Fly to the Coffee Republic

Where good food is the capital

Picture yourself at a diner with a cool, soothing ambiance—that kind of setting where you can relax as you munch on a delectable dish and a cold delicious drink that send an electrifying satisfaction to your senses. Then, you suddenly wake up from your daydream upon the intrusion of one horrifying, dismaying thought: you’re imagining a lavish meal which you can’t afford in the first place.

But, does it always have to be that way? Not really.

In Mangaldan, Pangasinan, a small yet classy drink and dine has been satiating its customers’ craving for good food. Contrary to the notion that good food always comes at an exceedingly high price, this place has been offering drinks and dishes at a reasonably affordable amount.

Situated beside the municipal hall of Mangaldan, Coffee Republic has attracted a regular stream of customers and has been the go-to place for those who are looking for a great selection of food and drinks that don’t require them to squander a big portion of their budget.

Photo courtesy of Reginald Agsalon

Established in February, 2007, it started with offerings of different varieties of coffee and formulated various concoctions, both hot and cold, that kept alluring coffee lovers. Later on, they served pasta dishes that attracted more customers to dine out at the place.

Owned by siblings Leonard, Sheryl and Lu Liezl Olesco who all grew up with a fiery love for food, the diner has been designed with finely arranged bamboo sticks all over and relaxing dim lights complemented by a soothing, soft, sweet jazz music playing in the background. Now, whose attention would not be captured by those things?

Trying out their dishes myself with a buddy, I understood why Coffee Republic must make it to everyone’s wish list.

They first served us with their palatable Chicken Fingers. The dip-fried chicken breast fillet comes with freshly sliced potato fries and mayonnaise dip. Many people dislike chicken breast as it lacks that juicy and flavorful chicken taste everyone’s drooling over. But, you will surely love it because it oozes with just that.

Chicken Fingers
P80
Perfect for 2-3 persons

Their Clubhouse Sandwich, on the other hand, is perfect for those who want some healthy snacks. The sandwich is composed of ham, chicken, and some lettuce complemented by potato fries cooked with the skin intact. They said that they don’t peel off the skin, for it contains nutrients.

Clubhouse Sandwich with Fries
P60
Perfect for 2-3 persons

Their bestseller is truly the best dish they’re selling: Pork Sisig. The savory, pungent dish is not one that disappoints. Unlike other sisig dishes offered by other restaurants, Coffee Republic’s isn’t dry. Pair it with a bottle or two of an ice cold beer and boom! It instantly becomes your comfort food.

Pork Sisig
P80
Perfect for 2-3 persons

I don’t know about you, but it’s been my first time to taste Tofu Sisig. The creamy texture of the dish and the prominent sisig flavor tickling every taste bud made me want more without the guilt feeling.

Tofu Sisig
P80
Perfect for 2-3 persons

And to push everything down, we concluded our meal on cloud nine with a tall glass of an ice cold, sweet and heavenly Choco Chips Frappe.

Choco Chips Frappe
P55
Perfect for a single person and a sweet, cheesy couple :D

Good food, cool ambiance and a happy tummy—all of these for just a few bucks. Not to mention the joy of dining out and bonding with family and friends without spending a fortune.

Think Tanks. Growing up with a deep love for food as their father was a cook, siblings (from left) Leonard, Lu Liezl and Sheryl (rightmost) conceptualized on a drink and dine project, and established Coffee Republic in February, 2007 together with their mother, Diomedisa Olesco (second from right).

That, perhaps, is the result of a business founded on love and care for and among family members that are being passed on to Coffee Republic’s customers who keep coming back and inviting more people to try it out.

Coffee Republic
Poblacion, Mangaldan, Pangasinan (beside the municipal hall)


For reservations and inquiries, and to avail of their catering services, contact Coffee Republic through the following numbers: 0915-443-5320, 0932-652-2927, 0908-381-2222