Hickory & Smok’d — Restaurant in Panglao

Summation: too expensive, unsanitary (animals roaming around our feet), discourteous staff, and uncomfortable environment.

I had previously given this restaurant a 5 star review. These photos are left over from that original review.

This business has changed owners or at least changed managers. My previous experience was friendly service, a long pleasant conversation with the owner and a delicious meal..

This time we were given little to no interaction with the staff which is fine however the other employees sitting at the other table drinking Red Horse made the experience very uncomfortable.

Avoid going here at sunset because there is nothing to prevent the sun from beating directly on you.

When we arrived there was only one table in the shade not being exposed to the sun and it was occupied by somebody that was either an employee or related to the owner because they kept going in the kitchen and in and out of the employee entrance on the side of the building. They were hanging out, drinking beer & listening to the same song over and over on their phone at a high volume.

There was a filthy dog (wearing a collar) and cat allowed to walk around the restaurant freely.

The atmosphere was loud, smelt like dog, and provided no protection from the sun. When we received our food we ate it as quickly as possible in order to escape the bad situation.

Perhaps it was because the environment was so uncomfortable but the food was not as good as I remembered. It was not at all worth the price.

-EDIT- The restaurant replied to this review saying we should have informed them rather than leaving a negative review. I can understand you feeling that way but I don't understand who I would have informed? The only employees I had interaction with were the employees causing the uncomfortable situation. I didn't need to tell them what they were doing because they were aware.

It's not my place to tell them that in the Philippines The code on Sanitation of the Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 856  forbids animals in areas where food is prepared, stored, or served. As restaurant employees they already know that.

Despite claiming to be "pet friendly" you are still obligated to follow the law. Animals are legally not allowed in areas where you serve food. Ir is a health risk including the possible spread of E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and toxoplasmosis. Your lack of concern for your customers safety...

Very rarely i do post bad reviews, but in this case it’s impossible not to. We ordered what they called ‘Ribs Plate’. Everywhere in the planet, ribs are served as half rack or full rack. Once the food arrived, there were only 2bbq ribs. Yes, only 2. I then asked the lady is that was right and she replied to me that they only serve 200g of bbq ribs. So 200g of Bbq ribs with bones it’s actually 40g of meat. That is completely misleading and unacceptable. No goodwill gesture or apology were given after i raised this issue. I’m really sorry, your food was nice, but I’ll never come back again, and hope that people will read this review before visiting...

I have eaten Bbq across the USA and I have to admit their BBQ ribs here were on the same level and in some cases better than what I have eaten in the USA. The bbq sauce does taste like it could be Sweet Baby Rays too . Homemade garlic mashed potatoes were on par with the USA (although personally I love gravy with mine). Fresh creamy style coleslaw was fantastic (for those like me that love coleslaw) they also served with extra bbq sauce on side for dipping which I appreciated. Finally a Filipino favorite side was served with this called Atchara, it paired amazing with the ribs and I highly recommend you try a bite of it with your ribs...