You may find this hard to believe but Manila, as it is today, is infinitely more vibrant than it was nearly a decade ago. The tipple of choice in the bustling capital is beer—more specifically a Filipino pale lager known famously as San Miguel—but the now affluent society has given rise to a transformed drinking scene, one that teems with speakeasy-type cocktail bars, wine bars and world-class joints.
During the day, Makati is a bustling business district but once the sun goes down and the work day officially comes to an end, the district reveals an eclectic nightlife scene full of pulsating energy. First time in Manila? No worries, we’ve got you covered with our curated list of 7 top bars to check out.
1. Bank Bar – Hidden in a nondescript office building
Tucked inside an unassuming office building in Bonifacio Global City is a chic watering hole that’s hard to locate but is well worth the effort to. The bar sports a contemporary, industrial feel, with its plush velvet seats and exposed ceiling.
Many like coming here for its ambience and extensive selection of cocktails. If you crave something strong, opt for Due Dilligence, if not, go for the fruity Pinay Colada that uses three kinds of local rum.
Address: RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, 26th and 25th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening Hours: 5PM – 2AM (Mon to Fri), 8PM – 3AM (Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +63 2 8801 4862
2. Dr. Wine Manila – Wine bar in Makati opens till 2am
Owned by a French sommelier, this handsome wine bar in Poblacion, Makati is where locals and expats alike can come to sip on fine wine from different parts of the world and luxuriate in charcuterie and cheese.
Owner Vincent Landais, who is both the sommelier for Dr. Wine and Kartel Rooftop in Shanghai, China, curate a wide selection of vino, catering to a whole spectrum of preferences. Here, the food is superb and the service is exceptional.
Address: 5921 Algier, Poblacion, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening Hours: 5PM – 2AM (Mon to Sat), 12PM – 2AM (Sun)
Contact: +63 917 563 8811
3. Mandalay (CLOSED) – Difficult to find, but worth the hassle
This hidden bar is one of Manila’s prime spots for sipping on premium whiskies by the dram and quality cigars. Albeit tricky to locate, this whisky-forward speakeasy takes up residence somewhere behind a closet door, past a few coats, in the middle of British pub, Belle and Dragon. For first timers, go for their tasting flights and order up some chow to ease it down.
Address: OPL Building, 100 Don Carlos Palanca, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening Hours: 5PM – 1AM (Mon & Tue), 5PM – 2AM (Wed to Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +63 2 7625 8818
4. Polilya – Cocktails with an Engkanto beer twist
When Polilya first opened back in 2017, many hailed it as being the best bar of that year—which says a local craft beer bar in Poblacion. This family-owned joint centres itself around beer (lots of it). Beer figures into a fair bit of the bar’s offerings, employed in some way in their food and even in their signature cocktails.
Their cocktail menu is thought out by US-based mixologist Priscilla Young, and features a wide selection of drinks that delve into the exotic and unexpected.
Address: 5658 Jacobo Street, Corner Don Pedro, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening Hours: 5.30PM – 2AM (Mon to Thu), 6.30PM – 2AM (Fri & Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +63 917 502 9590
5. Run Rabbit Run – Order their signature Kaya Toast Cocktail
Among the sea of bars that take up residence in the Poblacion district of Manila, Run Rabbit Run stands out for its firm commitment to, well, standing out. The ‘Run Rabbit Run’ experience is more than just in its booze. It’s a multi-sensory overload in the form of curated playlists, art exhibitions and impeccable service.
A quintessentially whimsy and exotic take on both classic and modern cocktails, the trademark flavour strives to achieve is one that encompasses freshness, spice, heat and exotic herbs. The trick? Rounding out all the edges to perfectly balance all of these elements.
Address: 4991 P. Guanzon, st, Makati, 1012 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening Hours: 6PM – 1AM (Tue & Wed), 6PM – 3AM (Thu to Sat), Closed on Sundays & Mondays
Contact: +63 908 897 0668
6. The Peak – Located on the 80th floor of Grand Hyatt Manila
Sitting high on the 60th floor of Grand Hyatt Manila, The Peak is a lavish getaway from the bustling city and a place where elegant drinks meet heightened gastronomic experiences. A beautiful collision of a grill restaurant, speakeasy, whisky bar, and a music lounge, The Peak raises the bar (in every sense of the word).
The restaurant’s menu is curated by Chef De Cuisine Manuel Baenziger, a list that poised yet bold, perfect for pairing with their extensive selection of old and new world wines.
Address: 60th Floor, Grand Hyatt Manila, 8th Avenue corner, 35th St, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening Hours: 5PM – 1AM (Sun to Tue), 5PM – 3AM (Wed & Thu), 6PM – 3AM (Fri), 6PM – 1AM (Sat)
Contact: +63 2 8838 1234
7. The Penthouse 8747 – Classy lounge inspired by Great Gatsby
Offering guests a panoramic view of the Ayala Triangle and the rest of the central business district, The Penthouse 8747 is one Manila’s best roof deck destinations. This rooftop lounge is inspired by the Great Gatsby era, a period in time where lavish parties, visual arts, and glitz and glamour surfaced into the scene.
On the drinks front, the bar covers lots of ground, offering champagne, both classic and Penthouse-speciality cocktails, as well as a wide selection of spirits. Their food is also worth a try whether its a starter of Crispy Stuffed Chicken Wings or a full-on main like their Seared Ahi tuna.
Address: 1209, 8747 Paseo de Roxas, Makati, 1227 Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
Opening Hours: 4PM – 1AM (Mon to Thu), 4PM – 2AM (Fri & Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +63 917 801 0655
Check out our bar recommendations in Asia.
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