For Ilonggos, some restaurants are more than just places to eat—they’re part of growing up. Uncle Tom’s, one of Iloilo’s most enduring homegrown food institutions, has officially returned to the metro scene with the opening of its newest branch at Riverside Strip in Mandurriao.
The reopening marks more than just a new address. It’s a homecoming—one that brings decades of food memories, familiar flavors, and Ilonggo comfort back into the heart of the city.
A Brand Rooted in Ilonggo History
Uncle Tom’s story began in 1988, born from the vision of local couple Antonio and Vivian Magalona. What started as a humble dine-in spot along Delgado Street at SM Delgado Mall quickly gained a following, thanks to a simple menu built around what would soon become its legendary signature: fried chicken. Crispy, flavorful, and comforting, it captured the hearts—and taste buds—of Ilonggos almost instantly.
By 1991, the brand took its first major leap with a second branch at Marymart Mall, then considered Iloilo City’s premier shopping destination. This location reimagined Uncle Tom’s as a bistro-style restaurant, complete with a live piano band and the introduction of another fan favorite: steak and fries. The expansion signaled Uncle Tom’s growing appeal, drawing diners not just from Iloilo but from other parts of the country.
In 1997, the restaurant returned to its roots, relocating to the founders’ home in Tanza, Ledesma. Embracing a more intimate, home-style identity, Uncle Tom’s expanded its menu to include home-cooked meals—further strengthening its bond with the local community.
Becoming an Iloilo Staple
A major milestone arrived in 2007 with the opening of the iconic Diversion Road branch. This location marked a new era for the brand, evolving the menu from its classic steak-and-fries offerings into a more diverse, modern selection designed to appeal to a growing audience. The Diversion Road branch would go on to serve Ilonggos for 17 memorable years, becoming a go-to venue for casual dining and special occasions alike.
Two years later, in 2009, Uncle Tom’s opened its E. Lopez, Jaro branch, a space created specifically to host functions and events. From family celebrations to milestone gatherings, it became a familiar venue for countless Ilonggo moments.
By 2011, the brand adapted once more, launching a fast-food-style branch along Gen. Luna Street to cater to workers and students in the bustling area. While its beloved classics remained, the menu expanded to include Chinese and Oriental dishes, offering variety without losing its identity.
Why Uncle Tom’s Still Hits Different
Ask any longtime diner what keeps them coming back, and the answer usually starts with the fried chicken—crispy, well-seasoned, and often considered the standard by which other fried chicken in the city is judged. The back ribs and steaks continue to hold their own, while the sides quietly shine. Coleslaw, potato salad, and homemade gravy remain underrated stars, completing the Uncle Tom’s experience.
Generous portions, solid value, and a warm, no-frills atmosphere have always been part of the formula. It’s the kind of place where meals stretch into conversations and where generations have shared the same table.
As one loyal customer once said:
“If you’re pure Ilonggo, you know Uncle Tom’s has the tastiest fried chicken, ribs, and potato salad in Iloilo City—for decades.”
A Homecoming at Riverside Strip
Now, in 2025, Uncle Tom’s begins a new chapter with its Riverside Strip location—a refreshed and modernized space that brings the brand closer to the metro and to a new generation of diners, while staying true to the flavors Ilonggos grew up with.
Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or discovering Uncle Tom’s for the first time, the message is clear: the classics are back, and they’re right where they belong.
📍 Uncle Tom’s
Riverside Strip, Pasencia T. Pison Avenue
Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Some flavors never fade—they just find their way home. 🍗✨