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Nothing beats an ice-cold brew, good, greasy pulutan and awesome live performances from the country’s greatest acts. Here’s an updated list of bars where you can get your fill of all three, organized according to genre.
ALTERNATIVE/ROCK
1. 12 Monkeys
5/F Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue cor Salamanca Street, Poblacion, Makati. facebook.com/12MonkeysPH. +639175703222. 5pm-4am.
Extra plus pogi points for 12 Monkeys’ excellent sound system! Its club door charge/table reservation system may be a little foreign to the rock crowd but the quality lineup, its quality sound system and its fully stocked bar are more than enough to draw in the paying crowd.
LISTEN: Because 12 Monkeys is partly owned by people in the industry, it boasts of a weekly lineup and special one-offs that you won’t help but look forward to. Urbandub and Kamikazee have chosen 12 monkeys as the venue of their last gig, as Wolfgang and Razorback have chosen this Makati music hall for their respective reunions and landmark occasions. Up Dharma Down and Side A gigs become this truly special event that patrons and fans look forward to it as though it was the first day of Simbang Gabi.
EAT & DRINK: 12 Monkeys boasts of a well-stocked bar complete with imported beers, a list of cocktails, and an impressive wine list. Food here is something else: Chito’s Picha Pie (PHP260) is a darling favorite as the Palabok Pizza (PHP350).
2. Route 196
196-A Katipunan Ave Extension, Bgy Blue Ridge A, Quezon City. facebook.com/route196rocks. +63 2 4391972. Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri & Sat 6pm –3am
For QC residents, nothing beats Route 196 for good food and live music. Small and homey Route is your best bet if you want to catch your favorite local act but can’t convince any of your friends to ditch the latest The Walking Dead episode to hang out with you — bartenders know regulars by names, and where not seeing a familiar face is next to impossible.
LISTEN: While Route 196’s line up of bands is as diverse as Lady Gaga’s outfits, it’s most popular for hosting some of the best altrock productions like Attraction! Reaction! and the now defunct Revolver. Still, you can expect hipster darlings such as BP Valenzuela and The Ransom Collective to more raucous rock groups (Flying Ipis, Sandwich) and even poetry mashed up with live music, care of spoken word collective Words Anonymous.
EAT & DRINK: Although Route 196’s pizzas are to kill your diet for, the bar’s devilled tofu (PHP196) is one good reason for you to consider going vegetarian. It’s tofu smothered in spicy buffalo wing sauce, fried to perfection and then dipped in bleu cheese. Perfect with ice cold Pale Pilsen (PHP65).
3. SaGuijo
7612 Guijo St, Bgy San Antonio, Makati. www.saguijo.com. +63 2 8978629. Tue-Sat 6pm -2am
For 11 years now, this small bar tucked along Guijo Street in Makati has been OPM’s home this side of the metro. Most of today’s well-loved bands have gigged at SaGuijo countless times —most of us have spent our mid-20s to mid-30s dancing with wild abandon to performances from Corporate Lo-Fi, Pedicab and Techy Romantics.
LISTEN: Expect a mish-mash of the old and the new — from Gen-X favorites Blue Jean Junkies and The Purple Chickens to talented young bloods Farewell Fairweather. Producers hold special gigs regularly — watch out for Terno Recordings’ Terno Night and Play4Serve’s and Pass the Hat’s production nights.
EAT & DRINK: SaGuijo is one of the few bars wherein you can actually sit down and have a decent meal. Find yourself too early for a gig? The pork sisig (PHP265) and beef salpicao (PHP260) make excellent ulam — just add rice and you’re set! Wash it all down with a Hoegaarden (PHP180) or a Cerveza Negra (PHP80).
4. The Brewery @ The Palace
10th Avenue, cor 38th Street, Uptown Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. facebook.com/thebreweryatthepalace. +63 917 813 9429. Mon-Sun 11am–2am
Rock legend Rico Blanco is part owner, so you’re guaranteed an awesome curation of live bands and music. With industrial chic interiors and its own brewing machines, BGC’s new-kid-on-the- block lives up to its name: expect excellent micro-brewed beer that go perfectly well with the pub’s delish bar chow.
LISTEN: The Brewery’s line up of musicians run the gamut from the talented Julianne and Barbie Almalbis to crowd favorites Franco, Indio I and Up Dharma Down. If you think you’ve got the pipes (and the confidence) to sing onstage, then join the pub’s regular Acousteoke nights every Tuesday.
EAT & DRINK: The grub and beer-on-tap alone are enough reason to grab an Uber to BGC. Try their beer-infused dishes (Stout and Onion Soup, PHP220; Brewery’s Cheesecake, PHP350; Microbrewery Cheese Pizza, PHP520). Their Pilsners start at PHP180, while their IPAs at PHP220.
5. Craft Rock & Grill
Unit E Fort Entertainment Center, 5th Avenue cor 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. www.facebook.com/craftrockgrill. +63 2 8461715. 6pm–3am
The first joint in BGC to offer the work-weary yuppie a reprieve from the usual clubs that dot the complex, Craft has become a favorite of both musicians (excellent sound system, proper stage) and music fans (clean toilets and tables, good food).
LISTEN: Local music site Pinoytuner holds gigs at Craft every Monday. Expect stellar sets from old and more recent acts, including singer/songwriter Aia de Leon, hard rock outfit Tempestuous Jones and blues group The Roborats.
EAT & DRINK: Craft’s popular buffalo wings (PHP355) and nachos (PHP345) have been getting mixed reviews. So, best to just settle for a cold brewskie (Pale Pilsen, PHP75; imported beers PHP150) and enjoy the music instead.
BLUES AND JAZZ
6. Tago
#14 Main Ave, Cubao, Quezon City; facebook.com/TAGO-Jazz-Cafe; +63 922 357 5869. 9pm til late
Back in the day, the only place you could listen to decent live jazz without sacrificing a week’s pay for drinks was at once-a-year Fete dela Musique. Well, thank the souls of Jaco Pastorius, BB King and Ornette Coleman that drummer Nelson Gonzales decided to convert his grandma’s house into what is now Tago Jazz Café. That it’s not some swanky posh pub in Makati or BGC is a huge plus — there’s nothing, really, like listening to Pete Canzon’s sweet sax runs or JR Oca’s funky guitars in an unpretentious, intimate setting.
LISTEN: You won’t hear Kenny G covers or elevator music at Tago. If you’re new to the genre, be prepared to be schooled about the different colors and nuances of jazz from regulars Pete Canzon, swing bop group Rey Infante Trio and jazz guitarist Tim Cada, among others. If you’d rather join the fray than just sit and listen, head over to Tago on open-jam Sundays, highlighted by Swingster Syndicate. Warning, though: Bon Jovi or Guns ‘N Roses covers aren’t allowed.
EAT & DRINK: Think the music’s great—wait ‘till you try their kebab (PHP175) or their thin-crust pizzas (from Php280). Beer? Even cheaper than a pack of smokes at PHP55.
7. Pete’s Place Music Room
19 E. Quirino St, South Admiral Village, Parañaque City; facebook.com/petesplacemusicroom; Fridays, 9pm–2am
Southerners don’t have to make the long commute to Cubao just to get their jazz fix. Every Friday, Pete Lapeña transforms his music room into a cozy dive perfect for musicians to trade blues and jazz chops, gossip and a couple of beers. Mind you, the music room-cum-bar is still in a home, so everything is self-service. What Pete’s Place can guarantee you, though, is good live music.
LISTEN: There are no set bands or groups who perform regularly at Pete’s Place. Drummers, guitarists, keyboardists, horn players and singers drop by at different times Friday evenings just to jam, talk and well, drink. Expect extended jams of songs that cross genres — from blues, jazz, folk and rock to everything in between. Sometimes, regulars indulge their audience with some Tears for Fears, U2 or even Sting. Of course, guests are always welcome to bring their own gear and jam.
EAT & DRINK: Well, more like just “drink.” Pete’s Place Music Room doesn’t serve pulutan or fancy cocktails. Regulars like PR man Tinnie Esguerra and guitar sessionist janno Queyquep bring a bottle or two of wine, scotch or bourbon. Pale Pilsen and San Mig Light are available at PHP50 each.
8. The RoadHouse Manila Bay
SM by the Bay, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. theroadhousemanilabay.com. +63 2 836 7382, +63 2 8312719. Mon–Sun 4pm–3am
Nothing attracts a swarm of bikers more than good ole’ classic rock or blues. That blues bar The RoadHouse Manila Bay has become a favorite watering hole for Manila’s big bike aficionados should come as no surprise, then. Hell, the place even has a Bikers’ Night every Tuesday. Vintage guitars signed by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and members of Pink Floyd and band posters adorn the pub’s brick walls—a little reminiscent of Friday’s but way cooler.
LISTEN: Despite being known primarily as a blues bar, The RoadHouse also features a slew of reggae, ska and jazz bands—just to keep things a little more interesting. First place 2013 Cotai International Jazz & Blues Festival winner Bleu Rascals and jazz-blues group Brat Pack are regulars, while jazz legend Johnny Alegre, Reggae Mistress and Coffeebreak Island are often invited to play.
EAT & DRINK: Come to the area early to enjoy the iconic Manila bay sunset, then fill your tummy with The RoadHouse’s Beef and Chicken Haba Haba Burger (PHP675), and eight-inch bread roll stuffed with meats, veggies and other fillings. Local beers go for PHP115 a bottle—pricey, yes—but at least you don’t have to pay a steep cover charge to listen to some of the country’s best jazz and blues acts.
9. Balete at Kamias
175 Kamias Road, Quezon City. facebook.com/BaleteAtKamias. +63 917 756 5708, +63 2 218 2298. 7pm onwards
It’s hard to imagine that a 19-piece ensemble, their instruments and music stands can fit in a space equivalent to that of a small studio apartment. But AMP Big Band, headed by musical director and composer Mel Villena, manage to do just that at Balete at Kamias every other Monday — and still have enough leg room to stand up and groove to their own tunes. This house-turned-bar, located at a dimly lit corner of Kamias Avenue, serves great music and good food in huge doses. It definitely is worth checking out.
LISTEN: AMP Big Band, comprised of multi-awarded instrumentalists, hits Balete at Kamias’ stage every other Monday, playing intoxicating medleys of jazzed up OPM besides the standard jazz fare. Often, ska singer Skarlet and Mel Villena himself take on vocal duties. Don’t be surprised if Bituin Escalante—a Balete at Kamias regular—suddenly takes the stage in jeans and a plain shirt. Some nights, you may be even be lucky enough to catch a classical guitar, mandolin or even celtic harp set from local music veterans.
EAT & DRINK: Regulars love Balete’s Beef Salpicao (PHP375) which they boast is from imported Australian beef. The boneless chicken wings (PHP250) are also super popular. Beer is a tad pricey for Quezon City standards: PHP75 a bottle. So Balete staff high recommend you go for a bucket of six which will set you back for only PHP325.
POP & UNPLUGGED
10. Zili Nasi Goreng
Unit ‘I’ 2nd floor Realms Mansion, Vista Verde Avenue, Vista Verde Executive Village, Cainta, Rizal. facebook.com/zilieatery. Mon-Thurs & Sun 6pm–2am, Fri–Sat 6pm-4am
Owned by erstwhile Kamikazee guitarist Jomal Linao and his wife, singer/songwriter Reyg, Zili was first and foremost a restaurant specializing in Malaysia cuisine before it became a weekend musical hub featuring unplugged performances from the likes of Lougee Basabas (Mojofly), Ria Bautista (Paramita) and Silent Sanctuary.
LISTEN: At Zili, acoustic has become kick-ass again. Talata, Jomal and Reyj’s pop rock group, acoustic duo Julie and Cai, and singer/songwriter Ramiru Mataro headline most weekend nights. Sometimes, Saguio and Route 196 regulars (Read Between the Lions, Datu’s Tribe, The Chongkeys, for instance) strip down to play acoustic sets.
EAT & DRINK: Most claim that Zili’s nasi goreng kampung (PHP95) is the spiciest in the city. Besides Malaysian fare, Zili also offers bar staples lechon kawali and garlic mushrooms. A must try is their Salted Egg Chicken (PHP175). Wash that all down with an ice cold beer they serve by the bucket (starts PHP250 for four bottles plus an appetizer).
11. Z Hostel Roofdeck
5660 Don Pedro St, Makati City. zhostel.com. +63 927 965 2692. 8pm til late
Z Hostel redefined the term “budget accommodation” when it opened early 2015. With hip, modern interiors, and well-appointed private rooms and dorms, the boutique hostel has become top-of-choice accommodations for budget-conscious travelers. Its roof deck has also become a favorite hang-out spot for those who want to enjoy the remaining hours of daylight sipping cocktails while listening to chill-out tunes from both DJs and acoustic performers.
LISTEN: Although local and international DJs entertain crowds during weeknights, you can catch intimate performances from blues artist Hoochie Coochie Mikkie, singer Mico Valera or R&B singer/guitarist Gio Levy at Z Hostel Roofdeck’s weekly Sunday Slowdown.
EAT & DRINK: Curb your munchies with pork adobo flakes (PHP140) or chicken isaw (PHP30). Local beers (even Brew Kettle, which some bars charge a premium for) is only PHP75. You are expected to clean up after you eat or drink, so be mindful of where you leave your trash and beer bottles. Z Hostel Roofdeck is also a cashless establishment. You preload an RFID bracelet with any amount and use this to pay for food and drinks—insurance against the inebriated who (conveniently) forget to pay their bills. Smart!
12. Strumm’s
Jupiter Street, Makati City. facebook.com/strummsmakati. +63 2 895 4636, +63 2 890 1054. Mon–Sun 5pm–1am
Strumm’s has been around even before most of you were even born—and it still remains a favorite spot for both musicians and music fans alike. Strumm’s is where you go to get your fill of the most popular songs from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. It’s the place to swing by for when you need to party like it was 1999 and/or when you want current pop hits to wash your stresses away.
LISTEN: Live performances from veteran top acts Juan Miguel Salvador and The Authority (Thursdays), Mulatto (Saturdays), and Bloomfields (Fridays) prove that some of the best pop and rock songs hark from the forgotten eras of bell-bottom pants and spandex tights. Strumm’s changes pace during Wednesdays, when talented blues acts Brat Pack and Blue Rats take the stage.
EAT & DRINK: Strumm’s charges PHP350 per person from Monday to Thursday and PHP400 per person during weekends. The amount is consumable, so you can go ahead and stuff your face with crunchy squid heads (PHP258) and still have enough left over for a bottle of local beer (PHP105).
SPOKEN WORD
13. Sev’s Café
Basement, Legaspi Tower, Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila. facebook.com/sevscafe. +63 2 239 2327. Mon–Fri, 7am–9pm
The last time we remember enjoying watching talented people read their own poetry aloud was in the long-defunct Sanctum in Intramuros. Spoken word is now making its long-awaited revival in the city, and Sev’s Café (owned by veteran journalist Howie Severino and his wife) is one of the first of many bars who are starting to welcome Manila’s new breed of poets with open arms.
LISTEN: Before he was “Rico” in the teleserye On the Wings of Love, Juan Miguel Severo was already making the rounds at the local spoken word scene. He is regular performer at Sev’s, along with fellow Words Anonymous members Louise Meets, M Manese and Roch Lazarte. Sev’s also features performances from the members of Comedy Manila and Antrosininglaya Theatre Company.
EAT & DRINK: Sev’s has interesting twists on traditional Filipino dishes—its chicken adobo (PHP200) is made sour with green mangoes, while the bistek Tagalog (PHP200) is cooked in pesto. Pale Pilsen and San Mig Light are PHP60 each, and a bottle of Red Horse will set you back PHP75.
14. Staple and Perk Bakery
Ecoplaza Bldg, 2306 Pasong Tamo Ext, Pasay City. facebook.com/StapleAndPerkBakery. +63 2 925 1122. 24/7
Besides its mouthwatering breakfast sets and to-die-for breads and pastries, people have started flocking to Staple and Perk Bakery to catch open mic sessions, magic shows, live musical performances and—get this—live readings of comedic erotica. Good food, chic interiors and interesting events—it’s no wonder the spacious, two-floor French-style bakery is now one of the more popular hangouts south-side of Metro Manila.
LISTEN: Whether you’re aching to laugh your heart out to something other than late-night TV shows or want a little more magic in your life, Staple and Perk can deliver. Events run the gamut from performances from improv comedy troupe SPIT and awesome mind fuckery from “mental assassin” Justin Piñon to erotic literature reading from Deus Sex Machina, the city’s first erotica live reading show.
EAT & DRINK: Staple and Perk can satisfy your breakfast, lunch and dinner cravings. Their Bacon & Cheese French Fries (PHP200) or Bacon, Cheese and Black Pepper Cream Pizza (PHP200) go well with San Mig Light (PHP60).
15. Bunk
Jovan Bldg, Shaw Boulevard cor Samat Street, Mandaluyong; facebook.com/bunkph. Tue-Sun 6pm-3am
Watch the sun set over Mandaluyong, ice-cold beer in hand while listening to people bare their souls onstage at Bunk, a rooftop lounge-cum-art gallery. The über laidback vibe of this hidden gem (it’s on the roofdeck of a residential/commercial building) makes hanging out at Bunk feel like you’re part of a hip community in say, Berlin or Williamsburg.
LISTEN: Words Anoymous, a spoken word collective, and Comedy Cartel regularly hold performances at Bunk. Acoustic nights are also held often, with performances from artists such as Basti Artadi, Kettle Mata and Paola Mauricio.
EAT & DRINK: Bunk’s food menu is limited to the usual bar chow — pizzanitas (PHP250), liempo (PHP 180 with either rice or fritters) and sizzling sisig (PHP180), among other pulutan. Local beers are PHP 45 each with the exception of local craft brew Juan Brew Pale Ale (PHP140).
ELECTRONICA AND HIP-HOP
16. Black Market
Warehouse 5, La Fuerza Plaza, Chino Roces Avenue cor Sabio Sreet, San Lorenzo, Makati City. facebook.com/blackmarketmnl. +63 917 829 4162 / +632 403 5019. Wed- Sat, 9pm–4am
The brainchild of the minds behind B-Side, Black Market is your go-to haven for everything house, electronica, hip-hop and dubstep. Party and dance like it’s the end of the world in Black Market’s main room or Mad Den and then catch your breath (and a curated cocktail) at Finders Keepers, the speakeasy right next to it.
LISTEN/DANCE: The styles and subgenres of electronica today is almost as wide, diverse and extensive as jazz. Black Market rotates a slew of international and local DJs who are experts in their own genres to particular nights such as Bad Decision Wednesdays, The Drop Fridays, and Durrty Hotdog on Saturday.
EAT & DRINK: No grub, here only your choice of poison! (If you get the munchies, you can always head out to Joe’s Meat Shack, a food truck right in front of Black Market). Start off with a vodka tonic (PHP200) or a whiskey coke (PHP180), then wind down with a bottle of San Mig Light (PHP120).
17. Time in Manila
7840 Makati Ave, Makati. facebook.com/TimeinManila. +63 2 5198903. Mon-Sat, 11pm–8am
No wussy EDM is allowed here—ever. Time in Manila is one of the few bars in the city that strictly enforces a “no EDM” policy. What guests get is pure, unadulterated underground house and techno music—great for releasing all that pent up aggression and stress on the dance floor. Or, you can choose to carry conversations with friends in Time’s third floor—an outdoor roofdeck area.
LISTEN/DANCE: Deep house, drum & bass, techno and trance are on heavy rotation, depending on the evening’s DJs. Expect to hear Time’s resident DJs Alinep and Martin Lugtu most nights, with guest international and local DJs making special appearances.
EAT & DRINK: Our moms always remind us to wait at least an hour after eating a heavy meal before any form of physical activity. So, you’d better have had your dinner before heading here. A shot of liquid courage (Patron Silver) will set you back PHP450, while a bottle of Red Horse costs PHP140.
18. Today X Future
7-T Gen Malvar St, Cubao, Araneta Center, Quezon City. facebook.com/todayxfuture. +63 928 5209102. Tue-Sun 5pm–3am
Today X Future used to be a bar…with live performances from the country’s hottest bands. Now, it’s sometimes a bar, often a dance club, Today X Future is your top-of-mind choice if you want Makati- or BGC-quality DJ sets without paying Makati or BGC prices.
LISTEN/DANCE/WATCH: Each night is a surprise at Today x Future. Local DJs redefine popular genres with their own unique spins (see what we did there)? One night, you could be dancing to “sunshine pop” and “sexy house”, other nights might find you zoning out to mixes from Red-I and Joee & I.
EAT & DRINK: Feed your inner glutton without the guilt with Today x Future’s Tofu Sisig (PHP160) or Spicy Tofu Cigars (PHP110). A bottle of Pale Pilsen or San Mig Light costs PHP65 — not exactly QC’s most affordable place to get smashed. But you at least can always get drunk on the music.
Headline photo: Neil Kenneth Sael/Bunk Facebook; others, from the establishments respective Facebook pages
