VIPS will surprise you.
At first glance, it seems like an ordinary convenience store, but after a brief walk inside, you realize that it offers a whole lot more than you would expect. Aside from the typical offerings of alcohol, wines, microwaveable meals, and junk food, VIPS also sells books and a surprisingly large range of electronics.
In the back of the store is VIPS's cafeteria/restaurant, which is actually quite good! My co-workers and I went there for lunch yesterday, and we were pleasantly surprised at how well-prepared and tasty everything was. From what I've been told, VIPS does not fare well at making the traditional Spanish dishes, but it is quite good at making typical American cuisine. The best way I would describe the restaurant is as a high-end diner, and the prices seem pretty appropriate if you think of it that way.
Most entrees here come with a side and a beverage (with free refills), which was a pleasant surprise, and the salads and burgers here are perfect for a quick non-Spanish meal (because tourists sometimes need to get a taste of home every once in a while). I got the Big Tower, which was a burger topped with bacon, onion rings, a fried egg, and all your typical burger fixings.
As someone who has had burgers his whole life, I have to say that this burger actually measures up to those made in America. It was perfectly cooked to order, very juicy and filling, and a pleasant break from all the tapas that I've been eating. My co-workers were big fans of the many salads they offer here as well.
Environment-wise, the diner-esque cafeteria in the back is actually a lot larger than you would first think, and it is actually quite clean and modern-looking. This "restaurant" looks the part and you frequently forget that you're in a convenience store and not an actual diner.
In short, come here if you want a break from Spanish food and are longing for higher-end (but still relatively cheap) diner food. read more