Gringo Chicken, Ribs & Friends - SM Manila — Restaurant in Manila

The restaurant has relocated to the lower ground level (the old spot is now Kenny Rogers). The new branch is brighter with warm, TGI Friday’s-style lighting and ambiance, which is a big change from the darker, cozier vibe before.

Service was very good, but the food didn’t quite deliver. We ordered the Lemon Herb Chicken—unfortunately, the chicken tasted bland this time around. Before, you could really savor the spices and citrus notes, but now the flavors felt muted, and on its own, the chicken even tasted a bit burnt. The presentation looked sad, though the lemon herb sauce did help (it even worked as a dip for the plain nachos). The nachos themselves had too many chips without toppings, the side dishes were bland, and the Caesar salad wasn’t impressive—the egg in it didn’t help, and honestly, Shakey’s makes a better one.

The house blend iced tea looked like it was made from scratch with real black tea and honey—I even saw tea leaves at the bottom of the glass—but the blend just wasn’t good. It was heavy, overly strong, and even gave us stomach aches. To make matters worse, the horchata—something we were really looking forward to—was not available during our visit.

We also miss their old menu. They’ve removed favorites like the lemonade and the chicken-and-ribs combo, which used to be their signature. Now the focus is on more expensive entrées and tacos, which makes the place feel more like TGI Friday’s and less like the Mexican spot it used to be. On top of that, they don’t have high chairs for toddlers, which makes it tough for families with little kids.

What really blindsided us, though, was the 10% service fee. We weren’t informed beforehand that there would be a service charge, which left a bad impression despite the otherwise good service.

Overall, the service was great but the food and concept changes were a letdown. Considering the memories we had here, we expected the same experience as before, but it just wasn’t the same. For 2,000 pesos, the price simply wasn’t worth it for the quality of food we got—honestly, for that amount, we would have been better off at an unlimited samgyupsal place. At this point, the only things we can genuinely recommend are the nachos and the lemon herb sauce (we even bought a small bottle of the sauce...

ate here for a late lunch while waiting for a friend.

as I walked nearer, the staff welcomed me and showed me to the table and the waiter was really great at explaining the menu to me as well as recommended menu items based on what I was looking for. They were really polite and the service was prompt. They served the drinks and the dish in a prompt manner. the food arrived quickly as well.

As for the food, I ordered the solo ribs that comes with 2 sides. I chose the mexican rice and the garlic mushrooms as recommended by the waiter.

The ribs were flavorful and tender and you could effortlessly tear the meat from the bone. it was not dry as well.

the sides were excellent especially the garlic mushrooms considering that the mushrooms used there was just ordinary champignons but nevertheless good and it matches the ribs very well.

the sauces they provide gave a nice kick to your tastebuds.

the price is very affordable as well.

overall, I had a great first time experience there and will definitely go back next time for more...

Gringo, SM Manila Known for their delicious chicken; this place is a "must visit" to satisfy your cravings!

I often eat here, alone, (date me? Charot) and order their Southern Spice Chicken for Php 265 with 2 sides. Today, I got something different to "test" their consistently good food.

I ordered Burritos - Slow Cooked Beef for Php 265 pesos. The burritos alone is meh (///_-) I remembered Army Navy right away kasi without any sauce, it is fulfilling. Anyway, I think that's the point of the two free sauces: Hot Sauce and Lemon Sauce (?). When I added one of them, surprise!!! Sarap.

Although I was expecting something more since their chicken is good without any sauce...