Pampanga Mega Cafes

[OnMyWay]

There seems to be a trend in Pampanga of opening huge cafes.

The first one we went to a few years back was Lala Garden Cafe.  We enjoyed it but have not been back.  It appears they have 3 branches now.  We went to the one in Angeles.  Huge indoor tropical garden setting.  Very pleasant.

https://www.facebook.com/lalagardencafe?rdid=XXZ1poMzjIOmfmBq&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F18bnhaAgEw%2F#

Recently I have seen ads for two new ones.  Today we went to Andante Lounge Cafe.  However, they are on soft opening and only had coffee and a few pastries.  We we looking for a meal. so we left.  Might have promise.  3 floors.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/EopBeZAY43P5b6WX7

Instead, we found Here Cafe not far away.  Huge selection of fancy baked goods, seems to be Korean inspired.  Shared a few pasta dishes that were ok.  My kids had a Hawaiian pizza and I actually thought that was good.   Expensive but good quality for the most part.  They had an area set up with a sleigh and Santa costumes the kids could wear, and they had a lot of fun with that.

This area near Parade Grounds has a lot of cafes and restos.  Most look upscale.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083274995575

Another new one that is in San Fernando is Our Cafe.  I think they are on soft opening too, but it looks grand.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584267957883

Another one that I have not been to but driven by several times is Yellow Friends.  It is big but I am not sure what is all about.  Probably Korean based.

https://yellowfriends.com/?ckattempt=1

@craftbeerlover  Been to any of these?

 

 

[OnMyWay]

Here Cafe

[OnMyWay]

Before we went to Clark we stopped at Sandbox in Porac.  Disappointed that only 1 ride they wanted was open, Giant Swing.  The roller coaster zip line was closed.  Should have called first. 

 

 

[OnMyWay]

SCTEX on the way home. 

 

 

[craftbeerlover]

47 minutes ago, OnMyWay said:

There seems to be a trend in Pampanga of opening huge cafes.

The first one we went to a few years back was Lala Garden Cafe.  We enjoyed it but have not been back.  It appears they have 3 branches now.  We went to the one in Angeles.  Huge indoor tropical garden setting.  Very pleasant.

https://www.facebook.com/lalagardencafe?rdid=XXZ1poMzjIOmfmBq&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F18bnhaAgEw%2F#

Recently I have seen ads for two new ones.  Today we went to Andante Lounge Cafe.  However, they are on soft opening and only had coffee and a few pastries.  We we looking for a meal. so we left.  Might have promise.  3 floors.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/EopBeZAY43P5b6WX7

Instead, we found Here Cafe not far away.  Huge selection of fancy baked goods, seems to be Korean inspired.  Shared a few pasta dishes that were ok.  My kids had a Hawaiian pizza and I actually thought that was good.   Expensive but good quality for the most part.  They had an area set up with a sleigh and Santa costumes the kids could wear, and they had a lot of fun with that.

This area near Parade Grounds has a lot of cafes and restos.  Most look upscale.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083274995575

Another new one that is in San Fernando is Our Cafe.  I think they are on soft opening too, but it looks grand.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584267957883

Another one that I have not been to but driven by several times is Yellow Friends.  It is big but I am not sure what is all about.  Probably Korean based.

https://yellowfriends.com/?ckattempt=1

@craftbeerlover  Been to any of these?

 

 

I havent heard of the Here Cafe, which is surprising especially if it is near the park; I walk that track a few times a week.  I will check it out!  There a many restaurants being built or just opening, all around the parade grounds.   Already open is a Mediterranean, Italian,  Japanese, a coffee  shop, and an all you can eat korean restaurant etc..  Opening soon is a Thai restaurant and two others (forgot what they will be).   We actually have not been to any of them.   Over the course of the last few years, my wife has fallen in love with cooking....sooooooo  we save money and probably eat better.  I do want to try a couple of those though.  As you are already aware, the parade ground area is really nice.  They are really building up Mimosa as well!!!!    A buddy of mine and his wife are coming up the day after Christmas and we are taking them to a Chinese restaurant (already ordered the Peking Duck).   

[OnMyWay]

3 minutes ago, craftbeerlover said:

Opening soon is a Thai restaurant

I had not been over there in a while and the Thai seems to be stalled.  I thought it would be open by now.

My kids like the nice playground over there so we stopped there for a while.  Last time we were there it was packed with kids, but this time it was uncrowded so they enjoyed it for a long time.  So long that we cancelled a cat cafe visit and went home.

 

 

[graham59]

More money-laundering ? 

[JJReyes]

What I don't like about this cafe's is they use hard plastic or metal chairs.  Many are not designed for comfort.  I guess they want you to eat/drink and run.  

[craftbeerlover]

On 12/23/2025 at 6:14 PM, OnMyWay said:

Here Cafe

Was thinking about taking the clan there.  Read the reviews and they were mixed.  What is your two cents on the food??

[OnMyWay]

15 minutes ago, craftbeerlover said:

Was thinking about taking the clan there.  Read the reviews and they were mixed.  What is your two cents on the food??

The bakery items, excellent.  The 2 pasta dishes 5/10.  Quesadillas, 6/10.  pizza, 7/10.  Atmosphere, 8/10.  I would not go back for the food.