Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City has been known for having a wide range of restaurants that cater to the equally varied demographic that resides in and near the area. POPS Beyond Better Burgers is a member of this roster that does not trail behind the rest. This American-diner-themed fast-casual gleams against the dreary gas station it’s situated in as a shot of nostalgia for fans of American sitcoms of the 90s. Lined along the walls are pieces of art to really emphasize the ambience of the 90s that it wants to convey through the art styles that dominated that time.
POPS also maintains a very “rustic” vibe to the location, trading in modern aesthetics for a more retro one. The only thing missing is the slightly “preloved” look that American diners tend to have; with slightly scratched-out tables, slight traces of spilled drinks, and all, POPS’ cleanliness is something to boast about.
Their menu offers American diner staples: burgers, wings, steak, fries, and milkshakes. During the visit, the recommended and best-selling Epic Burger was the menu item of choice. To accompany the burger, I also ordered a strawberry milkshake, as well as some cajun fries on the side. The burger, along with the fries and iced tea, were priced at P 478.00, and the strawberry milkshake is priced at P 169.00.
In terms of flavor, the cheeseburger was a delight. The patties may have been a little extra salty on the side, especially since the flavors were emulsified with the sharp cheddar cheese to make it extra savory. The vegetables, lettuce and tomato, tasted refreshing and brightened up the burger. The buns were soft and did their best to counteract the rich patties, but it was only barely enough. This star of the meal remained the star despite its minor shortcomings. The experience was extremely filling, but not to the point that it would make you feel bad after, as most big burgers may do. After finishing the burger, you would be left feeling satisfied, since it was big enough to fill you up but not enough to make you feel bloated. The cajun fries could use a little more seasoning, but they were nonetheless cajun-flavored. Finally, the milkshake was a little too thick, feeling more like ice cream than an actual milkshake. The taste itself was a nice, creamy finish to the strong strawberry rush. At the end of the day, we got what we paid for.
In terms of presentation, our food was neatly prepared and served on one simple tray. Another extremely small appeal that I found amusing was the iced tea that I ordered at the end, and the way they packaged it in a cute and compact little bottle.
