Polaris Billiards and Booze Iloilo

Polaris Iloilo: Situated in a quiet corner of Mapa Street in downtown Iloilo, Polaris Billiards and Booze has been in the business for more than a decade. It is the destination of choice for Ilonggos seeking solace, a felt-tipped stick cue, and a billiard table – housed in a 90s-inspired bar and billiard haven. What honestly captivated me the most is the 90s ambient feel that Polaris provides – wood, wooden interiors, cushioned high chairs, dimmed lights – the 80s /90s feel kept recurring as it reminds me of old films back in the day. I could just imagine suit-clad men with fedora hats, quietly drinking in a sepia-toned environment, smoke from their pipes dancing in the limelight. In short, Polaris – to me – is a classic.

What added to the feel is the location of the resto/billiard/booze place. It is along Mapa Street in downtown Iloilo – and one could not easily guess that there is an old classic gem hidden somewhere in the city. Polaris, according to the owner, is inspired by the term ‘Polaris’, or North Star – the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor.

When it comes to food, Polaris has its own unique story. Polaris serves all-natural – herbs and spices, homemade special sauce, and pure meat. Rooting from the need to prepare hypoallergenic food for the family, the owner has learned to remove preservatives, MSG, and the like from her recipes.

Menu: Kiss Hot Burger (Php 58) | Spicy Chix (Php 130) | Sizzling Hotdog (Php 108) | Wedges with Aoli Sauce (Php 68) | Special Sotanghon topped with Veggies (Php 85) | Onion Rings with Aoli Sauce (Php 78) | Long Life Bihon (Php 78) | Long Life Sotanghon (Php 88) | Pancit Canton (Php 75) | Polaris Sisig (Php 108) |

The owner is also supporting a thrust by the Good Samaritan Volunteer Service, Inc., a group of concerned individuals providing aid to the Pediatric Ward of West Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao. For every purchase of the Polaris Burger (Php 58), proceeds go to the children supported by the organization.

“When you buy this product, you help children supported by the Good Samaritan Volunteer Service, Inc.” – Good Samaritan Volunteer Service is a nonprofit organization based in Iloilo City committed to supporting hospitalized children through voluntary service.

Revisiting Polaris: The 80s inspired billiard and booze place had me in nostalgia – the ambiance of Polaris Billiards and Booze reminded me so much of the 80s and 90s Tagalog films back in the days. Now, I figured it would be best to rekindle and re-rouse the erstwhile times. Located along Mapa Street in downtown Iloilo, Polaris is a destination of choice for Ilonggos seeking solace, a felt-tipped stick cue, and a billiard table.

On my return, I ordered the classic Kiss Shot Burger, made from 100% meat. The Kiss Shot Burger, at Php 58, holds a very significant purpose in the Polaris menu. For every purchase of the ‘specialty of the house burger, proceeds go to the children supported by the Good Samaritan Volunteer Service, a group providing aid to the Pediatric Ward of West Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao. 

I also ordered Buttered Chicken which is just plain irresistible. Polaris serves all-natural – herbs and spices, homemade special sauce, and pure meat. Rooting from the need to prepare hypoallergenic food for the family, the owner has learned to remove preservatives, MSG, and the like from her recipes.

• Specialty of the House: Burger at Php 58 | Pizza Ham and Cheese: Regular at Php 88, Loaded at Php 148 | Hawaiian: Regular at Php 108, Loaded at Php 198 | Vegetarian: Regular at Php 108, Loaded at Php 198 |
• Sizzling Hot and Crispy: Sisig at Php 108 | Spicy Wings at Php 128 | Buttered Chicken at Php 128 | Mixed Hotdog at Php 108 | Potato Wedges at Php 68 | Onion Rings at Php 78 |
• Long Life Noodles: Canton at Php 78 | Bihon at Php 78 | Sotanghon at Php 88
• Drinks: Coke at Php 18 | Royal at Php 18 | Sprite at Php 18 | Iced Tea: Glass at Php 18, Pitcher at Php 68 | Red Horse: Bottle at Php 50, Bucket at Php 240 | San Mig Light at Php 40 | San Mig Apple at Php 45