Macy's Diner definitely sticks out like a sore thumb in a place that's heavily influenced by the Spanish era. It was like stepping inside a different time and place altogether. And honestly, that's a good thing, specially after a hot day of sightseeing in Laoag. I visited the place with my mom and aunt and it was our last stop before boarding the bus back to Manila. It was a humid day, and upon entering the diner, we found it really cool and comfortable. I love the interiors as it reminded me of 50s Diner in Baguio (my fave!). I definitely love the red vinyl booths and the wall designs (still a bit bare though compared to Filling Station in Makati). The menu has a combination of usual diner fare, ilocano food and budget combo meals. At first, I wanted to try their Sloppy Joe but, I remembered my boyfriend telling me that they serve hi-bol (P90) there, so I got it. Hi-bol is like the ilocano version of the batchoy. My mom ordered the porkchop combo meal (P90), and my aunt ordered the chicken and pork bbq combo (P100).
Serving time was fast and the servers are polite and quiet. My mom's porkchop was big, juicy and tasty. My aunt's bbq combo is also big for its prize. My hi-bol deceived me though. At first it looked small, but when I was eating it I started to feel like I couldn't finish it. The cuts of the meat that came with it reminded me of the pinapaitan cuts and it kind of tastes like it. I like the broth, though it needed a pinch of salt and pepper. The noodles are nice as well. I'd recommend it as a side dish that will be shared by a group, and not your main meal because, even if it is filling, it will leave you wanting something more.
Overall, I'd recommend the place only if you're not that adventurous in terms of your food choices. If you are, there are waaay more options other than Macy's.