COCONUTS HOT SPOT—The concept of having your “local” is something that has been long overdue in Metro Manila. Why torture yourself and drive through unpredictable traffic if all you need is to go a retail shop, watch a movie or grab drinks?
Unfortunately, not a lot of neighborhoods can be like San Juan, Makati or Alabang, cities that offers a lot of options, from hole in the walls to dressy concept bars.
And that’s what makes 9th Bar really special and, hopefully, trendsetting. Caloocan people, you now have a “local” bar.
Located in the industrial neighborhood of Grace Park East, this newly opened drinks place is part of a house built in the 1950s (one of the last remaining in the area, as the lots have since been turned into industrial warehouses).
The seniors who built it are no longer around, their children have moved to other areas, and the third generation is rediscovering the charm of what used to be a residential neighborhood during the time of Elpidio Quirino—but has now largely been forgotten and neglected.
You can no longer see the sloped roof that almost touched the ground when the two-storey house was first built, but in front of it is a bar painted in brave colors of red, that can seat up to 50 guests. On top of the main door are grills that will remind you of old Manila houses. It’s a charming place, and a good example of how to give old structures a new purpose, but not change its look entirely.
There’s also an outdoor landscaped garden with a small water fountain that will make you feel right at home.
It’s a refreshing change from the string of beer gardens that line 9th Avenue, and it hopes to attract a younger set of drinkers, office workers who work nearby and looking for a place to chill before hitting the road.
There’s live music every weekend: Thurdays are New Wave nights, Fridays are alternative and R&B, and Fridays are Top 40s. On all nights, the singers take requests and guests can sing in front of the stage.
There are 20 kinds of pica-pica on offer, including the popular tanguigue kinilaw (PHP120) and grilled mussels from Malabon (PHP100/bucket). For drinks, there’s local beer and mixed drinks (gin, vodka, rum).
The bar is still on dry run, and the owners are open to seeing it take shape the way their “locals” use it. So if you’re in the neighborhood, do pop by.
9th Bar, 136 9th Avenue corner 4th Street, Grace Park East, Caloocan City; +63 2 2949698. Sun-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri & Sat 5pm-3am.
