When Mac Daddy’s opened as a burger joint in Lucban only two years ago, “it was only in a garage,” said 27-year-old Marc Rañola, who owns the place. In fact, there were only three offerings in the menu – i.e. Quarter Pounder (P50), Double Quarter Pounder (P100) and BBQ Bacon Burger (P100) – with the main intention of “offering grilled burger in the locality since this wasn’t available; patties of (existing) burgers then were fried.”
Marc said that while it was his dream to succeed, he still didn’t anticipate how big Mac Daddy’s became. It now has double its original space, and – offering-wise – more than double, or even triple what it originally offered.
“Okay naman ang response (The response has been okay),” Marc said, counting clients not only from Lucban, but also from nearby Lucena, Pagsanjan and Tayabas. He credits “good word of mouth” for much of his success; and this, in turn, was brought about by “ensuring we offer good grilled burgers.”
Tried during the visit were:
- BBQ Bacon Burger – The patty, using pure beef from Lucena, was juicy. But perhaps more defined, taste-wise, was the just-as-juicy bacon, enveloping the patty. Complete with a sunny side up, this one actually tastes… what “healthy” may taste like (if a burger can be “healthy” at all, LOL); i.e. almost tasteless even if you know it’s RICH.
- Double Quarter Pounder – With two times the patty, this one is big (even akin to what they show in the pictures), and is therefore quite filling. But with this one, you can definitely taste the juiciness of the patties. I’d say this one’s a must-try for beef burger lovers.
- BBQ Burger (P80) – This is the tastiest among those tried, largely because – befitting its name – there’s BBQ sauce added. Suffice to say, if you’re a steak lover cum burger lover, this is worth considering.
Mac Daddy’s also have non-burger offerings – e.g. Super Hotdog Sandwich (P65; may also be added with bacon for P85) and Hungarian Sausage Sandwich (P75; with bacon for P95). Pastas include plain spaghetti (P80), carbonara (P85) and lasagna (P95). And rice meals include Grilled Burger Steak (P65), Grilled Super Hotdog (P65) and Grilled Hungarian Sausage (P75).
The burgers come with fries (though you can buy more for P50), so Mac Daddy’s is now somewhat packaged a la fastfood joints. But – perhaps setting it apart from these fastfood joints – Mac Daddy’s has drinks that are “different”, e.g. cucumber lemonade (P25/16oz) that help remove the after-taste of the burger.
All in all. Mac Daddy’s is a pleasant surprise (particularly considering the prices of its offerings), and – since it has already created a following – deserving of its reputation. Now… if only (like the fastfood joints) it already starts broadening its reach so there’s no need to go to Lucban just to enjoy it…
Mac Daddy’s is located at 78 Armando Racelis Ave., Lucban, Quezon. It is open from 2.00PM to 9.30PM.
