Coffee-coffee lang (#cocol) ? Why not take it to the next level? In these concept coffee shops, you’ll get to enjoy your coffee and indulge your hobbies. The atmosphere in these cafes are perfect for eating, drinking and one-of-a-kind bonding sessions. Coffee purists might snob the sugary drinks, but they’re great for those who are looking for a heavenly dose of sweetness in a cup. Here are the ten best themed coffee shops we found in the Metro.
1. Uke Box Caffe
Uke Box is where good food meets good music. As the name suggests, their coffee shop concept is centered on the ukelele. They offer free ukelele workshops on Sundays, and they have regular open mic sessions too. What makes their coffee special? They have a selfie coffee (PHP220) where you can have your photo printed on the coffee foam. The photo is printed using edible ink, just like the ones used on pastries. Don’t forget to post on Instagram before taking a sip! 187 Village Center Euloguio Rodriguez Jr. Ave Brgy. Bagumbayan, Libis; +63 2 3747467, 9am-10pm
2. The Bunny Baker
Owned by cool couple Zach Yonzon, his wife Aila, the Bunny Baker is known for their awesome custom-made cakes with unbelievable detail. They even made a life-sized Manny Pacquiao cake and served it in one of his boxing fights. The quirky little restaurant has pretty awesome food too. Their coffee is particularly interesting because of the world-class latte art. Zach designs everything by himself using an ordinary barbecue stick. He generously accepts requests from customers, but he’s not always around the cafe, so if you can, try to check if he’s around before going. Unit 301, Hemady Square, Doña Hemady cor. E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave, Quezon City; +63 2 6504153, 7am-12mn
3. The Nook
Your letter from Hogwarts has not yet arrived up to now? Perhaps you should enjoy a mug of butterbeer while waiting! The Nook Cafe in Maginhawa is built for Potterheads. It is a quaint little shop with all sorts of references that will make Harry’s groupies smile. Their attention There is even a cupboard under the stairs! Their food and drinks are excellent. Of course their Butterbeer (PHP100) is a must-try! But their Goya-saur (PHP75) is pretty awesome too. 164 Maginhawa St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon CIty; +63 915 9743660, 1pm-10pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 1pm-7pm, Sundays
4. Books and Borders Cafe
Books and Borders Cafe is just like a cool millennial’s library, quirky and colorful. Unique selling point? They have a good collection of books and boardgames which you can borrow if you leave your ID with the staff. The food is on the pricey end, but the space is beautiful and they have really good wifi and enough sockets. Nothing of that cramped feel that coffee shops usually have. Their breakfast meals with coffee are filling. We recommend the adobo flakes with garlic rice and egg (PHP220). 281 Tomas Morato Avenue; +63 2 3751213, 8am-12mn
5. The Puzzle Cafe
The Puzzle Cafe proves the being different is okay. More than just serving good food, they want to help change misconceptions about autism by employing differently-abled chefs and servers. The Cafe has a very welcoming environment for families who live with autism. Those who want to learn about autism awareness are also very welcome. Their tiramisu waffles (PHP160) are pretty good. 1 Comets Loop, Blue Ridge B, Blue Ridge, Quezon City; +63 9175019645, 11am-9pm
6. Cafe Travel
Itching to hop on a plane with a backback and travel around the world? For days when you can’t afford a seat sale, a trip to Cafe Travel would do. It has an inspiring atmosphere that will make you want to see the world. There are nooks where you and your group can enjoy a private bonding sessions. Their honey-bread drizzled in caramel and chocolate (PHP150) is a must-try! 2nd Floor, Archer’s Nook Center, 2624 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila; +63 905 2248003. 9am-12am
7. Caffera
Caffera prides itself as the first photography-themed coffee shop in the Philippines. They took every opportunity to showcase their concept. Their drinks are served in nice tumblers resembling a camera lens. The interiors are full of camera-inspired decorations. And they gave their drinks the witty name Frapperture (starts at (PHP 130). If you’re new to the photography it’s a good environment to meet people who can help you pursue your hobby. 2/F Dona Zenona Suites, 54 Maginhawa street cor Mahusay, UP Village; +63 917 6264016, 10am-12mn
8. Satchmi Lifestyle
You won’t expect a cafe like Satchmi inside a mall as crowded as SM. Satchmi is a lifetyle shop selling turn tables and vinyl records, but they have a unique cafe concept too! Because Satchmi actually serves legit coffee, it might pass the high tastes of coffee snobs. Suprisingly, their drinks are not so expensive, a cup of slow brew is only at PHP160. 4th floor, SM Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City; +63 2 9586510, 10am-9pm
9. Perichor
Perichor found a way to make laundry exciting by coming up with a cafe-laundromat. The concept is ideal for students living around UST in Espana. The cafe has s chill and comfortable vibe, so students can do a bit of studying while their clothes are getting cleaned. Their drinks tend to be on the swet side. 954 iTower2.0 Ground Floor, Padre Campa Street, Sampaloc, Manila; +63 2 7145896, 8am-12mn
10. Ludo Boardgame Bar and Cafe
It’s all fun, games, good food and awesome drinks at Ludo. With a floor-to-ceiling shelf area full of board games,ranging from Monopoly to rare gameboards, Ludo promises a fun bonding experience basta bawal ang pikon! If you want something for your own personal use, they also sell gameboards available at their website. They have an extensive 4-page food menu. Every person who wants to play just needs to purchase a food or drink. Their salt and caramel milkshake (PHP220) is pretty good. No. 26 Scout Torillo St. Corner Scout Fuentabella,Quezon City; +63 2 7918634. Mon – Thu 4pm –12am; Sat- Sun, 12pm-12am