The exaggerated OLD WEST theme really makes Garden Cafe stick
out in the otherwise tropical environment. The Cowboy theme was chosen to attract
local towns people in the City of Tagbilaran but has also become a favorite among tourists.
The full size hand carved wooden horse serves as the main center piece of the patio.
The OLD WEST BAKERY is not actually a building but a facade just to add the Western feel.
Garden Cafe is located in the heart of Tagbilaran City which is the capital of the island of Bohol in the Philippines. Over the past 24 years of
operation, it has become a regular landmark in this city of nearly 200,000 persons.
Most of the employees are Deaf and the restaurant is owned and operated by Bohol Foundation for the Deaf and Disabled, a close working partner with IDEA. Considered
an upscale restaurant, the air conditioned two story building looks very contemporary from the outside but holds a surprise for visitors on the inside.
Garden Cafe is actually an American Old West Restaurant / Museum.
George Dennis Drake, the creator, says that Filipinos have a difficult time getting out to visit other countries and other cultures so he decided to bring Montana to
them. Drake is from Montana. All of the authentic antiques displayed in the Garden Cafe are from his family and friends back in Billings, Montana.
The food at the Garden Cafe is wonderful with the most extensive menu in the province. European, American, Chinese, and Filipino dishes blend together
to meet the likes of all customers.
The upstairs houses the restaurant /museum portion. Not only does it have a true Old West atmosphere but it even has mounted horse saddles that customers
can climb on and take a ride. Country music fills the air and a customer truly feels they are not in the Philippines anymore. It is like a mini vacation for the locals.
