MANILA, Philippines - One of the few establishments that have truly withstood the test of time, twenty years to the day (to be precise), is TGIFridays Philippines. From the very beginning, it has prided itself in keeping up with the global standard when it comes to food and service. The flagship store in Glorietta is a testament to this and is as thriving as it ever was since the day it opened 20 years ago. Loyal guests may be amazed to realize that they’ve actually been frequenting it for so long.
I am one of those guests. From the time Fridays Glorietta opened in in 1994 (as a special treat my mom took me there for my 7th birthday) to every subsequent friend’s party (through my tween years), birthday dinners (teenage years), inuman (college years) and countless memories of random cravings for that delicious and gigantic burger that I simply had to satisfy, I cannot believe it myself that twenty years have gone by so quickly.
I’ve compiled a list of my 20 personal Fridays favorites and it’s not all just about the food.
1. My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard
The Fridays milkshake is the best, bar none. Rich and creamy, your biggest problem will be which flavor to order because unfortunately, you can’t just drink them all. I know, because I’ve tried (don’t judge me).
2. Adobo
It may be an American restaurant but Fridays adobo, a giant slab of melt-in-your-mouth pork, smothered in a delicious secret sauce, is absolutely heavenly.
3. Service with a smile
There’s little that can turn you off more than poor service. Not at Fridays. From the hostess, server, bartender, to the manager, everyone is as helpful as can be.
4. Birthday song
Who hasn’t had wonderful servers at come up to your table for that great birthday sing-along? It’s always hilariously embarrassing but makes for great pictures. Plus, you get a free ice cream sundae — with whipped cream!
5. Game time
Catching the game? Fridays is the place to be. The atmosphere is great and it’s 100% better than just being stuck at home, screaming at your TV all alone.
6. Bottomless mojitos
Any time of the day for only 295, you can sip your favorite Fridays mojito to your heart’s content.
7. Mozzarella sticks
As a self-proclaimed cheese (sticks) connoisseur, the mozzarella sticks are on a different level entirely. Yummy.
8. Eating at the bar
The Fridays bar is a generous space, almost like having a long, perfectly shiny table all to yourself. You know, in case you want to order a three-for-all appetizer platter.
9. Bartenders or Magicians!
I think the Fridays bartenders have been leading secret double lives and are, in reality, magicians. Because if not magic, how else are they able to flip bottles and spin around glasses and do all sorts of gravity defying tricks with liquids? Amazing!
10. Kids in stripes
You only ever make good memories at Friday’s, even the little ones. Kids in Stripes allows children to join a summer workshop, learn & have fun.
11. In here it’s always Friday
It may be called Fridays, but from A.M. to P.M. everyday from Monday to Sunday, you can go to any Fridays branch and have an awesome time.
12. Great for sharing
You cannot ask for more bang for your buck because of the generous portions which will most likely feed you and your whole barkada. They’re that huge!
13. Interiors – old and new
We all remember the old Fridays interior, a charming collection of memorabilia. The décor has since changed but still retains the essence of the Fridays we love.
14. Juicy burgers
When you think of Fridays, you think burgers! And these are no ordinary ones. They’re thick and juicy especially when smothered with Jack Daniel’s sauce. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
15. Locations
It’s easy to visit any of Fridays 16 locations in the metro whenever I have a craving for my favorite dishes. And there are branches even in select provinces.
16. Red and white stripes
The Fridays stripes are one of the most chic and easily recognizable uniforms wherever you are. Every time I see one, I just know some good food is coming my way like the new Bacon-crusted Ribs.
17. Booth tables
Like the ice cream parlors of the movies, Fridays has always had the booth table. There’s nothing like squeezing all your friends into a cushioned booth for a feeling of exclusivity and privacy.
18. Everyone’s welcome
Whether you’re dining alone, on a date, or with a large group of friends, Fridays will always accommodate you. It’s just comfortable, easy and relaxed.
19. Open ‘til late
I have experienced extending my stay at Fridays past closing time and the staff is always as accommodating as ever.
20. Promos - P20 Chicken Fingers Today Only!
To celebrate Fridays’ 20th anniversary, the Chicken Fingers, a personal favorite, is available at P20 with a minimum purchase of P250 per person, 11 am - 4pm.
You can be sure that I’ll be lining up to get me some of this. With my milkshake, of course.
To know more about TGIFridays, check out their website at www.fridays.com.ph, their official Facebook page: TGI Fridays Philippines; Twitter/Instagram: @tgifridaysph.