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Good food, hipster hostels, awesome surf scene!

La Union, or ‘elyu’ as some may call it is now a hot and happening hipster spot that is known for its surf scene. On top of that, the hostels are pretty cool too, the nightlife is incomparable, and the food is great and very affordable!

If you’re planning to head down there anytime soon, here are some of the hippest dining spots you have to check out – both in San Juan and San Fernando!

Also read: 12 Best Places to Eat in La Union

El Union Coffee – San Juan

El Union is a popular cafe making rounds on our Instagram feeds. Making use of premium beans, they’re dedicated to serving only the finest-quality beverages in the North. One look at the cafe will make you see their surfing influences too.

El Union
Photo from @kylanicolex
El Union
Photo from @yoitsmatteo
El Union
Photo from @saabmagora

No reservations accepted
View their Instagram account
Kilometre 274 MacArthur Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union

Makai Bowls – San Juan

If you happen to be enjoying the beach and the waves in La Union, you have to visit Makai Bowls, a smoothie bowl shack. Their smoothie bowls are named after the surfing spots in La Union. One of them is the Beach Break, spinach, pineapple, banana, mango, spirulina, coconut juice, topped with homemade Sunrise Granola from San Juan, La Union.

El Union
Photo from @carlajeanx
El Union
Photo from @foodiewhereabouts

No reservations accepted
View menu
View their Instagram account
Flotsam & Jetsam Hostel, La Union

Choka – San Juan

Choka is an American-themed restaurant that is popular for their brunch meals, make-your-own-breakfast, soft-serve ice cream, and more.

Choka
Photo from @padayhagpao
Choka
Photo from @chokarestaurant
Choka
Photo from @chokarestaurant

No reservations accepted
View menu
View their Instagram account
248 National Hiway, Urbiztondo, 2514 San Juan, La Union
0921 219 3528

The Coffee Library – San Juan

Aside from El Union, The Coffee Library is a spacious, travel-inspired cafe that gives visitors a taste of Vietnam. From banh mi sandwiches and php to ca phe and egg coffee, you’ll definitely love it here. 

The Coffee Library
Photo from @thecoffeelibrarysjlu
The Coffee Library
Photo from @thecoffeelibrarysjlu
The Coffee Library
Photo from @kristamgarcia

No reservations accepted
View menu
View their Instagram account
Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union, 2514 San Juan, La Union
0917 503 7962

Olas Banditos – San Juan

Olas Banditos is the official and popular Mexican joint here at San Juan. They serve really good tacos and burritos that are very affordable.

Olas Banditos
Photo from @olasbanditos
Olas Banditos
Photo from @andreisuleik

No reservations accepted
View menu
View their Instagram account
Manila North Rd, 2514 San Juan, La Union
0977 859 0064

S.O.U.L. Cafe – MacArthur Highway

S.O.U.L. Cafe, short for Spice for Urban Life, is a quaint American-European inspired cafe that serves good pasta, breakfast meals, pastries, and coffee. 

S.O.U.L. Cafe
Photo from @mikegbesa
S.O.U.L. Cafe
Photo from @daniellejalene
S.O.U.L. Cafe
Photo from @toucherazo

No reservations accepted
View menu
Mcarthur Highway, Camp One, 2506 Rosario, La Union
(072) 712 0852

L.U. BBQ – San Fernando

L.U. BBQ is an affordable meat spot that is known for their big and juicy smoked beef, bbq, chicken, steaks, and more.

L.U. BBQ
Photo from @lubbqph
L.U. BBQ
Photo from @lubbqph

No reservations accepted
View menu
View their Instagram account
Rizal Ave. 2500 San Fernando, La Union
(072) 607 8250

Urbiztondo Grill House – San Juan

Urbiztondo Grill House is another native Filipino restaurant that serves traditional dishes like kare-kare, pakbet, liempo, bbq, inihaw na pusit, and more. 

Urbiztondo Grill House
Photo from @razzyraz26
Urbiztondo Grill House
Photo from @maeybautista

No reservations accepted
View menu
National Highway Urbiztondo, 2514 San Juan, La Union
(072) 603 0206

Cafe Esperanza – San Fernando

Cafe Esperanza is a local Filipino restaurant that serves traditional breakfast meals and wide array of Filipino delicacies and desserts. Must-try is the ube de leche pie!

Cafe Esperanza
Photo from @dohminiqbianca
Cafe Esperanza
Photo from @kennaduque
Cafe Esperanza
Photo from @reannecpg

No reservations accepted
View menu
Gomez Street, 2500 San Fernando, La Union
(072) 242 0659

Sugar Posh Cafe – San Fernando

Sugar Posh Cafe is a cute cafe that serves affordable, student-friendly meals like pasta, milk tea, smoothies, and more. They also bake cakes for special ocassions. 

Sugar Posh Cafe
Photo from @apriljoyce_gurtiza
Sugar Posh Cafe
Photo from @sugarposhcafe

No reservations accepted
View menu
View their Instagram account
Quezon Avenue, 2500 San Fernando, La Union

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