We recently visited Steak to Juan in Ilocos Norte shortly after their soft opening, and we were pleasantly surprised by several aspects of the restaurant, starting with the generous parking space. It's clear that this place is designed not just for couples looking for a cozy dinner, but also for big families eager to enjoy a hearty meal together.

We didn't inquire if the restaurant is pet-friendly since we didn't have one of our fur babies with us, but it might be an important consideration for pet owners planning a visit.

The Unli Rice Steak Experience

Affordable and Satisfying
Steak to Juan is renowned for its affordable unli rice steak meals, which are definitively worth their 250 PHP price tag. While we didn't expect a five-star dining experience, what we did find was good food and service that lived up to the restaurant’s promise.

The steaks are cut to a reasonable 1/4 inch thickness and, gratifyingly, you can choose how they are cooked. The result is a tender and palate-pleasing piece of meat that isn't overly chewy. The accompanying gravy was decent, adding just the right touch to the meal.

Additional Menu Options
Besides steak, there are other offerings like coffee and pasta. We decided to give their Bolognese pasta a try, which is priced at 190 PHP. Unfortunately, it left much to be desired. I expected more robust flavors, especially given that there are other pastas in this price range with much more appealing taste profiles.

What Worked and What Didn't
On the whole, the steak and its unlimited rice were satisfying and worth the visit. However, the atchara (pickled papaya relish) on my plate wasn’t to my liking. In future visits, I might ask to skip it altogether.

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Final Thoughts
Steak to Juan provides a solid, no-fuss dining option for those looking for a filling and affordable meal in Ilocos Norte. While there's room for improvement, particularly with the pasta, the main attraction - the unli rice steak - delivers on its promise.

So, if you find yourself in Ilocos Norte and are in the mood for a good, value-for-money steak dinner, give Steak to Juan a try. And next time, I'll remember to check on its pet-friendliness so fellow fur parents can plan accordingly. Bon appétit until our next food adventure!