You deserve it.
Weekdays are hardly exciting compared to the weekend, simply because adult-ing can just be so exhausting… But you know what isn’t exhausting? Getting tons of food and drinks, of course!
Make your work week hundred times better with an after-office stopover at any of these joints. Unwind with your workmates over some comfort food before getting back to your daily routine—because let’s face it, with signature cocktails, craft beers, and crave-inducing bar chow involved, who could even say no?
Go ahead and plan that weeknight out. You know you want to.
The Curator Coffee & Cocktails – Legaspi Village
The Curator is a backdoor cafe and drinking lounge hidden inside Cyrano Wine Bar, serving handcrafted coffee all day and cocktails by night from the finest ingredients. It’s for barkadas composed of both coffee and cocktail enthusiasts. It’s not for diners looking for a hard partying scene. We recommend the Smoked Gouda Cheese Croissant, Dark Matter Theory Latte, and the Mi Amor. Our insider tip is that they don’t serve coffee after 7pm. (Plus, they were recently named one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, just like another place on this list.)
Reservations are accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
194 Legazpi Street cor. Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati
(0917) 585-9005
RM16 – Kapitolyo
RM16 is a hidden bar in the food haven that is Kapitolyo; you’ll have to find the big, red vending machine to get to the bar. It’s for those of you looking for a fun night minus the crowds and congestion that comes with Manila’s bar scene. It’s not for people looking for a casual beer and bar chow. Our insider tip: Book a table at Tittos and you’re one step closer to the bar.
No reservations accepted
View this bar
View their Instagram account
Finders Keepers – Chino Roces Ave.
Finders Keepers is an obscure warehouse lounge with an intimate long bar, curated music, crafted cocktails, draft & bottled beers and the ever-present wide selection of superb spirits. It’s for yuppies looking for a chill pre-gamer for a night at the Black Market. It’s not for people who don’t like small spaces. We recommend the Beergharitas, Tank & B, and F*k Me. Our insider tip is that it has a no-smoking policy in the warehouse, but feel free to do so outside.
No reservations accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
Warehouse 5, La Fuerza Plaza, Chino Roces Ave. corner Sabio St., San Lorenzo, Makati
(02) 403-3959
Crying Tiger Street Kitchen – Guanzon St.
Crying Tiger Street Kitchen specializes in Asian street food, specifically Thai cuisine. It’s for diners who love hole-in-the-wall experiences over some drinks. It’s not for people looking for a fancy restaurant. We recommend the Mee Goreng, Moo Ping, and the Wings Platter. Our insider tip is that the folks behind Crying Tiger are also the minds behind El Chupacabra and Senor Pollo.
No reservations accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
4986 Guanzon St., Poblacion, Makati
ABV Cocktail and Absinthe Bar – Jupiter St.
ABV or Alcohol by Volume is an underground speakeasy-style bar that’s reminiscent of the secret lounges of the 1920’s, serving signature cocktails using local and imported alcohol (some of which are even centuries old). It’s for diners looking for a secret hideout to have their cocktails. It’s not for people who want full meals and cheap drinks. We recommend the Moscow Mule, Whiskey Sour, and the Negroni. Our insider tip is when someone asks for a password, answer with ‘A glass of giggle water, please.’ (And yup, you guessed it: This is the second one to make it on Asia’s 50 Best Bars).
Reservations are accepted
View their Instagram account
Basement Level, Jupiter St. cor. Galaxy, Bel-Air, Makati
(0917) 520-1608
Sweet Ecstasy – Jupiter St.
Sweet Ecstasy used to be a hidden gem in Cubao, but it’s now one of Jupiter’s best open secrets. Their burgers are all made fresh to order on toasted brioche buns, and every patty is ground daily from 100% pure beef. It’s for diners on the hunt for the best burgers in Manila. It’s not for people looking for a salad to watch their calorie intake. We recommend the Cheeseburger, Ecstasy Fries, and their Adult Milkshakes. Our insider tip is that all their tables are for outside seating, so you’d might want to come at night to avoid the heat.
No reservations accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
10 Jupiter St. cor. Asteroid St., Bel-Air, Makati
(0916) 594-1229
Tipsy Pig Gastropub – Capitol Commons
Tipsy Pig is a man pub most popular for its signature brews and drool-worthy pub grub. It’s a venture by the same group that brought us Reserve, URBN, and Relik. It’s for after-work drinks, evening diners, and the late-night pub crawls. It’s not for people looking for a quiet study or work spot. We recommend the Vineyard Pizza, Tipsy Wings and their draft beers. Our insider tip is that they start allowing smokers inside by 10pm. (Alsp, you could now book tables at Tipsy Pig Fort).
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View all branches
View their Instagram account
Capitol Commons, Meralco Ave. cor Shaw Blvd., Oranbo District 1, Pasig
(02) 570-4620
Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings – City Golf Plaza
If you’re the cheap-beer-and-buffalo-wings type of guy (or girl), then without a doubt, Frankie’s is your best bet. It’s a local joint that boasts of serving the biggest wings in town, serving up 11 unique and carefully crafted flavors. It’s for people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. It’s not for people looking for a wide menu selection outside of wings. We recommend the Garlic Parmesan, the Carribean Jerk and Hickory Barbecue. Our insider tip is that their mild spicy wings are not mild at all so careful with your choice of spice level.
Reservations are accepted
View the full menu
View their Instagram account
G/F City Golf Plaza, Doña Julia Vargas Ave., Ugong, Pasig
(02) 687-1250
Blind Pig – Legaspi Village
Blind Pig is a speakeasy with a 1920s vibe, serving finger food and signature cocktails concocted by bartenders trained by Milk & Honey Member’s Club of New York and London. It’s for people who prefer quiet, intimate bars. It’s not for those looking for full meals. We recommend the Shepherd’s Pie, Smokey Old Bastard, and the Goldrush. Our insider tip is to come prepared with your own specific cocktail cravings and get the Bartender’s Choice; your servers will be ready to create a drink especially for you, right on the spot.
Reservations are accepted
View the full menu
227 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati
(02) 478-6990
Rue Bourbon – Eastwood
Rue Bourbon, a New Orleans themed restaurant, is most popular for their beverage menu ranging from plain beer to mixed drinks. It’s for yuppies looking for some solid comfort food and generous servings of beer. It’s not for diners who want a dainty little cocktail. We recommend the Caramel Beer, Baby Back Ribs, and the Seafood Bayou. Our insider tip is to challenge your coworkers by ordering their Jaegermeister, which comes in a huge-ass tumbler.
View menu
View all branches
View their Instagram account
Eastwood City Walk, Orchard Road, Bagumbayan, Quezon City
(02) 570-0984
Can’t wait ’til Friday to finally take that much-needed binge? Start planning your night out and add these restaurants to your ‘Must Try’ List on the Booky app! There, you could access all their complete menus and contact details, and even directions which you’ll find extra handy for some of the more hidden bars and restaurants.
Don’t forget to show us your post-work adventures by tagging us on Instagram @bookyapp and by using the hashtag #bookymanila!
The food and drinks will be so worth it; never mind that you need to wake up at 6am the next day.
