Beyond Poblacion: Where to Go Next for Good Eats and Great Drinks
Looking to switch things up on the weekend? Here are some places to keep in mind
While Manila’s bustling nightlife is constantly on the move, there’s no denying that Poblacion in Makati has become somewhat of a fail-safe spot for the drink n’ dine. Bet on it that each weekend, those looking for good eats and great drinks flock to places like El Chupacabra, Pura Vida, Nokal, Ebi 10 and The Wild Poppy with a new and exciting establishment joining the roster every other year.
Just to break the Poblacion streak, though, here’s to venturing away from the Makati neighborhood for a hot second to see what else is out there. For a change of pace, alternative places you can get a bite to eat and grab a drink or two (or three) in:
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Lágrima: the best new Mexican joint in town that’s out to make tacos great again.
What to help yourself to here: the signature carnitas and carne asada street tacos, of course, which you could also trade for Lágrima’s crunchy tacos. Wash everything down with choice cocktails like Lagrima’s Cup and the Sunrise Twist.
Address: Ground Level BSA Mansion, 108 Benavidez Street, Legaspi Village, Makati
Phone Number: (2) 808 5019
Operating Hours: 12NN to 10PM daily
Stay Connected: Facebook and Instagram
Bank Bar: an extraordinary speakeasy tucked behind a run-of-the-mill convenience store storage room.
The bar items to check off your drinks-to-try list: the Mariang Bastos (Don Papa & Don Papa 10 Rums, Orgeat, Cointreau, citrus mix, Island Bitters, overproof rum float, cinnamon and a cherry), Pink Slip (Blanco Tequila, local sea salt, raspberry, barrel-aged apple cider vinegar, grapefruit juice, cucumber, crushed pink peppercorns), and Pinay Colada (Tanduay, Don Papa & Very Old Captain, mango Tang, chocolate mole bitters, grapefruit, citrus-honey meringue, a pineapple leaf and rose petal dust).
Address: G/F, RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, 26th and 25th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Phone Numbers: (917) 857 0852, (2) 801 4862
Operating Hours: 5PM to 2AM from Monday through Friday, 8PM to 3AM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays
Stay Connected: Facebook and Instagram
Made Nice: the restaurant reboot of 2019.
First, perhaps the Agnolotti or pan-seared Foie Gras. Then, some short rib or the Tagliolini. And finally, how about that milk chocolate cake and dulce de leche topped with malt ice cream?
Address: Ground Level Joya Lofts & Tower, Plaza Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati
Phone Number: (917) 183 NICE (6423)
Operating Hours: 12NN to 3PM and 6PM to 10PM daily
Stay Connected: Facebook and Instagram
At Three Little Pigs, alcohol is public enemy no. 1...and they have lots of it.
Must-try cocktails include: the Gin Basil Smash (a blend of gin, sugar, lemon and basil), the Clover Club (gin, raspberry syrup, lemon, dry vermouth, egg white) and the Old Fashioned (Bourbon, sugar and angostura bitters).
Address: 2/F 12 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig
Phone Number: (917) 317 7705
Operating Hours: 7PM to 1AM Monday through Thursday, 7PM to 2AM on Fridays and Saturdays
Stay Connected: Facebook and Instagram
Hotel Bar: the bar behind the hotdog stand.
Perfect for after-work unwinding with just the drinks to go with hotdogs from Pink’s. We hear the Calamansi Mojito’s a crowd-pleaser (you can’t go wrong with their extensive beer selection either).
Address: Ground Floor, Shangri-La at the Fort, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Phone Number: (2) 772 1147
Operating Hours: 5PM to 2.30AM daily
Stay Connected: Facebook and Instagram
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How’s that for a weekend plan palate cleanser?
