LOG CABIN: A Cozy Retreat in Sagada (A 2016 Review)

Log Cabin has made a name for itself as a favorite among both locals and tourists in Sagada. This rustic home was transformed into a bar, restaurant, and then lodge in the 90’s by Dave and Janice Gulian.

In its early stages, Log Cabin was a bar exclusively for foreign dignitaries. Food was incorporated into the menu after Dave and Janice returned from Switzerland and experimented with the European palate. A fusion of European and Filipino elements eventually made up the 5-set menu we know today.

Log Cabin is most recognized for its Saturday buffets prepared by French Chef, Philippe Heyer, who has had more than two decades of culinary experience all over the world. Alas, Chef Aklay (his Igorot name) is no longer part of the Log Cabin Family, but the buffet still carries on every week.

LOG CABIN SAGADA
Poblacion, Ato, Sagada, Mountain Province
Mobile: +63 915 671 7949
Email: sagada_logcabin@yahoo.com
Facebook: @logcabinsagada

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RESTAURANT

Log Cabin is strictly a reservation-basis restaurant, but walk-ins are welcome if there are seats available.

We loved the warm, rustic, alpine ambiance that was a welcome comfort in the chilly Sagada weather.

Log Cabin Menu: Log Cabin Specialties | Soups, Salads, Vegetables, Pastas, and Meat Entrees | Saturday Buffet Menu

We tried the Log Cabin Specialities, which are plates consisting of meat, eggs, fresh salad, and rice.

ROAST PORK WITH GRAVY (P190). Fresh Salad Greens, Rice, Potato Salad.

One thing we really loved about this dish was actually the salad. It was so fresh and simple.

The highlands have great access to the freshest and tastiest vegetables since it doesn’t take long to transport them.

LECHON KAWALI (P150). Fresh Salad Greens, Rice, Potato Salad.

The Lechon Kawali is pre-baked then quickly fried in oil to obtain that crispy layer. As much as possible, Log Cabin prefers to bake more than fry to save you from the extra calories.

While we like the deep-fried original better, Log Cabin’s take on this old Filipino favorite is decent.

PORK STEAK (P190). Fresh Salad Greens, Rice, Potato Salad.

Out of all the dishes we tried, we enjoyed this buttery Pork Steak the most. Recommended if it’s on the menu during your visit.

Every Saturday, Log Cabin would hold a bountiful buffet (P390/head) inside the owner’s house that’s just like a huge family dinner.

This event is strictly by reservation only and dinner starts at 7PM.

The buffet is an affordable P390 per head and includes Soup, Salad, Bread, 2 Main Courses, 1 Starch (either potatoes or noodles), Vegetables, Rice, Assorted Desserts, and Hot Beverages.

Regrettably, we were not able to experience Log Cabin’s famous buffet because of the lack of ingredients coming from Baguio due to poor road conditions.

LODGING

Originally belonging to the nephew of the owner, the sole private accommodation is considered one of the better abodes in Sagada.

Walk-in bookings are P1,800 per night and pre-booked reservations are P1,500 per night.

The owner of the room is a big fan of cozy blankets, so getting out of bed is extra difficult! It almost feels like being engulfed in a giant marshmallow.

What I like about it is that it has a separate private shower and toilet inside the room itself.

(Note: Hot water is available but you need to turn the valve halfway to let the water heat up slowly.)

The toilet is clean but it does not have a toilet seat so it is a bit cold when you sit on it.

We highly recommend the Log Cabin room for a family or barkada because of the cozy log cabin ambiance with its own private bathroom.

LOG CABIN is a definitely a must-try place whenever you find yourself in Sagada.

We recommend the Pork Steak from their Log Cabin specialties menu. Make sure to reserve for their famous Saturday buffet before 3PM.

Also, book the Log Cabin room way in advance because it gets easily booked during the peak season.

LOG CABIN SAGADA
Poblacion, Ato, Sagada, Mountain Province
Mobile: +63 915 671 7949
Email: sagada_logcabin@yahoo.com
Facebook: @logcabinsagada

SAGADA TRAVEL GUIDE 2017 Series: