In trendy speakeasy bars, the drinks are the draw, as well as the romantic ambiance. Generally, the place is high end and the price reflects the science and intricacies that go into every drink served. Speakeasy bars are the perfect venue if you're feeling particularly flush & chic. Not usually a place for wild nights, these bars have relaxed vibes where you keep your voice low. If its not busy, you should learn from the bartender how your drink is being crafted, they are usually masters with years of knowledge. Checkout my recommendations for unmissable speakeasy bars in Manila.
Night Cap anyone?
Int. Bar
Int. stands for interior. The hidden entrance to this sexy speakeasy bar is found inside the photo booth in Cubao Expo. Their menu is inspired by music and film, try their bestselling drink ‘Cigarettes After Sex’. The bar has two floors and excellent dim lighting to complement its speakeasy feels.
Where? Cubao Expo, Gen. Romulo Ave. Cubao, Quezon City (inside a photo booth).
ABV Bar
Found behind a big wooden door inside Lazy Bastard that looks like an old school elevator, transport yourself to the 1920's and enjoy live jazz and outstanding drinks. A soulful underground bar marrying Gin and Jazz. Come here to enjoy years of experience in bartending and mixology. They have perfected our favourite cocktails and designed their own unique concoctions. Look for the big neon sign pointing to burger and fries, you'll see a large wooden door leading you to an old vintage-like elevator, you will have to knock 3 times and say the secret password.
Insiders Tip: The password is "A glass of giggle water please"
Insiders Tip No.2: Don’t be fooled by the limited items on the menu. Ask for the “Bible” for a more extensive list of what the bartenders can create.
Where? Basement level, 22 Jupiter Street, Bel Air, Makati
RM 16
Hidden in Titto's Bar behind the Coca Cola vending machine you'll find RM 16, a hidden bar that designs drinks according to how you feel. The interior of the bar is dimly lite but if you check out the ceiling you'll notice its inspired by the Eiffel Tower.
Where? 16 East Capitol Drive Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig
OTO
A hit with music geeks, OTO in Japanese means 'sound' a name I assume chosen because they boast a collection of beautiful vinyl records and high end turntables. You might mistake this place for a coffee or music shop but its speakeasy feel and great drinks makes it a perfect place for something casual.
Where? 5880 Enriquez Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati
Prima Facie
Hunt down Vitto's Wine Bar within the busy nightlife of Timog and search inside the walls for Prima Facie. The old school Great Gatsby vibes in here are seriously cool. With a wide choice of bar nibbles and a hefty drinks menu including hard drinks as well as a selection of local and imported beers.
Where? 114 Scout Lozano Street cor Tomas Morato, Laging Handa, Quezon City (inside Vitto’s)
Blind Pig
Hidden gem of Makati. The entrance to the Blind pig is very low-key, you wouldn’t expect a bar to be hidden within the walls. Search for its signage written in braille. The bar is very small, dark and intimate so if you’re out to chill and not in the mood for a crowd, Blind Pig is your go to.
Where? 227 salcedo street, Legazpi Village, Makati
Ocean’s Telephone Co
Slightly less on the secret and quiet side and more on the famous and busy side. OTC serves as a base for young people looking for a place to start or end their night in Bonifacio Global City. Found inside a sophisticated neighbourhood cafe called Frank & Deans. Just look out for their red telephone booth. The popularity of this cool new speakeasy is growing fast among the social set, check it out for beers, cocktails and live DJs spinning till early hours.
Where? Frank and Dean G/F Forbes Town Centre, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City
Prohibition Liquor Lounge
The Greenbelt 3 restaurant Dillingers has a little secret tucked away. Prohibition Liquor Lounge is an intimate and exclusive VIP liquor lounge, inspired by the mystery and glamour of the underground partying spots during the 1920's Prohibition era. Find the red fire escape door that states "alarm will sound if door is opened". This will be your guide to the main entrance but don't worry no alarms will go off! The lounge offers classic cocktails and parties that happen almost everyday.
Where? 3rd floor, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center Makati (Inside Dillingers)
Bank Bar
For good reason, this is one of the most talked about secret bars in Manila. Bank Bar can be found at the RCBC Building in Bonifacio Global City. Look for the convenience store 7-elven where you will find a secret door, or in fact look for the bouncer guarding it. Walk through some storage and there you are. This high end, top shelf drinking den has world class service and gorgeous interior.
Where? G/F, RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, 26th and 25th Street, Taguig (through 7-Eleven)
Mandalay Whisky
Fancy some Whisky? Hidden inside a closet at the back of the busy pub, Belle and Dragon is a trendy bar offering the best selection of exquisite and rare whiskies in Manila. If you're not a whisky drinker then not to worry, they also serve specially crafted cocktails that use top quality liquors and ingredients.
Where? 100 Carlos Palanca St., Legazpi Village Makati (Inside Belle and Dragon)
The Curator
More widely famous in Manila for amazing coffee during the day, behind the minimalist design of the coffee shop, The Curator also has a little secret door leading into its speakeasy bar offering great cocktails from fine ingredients and craft beer. They also offer a light menu of pastries and sandwiches. The Curator was named as one of Asia’s Best Bars in 2018.
Where? 134 Legaspi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati
Hotel Bar
This elusive bar is tucked away inside Pinks at Shangri-La at the Fort. You'll enjoy it's intimate table settings and dim lighting in a well designed space with great high-end drinks.
Where? Inside Pink's Hot Dogs, Shangri-La at the Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
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