Flavors of Pampanga: One For The Road at Best Western Bendix Hotel's Ruben

A decent Old-Fashioned done well. It's not something you'd normally find outside of Manila. But you'll be glad to know you can find it at Ruben in San Fernando's Best Western Bendix Hotel...

Handcrafted cocktails, local craft beer and hearty pub grub, essentials for any bar, are just some of the things you can expect at Ruben, located at Best Western Bendix Hotel in San Fernando, Pampanga. In addition to its sumptuous cuisine (for more on Ruben's signature dishes, see my earlier post, Flavors of Pampanga: A Peek at San Fernando's Newest Dining Destination at Best Western Bendix Hotel's Ruben), Ruben is a refreshingly new and welcome addition to the local bar scene. When in San Fernando, it's always a good idea to meet up at Ruben...

A cafe, restaurant and bar, Ruben is easily one of the best dives in San Fernando. Just like their signature dishes, only the best and finest spirits are used for the cocktails at Ruben. Just name your favorite cocktail to Bang and Justin, and they will whip it up for you in minutes. Ask them what's fresh on tap... 

...for a taste of Sunset Craft Beer's signature brews. Based in Pampanga and brewed by a Scotsman, Sunset Craft Beer is making waves in the local bar scene with its extensive selections. One sip and you'll know why.

From the light and refreshingly crisp Blonde Ale...

...to the deep, rounded and malty notes of the Tropical Stout, Sunset Craft Beer leads the local craft beer movement up north in Pampanga. And you'll find it right here at Ruben. Priced between P 135 to P 170 per glass, you can enjoy two to three more rounds here in San Fernando as compared to Manila for more bang and buzz for the buck.

My personal gauge for any bar is determined by how well they execute a classic cocktail, like the Old-Fashioned, my personal favorite and go-to cocktail. It's a simple cocktail that demands the finest ingredients for that right flavor and color, prepared and presented with a distinctive flair down to the orange peel garnish. It's also easy to mess up if you don't do it right or don't have the right ingredients. You'll find the perfect Old-Fashioned (P 195) here at Ruben, with the subtle whisper of tart orange hints to tickle your nose and palate followed by the deep smoky notes of bourbon. Just the way Don Draper would have it. One more round? Absolutely. Other classic cocktails include the Daiquiri, Whiskey Sour, Gin Basil Smash, Tommy's Margarita, and Negroni, all priced at just P 195.  

But Ruben has more surprises, including their potent signature cocktails reflecting a modern and creative flair that sets them apart from other bars. Named after the siblings that manage the hotel property, have a tipple with the naughty Joanna Oh Na Na (P 195), a tempting and seductive blend of Tequila Blanco, lime, Orgeat syrup, lavender bitters, egg white, and tarragon...  

...or the vibrantly colored Dixie Dust (P 195) with white rum, coconut rum, lime, pineapple syrup and pandan for that cool tropical vibe...

...or the elegant For Mikko's Girl (P 195) with bourbon whiskey, ginger, basil, lemon honey and red wine. Want more? The Rion King, Dang! and Joe Malone are just some of the other cool characters at Ruben. 

But it's the Ode to Ruben (P 195) that defines the bar with its classy notes, along with the Old-Fashioned. A refreshing blend of Scotch Whisky, coffee-infused vermouth, orange bitters and sugar, the Ode to Ruben is a fitting homage to the family patriarch. Refined, elegant, and just oozing with understated class, it's the perfect cocktail to end your tipple at Ruben.

After a few rounds, some tasty pub grub are in order. And Ruben's has that covered too. The Best Nachos in Town (P 260) could very well be the best nachos in San Fernando, with thin and crisp nachos topped with savory beef chunks, tart salsa and jalapenos draped in cheese, garlic cream sauce and melted Mozzarella.

Seafood? The Calamares (P 240), crispy squid rings served with creamy garlic and marinara sauce, should do the trick. Tender and perfectly crisp, the duo of dips offer distinct flavors in one dish.

Why not try something different? The Fried Spanish Sardines (P 190) is another surprisingly tasty option at Ruben, pairing well with the local craft beer and signature cocktails. Combining both texture and flavor, once you start, you just can't stop.

And if you're really hungry, which usually happens after one too many rounds of cocktails, the Roasted Pork Belly with Truffle Lechon Sauce (P 320) should satisfy any hefty appetite. One more Old-Fashioned, and suddenly the evening's potential is just beginning...at Ruben.

Ruben is located at the Ground Floor of Best Western Bendix Hotel, MacArthur Highway, Dolores, City of San Fernando, Pampanga or call 045 961-2378 and 02 982-3333 for inquiries and reservations. You can also visit their website at http://bendixhotel.com.ph/ for more information. For more on Ruben, check out their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/ruben.barph/.

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