Metro Manila has become a hub for secret drinking establishments, known as speakeasies. These hidden gems offer a unique experience to customers who want to enjoy their drinks in a private and cozy atmosphere. In this article, we've compiled a list of the top 10 speakeasies in Metro Manila based on their ambience, cocktails, and overall experience.
1. The Curator (Makati City)
Speciality drink: Salted Caramel Old Fashioned (Php 500)
Other notable cocktails: Buttered Popcorn Flip, Fizz de Provence
Topping our list is The Curator, located in the bustling city of Makati. This speakeasy is hidden behind a nondescript wooden door and boasts of a minimalist yet sophisticated ambience. The bartenders are knowledgeable and skilled in crafting unique and flavorful cocktails that will satisfy your taste buds.
The Curator is a sophisticated speakeasy tucked away in a nondescript alley in Makati City. They serve up expertly crafted cocktails with high-quality ingredients, and their specialty Salted Caramel Old Fashioned is a must-try. The bar also offers an intimate and cozy atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends or a date.
2. Oto (Makati City)
Speciality drink: Umami Martini (Php 420)
Other notable cocktails: Tokyo Sour, Yuzu Sour
Another speakeasy in Makati is Oto, a Japanese-inspired bar that's located in the back of an unassuming cafe. The dimly lit interior, along with the eclectic decor, adds to the overall experience of drinking here. Oto's bartenders are known for their attention to detail and for craft cocktails that incorporate Japanese flavours. Oto is a chic Japanese-inspired speakeasy with a unique experience with its sleek minimalist design and Japanese-inspired cocktails. Their signature Umami Martini is a delicious blend of sake, umami syrup, and gin.
3. ABV (Makati City)
Speciality drink: Sazerac (Php 550)
Other notable cocktails: Penicillin, Milk & Honey
ABV, which stands for Alcohol By Volume, is another speakeasy located in Makati. This bar has an industrial-chic vibe and a wide selection of spirits, making it a haven for whiskey and cocktail enthusiasts. The bartenders at ABV are skilled in creating customized drinks based on the customer's preferences. ABV is a modern speakeasy with a lively atmosphere and innovative cocktails. Their Sazerac, a classic New Orleans cocktail made with rye whiskey, absinthe, and Peychaud's bitters, is a standout. The bar also offers an extensive selection of whiskies and spirits.
4. Yes Please (Taguig City)
Speciality drink: Grapefruit Gin Fizz (Php 450)
Other notable cocktails: Lavender Collins, Mango Margarita
Yes Please is a speakeasy located in the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. This bar has a retro-inspired interior, complete with plush couches and neon lights. The bartenders at Yes Please are known for their creative cocktails that use unique ingredients such as lavender and grapefruit. Yes Please is a stylish speakeasy with a fun and lively atmosphere. Their Grapefruit Gin Fizz, made with grapefruit, gin, and elderflower, is a refreshing and tangy cocktail perfect for a night out.
5. Finders Keepers (Mandaluyong City)
Speciality drink: Rosemary's Baby (Php 400)
Other notable cocktails: Dark & Stormy, Apple Pie Sour
Finders Keepers is a cozy and intimate speakeasy with vintage-inspired decor. Their Rosemary's Baby, made with gin, grapefruit, rosemary, and honey, is a fragrant and herbaceous cocktail perfect for those who enjoy complex flavours.
Finders Keepers is a hidden bar located in Mandaluyong City. This speakeasy has a cozy and intimate vibe, with plush couches and dim lighting. Finders Keepers is known for their classic cocktails and their homemade bitters, which add a unique twist to their drinks.
6. The Back Room (Quezon City)
Speciality drink: Salabat Sour (Php 350)
Other notable cocktails: Mango-Pandan Margarita, Tuba Negroni
The Back Room is a speakeasy located in Quezon City that's hidden behind a sliding bookcase. This bar has a vintage ambience, with leather couches and old-school decor. The bartenders at The Back Room are known for their creative cocktails that incorporate Filipino ingredients such as calamansi and mango.
The Back Room is a laid-back speakeasy with a cozy and rustic atmosphere. Their Salabat Sour, made with ginger tea, lemon juice, and bourbon, is a unique twist on the classic whiskey sour. The bar also offers a selection of locally inspired cocktails that incorporate Filipino ingredients.
7. Bank Bar (Taguig City)
Speciality drink: Forbidden Fruit (Php 500)
Other notable cocktails: Old Fashioned, Margarita
Bank Bar is a speakeasy located in Taguig City, inside the Vault at the RCBC Plaza. This bar has a luxurious and sophisticated ambience, with leather couches and a marble bar. Bank Bar is known for their extensive selection of spirits, including rare and hard-to-find bottles. Bank Bar is a chic and stylish speakeasy located in Bonifacio Global City. Their Forbidden Fruit, made with vodka, lychee, and lime, is a sweet and tangy cocktail with a kick. The bar also offers a great selection of classic cocktails, and the bartenders are skilled at making custom drinks based on customers' preferences.
8. Alamat Filipino Pub and Deli (Quezon City)
Speciality drink: Alamat Sour (Php 285)
Other notable cocktails: Pinoy Colada, Buko Rum
Alamat Filipino Pub and Deli is a hidden bar located in Quezon City, inside a convenience store. This speakeasy has a laid-back ambience, with wooden tables and rustic decor. Alamat Filipino Pub and Deli is known for its craft cocktails that incorporate Filipino flavours such as calamansi and Sampaguita.
Alamat Filipino Pub & Deli is a cozy and relaxed speakeasy that celebrates Filipino culture through food and drinks. Their Alamat Sour, made with calamansi, honey, and gin, is a zesty and refreshing cocktail that pairs perfectly with their delicious pub fare.
9. Exit Bar (Makati City)
Speciality drink: Blackthorn (Php 450)
Other notable cocktails: Mezcal Mule, Airmail
Exit Bar is a speakeasy in Makati City hidden behind a false wall inside a commercial building. This bar has a cozy and intimate vibe, with plush couches and vintage decor. Exit Bar is known for their creative cocktails and their extensive selection of premium spirits.
10. The Odd Seoul (Makati City)
Speciality drink: Makgeolli Mule (Php 350)
Other notable cocktails: Soju Sour, Korean Pear Mojito
The Odd Seoul offers a unique Korean-inspired speakeasy experience with its modern industrial interior design and authentic Korean-inspired cocktails. Their speciality drink, Makgeolli Mule, is a refreshing and tangy blend of Korean rice wine, ginger beer, and lime juice. Other notable cocktails include the Soju Sour and Korean Pear Mojito, which are both great options for those who want to try something new. Prices are reasonable, with cocktails ranging from Php 250-450.
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