The story behind Marikina City's most American restaurant — and the Big Mike who built it from the ground up.
Big Mike's Chicago Style Food was born from a very specific obsession: the kind of bold, unapologetic American cooking that Filipinos crave but rarely find done right. Founder Big Mike set out to change that — not with imitations, but with the real thing. Special herbs, seasonings, and spices are shipped directly from the United States to every kitchen at Big Mike's, giving every dish its distinctly authentic, "legit US-tasting" character.
Located on the ground floor of the Teodore Events Place on Katipunan Street in Brgy. Sto. Niño, Marikina City, the restaurant was designed with groups in mind. Wide tables, a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, and a cook-to-order approach that ensures every plate leaves the kitchen fresh, hot, and properly seasoned. Guests waiting for their orders can watch TV at the table — a small touch that says a lot about the hospitality here.
Big Mike himself is a fixture at the restaurant — hands-on, present, and genuinely invested in every guest's experience. Visitors who have met him remember the encounter. The restaurant's warmth and character comes directly from him.
At its core, Big Mike's is a restaurant built for Filipino palates who want American generosity. The portions are deliberately large — bigger than average, as multiple reviewers have noted — because here, filling the table is a point of pride. Whether it's a full slab of baby back ribs, an unlimited chicken wings set in eleven flavors, or the Colossal Supreme burger stacked impossibly high, nothing here arrives looking modest.
But Big Mike's doesn't stop at American classics. The menu has expanded to embrace Filipino favorites — Pinoy sisig, bagnet, and pork dishes — all made with the same imported spice blends that give the restaurant its signature flavor. The result is a menu that bridges two worlds: the bold, herbaceous depth of American BBQ cooking and the familiar comfort of Filipino home food, elevated by seasoning you won't find anywhere else in Marikina.
The unlimited breakfast buffet, available every day of the week, has become one of the restaurant's most beloved features. Pancakes, waffles, garlic rice, and over ten protein choices — all you can eat, freshly cooked, and served with hot coffee or iced tea. On weekends, the dining room fills up by 9AM. Regulars know to arrive early.
Real herbs and spices from the U.S.A. meet Filipino hospitality and Filipino flavors. The two don't compete — they make each other better.
Nothing sits under a heat lamp at Big Mike's. Every plate goes from kitchen to table freshly cooked — because a hot meal isn't a luxury, it's the standard.
Reunions, team outings, birthdays, barkada dinners — the dining room was designed for the full table. Generous portions, good vibes, and room for everyone.
Cook-to-order means every dish is freshly prepared. You'll wait a bit longer, and it is absolutely worth it — reviewers consistently note how hot and freshly cooked every plate arrives.
The portions at Big Mike's are deliberately larger than average. Feeding people generously is how we show guests they matter — it's American in style and Filipino in spirit.
The herbs, seasonings, and spices are shipped from the U.S.A. because shortcuts show on the plate. If you want Chicago flavor, you need Chicago ingredients.
Guests notice when staff are genuinely friendly. At Big Mike's, hospitality is practiced, not performed — every guest is welcomed like they belong here.
Great food shouldn't have a premium that keeps people away. Big Mike's serves the community — freshly cooked, properly seasoned, and priced so families can come back every week.
Big Mike's Chicago Style Food opens its doors at Teodore Events Place on Katipunan Street, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Marikina City — introducing Chicago-seasoned food to Marikina with a cook-to-order promise and generously sized portions.
The all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet launches and quickly becomes the restaurant's most beloved morning offering — weekend tables fill up early, and regular guests make it their weekly ritual.
Unlimited chicken wings in 11 rotating flavors — Garlic Parmesan, Buffalo, Honey Butter, Teriyaki, Cheese, Honey Garlic, Soy Garlic, Honey Mustard, Original, Lemon Peppermint, and Barbecue — becomes the restaurant's signature offering.
Big Mike's introduces Pinoy Sisig, Bagnet, and other Filipino comfort food staples — all seasoned with the restaurant's signature imported spice blends. The move bridges two culinary worlds and widens the appeal to every palate.
Big Mike's Chicago Style Food is featured in Spot.ph, one of the Philippines' most-read food and lifestyle publications — a recognition of the restaurant's growing reputation in Metro Manila's food scene.
With an active TikTok presence (17,100+ followers, 202 videos), 6,300+ Facebook likes, 4.1 Google stars, and a ranking of #352 out of 3,320 Marikina restaurants, Big Mike's is one of Marikina's best-known American dining destinations.
Whether you're coming for the weekend breakfast buffet at 8AM, the unlimited wings lunch, or a full group dinner to celebrate something — Big Mike's is ready for you. Weekdays open at 11AM; weekends at 8AM. Last order at 10PM.
Walk-ins are always welcome. For large groups, reservations help us set up properly so your whole group is seated together and the food comes out right.