If there are restaurants which I consider overrated, Buto't Balat is certainly the opposite - it's underrated. A popular nightspot in Iloilo City, Buto't Balat literally means "Bones and Skin" probably referring to their specialties either it's pork,beef, chicken or seafood (A plate of crispy pata flashed in my mind momentarily-lol). Contrary to the notion that people go there merely for a drink (plus some pulutan) , it is actually a "full" restaurant that serves native cuisine and other specialites.
Like this native litsong manok and chicken barbecue combo meal. Both were good orders that time though the chicken barbecue was an order in lieu of chicken inasal. Surprisingly they have none but nevertheless the chicken barbecue didn't fail. A cold bottle of beer and a glass frozen iced tea were perfect for this chicken overload at Buto't Balat.
Their litsong manok was reminiscent to that of Tatoy's Manukan and Seafoods for they also use native chicken. Though a little more expensive and a little smaller than a regular chicken but it was worth it. Perfectly spiced inside out that you'll probably be surprised it's gone after a few minutes.
The (boneless) chicken barbecue was a discovery that time. I never thought of looking a good tasting one in a bar like this. It tasted like regular American barbecue rather than it's local version - inasal.
Now why underrated? Well it's not among the more featured restaurant's in the media despite what they have to offer gastronomically and their great ambiance. I often describe them being an oasis is a desert of concrete in the city. Despite this it's often good to see that their branches (Solis Street near SM Delgado, Diversion Road near SM City Iloilo and in Jaro Plaza) often are full pack with customers during lunch and all throughout the evening. Certainly they don't need artificial hype nor paid features to connect with the Ilonggos and their discriminating taste.