While this the original Madge Cafe won't be frequented by the wealthy chinoy class in the country, this slovenly little cave entrenched in the ramshackle dirty Lapaz public market is frequented by the monied filipino class of the city.
Apparently it's a place to be seen and to visit old friends in their favourite haunt, but to most foreigners it would be seen as peasant-grimy with an odd well-worn ambience of any community market in the 3rd world. Surrounded by marginally clean fruit and vegetable shops, and by other contenders like Deco's and other decades-old dirty restos, it's in a fitting setting.
The food.
A long line-up of silogs and little else.
It's touted for its coffee, but it's really an old alley setting with little to redeem it, including its food.
Their clientele spill over into the narrow market alley on both sides, and an informal little music group added to the noise of the place.
Of course the locals laud it as wonderful, but if they only knew...
Well, I'd been looking for a decent American breakfast, but none in sight. Just no foreigners have landed in the city to make that happen. Too bad.
If you are an old pinoy Iloilo resident, this place would be great to make or sustain friendships.
If you are an upper-middle 'class' chinoy, the Madge - dreadful name! - in Atria is much more suitable.
If you are a poor pinoy, likely the prices just out of reach, and therefore you won't be easily accepted.
If you are a foreigner used to clean digs and decent western food, not to be found here. Perhaps the breakfast buffet at the Grande Dame Hotel across the street will do, but get there before 9am for freshness?
We won't be back! read more