Playlist Cafe Antipolo — Restaurant in Rizal

When I heard about this place thru a friend’s recommendation, I did not think twice in considering it as my next venue for a planned post-birthday catch up with great friends. So we immediately tried enquiring how to make a reservation 2 weeks ahead of time (assuming the list will be long since people start talking about it). Unfortunately, we were told that reservations can only be made 3 days prior to the actual visit date. So we complied even though we thought that would’t be better to get confirmations early to avoid issues later on but we respected the process. The day came when we are eligible to make reservations and viola! It’s fully booked and now we are left with no choice but to take the risk of walking-in after 230pm and hoping we get a spot.

Was this a foretelling of things to come? I had that thing running at the back of my head until the day came, October 16, and we are optimistic it will go fine. Luckily, we have one of my friends came exactly at 3pm and was able go get some seats. Good sign! Of course many of us came from different locations and as expected traffic was really bad considering it was the 1st day of easement on travel restrictions. So the group started to be complete in half an hour and we started ordering. We found the menu interesting as it offered solo and sharing portions with entrees almost completing the food categories - starters, soups, mains and desserts. The drinks also offers a 1 liter option - 1st time I experienced in a dine-in cafe. We had their signature chix (ala Max’s), roast beef with mushroom gravy and mashed potato, baked pork belly, shanghai rolls, sundried tomato pesto, nachos and their must try drinks in liter cups.

As requested, our starters arrived first together with the drinks. So far so good though we did not expect the solo pasta was portioned really small together with the bucket of chix wings. Then the rest of the food was served one at a time and the gap in between was kinda long leaving you with not being able to enjoy the whole spread - eating bits and pieces as they come along. Not a good and memorable gastronomic experience. Oh well, one thing worth the wait is the chit chat happening while waiting which was really why we were there. To enjoy good company in a nice location.

Then we got the biggest bummer of the day, the waiter silently whispered we only have 20 mins left to consume our food and we have to leave. What!???!? This is the first time in my life in my whole existence having been dining out were I was told that. So I courteously asked why are we being timed and accdg to them it is to give way for their other customers who also walked in and accommodate (Cafe rule is you are allowed 1 hour to consume your food once served then you have to leave). So my initial reaction was is there a way we can extend by either moving to another table and keep on ordering (if that is what they are concerned of). Did I mention that you have to pay as you order (nothing wrong about that but comparing this to other cafes or fastfood who has the same dine in concept does not have that rule where your dining experience is good only for 1hour). The waiter came back and said it can’t be done that we move to another table and order again as the queue is long (mind you we are seeing quite a number of unbusted and clean tables wc are available but not utilized).

So when we are ready to leave until the last minute then the manager dropped by (his name is Ron - not sure though if its accurate coz they dont have nameplates with their uniform) and gave us the worst and rudest treatment from a manager (did I mention he has his vape on his right hand). He uttered “Nasabihan na po kayo na hindi pdeng magextend” and the argument ensues pointing to our friend who came in first as overstaying and we came not at the same time, so we argued the last meal we ordered came 20 mins ago and you expect us to consume it right away. Should we suffer with your inefficiencies in delivering your food timely to every table? Bad experience and I would recommend this...

We came on a Monday even though it says on Google that they're closed because the guard at the entrance to the neighborhood said that Playlist Cafe was open (as an alternative to Tyvo Cafe which was closed due to an employee Christmas party).

Immediately when we were given the menu we were told that out of all the food on the menu there were only three dishes available. With there only being enough beef salpico for us to place one order of it, we ordered one beef salpico, two creamy garlic lemon chicken, one 3-dip wings, and two sides of fried rice.

They came back and said that there were no 3-dip wings left either, so we were left with just the three dishes and two sides of fried rice. Also, they came back and said there was no more bottled water. At this point I was worried what else would not be available anymore and I complained to the waitress asking why were they even open if they didn't have much to serve? Even though we were five people, since we only had three dishes ordered we were given only three sets of silverware. I had to ask for two more sets.

The beef salpico was good. The creamy garlic lemon chicken was tasteless and dry. The fried rice tasted like they didn't even fry the rice, but just mixed old rice with fried garlic. No seasoning whatsoever for the rice. Some of us ordered some juice, coffee, and a smoothie, all of which were good.

When I asked to speak to a manager I was told that there was no manager, which explains the experience. I felt bad complaining to the two waitresses as I knew they had no control over what was going on, but I didn't know with whom else I could voice my concerns.

I never leave bad reviews, but this experience was unacceptable. There was a wedding party getting ready at the cafe, which maybe explained why they were open but also maybe why the food was limited. I saw one of the groomsmen eating pasta even though that apparently "wasn't available".

I'd like to believe that the experience here is normally better, which is why I told them that it would have been better if we were just told that "the restaurant is closed" or "closed for a private event" or simply "we're only serving drinks, no food" rather than providing an unpleasant dining experience like...

What we had: Roast beef - serving is I think good for 2-3 pax already, meat was juicy and tender perfectly cooked and the gravy was tasty, you'll be wanting to request for an extra. Beef tapa - definitely did not disappoint! The meat was also tender and it was delicious, plus they serve double sunny side up eggs with it! The fried rice was a bit sticky tho, but taste wise it was good. Garlic Parmesan chicken wings - we ordered half a dozen of wings, nothing special about it tho it's just our favorite food to eat, so we had to order it. the chicken was juicy and crispy. Cheesy Fries - again hefty servings of fries and the cheese sauce, could add a bit more of the meat bits, also could use a more cook time for the fries at least for us we preferred a little crunchy texture of fries, it was too soft for our liking. good enough to be a palate cleanser too since the meal that we had was overwhelming. Nothing too special as well, we just love fries so we also had to order it. Spanish latte - it has the right amount of sweetness yet can still taste the coffee.

Place - commute wise it's a bit of hassle tho there are tricycles that can take you there, along the way you'll see other cafes and places to eat but if you have your own means of transportation then you can try and check this spot.

if you are looking for an insta worthy place and overlooking view, you can opt to visit here, but I do recommend you to come here during dinner time for a much prettier view of the sunset, when we visit here it is around 10-11am. However if you have old folks with you my advice is to look for other places since the cafe is located on the 3rd floor? If I'm not mistaken, there are too many stairways for a senior citizen. *Also if you're a sweet tooth this aint the place for you, they don't serve desserts on their menu.

Price - at least for us, I think we got what we paid for. It didn't just satisfy our hunger, we were also satisfied with what we had. And they also implement a "pay as you order" policy so yeah they will give the bill right away, oh they accept cashless payment!

And will we come back...