It was late last year when we first discovered Bubba Lab in Lamp Quarters, Marikina. My boyfriend Paul just got addicted to milk tea, and he’s bringing me with him to this craze that I had already overcome back in college. I gave in AGAIN, obviously because if I didn’t then Bubba Lab won’t be our go-to cafe after our Marikina dates.
Going to Bubba Lab
Bubba Lab is inside the lovely food-park of Lamp Quarters. It is along Gil Fernando Avenue in Marikina which is maybe around 10 minutes away from Sta Lucia or Robinson’s MetroEast. It is easy to drive here via Waze, but parking is limited, especially during the weekend.
If you’re commuting, there are two ways:
- Ride a Montalban bound jeepney outside LRT-2 Santolan Station or Robinson’s MetroEast and ask the driver to drop you at Crave Park. From Crave Park, you’ll walk for less than 5 minutes.
- Ride a Montalban/Cogeo/Padilla bound jeepney outside LRT-2 Santolan Station or Aurora Cubao and go down at Sta Lucia East Mall. Take the overpass and walk to Mcdonalds, beside Yellow Cab, Marcos Highway. Beside Mcdonald’s is a tricycle terminal where you can ask the driver to drop you to Lamp Quarters.
THE CAFE
The cafe is named Bubba, slang for bubbles, because of the bubble effect when creating drinks and Lab because of their science laboratory theme. And if you think maybe the owner is a chemist, then you’re right! With these ideas, they flew to Singapore to benchmark for cafes, that’s why when they built this Marikina-based cafe in 2012, it turned out to be absolutely aesthetic.
They have three branches in Marikina, but this one in Lamp Quarters is the newest branch. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by the counter with their big menu in a periodic table style hang above. You’ll also love how the crews are on lab gowns. On the side, you’ll drool over their muffins and pastries. The cafe is artsy and well-lit, maybe it is because the one side of the cafe is composed of big glass windows that bring the natural light inside. The whole place is Instagram-friendly for sure.
The cafe is also big enough and has a lot of chairs and tables. But it is also usually jam-packed on weekend afternoons to nights.
BUBBA LAB’s FOOD AND DRINKS
Bubba Lab initially only offers drinks (tea + juice + coffee) and some pastries, but they have expanded their menu by adding some snacks as well. In sync with their science laboratory theme and their slogan “scientifically delicious”, they cater Labtizers, Labwiches and Labtreats.
Labtizers
LABWICHES
ALAB MINUTE
LAB TREAT
Our personal favorites are Thai Milktea (on 0% sugar promise), Fuzzy Melon Milktea (their version of winter melon), Lychee Fruit Tea (tea is stronger than the fruit), and rose with french vanilla artisan hot tea (for the 100% tita) for their drinks; while SuperNova and Labcuterie (the sausages are so worth it for the price) for their snacks; and Mango Muffin for their treats.
IS IT WORTH IT?
Yes, it is worth a visit especially if you’re already around Marikina. The place is gorgeous and nice to stay at for hours, and food is affordable and good. Plus point is that there are other restaurants to check to in Lamp Quarters. But please note that Bubba Lab is more of an after-dinner-date or for-afternoon-snack-date cafe. I still advise getting a heavy meal somewhere else before heading here for some chill catch-up. Also, you can check their Facebook page for their open mic nights.
THINGS TO KNOW
Bubba Lab Finest at Lamp Quarters
G/F Lamp Quarters Gil Fernando Avenue Centro Buenviaje Santo Nino Marikina City
Sun-Thurs 10 AM-10 PM; Fri-Sat 10 AM-12 AM
For the menu, click here
For events and reservation, contact:
info@bubbalab.com
