Scratch (Poblacion, Makati City): Making My Favorite Smash Burgers from Scratch!
I’m always on the lookout for the best burgers in Metro Manila. Late last year, I found my favorite spot for smash burgers—Scratch!
Scratch
Located in Poblacion, the nightlife district of Makati City, Scratch specializes in burgers and sandwiches. As its name suggests, they make their burgers from scratch, even their potato buns.
Scratch has a small space, with a few bar seats a couple of cocktail tables. So on a busy day, it can easily get full.
Inside Scratch
It’s connected to a speakeasy called Dumbo. So when you’re in Dumbo, you can order Scratch food, and vice versa.
Inside Dumbo
So why do I love their smash burgers? First, its patties are beefy and super juicy. Since it’s smashed, it also has crisp edges.
Bacon Smash Burger (Regular: PHP445; Junior: PHP345)
Also, its buns are pillowy and buttery, the cheese is mild, its bacon is crisp, and its dressing is creamy and tangy. I think it’s the perfect burger for me!
They also serve other sandwiches. Their Hot Chick Sandwich is really like buffalo wings but in burger form.
Hot Chick Sandwich (PHP320)
The chicken is tangy and spicy, and the bleu cheese sauce adds a nice funk.
They also have a breakfast sandwich—The Breakfast Bun. It has tasty ham, crunchy bacon, fluffy eggs, and crisp fries, all sandwiched between their housemade potato buns.
The Breakfast Bun (PHP320)
And they also have a fish sandwich—The Brooklyn Fishwich. It has a massive tilapia fillet covered in panko crumbs, salted egg tartar sauce, and lettuce.
The Brooklyn Fishwich (PHP460)
The fish fillet is flaky and crisp, and the lettuce add texture. I think it's one of the best fish sandwiches/burgers I've ever had!
Of course, a burger meal won’t be complete without fries. Scratch offers twister, crinkle cut, and loaded fries (topped with chopped burger patty or pieces of hot chick).
Hot Chick Fries (PHP250)
Don’t forget to wash down all the burger goodness with Dumbo Iced Tea. It’s refreshing and has a nice tea flavor.
Dumbo Iced Tea (PHP120)
I’ll be honest that there was a time they over-salted their patty. Good thing their chef was kind enough to replace it. But most of the time, Scratch’s burgers and sandwiches are solid. So I highly recommend it to you!
P.S. There are only two sandwiches that I haven’t tried yet: the Chori Smash and the Harlem Chopped. I’ll update this article when I’m able to.
Address: Don Pedro St., Poblacion, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines | Operating Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11AM-2AM; Friday & Saturday, 11AM-3AM | Instagram