thirdy’s resto + cafe: A Restaurant That Doesn’t Come Third

You may not realize it, but chances are one or more Facebook reels from thirdy’s resto + cafe has popped up on your timeline. thirdy’s resto + cafe is a trending spot on Facebook because of their witty marketing posts that lean into memes and clever quips to draw in customers.

But even before its online fame, I had heard whispers of this place from common friends. The place was memorable because of its modern, cozy interior and attractive facade, which is a standout among the coffee shops in San Jose.

Although renowned now, I only had the chance to visit during our Mindoro loop when we found ourselves in San Jose, a town four hours away. 

With high expectations from its reputation and inviting atmosphere, I embarked on a culinary journey through their diverse menu. Here’s a deeper look at each item we tried.

White Chocolate Latte | Spanish Latte

Finally, a coffee that knows how to strike the perfect balance! Both the White Chocolate Latte and Spanish Latte brought out the best in the beans. For the Spanish Latte, the condensed milk worked magic, making the coffee creamy yet maintaining its distinct flavor. The White Chocolate Latte, on the other hand, had a lighter, smoother feel. Sweetened by the white chocolate, it didn’t overpower the coffee but added a gentle creaminess. If you’re someone who enjoys less intense coffee experience, these are good picks. These are the kinds of coffee you’d want to sip on a slow afternoon.

Iced Chocolate Milk | Matcha Frappe

The Matcha Frappe was a delightful surprise. It had that bold, high-quality matcha flavor that I always look for. The bitterness was beautifully balanced once the whipped cream melted into the drink, making it a satisfying treat from start to finish. The Iced Chocolate Milk reminded me of a certain chocolate milk brand. It wasn’t too sweet or too rich. While I personally prefer a richer and more bitter chocolate profile, I have to admit that this mix was well-executed and enjoyable in its own right.

Beef Rice Bowl

The beef rice bowl gave off bibimbap vibes, though I was expecting it to be served like the one in Pepper Lunch. Despite that, the flavors were on point. The beef was packed with a strong, meaty flavor that stood out even with the generous toppings. The vegetables were all fresh. The bowl was hearty and satisfying, but the beef itself was on the tougher side. Tenderizing the meat would have elevated the dish even further. Still, the overall experience was enjoyable and it made for a comforting meal.

Classic Burger

The patty had a good, flavorful beef taste, but it was slightly on the dry side. I tend to prefer burgers where the juices drip down with every bite, the cheese is melted and gooey, and the tomatoes burst with juiciness. Unfortunately, those elements were a bit lacking here. But I must say that the bun was fresh and soft, which made a big difference. It held everything together nicely without being too heavy. The vegetables were crisp and added a refreshing crunch. However, they had a floury and powdery fries that I’m not a fan of. Simply adding salt would be better for the fries.

Healthy Salad

This salad turned out to be surprisingly interesting. Instead of the usual grilled chicken, it featured BBQ-flavored chicken that was sauced and toasted to perfection. It brought a nice smoky sweetness that made every bite more exciting. What caught me off guard was the addition of corn in what was supposed to be a Caesar-style salad. Initially, I wasn’t sure how to feel about it, but the sweetness from the corn actually blended well with the dressing. However, the salad turned watery, possibly due to the dressing or the moisture from the ingredients.

Salisbury Steak

thirdy’s Salisbury Steak is the kind of comfort food that hits the spot. The patty itself was clearly homemade, which I appreciated. You could taste the quality of the beef, and it had a satisfying texture that paired well with the sauce. The sauce was rich, flavorful, and had just the right consistency to coat the grilled patty beautifully. It was peppery without being overwhelming, and the savory notes lingered in a satisfying way. It’s definitely a dish I’d come back for at Thirdy’s.

Beef Kare Kare

Kare-kare is one of those dishes where I have high standards, and while thirdy’s version had its merits, it didn’t fully meet my expectations. The sauce leaned heavily on the savory sides. The peanut flavor was rich but it tasted more like salted nuts. I was lookigg ng for a little bit of sweetness that typically balances the dish. Moreover, the beef was kinda tough. If the intention was to serve it dry, the meat should have been more tender. As it was, the toughness became more apparent since it wasn’t soaked in sauce. While it wasn’t a bad dish, I feel there’s still a room for improvement.

Stir-Fry Chicken

This dish was packed with beautiful Asian-inspired flavors. The mix of chilies, spices, and aromatics was spot on, creating a vibrant and exciting dish. The chicken was tender and well-seasoned, absorbing all those wonderful flavors. However, the amount of oil was a bit overwhelming. The chicken seemed to be swimming in it. That said, I couldn’t deny that it was a flavorful oil. It carried all the spices and seasonings beautifully. If it’s a healthy oil, I’d honestly be willing to drizzle it over rice.