Last March 21, 2013, In-N-Out had a Pop-Up store in Bonifacio High Street for a day.  People were expecting In-N-Out to expand here in Manila but it affirmed on December 2013 that it had no plans for expansion or franchising.  On February 16, 2014, it was not In-N-Out but CaliBurger which opened its first branch in Century City Mall. 
 

CaliBurger Century City Mall

The arrival of Caliburger in the Philippines has received mixed criticisms.  There are some loyalists of In-N-Out who crave for the next best thing who were happy with it.  Others, complain that it can't match the quality they expected or that it's too pricey.  (Perhaps, since the In-N-Out pop out store appeared to be cheaper in price). 

I wanted to check it out for myself.  Thus, I've dined at their two branches.  I hope you don't mind if I merge it in one post.

CaliBurger Century City Mall

CaliBurger Century City Mall occupies is a spacious area at the fourth floor.  They offer a very wide and trendy indoor area with a large screen showing how happy people are with their products.  Since it was very chilly inside during night time, most diners prefer to seat outside in the soft lofts with a nice city view.  So don't be surprised if you gaze through its glass window and find only a few diners eating there, they are all dining outside. =))

CaliBurger Timog Ave

 

CaliBurger Timog Ave

Both branches have a lively tropical beach theme with colorful tables and chairs.  They adopt a pay as you order system.  Upon payment, you'll be given a yellow green or orange buzzer so you know when your order is ready.

Food

Burgers

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Beef (195 php)

Caliburger recently introduced a new product called the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger.  It's an upgraded version of their classic Cheeseburger (which I still prefer) with bacon and sweet BBQ sauce.  I recommend this for those who are fond of sweet stuff. 

Meals (Comes with Fries and Unlimited Drinks)

♥ Cheeseburger Meal B Beef (245 php)

The Cheeseburger Meal B Beef is a single patty cheeseburger.  Upon ordering, I was asked if I wanted my onions raw or grilled.  I choose the latter.  
 

♥ Cali Double Meal C Beef (345 php)

For a more fulfilling meal, the Cali Double Meal is a great choice with its double patty.  This is my kind of meal. 

Cheeseburger (left) versus Cali Double (right)

I liked that their buns are very light, fluffy and soft.   The Certified  100% lean grass-fed Angus beef patty was juicy and tasty.  I didn't find it bland like the other feedbacks I've encountered when checking-in on foursquare.  The melted cheese, lettuce, grilled onions, tomatoes and wild-style sauce were a great complement.  I personally have not tried In-N-Out burger.  But for me, this is a reasonably priced good burger.  Sure, the patty is thin.  Well, so are those from other burger joints. 

The Fries (50 php) have a thicker cut but I liked it that way.  

We enjoyed the ♥ Onion Rings (50 php) more!  It's quite unfortunate that they are not offered as an alternative for the fries for their meals.  We had to order them separately. 

Cali Sweet Wings (95 php/4 pieces)

My family and I are not fond of sweets so we didn't enjoy the Cali Sweet Wings.  I somehow wished it had a bit of spiciness to it.  Perhaps, its the same sweet BBQ sauce as that of the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger.  On the bright side, it was crunchy.

Drinks

Unlimited Drink Choices (Soda, Red Icea Tea, Dalandan Juice, Pink Lemonde  and Cucumber Lemonade) (75 php)
 

Dalandan Juice, Pink Lemonade  and ♥ Cucumber Lemonade (clockwise)

The best choice is the refreshing Cucumber Lemonade.  Next is the Dalandan Juice.  The Pink Lemonade is the sweetest.

Milkshakes

Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry Regular (120 php)

♥ Neapolitan (120 php)

If you're not ordering their meals, I highly recommend their Milkshakes.  I got tipped that like In-N-Out they have a Secret Menu which contains the Neapolitan (a combination of all three flavors).  This is a pretty good milk shake!  Loved it. =)  

The one above is the one I ordered from Caliburger Timog Ave during lunch time.  It was really cold and more ice cream than a drink.

♥ Neapolitan (120 php) *sorry for the poor quality photo grabbed from my IG

This is the Neapolitan I ordered from CaliBurger Century Mall for a late dinner meal.  Notice that the consistency is more diluted and very liquid?  I hope they'd meet in the middle for a cool, thick but easy to sip milkshake.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We enjoyed dining at CaliBurger.  The burgers are good.  It's not the type I'd crave or line up for but I'd gladly pursue it if conveniently available.   I heard they also have the Wild Fries on the Secret Menu (add 100 php to the meal).  It's a bit pricey but I heard it's worth a try.   I'm gonna try that next time.   I also suggest this place as a nice hangout with its perfect night city view, cozy lofts,  fast and reliable WiFi and unlimited drinks.