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How Onlypans Taqueria's Reopening Hits All the Feels

Six months after the fire, the little taco shop that could rises from the ashes

Article (news)

Ching Dee

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/onlypanstaqueria/" target="_blank">OnlyPans Taqueria</a>, the homegrown taco sensation, recently marked a triumphant return to Poblacion on October 26th after a tragic fire earlier this year left the flagship branch boarded up. Since May 2024, OnlyPans has been rebuilding with unwavering resilience, bolstered by a loyal community that rallied behind the brand. For founder Audrey Cruz, reopening in Poblacion isn’t just about reviving a business — it’s a testament to the enduring support of their fans and neighbors who refused to let OnlyPans fade away.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBl47wNIvjW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15);margin:1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBl47wNIvjW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank"> <div style="display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center"> <div 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style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;height:12.5px;width:12.5px;transform:translateX(0px) translateY(7px)"><br/></div> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;height:12.5px;transform:rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px);width:12.5px;flex-grow:0;margin-right:14px;margin-left:2px"><br/></div> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;height:12.5px;width:12.5px;transform:translateX(9px) translateY(-18px)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:8px"> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;flex-grow:0;height:20px;width:20px"><br/></div> <div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:2px solid transparent;border-left:6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom:2px solid transparent;transform:translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:auto"> <div style="width:0px;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(16px)"><br/></div> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;flex-grow:0;height:12px;width:16px;transform:translateY(-4px)"><br/></div> <div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(-4px) translateX(8px)"><br/></div></div></div> <div style="display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:24px"> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;margin-bottom:6px;width:224px"><br/></div> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;width:144px"><br/></div></div></a><div style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBl47wNIvjW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank">A post shared by ONLYPANS TAQUERIA (@onlypanstaqueria)</a></div></div></blockquote></div><div><br/></div><br/><div><br/></div><p>“It’s really the customers and our community that got us through,” Audrey shared. </p><div><br/></div><p>The journey of OnlyPans modestly began in 2020 when Cruz was selling sushi bakes from home with her 13-year-old brother and their mom. It was a pandemic-born concept that quickly grew in popularity with the viral hit of sushi bakes all over. Just a year later, they made a bold pivot to tacos (owing it to her love for Mexican food and the comfort it brings), eventually opening the Poblacion store in 2022. The store became a culinary hotspot for taco lovers in Metro Manila, known for its unique fusion flavors and fun, laid-back vibe.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/food/restaurants/new-restaurant-dumbo-and-scratch-burger/39205" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Meet Poblacion’s Cool New Burger And Cocktail Hotspot </a></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/9116d44c-b330-4ed0-8910-92e9f64e3f3e_onlypans_9336.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Audrey Cruz with her mother and brother <span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Ching Dee   </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>OnlyPans’ revival wasn’t without challenges, but their loyal patrons stepped up. Through online clamor and continuous support at their branches in Molito Lifestyle Center (Alabang), Katipunan Avenue (Quezon City), and a seaside spot in La Union near Flotsam &amp; Jetsam, the community ensured that the OnlyPans team could stay afloat while rebuilding. She especially mentioned the team behind The Social at Poblacion who gave them the temporary space to keep selling while they were rebuilding — all for free. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/ff5fd62c-21ea-4d7c-8738-4acd6bcec276_onlypans_9350.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The little taco shop is back and better than ever! <span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Ching Dee  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>“It’s humbling to see how much people care… Our community has become family, and they gave us the strength to come back stronger,” Audrey shared, adding that in hindsight, the fire was a blessing in disguise that gave them the opportunity to renovate the store, grow stronger together, and even have the time to develop new items for the menu. </p><div><br/></div><p>With its doors open again in Poblacion, OnlyPans Taqueria is serving up their signature bold flavors with a few new items.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/6685e158-4d74-4f40-953e-6ea502ea9b6d_03 birria tacos.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The signature birria tacos <span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Ching Dee  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>Their <strong>Birria Tacos</strong>, which made them famous through the years , contains a generous portion of tender shredded beef and rich consommé. This OnlyPans classic continues to be a crowd-pleaser</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/d7df4363-edac-4c42-8ee3-4bd491fe6357_02 don pedro tacos.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Don Pedro Tacos <span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Ching Dee  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>The <strong>Don Pedro Tacos</strong>, an ode to their street in Poblacion, is a hearty blend of birria beef and shrimp — bringing an elevated twist to traditional tacos.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/b97fde34-5de8-40ac-9d6d-740afe400f25_01 hot girl chickan.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Hot Girl Chicken<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Ching Dee  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>From their new menu, you can enjoy additions like the <strong>Hot Girl Chicken</strong>, featuring crispy fried chicken paired with creamy mac &amp; cheese, offering the ultimate comfort combo.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/6ae672ad-c273-4833-8b61-8fe1a4890045_01 hot girl chickan 2.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Sooo cheesy Cheetolotes<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Ching Dee  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>For those looking for something extra fun, the <strong>Cheetolotes</strong> — grilled elotes topped with crunchy Cheetos — add a playful punch.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/2227fd4d-f748-4af4-bcc0-71c4ebfd82c8_04 cheeto-lotes.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Cheetolotes<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Ching Dee  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>Their <strong>Strawberry Horchata,</strong> their classic horchata laced with strawberry jam, should not be missed. It’s surprisingly not too sweet and goes well with their spicy ranchero sauce to balance flavors. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a1fa3645-7f2c-4b89-ac9d-7f7a7f315814_05 strawberry horchata 2.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Strawberry Horchata<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Ching Dee  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>OnlyPans Taqueria’s rebirth is more than a comeback; it’s a celebration of a resilient spirit, a tight-knit community, and delicious food that unites people. Back on the vibrant streets of Poblacion, OnlyPans is ready to create new memories and share even more tacos.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/dd004409-6e8b-4c64-9d95-a5849bacfea3_onlypans_9340.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The Onlypans crew is a family<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Ching Dee  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/food/features/westin-manila-cooks-up-eat-well-menu-for-kids/39206" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This Hotel Now Has A New Healthy, Kid-Approved Menu</a></div><div><em>Onlypans Taqueria | 5663 Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati | Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/onlypansph" target="_blank">@onlypansph</a> | Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/onlypanstaqueria/" target="_blank">@onlypanstaqueria</a>.</em></div><div><br/></div><div><em>Photos by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chingsilog/" target="_blank">Ching Dee </a> Lead photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/onlypanstaqueria/" target="_blank">Onlypans Taqueria</a> </em></div><div><br/></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>