If you’re on the hunt for the best Mexican restaurant in Cebu City has got, Dogueros Mexican Cantina should be on your list! Dogueros offers a wide array of street-style dishes that you can try out in their one-of-a-kind outdoor dining area. The cantina creatively repurposes an old shipping container as its base, and spool tables and tin cans as its seating ensemble. It brings a casual and playful atmosphere which is perfect if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Dogueros Mexican Cantina can be your new go-to spot for your afternoon merienda or night outs with friends as it serves a variety of delicious Mexican dishes at an affordable price. With great food, good music, and good vibes all around, what more can you ask for?
From Mexican Takeout to Cantina
There are a lot of local gems in Cebu’s culinary scene that were born out of passion amidst the challenges brought by the pandemic. Dogueros is one of them. Originally known as Dogueros Mexican Takeout, owner and chef Andre Astilla started Dogueros as an online food business in mid-2020. His first dish, the Mexican Chili Dog, inspired him to name his business after the term “dogueros” which refers to the street vendors who sell hotdogs in Mexico.
It was a hit! Customers were able to find comfort and delight in the dishes despite the pandemic. As people kept ordering back for more, it organically built a loyal and homegrown community which encouraged Andre to open the physical store you see today.
“[In] mid-2021, people started to go out and restaurants started to open. So, regular customers asked if I would be opening an actual store. By that time, I already knew my market—people tasted the food, they liked it, they loved it—so I took the risk and took the step to open up Dogueros Mexican Cantina,” Andre says.
Let’s Taco ‘Bout It!
There are a number of Mexican restaurants in the city, but that doesn’t stop Andre from sharing his personal twist on the beloved cuisine.
“What makes my Mexican menu special and different from the other restaurants is that it’s my own take or version of a Mexican dish. So there’s a way to prepare a Mexican dish but I put a twist on it so that it would be more suitable for the tastes of our fellow Cebuanos,” Andre says.
By bridging the gaps between traditional Mexican flavors and the palates of Cebuano customers, Dogueros Mexican Cantina fosters an inviting atmosphere for Mexican food enthusiasts and those curious to explore the cuisine.
Their famous Birria Tacos should be at the top of your list of must-try dishes. Although their Birria Tacos use pork instead of beef, it doesn’t cheapen the flavor whatsoever. The same effort and dedication goes into the making of this dish: “ It’s still the same process but the meat I use is different. It takes about three and a half hours to four hours to prepare a single serving of Birra Tacos.”
The slow-cooked pork melds seamlessly with the oozing blanket of mozzarella cheese, making every bite instantly melt in your mouth. Don’t forget to dip it in their consommé as it enhances all the smoky and savory flavor profiles of the Birria Taco.
And of course, you can’t miss out on the dish that started it all: the Mexican Chili Dog. This hot dog, wrapped in a bun, is generously topped with chili con carne, tomatoes, and an overflowing amount of cheese.
There are a whole lot more dishes on the menu but other notable favorites that you should try are the Carne Quesadilla, Taco de Cerdo, Chimichanga, and Chili Con Carne Burritos. All of these are served hot and fresh which deliciously hits the spot and leaves you wanting for more. Dogueros Mexican Cantina offers generous servings at affordable prices, ranging from ₱160 to ₱265, making it the ultimate bang for your buck.
Dogueros Mexican Cantina is open from 3 PM to 10 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. Visit them at The Food Park, Queensland Manor, Rahmann St. Cebu City. If you’re curious about what else they have in store, check out their Facebook and Instagram.
Photography Kyrra Kho
