Serving tasty sandwiches by day, Tipple & Slaw dons its evening gown and turns into a cosy pub once night falls. Popular with locals, it is a great place in BGC to relax after a long day at work. Try their signature cocktail Blind Gin, which features, lemon juice, gin, egg whites and bitters. Watch out for popular promos like the ‘buy one get one free’ frozen Margaritas!
An import from the old Manila area, the Tap Station along Burgos Circle offers an extensive lineup of local and imported beers, including an impressive 25 craft beers on tap to choose from. Sip on a refreshing pint of their best seller called ‘Hard Day’ – a brew made by Craft Revolt, Tap Station’s microbrewery in the popular holiday destination of Tagaytay, south of Manila.
If you’re looking to impress, this elegant speakeasy will do the trick. This hidden bar is located behind an unmarked door in a brightly lit convenience store inside the RCBC building. Catch their Happily Hour After (5pm to 8pm) and choose from an array of unlimited cocktails, beer and spirits. It’s not unacceptable to drink this early if no one can see you.
LIT Manila in Serendra has the most extensive selection of Japanese whisky in the Philippine capital. The highlight of the cosy interior is the long wooden bar, which is surrounded by shelves stacked with rare bottles from different parts of the world. LIT also organises regular tasting sessions for whisky aficionados with a sampling of the best Scottish single malts, poured over funky grooves played by their resident DJs.
This Spanish tapas bar is adorned with retro 1980s red and yellow lights, serving as a lively venue to enjoy Spanish-inspired artisanal cocktails and wine. Order a selection of mouth-watering tapas, like the Shrimp Gambas in olive oil and garlic, or their Croquetas de Jamon (ham-filled croquettes). If you’re still hungry after all that drinking, share an order of their traditional Paella Valenciana with a group of friends
This gastropub first made its name in Pasig before expanding to a second branch in Taguig. The Tipsy Pig is known for its signature cocktails and pulutan (bar snacks). The Tipsy Boneless Crispy Pata (deep-fried pigs knuckles with Asian soy garlic chilli sauce) is a crowd favourite, ideally downed with an ice cold beer.
This on-site microbrewery may be one of the most unique places to drink in Manila. The sprawling two-storey space showcases massive steel machinery, flowing with newly-produced beer served fresh on the premises. The Brewery adheres to German brewing standards, offering the freshest pilsner, wheat, IPA and stout on tap.
The Revel is a master in the art of luxury clubbing, with an impressive lighting and sound system, plus lush interiors dripping with decadence. Such is its reputation that it can hold its own with some of the top nightclubs in Las Vegas. It offers impeccable service with a choice selection of spirits and specialty cocktails, with the best DJ’s flown in from all over the world. The two-level venue has people dancing until sunrise – but if you’d like something more private, reserve a sofa on the mezzanine for a special night with your amour.
A stone’s throw from Revel, Xylo is one of the hottest clubs on the block. Formerly known as Valkyrie, the expertly renovated venue is gaining a steady following for bringing top European DJs to Manila to spin the latest EDM hits. Tickets for special acts always come with a free drink. Book in advance to get the best deals.
Reminiscent of a 1980s to ’90s dive bar complete with graffiti-filled walls, bright neon lights, lush velvet furniture and a foosball table, Yes, Please pays homage to pop icons of the past. This laid-back venue provides strong (and inventively named) cocktails like the Flying V (a Mighty Ducks reference), which consists of melon and mango juice, Mezcal and a salty dried plum thrown in for good measure. The menu also offers a tasty mix of pub grub that pairs well with drinks. The Unagi Watermelon Roll, or Japanese eel, is a crowd favourite.