A particular charm settles over Metro Manila at night, after the traffic softens and the streets get bathed in low light. What follows is the buzzing energy of night owls as they flock to spend their evenings perched on mirror-backed bars, listening to soft music, and sipping on specialty cocktails. From speakeasies hidden in unassuming buildings to bars widely loved by locals, here are the places RNT girls return to for one last drink that turns into three:
Problem Child
With an atmosphere that feels like stepping into someone’s playful imagination, this spot definitely deserves its flowers. Here, cocktails are crafted with intention, guided by a singular color. They’re going green this quarter, so be sure to check it out.
Grasshopper
Tucked within Legazpi Village, this bar could easily slip under the radar if you weren’t looking for it. The moody spot embraces the richness of hyperlocal produce, like gamet seaweed, to craft drinks that are both enjoyable and uniquely Filipino.
Big Fuzz
Hidden among Japanese joints in the Little Tokyo area of Makati, this cozy bar has just enough retro nostalgia to loosen you up after a long day. Classic and modern classic cocktails await behind the big red door, but their bartenders would be happy to fix you a bespoke drink too.
Fat Cat
This unpretentious spot brings together the charm of a neighborhood bar with the polish of a serious mixology program. The space, located at Makati Cinema Square, is relaxed and effortlessly cool, which only adds to the appeal of the tarot-inspired menu.
Josephine at Cutie Pie
Still in its soft launch era, but definitely not to be missed. The living-room style atmosphere of this Makati bar is meant for conversations that stretch well into the night, accompanied by good drinks, of course.
Run Rabbit Run
A mainstay in Poblacion’s nightlife scene, this is a go-to for those who want a quiet escape from the crowd of partygoers in the area. The bar boasts itself on creative signature and seasonal cocktails that make it impossible not to order another.
Cheshire
Adapting the characteristics of its namesake character, the Cheshire Cat, this newly-opened Poblacion speakeasy has a distinct air of mischievousness. The menu is presented in a deck of cards, so you know you’re in for a laid-back night.
Bar Flora
Located in Scout Rallos, Quezon City, this intimate bar is a haven for tea lovers. The thoughtfully curated menu that marries the delicate ritual of tea and the sharp craft of gin is perfect for nights when you want to take it slow.
78-53-86
Part jazz bar, part neighborhood secret, this spot in White Plains is made for evenings wrapped in music and conversation. Its name may be hard to remember, but the time spent over a round of drinks, surrounded by friends and shelves of vinyl records, will surely linger.
Iron Fairies
Known for its counterparts in Hong Kong and Bali, this newly-debuted spot in BGC is theatrical, romantic, and somewhat surreal. Every detail, from the interiors to the cocktails, feels straight out of a mythological realm.
No Entry
A new player in BGC’s renowned lineup of bars, this speakeasy co-founded by Black Eyed Peas’s Apl.de.ap. stands out with its inventive cocktails and weekly live jazz bands. It’s a hot spot that invites you with thrill and intrigue—that is, if you’re in the know.
