Crispy tadyang is amazing. Though pricey, it's good for 2. Same with kimchi rice. And their tomato soup is also really good. Really chill place to hang out or work
I've been itching to try their chicken and waffles for the longest time na and finally I got to do so!!! The dish is totally worth the hype!!! It puts a yummy twist to an already awesome dish. The waffles are filling and fluffy without being nakakaumay, the chicken is tasty inside and out, and the spiced corn and the slightly spicy strawberry butter and syrup make for an amazing combination! Quantity wise it's worth what you pay for din. Like, wow. Seriously. If you're looking to amp up the chicken and waffles experience you're familiar with, come here. You won't regret it!
Cozy cafe, with wine on their menu! Yes, wine.
Food serving is huge but never compromised the taste and quality, sharing is advisable. Their coffee didn't disappoint, crafted well.
Staff was friendly, still all smiles, given that it was 10pm when we arrived.
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There is a little difficulty finding the place because there was no sign board outside. The food was good but not that great. We weren't able to finish the food we ordered not because of the taste but due to the portion size being huge. The BEST thing about the place was the service. The staff were attentive to your needs even if you don't call them. We both ordered the chicken and waffles having all the hype reviews about the food, and also the clam chowder.
Clam chowder: 3/5
》It was creamy and size was big BUT there was an after taste. It was salty maybe because the clams got soaked in the soup for too long.
Chicken & waffles: 4/5
》Waffles: Size was big. The waffles was soft but the higlight of the dish was the butter. It was delicious. The syrup was good however I felt that "umay" feeling after my 4th bite.
》Chicken: They coat a lot of different seasonings to the chicken but I only tasted it on the skin. The meat inside was bland which made me a bit disappointed.
Overall it was good. Will be coming back to try their other selections.
I ordered their fried chicken and waffles and was surprised with the serving size --it was huge!!! Their fried chicken was so tasty😍 I love every bit of it. However, the waffles turned soggy in a short amount of time :( Otherwise, the service was fast and their staff was so friendly. Will go back here to try their other items.
Number of times visited: Twice
Parking: Shared parking with the other establishments within the same building. Can be difficult at times.
Food: Actually we came here for the coffee because we discovered that they use beans from EDSA BDG. Coffee didn't disappoint. Because we came here during the summer, we ordered the iced version (americano) and it tasted lovely.
Price: Fairly priced given the quality coffee served.
Service: For the two times that we went, there weren't much people around(both on a Saturday night!) and we got fast service.
Place: The cafe's quite small but nicely designed. Comfortable coffee place and the restroom smells good. Saw a Yankee candle inside!
Repeat: Definitely! Would like to try their food, too.
I admit, it may be a bit too pricey here. However, the service, quality of the food and the ambiance makes up for it!!
Food:
- Rainbow cake, not generally a fan but this was good!! Also, looks good in pictures.
- Chicken and Waffles, I get why it's recommended I mean they had this really amazing syrup to go with it!!
- Drinks, I tried almost all the hot drinks and I haven't been disappointed.
- Nachos, your typical nachos hehe nothing special
Service:
The service here is amazing!!! Really friendly baristas (or maybe cause they know me already HAHAH) who are also very accommodating, approachable and work fast!
Ambiance:
This is the main reason I keep coming back here. The ambiance is like no other. I can get so much work done here, and no other cafe compares.
I suggest you check it out be it with friends, or a solo study session ❤️
Number of times visited: two
Place is easy to locate along Malingap Street. The interiors feel clean, quiet and cozy. It was almost empty of customers when I first visited it, probably because it was raining hard then. I instantly thought, "This is a great place to study out." Ok, bookmarked for future study sesh. 😀
We ordered hot mocha, hot choco and iced flat white. Drinks were good, but nothing special about them, really. We ordered bibingka waffle because it's name is interesting. Sadly, i find it overpriced and it didn't even taste remarkably. Just plain waffles with coconut, brown sugar and few bits of salted egg. Serving size was big enough for 2-3people though so it can pretty much fill you up. We ordered chocolate cake on our second visit. Again, it tasted ordinary.
My 3 stars rating is mostly for the place. I love its simplicity and quiet 👌
Hope they better their food and expand the menu in the future.
I tried the Chicken & Waffles and it did not disappoint! The chicken wasn’t dry and was very umami. Although, it might look a bit paler than its counterparts such as Bad Bird, it still gives you that well-deserved thumbs up. The waffle was very soft, light, and buttery. I just wasn’t a fan of strawberry syrup but everything worked out fine. Maybe have multiple syrup options in the future? #kimyeats
Aside from my unwavering love for fried chicken, I am also a pasta lover. The seafood pesto here is to die for. It's so delicious that I can finish it in like 5 mins tops. The fried chicken and waffles is filling as it is a hefty serving although I got medyo umay because it was a bit oily. Maybe they need more paper tissue to absorb the excess oil after frying. But hey this is still one my recommended and go to place in malingap specially for late night eat out and my cravings for fried chicken. They also have the best sweet treats like their rebel bar (pak na pak) to refresh your tastebuds. The place is cozy but gets a little jam packed so probably an extension or another branch will be a good option. 😀👌🌈
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originally planned on eating at a nearby japanese resto, but had a last minute change of heart because we wanted to try something new (😅). and so we ended up at catabolic. definitely one of the cutest cafes in the area.
i loved (loved loved) the interiors, that's a given. simple yet classy, perfect minimalism. the server was nice (even though she looked like she was having a hard time because of the lack of staff). i requested for the other aircon to be turned on as well because the afternoon heat was quite unbearable, and she turned it on right away.
food -- bad news before the good. i ordered their best seller (fried chicken + waffles) and i wasn't happy with it ☹ nakakasad because it was the most expensive thing on our bill lol. the chicken was okay, i had no problem with the taste (simple, a bit too bland for my liking but still okay) and the serving size (it was BIG, even for me!! two people could share). and i actually enjoyed the waffles. but maaan did i hate the strawberry butter and special sauce ☹. aaagh. i couldn't even bring myself to finish the top waffle (the one with strawberry butter on it) because it was just ugh. and that's saying a lot because i am one who would practically lick my plate clean (had my parents not stopped me from doing that and said it was wrong when i tried it at age 5). my tongue couldn't comprehend the special syrup either. i don't know if i tasted sweet or sour or spicy, i just know i didn't like what i tasted. disappointing because the dish was so hyped up here in zomato, and the strawberry butter is really popular among reviewers. but i don't know. sigh. just not for me, i guess. oh well, at least the balat was a winner. bestie had the seafood pesto. i also tried it (because i was desperate to rid my tongue of the taste of strawberry butter) and it was really good!! oily as most pesto pastas usally are. serving size was smaller than expected, though. the highlight of our lunch was definitely(!!) the rainbow cake ❤🌈. before today i had never tasted a vanilla flavored cake, let alone a rainbow vanilla flavored cake, and i'm so glad it lived up to our expectations. it looks really sweet but it's just right. and it's so pretty 😢 we didn't want to eat it na nga eh (😅).
despite the strawberry butter + special sauce dilemma, i do not regret trying out catabolic cafe!! we'll be back (not for the mains but) for the rainbow cake, and other pastries. also looking forward to trying their coffee. ❤🌻
Very reasonable price for a big serving I got the meatball spaghetti and my sister got the chicken and waffles. They serve comfort food so I wouldn't recommend if your not a fan of rich food
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Chicken and waffles - 350
Tadyang - 360
Rainbow cake - 180
Sobrang sulit!!! In my opinion, their servings are good for 2. Ang lalaki ng servings! The chicken they serve is quarter chicken, leg and thigh part pa. Very generous din sa sauce and strawberry butter. Ooooh the strawberry butter!!! I think napapanaginipan ko pa rin siya until now lol
For the tadyang, my dad loved it. Ang dami nung kanin pero sinimut niya. High praises siya for the vinegar din.
Rainbow cake was WOOOOOOW hahaha it's super dense and siksik. We were a group of three and di namin naubos kasi ang bigat sa tiyan. It wasn't too sweet din so my dad, who is a diabetic, got the chance to taste and enjoy it.
The place was a bit small but kebs na. The cr was neat and pleasing to the eyes. Service was awesome! Ang bait nung nasa cashier :) also, if you want to take photos of your food here, the lighting is not very conducive for IG photos (unless alam niyo talaga ginagawa niyo; unfortunately for me, I don't hahahaha) anyway, I'd love to come back again. I recommed this to everyone who wants brunch!!!!
Went here with close friends for a dessert after a dinner from another place. And enjoyed their comfy sofa for 3 near their door.
Ordered a slice of their Rainbow Cake because we wanted to see why every table there had a slice of this cake. Seems to be the best seller (and it was haha).
We liked it because it wasn't too sweet and also the cake was soft and together!
Would come back here to try their other desserts (which were very enticing alread being displayed at the counter huhu) and also meals.
Been there last August 28, 2017 for their Anniversary promo. Fried chicken and waffles are heaven in a plate! My boyfriend ordered their bestseller which is the Crispy Tadyang and it satisfied him. We will definitely come back. 2 thumbs up for Catabolic Cafe! Excellent food and service. :)
Johnver Laciapag Santiago
+4.5
This cafe is such a nice place, a perfect place to hangout and have fun wether youre alone or with your friends. The ambiance of the cafe is nice, instagrammable (especially during morning because the sunlight hits the cafe perfectly). They have a fast wifi, and an outlet when youre phone rans out of charge. And of course, their food is pretty cool. We ordered a Chicken waffle seafood pesto, and their infamous rainbow cake. The chicken great (pero nothing beats jollibee 😂) but their waffle is superb. Super tasty and their maple syrup (i actually dont know if its a maple syrup but i think so, it has something lang siguro) is the best. Their Seafood pasto is so unique. I like it so much for it has tahong.
All in all, my experience at Catabolic Cafe was superb. Its something i look forward of going back to. You guys must try. When youre at Maginhawa, dont forget to visit this cafe.
Dishes I would recommend based on flavor are:
Bagoong Rice with Chicken Pandan: love the bagoong flavor!
Fried Chicken and Waffles: Skin is verry crunchy like borderline chicharon. Waffles FTW because of the strawberry butter!
Tomato Soup: fruity!
Suggestions for Improvement:
Iced Lemon Tea: tastes like the usual. Maybe, add some honey?
Pares Rice with Crispy Tadyang: Please make the tadyang crispy.
Sardines with Truffle: Sardines are good but they overpower the truffle; I'd like to taste the truffle.
Question:
Is the Strawberry Butter for sale? I'd like to see it on my breakfast very, very often. 😊
Juno Badtrip Mercado
+4.5
I went here 2 times: First time was with my sister. Second time was with my partner. Both times, I didn't take pictures. Delicious food can make you forget to do things, sometimes.
This is the place to bring a waffle enthusiast. The menu is very much like japanese-pinoy-american fusion. Their best seller is the chicken and waffle. It has the right to be. First off, the 2 types of butter. You get plain unsalted and strawberry. Second, the waffle itself. 2 huge slabs of fluffy goodness. It's not too sweet. It's creamy. It has a fluffyness that doesn't turn super soggy when the butter melts. Third is the chicken itself. I liked how the actual chicken meat tasted. It didn't taste like bland crunchy paper. It was tender, not too oily, and had some flavor.
I'm a huge fan of Dark Matter Theory (the coffee beans they used. You can get it from EDSA BDG). If you like your coffee tasting earthy, less acidic, and almost chocolatey, try to take a sip of it. Another drink I liked is the mojito. Not overpowering and it goes well with their creamy carbonara.
I also tried the pares rice with crispy tadyang. It was delicious but the real winner for me is the tadyang. Like my uncle says, "pwede ng pang pulutan!".
Interiors is modern and very much into color blocking and patterns. Pwede ng pang post sa IG. Ambiance is conducive for a quiet date or catching up with friends.
The prices are reasonable since the servings are huge and delicious.
Since I'm not a huge fan of cakes, I didn't try any.
Overall, I will definitely come back here when I have spare time and I'm craving some waffles or good bean-specific coffee.
Almost gold.
The food was actually good. Right amount for the price. Taste was also above average.
We ordered their choco drink which were served tepid (kinda weird as when its choco its always best served as hot or ice cold) also were just too sweet for me so maybe i wont order one next time.
Went in around 20 minutes before their closing but still received great service from the staff.
Will definitely be back to try more
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I love fried chicken. In fact, my 5-year old blog is entitled friedchickenbyaspineda. The first two years of my blog were focused on "my quest for the best fried chicken." Until I was commissioned by a major TV network and two restaurants. There goes my
search. Until a few weeks ago. Until my new resolutions commenced. One resolution was to revive my quest and to rediscover QC. Thus, my reunion with Zomato et al. With one search, Zomato gave me Catabolic Cafe. Its near my work, reviews were fantastic and with a name like that, who can resist? Catabolic Cafe is one of those cafes I look out for. It's pleasant, cozy with a multi-tasking staff of one who knows everthing about the place. I ordered for their fried chicken and the Dulce le leche cookie bomb and cold americano. Biggest mistake was that I downed the cookie with the coffee before the chicken. The chicken arrived when my taste buds were extremely excited with all the sugar plus the caffeine from the cold coffee which added more stress to my nerves. I took a few minutes for the sugar and the caffeine to settle down before I took another dive into pig city. I loved the chicken though I was forewarned by a review that claimed that "it was too salty." Not at all. The chicken was tender and seasoned well. Tip: fried chicken is eaten with the fingers. Full enjoyment can be had that way. There's no other way.
It was a few weeks in the making but we finally made it to Maginhawa for an epic food crawl.
We didn't exactly plan our stops but thanks to Waze, we managed to find the rainbow cake store, Catabolic Café.
Hello, Catabolic Café!
The store was pretty empty at 2 p.m. with only two tables occupied.
We quickly placed our orders namely Pares Rice with Crispy Tadyang (PHP350) and Chicken with Waffles (PHP330).
Been wanting to try out this café for the longest time. Loved their pretty interiors and their chill playlist. They have a range of delicious comfort food. I tried their best-seller, Fried Chicken & Waffles. And I surely wasn't disappointed. T'was the best C&W I've ever had. Waffles were soft and fluffy, fried chicken was still really hot and the skin was crispy and not oily. At first, I thought the two scoops on top of the waffles were mashed potatoes. But they were scoops of their "strawberry butter". It was really good. It was also served with their "special syrup", which had this sweet and spicy afterkick. The corn (with herby flavor) on the side complemented the sweetness of the strawberry butter. I also tried their iced mocha, which kept me awake the whole afternoon. I could study & work there for hours.
My friends and I went here this afternoon to de-stress since we had finished our course audith. We didn't regret out choice. The place was nice, well ventilated and very aesthetic. The food was great! We ordered chicken and waffle, kimchi fried rice and apple pie. At first we were skeptical because it was so pricey bu when the food came, we were shocked to see the sizes.
Chicken and waffle. Crispy chicken and buttery cinnamon waffle with a hint of maple syrup. Very nice combo. Never would have thought that they would produce a great food baby with each other.
Kimichi fried rice. Fried rice with gochujang, friend egg and kimichi with an appropriate amout of pork surronding it. Very spicy. Very tasty. My complain is that the meat is a little bit fatty and I don't actually eat fat, so that was a down side.
Apple pie. I can't really say anything about this because my friend didn't shared his. Stingy little m*thef*cker.
Anyways, awesome food, nice service, great ambiance. But cramp space.
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Went here to study on Easter's Sunday. The place kinda packed but I was able to find a decent seat near an outlet for my laptop.
I thought of trying their brunch sets but I came by at 2 pm and that woudn't be reasonable to avail of their unlimited sides promo. I was going to try their new Stash Menu but apparently it was not available on weekends. I ended up ordering their famous Chicken & Waffles. I got a Revel Bar on the side as my dessert after the meal.
THE FOOD
I didn't expect the serving size of their Chicken & Waffles. It was so big enough for two people to share but the glutton inside me was able to finish it alone. Two layers of the waffles are heavy on their own. I like the strawberry jam+butter combination. The maple syrup, butter and waffles compliment each other well enough. The waffles could be a little more toasted but what they served me was good as well. The chicken had crunchy skin and enough seasoning for it to go against the sweet and the tangy flavor of the strawberry butter ans maple syrup.
The revel bar I got was a bit on the sweet side and it was tiresome on the sweetness somewhere along the line. I needed several refills of water for it.
THE SERVICE
The waiters/cashiers were very accomodating. They refill my glass of water every now and then. They were also efficient enough to set up the table quickly once I got seated. Ordering the Chicken & Waffles will incur a waiting time of 20 mins. My order arrived perfectly in a time earlier than the 20 minute estimate. One issue I had was that the cashier took my order from the Stash menu, then suddenly remembered that it was not available. I had to quickly think up of what I was ordering instead right then and there. This is just a minor mix-up but their service is still awesome.
THE PLACE
The place is well-lit and air-conditioned. It has a nice interior. The place is great for studying and reading books since the place is really quite and bright. Outlets are sufficient for the people around. Although some tables don't have outlets, I believe taht they have lots of outlets. Wi-fi is a bit laggy at times but it is good enough for casual research and browsing.
OVERALL, my first time at the place was awesome. I will surely come back to the place to try thier other bestsellers. Although some of the menu items are pricy, serving sizes are big anyway. I'd like to come back to try their brunch menu and their new Stash menu. I'd also come back for their Chicken & Waffles.
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I heard and read a lot of good reviews about Catabolic Cafe and even recommendations too. Am I too late to experience their mouth watering dishes and the famous and colorful rainbow cake? Of course not! 😜
After we played board games at Snacks and Ladders we proceeded to Catabolic Cafe for dinner. The staff invited us in and provided a table with good lighting... Yes! we need that for good pictures. Hahaha 😂
We got the bestsellers:
Fried Chicken and Waffles served with Corn, Strawberry Butter and Special Syrup for Php330.00 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
"Yes, I've waited for 20 minutes for my Fried Chicken and Waffles as indicated in their menu... and the waiting is worth it. I like the strawberry butter melts in my waffle then I'll add the maple syrup plus the crispiness of the fried chicken... Yum!" 50/50 (Burger Steak and Spam served with Rice, Egg and Gravy on top) for Php250.00 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
"Actually, you can share this, they have big servings. The gravy on top is delicious"
Rainbow Cake for Php180.00 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
"This one is the winner, I really like the sweetness of this cake and its very appetizing and eye-catching. All of us enjoyed the colorful rainbow cake. Masarap!"😍 You can visit Catabolic Cafe at 22 Malingap St., Teachers Village, Quezon City.
#ilovetoeat 😃❤️
My sister told me that food here's awesome, and so i decided to visit the cafe when i got the chance. I ordered their Fried Chicken and Waffle meal, and oh boy it just brought me to heaven.lol. Everything was perfect until i took my first sip of my 'hot' coffee. Uhmm.. It wasn't hot at all. Almost spit it out coz it's colder than Elsa's breath (ok. That's a bit of exaggeration right there.lol). Overall, it was a good experience. I'd still go back, and will recommend this cafe to family and friends :)
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I've been eyeing this place for quite some time. I had seen good reviews about this cafe. It was even included on spot.ph for cafes to look forward to and visit. It has really nice pictures here on zomato. So when my best friend and were finding a place to chill and spend her 20th birthday, I immediately requested Catabolic Cafe.
The cafe is situated in a building where other restaurants and cafes were also located. It is at the first floor of the building. Upon entering the place, I saw how great the interior was. It felt homey and comfy. It has this white brick wall that added style and sophistication to the place. The staff were even using stylish denim uniform. And the funny thing was, I was also wearing denim that time so I looked like I was working there.
I arrived there early to surprise my best friend. The staff were helpful enough to take part in surprising my best friend. My best friend really got surprised and even laughed her heart out for the denim issue and the other funny thing was their table cloth was denim too.
We ordered:
Rainbow cake- really big slice but super worth it abd delicious. I believe they used cream cheese filling
Seafood Pesto- good for my taste preference but i was quite afraid that the tahong was not fresh
Meatballs spaghetti- haven't really tried it but my friend ordered this and she thinks it's quite delicious. Meatballs were satisfactory
Bibingka waffle- tried this with my sister and it was mouthwatering especially when hot. Love the texture of bibingka and waffle combined. The cheese complements the sweet bibingka waffle. And its good for two
Mocha- i always, always order this because i love this type of coffee blend
Friend chicken and waffle- would definitely try this the next time i visit the place.
Overall, the place was nice for any kind of event/activity: studying, dating, chill or chat with friends and alone time.
Taste- 4.5
Price- 3
Service- 4
Ambiance- 5
Great atmosphere for studying, complete with outlets for gadgets, good lighting, and great tasting americano, not too acidic either, and the cookies were awesome.
Great coffee, great vibe. It's homey and definitely one of the coffeeshops you'd always want to hang. It's quiet which is good for working and studying.
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Fourth Stop at Catabolic Cafe! Artsy ceiling and minimalist design. It had a relaxed vibe all over it.
Wifi was fast and there were ample number of wall outlets. An indication that their target market are the students near their area.
We ordered their Chicken and Waffles (P330), Pares Rice with Crispy Tadyang (P350) and Rainbow cake (P180).
Me and Mary had the Chicken and Waffles. The huge serving of fried chicken had a crunchy texture while maintaining the tender meat. Flavors are there but weak. The waffles were fluffy and heavy, nicely complimented by two scoops of strawberry butter. You have the option to drizzle the maple syrup that had a hint of mild spiciness.
I loved the Pares Rice with Crispy Tadyang ordered by Reich and Abe. The rice was already infused with pares flavor and it's also all over the tender meat. This is the taste of comfort food!❤️
The group shared a slice of rainbow cake too. Colorful layers of soft chiffon cake with thick and delish cream cheese icing on every layer. They also make a rainbow cake with chocolate icing but stick with the cream cheese!🌈
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One of my favorites in Teacher's Village and I stick to that list because there are just way too many restaurants popping up that are geared towards the younger crowd. I find that Catabolic Cafe appeals to my generation, in contrast to other restaurants in the area. No need to sit on the floor, or be surrounded by hugot lines, or dine al fresco. You will notice that the crowd is a bit older here. Good food at a good price point.
I was with one of my friends during this particular visit. We ended up sitting outside because the place was packed as usual. We ordered at the cashier and they will deliver said items to your table. We shared their nachos, one of their new menu items. We both love nachos and this one was no different. It had a lot of ingredients and was drenched in cheese sauce. Good value for money. I enjoyed their kimchi fried rice with bacon--yum! I'm crazy over kimchi fried rice and theirs packs a punch in the spice department. My friend tried the crispy tadyang and raved about it.
At this point, one of the waitresses approached us and asked us if we wanted to transfer inside. However we were already comfortable and we didn't want to bother other patrons with our rambunctious laughter. The table was pretty small though and you have to be careful of the nearby cactus.
We had our coffees served next, mine an iced latte and hers an iced mocha. I wanted to try the rainbow cheesecake but since it was my friend's first time here, I knew she needed to try the rainbow cake. Catabolic Cafe gained another fan that night. We did stay for sometime, yet despite this we were unable to finish all of our food. The rainbow cake saw another day. But we were satisfied with the food, service, and ambience. A tad more expensive that the typical Maginhawa restaurant but I find it has good value for money. Slow wifi though.
Here at the moment. The place looks spacious and I like the ambiance plus their playlist. Tried their hot chocolate which was nice. Good place to chill and study.
Tried their chicken and waffles and their grilled cheese sandwich. The chips that come with the grilled cheese sandwich are pretty great, the grilled cheese itself, not really notable. The bread was not nearly as toasty and crisp as you would like, and the cheese is nothing notable. Their fried chicken and waffles delivers, and is a very hefty portion more suited for sharing. The strawberry butter that comes with it tastes great, and the chicken itself is big and flavorful. The only issue is the location as it is such a small space that it's not the best place to spend some time in.
First time visit. one of the closest and best tasting versions of American dish chicken and waffles! Great house made cookies too!
Music ambiance was nice but lighting too dim. otherwise great service and attentive staff
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Catabolic Café made a name for itself because of their six tier rainbow cake. This is our 4th stop. The café is small and exudes the intimate vibe. Gray is predominant and dim lighting. And yes, the music is in sync with the design, Norah Jones is playing in the background.
Everyone is still full from the breakfast we had at coffee project, we decided to split the Chicken and Waffles and Pares Rice with Crispy Tadyang amongst the four of us.
The service was quick and the server is lightning fast. Your glass will be refilled water in a blink of an eye. And he even offered turning on the lights for our obligatory food photos.
Pares Rice with Crispy Tadyang. This is the star of the show. Whoever thoughtbof incorporating pares sauce in fried rice is a genius. I can eat this sans the beef. That's how good it is, no viand required. The beef soft as opposed to the name of the dish. Albeit the lack of crunch, it is still delicious.
Chicken and Waffles. Crispy chicken on top of two thick slices of waffle with some strawberry butter on the side. I took a small bite of thr chicken and truth be told, i cant tell if its seasoned well as there are still remnants of the yummy pares rice in my tastebuds. The waffle would be 10x awesome if they went with the crispy version. The strawberry butter is surprisingly good. This would go well with toast and English Breakfast Tea.
Ruth got the infamous Rainbow Cake. Gah, this is the prettiest cake I've seen in a while. Six layers of colorful chiffon layered with cream cheese frosting. I was hesitant to take a slice as it would ruin the perfect isosceles colorful pastry. This is surprisingly good, the taste matches the overall aesthetic of the pastry. The cream cheese frosting is light and subtle.
Catabolic is one of the places that i would visit again in a heartbeat. That sumptuous plate of Pares Rice still haunts me to this day.
It was a few weeks in the making but we finally made it to Maginhawa for an epic food crawl.
We didn't exactly plan our stops but thanks to looloo and Waze, we managed to find the rainbow cake store, Catabolic Café.
Hello, Catabolic Café!
The store was pretty empty at 2 p.m. with only two tables occupied.
We quickly placed our orders namely Pares Rice with Crispy Tadyang (PHP350) and Chicken with Waffles (PHP330).
This is actually one of the pricier places along the Maginhawa area. The food was okay. I enjoyed the brunch platter with the eggs, sausage and little cup of fruits. I also enjoyed their clam chowder. I didn't love the chicken and waffles. I think most of the components were great (not the sauce) but they didn't really go well together. It would have made a nice chicken dish or waffle dish. Didn't work together.
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It was a few weeks in the making but we finally made it to Maginhawa for an epic food crawl.
We didn't exactly plan our stops but thanks to Waze, we managed to find the rainbow cake store, Catabolic Café.
The store was pretty empty at 2 p.m. with only two tables occupied. We quickly placed our orders namely Pares Rice with Crispy Tadyang (PHP350) and Chicken with Waffles (PHP330).
The Pares Rice with Crispy Tadyang was a hit. The rice was flavorful and complemented the slightly sweet and tender beef ribs. I would have liked it better though if the beef was more succulent.
The chicken with waffles was pretty good as well. It was definitely good for sharing as one order comes with 2 layers of huge soft waffles. The waffles are also topped with strawberry butter. ❤️
The chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It's great paired with buttered corn. The waffles were soft creating a nice contrast against the crunchy chicken skin. The others hoped it was crispier though like Pancake's. (Tip: Make sure to get some of that strawberry butter and spiced maple syrup for a different burst of flavor.)
R decided to order a slice of Catabolic's popular cake and we liked it! I was hesitant at first to buy one as it's pretty and I have this thinking that pretty cakes taste meh or worse... too artificial and dry. But this one was moist and had a generous serving of cream cheese per layer. And for PHP180, it was a great deal and definitely good for sharing!
Overall, it was a nice dining experience. I'd love to order the pares rice with crispy tadyang again and probably the suggested tomato soup as appetizer.
Joanna Michelle Valdez
+5
The food that I ordered was very yummy... that I forgot it's name. But I know it was in-bone braised beef served with a generous serving of soyed rice. It was a great choice. The beef was cooked so right that it falls off the bone and when chewed it does not leave that chewy texture. I like how it is salty and sweet at the same time. The interiors of the place was really modern, from the menu board at the cahier to the huge sofa once you open the door. I wish the franchise was a bit bigger. The denim placemats matching the waiters' uniforms is also cute.
FOOD: Ate here with my team mates from work and ordered the chicken and waffles. Boy, was it soooo huge! haha I wasn't able to finish it but I love the strawberry butter so much. I wanted to order the rainbow cake but my tummy was too full.
AMBIANCE: Small but very cozy.
SERVICE: Very kind and attentive.
We had dinner here yesterday. The food was good. We had chicken and waffle. The waffle was uber yummehhhh. The chicken was so-so.. We also had seafood pesto which i found kakaumay. The tomato soup was okay. Fish and chips mejo sablay cz of the chips na literal na potato chips na fried. What stood out were the tomato soup and the waffle minus the chicken. Un staff okay naman pero parang nangangapa pa. Will definitely go back here and try their other food.
Cozy place and I love their Mojito tea and chocolate cake. Their clam chowders are 8/10 but the other main entrees are meh... I've tried all but IMO 50/50 is the best. I come here for the quiet working place which is perfect especially in Maginhawa where everything is so crowded and busy. My regular cafe now for work and Mojito tea ✌🏻️😉 their kimchi fried rice could use some work though. Loved it overall, 9.5/10 would visit again
Chix and waffles: enormous chix, but was undercooked. Comes w mixture of maple syrup & hot sauce dip. Waffles was great, the strawberry butter was a pleasant surprise.
Crispy Tadyang Pares Rice: unbelievably tender meat w great flavor, just enough sweetness. Good for sharing.
Rainbow cake: eye-catching dessert. Great for kids.
Try the COO sodas.
We had their chicken and waffle which was excellent. They have this spicy syrup with a hint of vinegar maybe and strawberry? We liked it! The waffle was also paired with not just normal butter, but peanut butter. The chicken was crispy and just right, to contrast the sweetness of the waffles.
We also ordered the grilled cheese sandwich, which was well cheesy... And grilled. It was served with potato chips. But I don't think it's worth the price.
But I will probably be back for the chwaffles, and maybe try sardines with truffle pasta, or even crispy tadyang.
Update (4.30.16)
Tried the crispy tadyang, it was okay. Maybe it was a bit crispy on some bites, but for me... It reminded me of pares.
Tried the chwaffle again and I think it tasted better the first time I've tried it
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Catabolic Cafe has an odd name. Not really sure why it's called that so don't let the name turn you off from trying their food.
The interior is simple but stylish. They use a lot of neutral colors mixing black, white, and wood together.
We were a pretty big group when we entered. They didn't really have space for us but they tried their best to make room and accommodate us. We offered to wait. They were somehow able to ask a table to transfer and they got to fix an area for us. :) Instantly good service right there!
I had the Sardines with Truffle Pasta. I also got to try their Chicken & Waffles, Kimchi Fried Rice, and the Pares Rice with Crispy Tadyang. Someone also ordered a bowl with spam, a burger steak, and an egg (not exactly sure what it's called though.
Everyone enjoyed their own orders as well as each other's food! Everything was good! I personally liked the Sardines & Truffle Pasta I ordered. I also enjoyed the Pares Rice with Crispy Tadyang. I don't know if I can order it for myself since I don't exactly eat rice. I wonder if it can be substituted with something else. I also liked their Kimchi Fried Rice.
My first impression was that their food seemed to be on the pricey side, given that their prices go as high as Php350 and they're located in Teacher's Village. When the food was served, I saw how big the servings were and I felt better about the prices. Still a little on the higher side but definitely value for what you're paying for.
We also tried their Chocolate Chip with Macadamia Cookie and their Blueberry Cheesecake. They were okay but not very memorable.
Service was okay. Since we went when they were pretty new it seemed a bit slow. We were also a big group and the place was pretty full when we go there. It took them quite some time to complete our orders.
All in all, my friends and I enjoyed our dinner here and we all liked the food we ordered.
So Yummy and Cozy. I like the food,Place. Something new. something you can talk with your friends. I'll be back here to try the rest of their foods and everything.
Stylish - my friends say "Posh!" - cafe and restaurant at the new building on Malingap St., same as Angus Tapa and Chef Mo. Their cozy retro furnishings as well as their cake and cookie display were too hard to resist, so we invited ourselves in for coffee and cake
They make a nice rainbow cake, and then we ordered a hot frothy brew together with chocolate chip and matcha cookies. I didn't find their cookies sweet enough - they have to be, or they end up tasteless - so they have to up their game on this aspect.
Shall revise my review when I try savory items from the menu. What excuse shall I pick now, hmm....
My boyfriend and I ordered Cappuccino and Chocolate cake for dessert after eating dinner at Angus Tapa Centrale. The cake and coffee costs P145 each. I love the chocolate cake as it is absolutely delicious! Moreover, the Cappuccino coffee tastes good. 👍🏼👌🏼
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I can only do a review based on a few food items and my impression of the place, so I don't think it's as comprehensive as I would have liked. Pitfalls of dining solo. (Boo-stinkin'-hoo. Moving along. Lol.)
As one reviewer has mentioned, the place is very photogenic. There are about 7 to 8 tables and a huge couch that greets you as soon as you enter. The pastry display is tempting, but hey, I'm partial to sweets, so I'm biased. I find the place a bit too manicured, though. Maybe give it a few more months and it would look a bit more lived-in and homey. Or maybe that's the effect they were after. I don't know. There were two waitstaff on the floor and another manning the cashier. Semi-self-serve: they give you the menu on your table, tell you to order at the counter, and then bring your food to the table. The menu was pretty limited, but most of the items looked promising.
I ordered a black sesame-wasabi-white chocolate cookie, chicken and waffles (of course), and virgin mojito. So I ate my brunner (yep, it's exactly what you think it is) in reverse, that is, cookie first. The combination tasted really good, or maybe I was just THAT hungry. A bit more wasabi and less baking time and the cookie would have been perfect.
The chicken and waffles are served on one of those Army Navy aluminum trays. The two waffles took up the entire diameter of the tray, and the chicken leg quarter was nearly as big as the waffles. Then, two scoops of strawberry butter (yep. The butter tasted as awesome as it sounds. Only managed to eat one scoop, though.), a small bowl of corn, and the slightly spicy syrup. The chicken was aggressively seasoned, but not really cloyingly so. Didn't know a little rosemary works in fried chicken. And that crunch was ridiculous. O.o I liked the syrup, which offers some contrast. The waffles were huge, but they were a bit heavy and doughy. Also, my waffles could have been served at a higher temperature. The strawberry butter took some time to melt. If you were to order this dish, though, get the virgin mojito to wash it down. The chicken and waffles dish calls for something with acidity to cut through the richness, the sweet, and the salty.
Would I come back? Yes. I'd like to see how their 50/50 stacks up against Fireside's (dang. That reminds me, I should come back to that place). Also, the chocolate cake (ordered by the couple on the other table) looked interesting. O.o
Spoons Around The World
+4
The Beef Pares Rice with Pork Tadyang and Chicken and waffles were my favorites at Catabolic Cafe. These dishes were just a perfect example of "Never judge a book by its cover." The pork tadyang may look like a little bit over brown on the outside but it was so tender, so juicy and well marinated like a really legit pares!!! Two thumbs up for me!
I also loved the strawberry butter that came with the waffles. The chicken, on the other han,d was well seasoned and the saltiness of the breading complemented the sweetness of the strawberry butter in the waffles.
Pricewise, catabolic cafe is quite expensive. Nevertheless, I am happy with their food! They have good interiors and flat white too! 😊
Follow me in Instagram @neilbriangoesplaces for more food travels!
If solely based on their menu, its really hard to tell what cuisine or culinary region, even style they are aiming for. Even the interior leaves me guessing. Is it the name? Does their food release energy from the body to keep you going? Maybe.. but after eating loads of carbs and sweets you might be having the opposite effect.
I had their Kimchi fried rice. It wad good.. Serving is enough to share.. But the price may be a bit intimidating, similar to their other food choices.
I can't imagine myself reading, studying or relaxing here (in short staying for a long period) though. Although I do agree they have an instagram worthy interior; And they have a friendly staff too.
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I've fallen in love with the most adorable, unassuming, cozy coffee shop. Catabolic Cafe isn't large, funky, crowded, minimalist or hipster like a lot of coffee shops in the metro. It's small, laid back, with comfortable chairs and couches.
They had plenty of coffee and tea options on the menu as well as a small selection of pastries. We ordered the Flat White Coffee to share, a couple of cookies (Matcha and Chocolate + Sea salt), and a Revel Bar. Their Flat White was not exactly the best Flat White in the world, but, it still hit the spot.
The Chocolate Cookie with Sea Salt and Matcha Cookie both looked delicious. Just a tad disappointed that they didn't taste as good as they look. They were mediocre at best. The cookie was dry and crumbly however, the chunks of chocolate seemed like they were still a little melt(y) so they just disappeared into my mouth. Yum!
What really got me was their RAINBOW CAKE. I'm such a big fan! It's colorful, pretty, moist, and best of all, DELICIOUS! I don't know how to justifiably describe how good it tastes. You just gotta try it for yourself. The cake is so soft and the cream cheese frosting is so fresh; the fact that it's homemade makes all the difference.
Staff is friendly and they genuinely want you to enjoy your drink/food; Consult with them for recommendations. The environment is also quiet enough for study/ work, which is another definite plus. I would totally come here again.
#ZomatitosxZomatitas #mickeyyyscrawl
it’s a nice little cafe. excellent food and cozy interiors. i just wish there were tables outside for smokers. i’ll be back for sure. highly recommended!
Dennis Carlson Lim | TFC
+3.5
The first thing you want in a coffee shop/cafe is a good ambiance and relaxing music, and Catabolic Cafe is a good place for that. We came from a heavy lunch so we came here for desserts and coffee.
The servers were kind enough to identify all the products they sell. We ordered:
- Flat White Coffee (Php130) - I am not a real coffee drinker so I am not a good judge for coffees, but I can say, this is normal. I've had better Flat Whites, an example would be Toby's Estate.
- Choco Sea Salt Cookie (Php55) - I like the size and presentation, but it lacked flavor. Only a hint of chocolate can be tasted, the sea salt was overpowering. Usually the chocolate should be sweet so that the salt will balance the flavor. Didn't like the texture as well as it was too powdery.
- Matcha Cookie (Php55) - this was really a weird cookie, though I like the chunks of chocolate on top of it. The cookie has a fishy/seaweed taste, or even a grassy taste. It is not sweet but lacks in flavor. It is dry, like eating dead grass.
- Revel Bar (Php50) - looks big and delicious, and we ordered this on the spot. I like that it is not sweet and you can feel the texture of oats, but it kinda sticks to your throat.
- Rainbow Cake (Php175) - I saw this cake a few times before and normally, I would not even want to try this cake. Rainbow = food coloring which I am not a fan of. However, we are on a food crawl, and it is a good opportunity to try, and I'm glad I did. It was the best dish we tried in the cafe. The cream cheese frosting was to die for. The cake is moist yet has a good texture. It is addicting. A must-try!
Pares rice and crispy tadyang - the BEST. Hefty serving and well cooked beef. Will definitely be sulit for a hungry tummy. It's better to reserve a table beforehand 'cause it's a small cafe with a lot of customers.
Pares Rice with the Crispy Tadyang is so gooooooood! It is a must try. But I think they need to have some more staff cause their service is a little bit slow but their current staff is friendly and accommodating.
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The place is nice and has a cozy ambience. Staffs are friendly and courteous. As for the food, it's quite expensive but is worth the price. They have huge serving of everthing. My hubby ordered the crispy tadyang and it's almost good for 2 people. It's very tasty and flavorful. My mom ordered the corned beef sandwich. The bread was full of corned beef that you may need another pair of bread for the corned beef falling on her plate. My sister ordered the chicken and waffles. At first, I thought that it would be a weird combination but after tasting it, whoah it's really great! I loved the strawberry butter and the chicken itself. It was mouthwatering! As for me, I ordered the puttanesca. Well for this one, I'm not that really impressed.
That time was National Coffe Day so we got our free coffee. Yey! We ordered a slice of chocolate cake and it was huge as well! They can even cut it into half. The cake was moist and very yummy! I'm a chocolate cake lover and I can differentiate good cakes from not :)
A new spot that has a nice interior design. Relaxing atmosphere to be able to just open your laptop, drink a cup or two of coffee (Flat White was good) and a side or two or three of cookies. And then add some cake. After these appetizers, slide over to the main dishes like the Chicken and Waffles, Kimchi Fried Rice and the Pares Rice with Crispy Tadyang.
The Chicken and Waffles was pretty good. What stood out the most was their Strawberry Butter. The batter on the chicken was pretty decent.
Kimchi Fried Rice could have had more of a tang of kimchi. Actually it needed a lot more because I didn't really taste it. The pork and sauce that came with it was delicious.
The Pares Rice with Crispy Tadyang was my favorite. I'd revisit and give this one a try again.
Thanks for reading my review! Come back again shortly won't you? Miss you! ;)
Great food, coffee, ambience and very polite servers. (Ordered their best sellers, chicken and waffles and kimchi fried rice) The only reason I did not give a perfect 5 is the service was kind of slow, considering we were the only customers when we ate our early lunch. But I would definitely come back for more!!!
Catabolic Cafe is not just another themed-restaurant you'll find anywhere. This restaurant/cafe offers a variety of dishes, from western, Asian, to your favorite Pinoy homemade cuisines. . Ed, together with his brothers, JR, JV, and Dylan, decided to put up their own restaurant. With majority of them knowledgeable and experienced in the restaurant business and jetsetters at the same time, they want it to be different. You'll notice that their menu is diverse because most of it are just some of their favorites that they've tried in different countries they've been to.
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Contrary to the mod, neutral interior design highlighted with splashes of color, the food on the menu is for comfort. There's an abundance of outlets, perfect for study or work, the chairs are comfortable, and the airconditioning is full blast.
The first thing I ever tried was the chicken and waffles which came in a large serving (the norm for their meals, I found out soon enough). The chicken was perfectly fried, the waffles crisp, the butter and jam whipped together just the right amount of sweet, and the black pepper syrup pleasantly surprising.
I came back with friends and tried the kimchi fried rice that came with deep fried pork belly and a sunny side up egg. Not too spicy and altogether tied together very well. One of us ordered the pares rice with crispy tadyang that fell right off the bone and also overall a satisfying, well put together meal.
The pastry selection is limited but amazing as far as I've gotten into it. Their bestseller cookie is chocolate chip sea salt that I liked because the chocolate isn't overpoweringly sweet despite the salt. We also tried their revel bars which looked bendy and flexible in the case; that was because they were gooey and super good.
Final word: I very much recommend it. Great food and atmosphere, and the staff was very kind to us.
Good ambiance and great coffee. I loved the place as it's very conducive for meetings, hangouts and just catching up with old friends. I noticed that the prices of the food are a bit high but I've yet to try them. Will come back soon!
This place probably has the greatest coffee in Quezon City! Well worth the price! Their food selection is very limited and expensive, though. (So best to eat at the cheaper restaurants nearby before hanging out here.) Great ambiance complete with a clean toilet. Great place to work and study. Cool and friendly staff. Free wi-fi.
Their blueberry cheesecake tops my list! So yummy and im not even exaggerating! Plus points for the big slices and affordable price!
For their mains, i personally liked the Chicken & waffles, Kimchi fried rice and the ribs!
The place was definitely instagram worthy!
Solid food! Their pares rice with crispy tadyang is a must-try. Also had their chicken and waffles. While the chicken tastes great, I'd love the waffles better if it was a bit toasted.
Awesome ambiance, my kind of place - modern/hip interior, great lighting and the washroom was clean! Staff are friendly and accommodating.
I had in mind at first to have lunch here and have coffee somewhere else. But the place was so comfortable, I couldnt help but stay much longer. While working on some hotel bookings for an upcoming trip, I ordered their flat white to fully enjoy my time here. Oh it was awesome, specially with syrup (served upon request).
I cant wait to go back!
#zomatoph #yummiez
the food is great, i just want to add one suggestion.
if you're serving patato chips, i'm highly recommended to also serve a different kind of dip for extra satisfying taste :)
I would highly recommend this cafe..
I was only invited by a good friend to try it here. The ambience is very cozy and modern which I love! Not really a QC person but this cafe gave me a reason to come back. Their Pares Rice with Cripsy Tadyang & Chicken and Waffles is a MUST try! ❤️
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The place looks sosy, I felt like I was in London - the triangular ceiling, the white wall, mint and yellow cushion of the chairs and the design of the tables with very lovely succulents. There's a sofa, too if you want to relax and fall asleep. Lol. The cafe's cool temperature makes you want to stay longer and chat after you finished your food. Btw, there's free WIFI! :) The cafe smells really good - vanilla smell of the lighted candles and their third wave coffee!!! I love their clean bathroom. Their food selections were very well chosen, I guess, and I think they go by quality and not quantity. I spoke with the owner, asked about it and he said they will eventually add more to their menu which got me excited. I like their menu- layout was artistic and easy to read. The staff were all enthusiastic to serve you and we felt very welcome. My favorites were Pares Rice With Crispy Tadyang, Kimchi Fried Rice and Chicken With Waffle. I asked my parents and sisters and they said they enjoyed the Seafood Pesto, Puttanesca, Clam Chowder, Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup. We had coffee and pastries, too - Flat White, Cappuccino, Mocha and Americano. And then, we shared the delish cookies, chocolate cake and blueberry cheesecake. Enough said... We actually ate a lot during our first visit. LOL. Our family enjoyed this cafe because not only we liked the food but we also bonded after the Sunday mass. We will definitely come back every chance we get. Next time with friends! :)
Good food, nice interior and friendly staff.
Love the interior! Food is also delish! And they've got big servings that's perfect for sharing. Chicken and waffles and pares rice + crispy tadyang are my fave dishes. 👍
Serving is huge and (sometimes - depends on your appetite) can be good enough for 2..Their chicken & waffle is delicious(I dare you finish the whole thing by yourself lol!)..My personal favorite is the kimchi fried rice and puttanesca..Come in for the food and you'll definitely stay for the cozy ambiance..Will definitely go back!
Relaxing place, clean and cozy. Good coffee, try their wasabi choco chip cookie to go with your coffee. Staff is very friendly. Limited food choices tho..
Patrizia Ribaya Batilo
+5
You'll be over the moon once you experience Catabolic Cafe! Food is divine (everything on the menu's one for the books), coffee's spectacular, and the whole feel of their interiors, seats/ambiance is just hard to beat! My definite fave in the QC map area! Love LOVE LOOOOVE Catabolic Cafe!!!
Catabolic Cafe is the place to be when you're in QC. Good aromatic coffee. Delicious comfort food. Hip ambiance. Friendly servers.Great service.
This place puts your average Starbucks to shame! Their coffee is exceptional and truly speaks for itself! The food on the other hand is a bit schizophrenic at first glance but ties in really well with their concept of comfort food. Don't expect gourmet -- their dishes are very unpretentious and is focused on big taste and satisfying servings. The balance of simplicity and complexity is perfectly captured by Catabolic. This place is a gem in Teacher's Village!!!
First thing you'll notice here is their wonderful interiors. Love their lamps with edison bulbs. The food is great as well. The chicken and waffle is so big, we cant even finish it. The place is so cozy and the very attentive staff is a plus. Would love to come back!
Third wave coffee shops designed with craft store standards are the new normal. Exposed light bulbs, bell jar displays, shelf bric-a-brac and throw pillows make this a good place for the eyes, but the only true measure of a cafe is their coffee. That being said, Catabolic Cafe makes a mean, milky cappuccino that I came back for. Their food consists of standard ho-hum cafe fare (except maybe for Chicken and Waffles), but their array of unique desserts (wasabi? matcha?) are worth a try.
My current favorite! Owners are the nicest people you'll ever meet. Interior on fleek. Strong coffee. And they serve the best revel bars in town. Definitely a must try!
Mardie Jyan L. Tandog
+4.5
When you get to the cafe the first thing you notice is the interiors, they're very hip and sheek ( definitely Instagram worthy) . The people are very friendly and they sure know how to cater to what you're craving for. When you have a visit at Catabolic, you can't not have their chicken and waffles. Coffee tastes great too. As a new kid on the block, they sure are very promising. I'll definitely come back for more.
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