Eddie’s Log Cabin: A 70-Year Old Western Saloon-Like Cafe

Rather than returning to his hometown of Oklahoma after serving in World War II, American marine Edgar “Eddie” Woolbright began a new life in the country he was stationed in: the Philippines. 

In 1949, Eddie arrived in Cebu, where he fell head-over-heels for a Cebuana beauty queen, Annie Corrales. Together, they developed the Beverly Hills Subdivision, Cebu’s first hilltop residential area and home to the iconic Cebu Taoist Temple. 

This success gave Eddie the idea to build a cozy haven where customers could enjoy their early morning coffee or some late night booze. The quaint little cafe soon became known as Eddie’s Log Cabin.

It was a cherished hangout spot among Cebuanos and Americans looking to dine, chill, and have fruitful conversations. 

In 2006, a year after Eddie’s passing, the restaurant received a much-needed makeover. Spearheaded by his eldest daughter, Alice, it is now a full-fledged American-inspired diner. 

It offers a selection of traditional American foods like apple pies, whole turkeys, sandwiches, and their signature American corned beef. It’s a great spot for American tourists and expats to experience some of their favorite dishes from back home.

Locals and non-American tourists can also enjoy and appreciate the culture of a country that has greatly inspired and influenced Philippine history.

A WESTERN SALOON IN CEBU

Eddie’s Log Cabin has American frontier-inspired interiors, loosely based on log cabins from the American countryside. The cowboy-themed furniture and design make it feel like John Wayne or Clint Eastwood could enter the room at any second. 

The bar area, for example, cleverly resembles saloons famously seen in spaghetti westerns like “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” and “Once Upon a Time in the West”. It has this rustic, homey atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a pint of beer. 

Eddie’s Log Cabin also references other Westerns through wanted posters for Billy the Kid and their “No Trespassing” sign with revolvers used in standoffs and shootouts. 

Their bestsellers are written on blackboards, adding to the old-school, vintage feel.

Speaking of bestsellers…

DINING AT EDDIE’S LOG CABIN

Eddie’s can be considered a Filipino-American fusion restaurant because of its vast selection of North American dishes and Filipino favorites. 

Their fresh corned beef is what put them on the map due to its chewy texture and well-seasoned flavor. No other place in Cebu serves this authentic American dish. 

This popular menu item is either served with a side of vegetables and mustard, or on a sizzling plate doused with their signature gravy. Both variations cost less than Php 600, which include unlimited servings of their beef soup.

Eddie’s also serves 350-gram U.S. Prime Rib Eye Steaks for Php 2,800 and a 1.3-kilogram Crispy Pata that is good for sharing.

Some of their Filipino favorites include chicken and pork adobo, their grilled tangigue steak, and beef with onions. Each dish comes with a side of either garlic rice, plain rice, or mashed potatoes.

For dessert, customers can order any of their delicious fresh pies displayed by the entrance to the restaurant. There are several savory and sweet options to choose from, all inspired by American and Filipino cuisines. 

You can buy their pie whole (9 inches), get a box of four mini pies (3 inches), or a single slice which is topped with a scoop of ice cream. You can request to have it warm from the oven or cold from the freezer. 

They are especially well known for their Coconut Cream Pie, which is a 70-year old recipe. It is said to use coconut milk instead of coconut shavings for its filling. 

Eddie’s is also known for their apple pie, a staple dessert in America despite its origins from Europe. It’s a delicacy found in many American households that is served on different occasions. 

Their savory pies either have juicy meat, a spicy flavor, or some vegetables. However, the Reuben pie is a standout as it is filled with their famous corned beef. They offer a sampler box that has eight of their savory flavors for Php 1,250. 

Lastly, Eddie’s Log Cabin offers a Thanksgiving Dine-In Promo for lunch and dinner every November. This includes a massive feast with an entire turkey paired with a vast selection of side dishes like mashed potatoes, buttered sweet corn, and salad greens.