Boracay's OG: The Iconic Jammers Is Back!
The new team behind Jammers has given the beach shack a whole new look and menu!
One of Boracay’s original gems, Jammers has established itself as the go-to beach shack for delicious shakes, mouth-watering chili cheese fries, and their infamous burgers since 2002. Located at the front and center of the island’s world-class White Beach, it has attracted tourists, locals, and midnight-snacking party animals alike.
Bought by 90s supermodel-turned-restaurateur Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, she intended to take over the business as the previous owners felt it was time to move on from this particular entrepreneurial chapter of their lives. Having seen its success and following, Bianca saw this as a big opportunity to continue on the gastronomic legacy of her owner-friends. “Before the year comes to an end, I wanted to introduce my newest baby—Jammers Beach Shack—a Boracay original since 2002, which I had the honor and privilege of relaunching a few days ago under the team of The Wholesome Table,” Bianca shared in one her most recent Instagram posts, after being off social media for a year. “I may have been silent, but I’ve been busy,” she mentioned in her caption.
As the island survived the aftermath of typhoon Ursula, the coastal rehabilitation, and the global pandemic, it was only a matter of time for Jammers’ exciting comeback. And just last December 25—on Christmas day no less—comeback they did.
As for the dreamy interiors? Bianca takes “beach shack” to a whole new level. “We turned the place over on its head and gave it a complete makeover! The vibe is decidedly tropical and relaxing, complete with swing seating along the perimeter. We used natural materials like wood, rope, cogon, raffia and foraged decor to recreate the look of a beach shack.”
But it’s not only Jammers’ look that had a makeover, they elevated their menu as well! With the leadership and food smarts of The Wholeliving Corporation’s Head Chef Onie Castillo, he had to add new and exciting dishes influenced by Hawaiian and Latin American flavors (with almost everything made from scratch), while keeping the classics available. Amanpulo, Feliz Hotel, The Wholesome Table, and Barcino—these are just to name some of the impressive restaurant brands under his belt. It’s no wonder the newly opened establishment is buzzing with diners from morning till midnight.
Chef Onie's Recommendations
Lemongrass Limeade - Refreshing, tangy, with the right amount of sweetness! I love that this tea is home-brewed with the flavors of lemongrass not too overpowering the cold drink.
Strawberry Milkshake - Made with premium ice cream, topped with whipped cream and strawberry syrup, this thick, comforting drink is a nostalgic delight, perfect for kids and kids at heart!
Huli Huli Wings
Leaning more on the sweet side with the right cocktail of spices and a hint of tang, this is a good meriyenda dish to share. The wings are juicy and marinated to perfection, given it was coated in their special Huli Huli sauce.
Side note: Order their cilantro mayo! It cuts through the sweetness and adds a layer of creaminess and a citrusy bite!
Cheese Quesadilla
This ain’t your typical Mexican cheese quesadilla; their homemade pita bread is crisp and crunchy, filled with a creamy Tex-Mex cheese blend that’s soft with just enough sharpness. Served with a side of salsa and cilantro-paprika dip, it’s a fun snack you’ll crave.
Jamaican Chicken Jerk
One of my instant favorites! 2-piece roast chicken marinated with their own blend of Caribbean sauce on a bed of fluffy java rice, topped with homemade chimichuri, garnished with fresh cilantro, and a side of char-grilled pineapples, sweet potato chips, and paprika-aioli sauce. The chicken was so succulent and the rice full of umami! I drizzled a LOT of their house blend spiced vinegar (so good), cut a piece of the char-grilled pineapple, and ate it together with the java rice and dipping sauce. It was instantly a delectable medley of flavors in my mouth. I highly recommend this one!
Patrons seriously can’t get enough of Jammers’ own Mango Brewed Iced Tea blend that they just had to supersize it in these cute, jumbo jam jars. Some foreign guests want it in even bigger containers for takeout!
Now if there’s one thing I’m passionate about, it’s burgers. It has to be made of 100% beef patties with the right amount of cheddar cheese, tangy burger sauce, & fresh veggies, sandwiched and layered perfectly between soft brioche buns. Well, the Jammers’ Smashed Burger checks it all! The double beef patties have enough texture to give you a bit of a crisp start, but it gets tender, juicy, and moist once your teeth sink in. I love that it’s smashed so it’s easier to take a bite off of every ingredient. It’s so well-seasoned that it’ll be gone before you know it. Of course, it’s served with its forever partner—french fries with ketchup.
The Jammers Poke Bowl
If you’re craving for a fish-based dish that brings on the umami and heat, this is the one for you! A bowl of steamed white rice arranged with fresh, raw ahi tuna tossed in their own mix of spicy soy-ginger sauce, boiled edamame, seaweed flakes, chopped cucumber, sprinkled with Japanese seasoning Togarashi, topped with small dollops of creamy Japanese mayo. Simply mix the ingredients together, savor, and enjoy.
One of the classics, Jammer’s Chili Dog offers authentic American hotdog smothered with pure beef chili and melted cheddar cheese in between their home-baked brioche roll. The smokiness of the chili together with the meatiness of the hotdog is a perfect combination. Hot sauce optional, but highly recommended! Order a cold bottle of the Philippines’ very own Engkanto craft beer and you got yourself a highly satisfactory meal.
Bianca wanted to give a taste of The Wholesome Table’s favorites to islanders and tourists with the Moana Smoothie Bowl (TWT is Jammers’ sister brand). The consistency of the Acai berry & strawberry smoothie really surprised me, because it wasn’t just mixed in a blender, they actually have a soft serve machine for it! Now this screams nice cream! Topped with slices of fresh bananas, toasted coconut chips, chia seeds, cacao nibs, and their homemade granola mix (it’s addictive, I tell you), I wouldn’t mind having this way past breakfast. It’s so refreshingly yummy and filling!
For a sweet ending, the only dessert in their menu truly stands out. The moment I had a scoop of their Pineapple Whip, I couldn't help but remember Disneyland’s Dole Whip, only this one is better (yes, fight me)! I couldn’t believe it’s dairy-free because of how velvety it was. Its consistency is firm, sufficiently sweet & tarty, while bursting with the fruity punch of pineapple. It’s my ultimate ice cream choice at the moment, and I think it’ll take a while to find a challenger. Enjoying the island view and watching passersby is an extra fun way to indulge in it.
I’m a bit ashamed to admit that it’s my first time at Jammers despite its OG status in the island, but my dining experience was well worth the timing. I was surrounded by the friendliest staff, beautiful travelers, an airy and whimsical beach ambiance, and got served with some of the yummiest dishes I’ve had in the island—all happening right smack at the center of Boracay’s whitest sands and bluest seas. It’s been a couple of days since my last visit, but I honestly can’t wait for another gastronomical trip. As they say, it’s better late than never.
Jammers is back and #wearejamming.
Come check out Jammers’ grand launch happening this March 12, 2022, at D’Mall, Station 2, White Beach, Boracay (between Epic and Aria). Follow @jammersbeachshack on Instagram for more updates and drool-worthy photos.Open daily from 9AM to 2AM.x