill), lechon manok/baboy and numerous experimental and fusion cuisines. This means that their Filipino-themed menu has become ingrained in the food psyche of Filipinos, a tradition no less. Their variety of dishes and beverages represents the whole Philippine cuisine. Its flavorful Sizzling Sisig, Beef Kare-Kare and Inihaw na Pusit have been legendary food staples at every Filipino customer’s dining table. The rest of the menu caters to almost any craving.

Even the beer gulping culture of the country has been shaped and influenced by Gerry’s Grill being a top-of-mind watering hole through the years. Its wide food selection is considered the holy grail of pulutans (hors d’oeuvres) that is perfect for inumans (benders).

Bert Santos, an engineer, waxed nostalgic when he said that he literally grew up with Gerry’s Grill as his tambayan (bar/beer joint) for unwinding during his college years. Today, Gerry’s is a favorite lunch place for his family after hearing Sunday mass. While Buddy Sanchez, a doctor, said Gerry’s holds a special place in his heart because this was where he bonded with his work buddies after a stressful day and where he eventually met his future wife, Sally.

Gerry’s has recently opened its branches in San Diego, California and Houston, Texas, a good addition to its overseas chain which includes branches in Singapore, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Avenida, a modern Filipino restaurant and bar, inspired by the Avenida Rizal (Rizal Avenue) of the post-war era, is another Gerry’s Grill-owned restaurant that opened in San Mateo, California. With these developments, our overseas kababayans have every reason to celebrate Gerry’s 23 years of great food and great service.

Craving for sumptuous food after reading this? Go to the nearest Gerry’s Restaurant and Bar branch; visit www.gerrysgrill.com.ph to view the complete list of their branches, as well as all the food entries on their 2020 menu. You can also visit their Facebook page, @gerrysgrill.com.ph for more info.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Tag: gerry’s grill

Workday lunch spot: Gerry’s Grill, Tomas Morato

Gerry’s Grill, restaurant and bar pioneer turns 23