El Chupacabra is the closest one can get to the streets of Baja Mexico without leaving the central business district of Makati. The colorful taqueria has been serving some of the best street tacos this side of the world since 2013, and while many establishments in the area have come and gone in the years that followed, this still sees a steady stream of customers especially on weekend nights.
For a quieter experience, my friend and I prefer lunch breaks here, when only a handful of office workers and the occasional foreigner fill the space. Tucked away in Poblacion’s narrow alleys, it feels like a hidden backpacker gem, insulated from the city’s main thoroughfares.
The bestsellers among the tacos are the Carne Asada, which consists of grilled beef; and the San Francisco-Style Pork Sisig, a leaner version of the Filipino favorite. Vegans aren’t left out too: the Vegetariano has grilled vegetables, while the Soyrizo Con Papas is a tasty meatless version of chorizo with potatoes.
Whether you’re craving a late-night taco fix or a laid-back lunch away from the city’s rush, El Chupacabra delivers with its bold flavors and no-frills charm. Its staying power in Makati’s ever-evolving food scene speaks for itself—good food, great vibes, and a taste of Baja right in the heart of Poblacion.
El Chupacabra
5782 Felipe Street, Poblacion, Makati City
02 7293358
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