This past few months I have heard a lot of new places to dine but one of them stood out, the Cafe Racer.Β More than I love to eat good food, I also love to feed my eyes with great views. That is why location/environment is one of the key elements of a successful restaurant.
Cafe Racer may be a new kid in the block but its owner isn’t. It belongs to the Pages Group of restaurantsΒ thatΒ conceptualizedΒ other successful ones like Lantaw, Moon Cafe, Thirsty and Mismukuno Teppanyaki. This time they came up with a diner thatΒ is inspired by a racing lifestyle in the United Kingdom (UK) with a vintage vibe from the 1950s-1960s.
Cafe Racer is situated along Ouano Avenue in Mandaue City, just after a Jollibee store if you’re coming from Mandaue and right afterΒ Vivo Sugbo (formerly Amnezia Superclub) if youβre coming from Cebu City. I had a hard time locating the place at first so here’s a map to help you.
When you get to the place you can see car wash area so you can chill while your ride freshens up, if you have one. Actually they have a promo for a minimum bill of just P500, they will wash your Car or Motorcycle for FREE on your next visit (no splitting of bills). It’s a good reason to visit the place again.
They both have indoor and al fresco dining to accommodate a variety of customers. Inside, you can immediately feel theΒ unique vibe and feel. There are lots of things that will catch your attention from the bottom to the top. You will see a camper van, a beetle car, custom bike, oil drums, metal pipes, tools and parts all themed to give car and bike aficionadosΒ a treat. But hey, this isn’t garage so just sit back and chill. π
It was late in the afternoon, around 5PM, when we visited the place and we weren’t really sure what to eat. They offer burgers, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, salads, chicken and pork dishes as well as desserts. They also serve off the grill with your favorite pork and chicken barbecue. And of course drinks and beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, local and imported.
Gotta love that table with license plates as design under the glass. You can also check out a fine display of cakes and sweets beside the counter area. Those are perfect for some afternoon snacks or coffee time.
While waiting for our order, we wandered around the place and got amazed by the automobile inspired decors and stuff inside and outside. Oil drums turned into colorful seats, metal pipes used for ventilation, Β tables made from car parts and more. It was well thought of!
At the center of the place is a “monster” bike on display. Β I call it the Ghostrider! Pretty awesome right? π
There were tools also hanging on the wall. I heard you can borrow these stuff if you need and just make sure to return it on it’s rightful place.
Even their washing area and comfort room looks really cool. You can find sinks made from vehicle transmission parts, mirror frames fromΒ radiators and door signs from cut-up license plates. You can actually see a vintage bicycle inside the ladies room holding the sink and vintage car door dividing the urinals in the men’s room. So now you know you should check their CR even when nature isn’t calling. π
I also saw a VW beetle car outside that was burning on it’s hood. But don’t worry, this is where they grill your barbecues and you can choose your order directly from that container van.
Aside from the monster bike, another notable highlight of the place is a beetle car inside where it gets really classy and romantic. I’m sure you will want to ride this cute vintage car and probably talk about old memories and corny things. Awwwe! π
Our foodΒ has arrived, our all-time favorite pork sisig. When we don’t know what to order, this one always comes on top of the menu. Honestly, it’s not the best sisig in town but we still enjoyed it. I also got a bottle of beer and my partnerΒ got some fruit shake.
The place is great for dining and chilling out with friends and family. When the sun is down, you can dine outside or start your happy hour.
This place used to be aΒ Jetti Gasoline Station but now those gas pumps spew out beer instead. I’m sure this gets packed as the night goes by. Cars and bikes shows are held in this area where you get to check out awesome and customized rides.
And if you want a little glimpse of the city lights, they also have tables and chairs on the rooftop. Though it’s just on the second level, it will still give you a great view of the night skies.
I have to say I enjoyed the place given that I also love vintage stuff and creative designs. At the end of the day, I got to feed my eyes too. A famous chef once said:
βIf you donβt like the ambience, the dΓ©cor, the sound level, then the service doesnβt mean a thing β just like the food.β
Given the hundreds of dining places in the city, it’s always great to experience something unique and out-of-the-box, or should I say toolbox. Actually the same goes for foodΒ but I haven’t really tried much of their menu so I can’t speak for it. A simple survey or customer feedback to know their thoughtsΒ would be helpful. So bottomline, the ambience is the X-factor for Cafe Racer.
For more photos and updates about the place, you can check out their Facebook page.
Facebook Page: Cafe Racer Diner Cebu
Ouano Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Mandaue City Cebu
Contact Number: (032) 511 7798
Operating Hours: 11:00AM -2:00AM Daily
If you love the place (yes you will), check it out and share to your friends. Enjoy and spread good vibes y’all! π
I really love how artistic entrepreneurs have become these days. It’s not just about the food but the ambiance too. I hope I get to visit this place soon!
Yes Anne.. I think it’s a must nowadays to standout and be remembered by customers. Enjoy your visit! π
Woowww, this is soooo cool!!! Love everything about it. I think it’s the first time I’ve read about a diner like this. And I must try this soon! Like, sooner. Hehehe. Thanks for sharing MJ!
Make it sooner Rea, heheh I hope to see more of this kind of diner too. Let us know of your visit soon! π
my partner and I have been planning to go to this place for months.. but we are so tapulan.. haha. Great post emjae! I hope I can finally visit this place soon.
It took me 2 months before finally visiting the place too. Thanks to the re-routing in North Reclamation area it is always passed by jeepneys that I usually take. Enjoy your visit Hanna. π
Whoa! I love themed restaurants like this! Great photos, too!
I love them too and hope to visit more. Thanks! π
Vintage art + vehicles = love! Parati ko itong nakikita, makadaan nga minsan to dine. π
Yeah nothing beats classics talaga.. hehe it’s calling for you na! π
If dili lang gyud kaayo ni siya tuyu-unon nga place since naa gyud siya sa highway, I would have visited this place already! But now I’m not sure if I’d want to because i’ve read a lot of negative reviews na wa daw lami ang food. Hmm.
Yeah I have read pud few reviews nga not satisfied sa food. I hope they can address this asap kay the place is already good. Actually jeepneys going to Mandaue via SM will be passing here coz of rerouting in NRA if you want to check it out. π
We always pass by this place from Lapu-lapu to SM route, but we haven’t stopped by. Adding this to our never-ending list of restaurants to try. π
Coz of the rerouting in North Reclamation area I finally get to check it out coz we always pass this going to Mandaue. I can relate to that list too..hehehe π
Waah so retro and vintage! haven’t been to any cafes with a theme like this.
http://www.sarahrizaga.blogspot.com
That was the very reason I checked it out. Retro and vintage..heheh π
My friends and I were planning to go here this summer (maybe). I love how unique this place is! I wonder if the foods are worth it, though. I’m excited to try! π
It’s really fun to check it out with friends. You’ll have instagram-worthy photos for sure. Don’t get too excited sa food maybe unless you are there for the drinks..heheh enjoy! π
It’s like a scene from Cars! Route 66! π
I was thinking the same Jhanis..and that old car outside looks like one of the character..heheh π
I hope they can be more consistent with their dishes. Coz sometimes, it makes me want more, but many times too, I get a little disappointed
This is so cool! Must visit this place puhon ^_^
I love the interior design of Cafe Racer! I am a sucker for Beetles and good food. I will definitely try it someday!