5 restaurants serving Isaw
San Diego, CA
“EsKiNiTa has earned an exceptional 4.9-star rating revolutionizing Filipino street food in San Diego with its interactive self-grilling concept that transports diners to Manila's street food culture. The name 'eskinita' refers to narrow alleyways in the Philippines where authentic street food thrives, perfectly capturing the restaurant's mission. Located in San Diego's South Bay, EsKiNiTa operates from a plaza where owner Rich and his welcoming staff create a family-like environment. The restaurant's unique format allows customers to select raw meat skewers inside--including chicken intestines (isaw), chicken liver, chicken hearts, and chicken feet alongside pork and chicken BBQ--then grill them personally on mesquite charcoal grills outdoors. This hands-on experience creates the communal, festive atmosphere that defines Filipino street food culture. Beyond BBQ skewers, EsKiNiTa serves Filipino comfort food including tapsilog, sisig, beef pares, and goto, plus ube ice cream for dessert. The exceptional rating reflects not just outstanding food but Rich's legendary hospitality.”
Chesapeake, VA
“Dollar Hits revolutionized Filipino street food in America when it opened in 2013 in Los Angeles's Historic Filipinotown, creating an authentic Filipino BBQ experience that transports diners straight to Manila's street food scene. Featured on Netflix's 'Street Food' series, Dollar Hits gained mainstream recognition for its unique self-grilling concept where customers select raw meat skewers from inside the restaurant, then grill them personally on charcoal grills set up in the parking lot. The restaurant's name comes from its original pricing of $1 per skewer, though prices have increased slightly while remaining incredibly affordable. During the day, Dollar Hits operates as a traditional Filipino cafeteria serving classic dishes, but the real magic begins at 4:30 PM when the barbecue grills fire up and the parking lot transforms into a lively Filipino street food party. The menu features adventurous options like isaw (beef intestines), betamax (congealed pork blood), adidas (chicken feet), and pwet ng manok (chicken butt) alongside more familiar pork, chicken, and sausage skewers. Located in the neighborhood with the largest Filipino population in the United States, Dollar Hits must maintain authentic flavors to satisfy demanding Filipino customers while introducing curious newcomers to Filipino street food.”
Los Angeles, CA
West Covina, CA
San Antonio, TX
“Kain Na Filipino Cuisine serves authentic, homemade Filipino dishes made fresh from scratch daily in San Antonio's Northeast side. They're known for their warm, family-like atmosphere where everyone becomes part of the family, and they offer unique experiences like Friday karaoke nights and Tuesday Lumpia specials at $0.70 all day for dine-in guests. The restaurant operates as a BYOB establishment and provides full catering services for events of all sizes.”
