Find out where to go for the best city views, breezy outdoor escapes and chic spots that are sure to have you sipping and toasting all night long. Here are the country's top bars for 2018—from upbeat to laid back; large scale to intimate

1. CURATOR

Tatler Asia

This speakeasy is located in Legaspi Village, at the back of a little coffee shop. The coffee shop is simple, and understated, so to find this hidden gem is quite a pleasant surprise. The dimly-lit, small, homey space has concrete walls, wooden tables, shelves packed with books and, of course, top-notch cocktails. The cocktail menu is very innovative with whimsical descriptions of their many one-of-a-kind concoctions—each one very captivating and entertaining. The award-winning bar does not promise a wild night of dancing but instead offers relaxation, quality drinks, and a comforting ambience, making its guests feel right at home. You can even pop on your own music, if you’re lucky!

2. DR. WINE

Tatler Asia

In Poblacion’s enclave where groovy bars, hipster restaurants, and boutique hotels are sprouting, Shanghai’s famous Le Bistro du Dr. Wine has found its way to the mix. The dimly-lit wine bar and restaurant exudes an inviting and sultry vibe. Dr. Wine, Vincent Landais himself, sanded the tables and the pretty hand-picked 350-year-old Machuca tiles suspended from wood panels add a unique touch. The cellar isn’t the only thing that is well-stocked. Whatever your poison is, the bar offers a plethora of liquors, spirits, and beers aside from your red or white picks.

3. BAR M

Tatler Asia

Bar M comes back bigger and better to satisfy your thirst for gin and whisky. With over a hundred gin bottles to choose from, you will be absolutely spoilt for choice! Despite being small in size, this bar feels luxurious and sophisticated with its warm lighting and gorgeous bottle-filled bar.

4. POLILYA

Tatler Asia

Polilya, which means moth in both Spanish and Filipino, is the home of Engkanto beer. The interiors of the space is relaxed, eclectic, tropical and retro with touches of Hispanic and Asian influences. A constant motif throughout Polilya is Engkanto—from the interiors, drinks, to the food. Every last detail is so thoughtful. The bar, of course, serves all fine Engkanto variants, along with signature beer cocktails, and some original classics. Bar chow-wise, you will definitely not go hungry as the oh-sotasty international nibbles are created by the chef Luis de Terry. Eighty per cent of the food and desserts are made with, yes, Engkanto beer! Here you’ll find From beer battered fish and chips, Hainanese chicken nuggets, gambas, nachos, fried jalapeños, burgers, to a great apple pie—there is something delicious to hit all your cravings!

5. THE SOCIAL ON EBRO

Tatler Asia

This find is casual, urban, easy-going, no frills and a lot of fun. The Social on Ebro is an outdoor, two-storey bar, which features re-purposed container cars that now serve as food and drinks stalls. It looks very much like a food park except that there are only two food options. The Social wanted the energy and look of a food park but with carefully curated offerings. Try casual food finds like Kashmir and Crosta, both are easy to munch on as you sip your favourite beers. The environment at The Social welcomes celebrations, collaborations, and creativity. In fact, there are artist spaces and murals on the wall, one of which is by our Gen T lister Eduardo Herrera Zobel. They also host retail pop-ups throughout the year, to promote local businesses. The colourful container cars, murals, hanging lights, and tapestry add a vibrant energy to the now cosmopolitan and bustling Poblacion area.

6. 20:20

Tatler Asia

The cement, high-ceilinged, metal interiors with floor-to-ceiling glass windows evoke an industrial, urban, and eclectic vibe. As you enter the glass doors, you are greeted by the bar that is stocked with a large variety of beverages—including moonshine! You’ll even notice graphic t-shirts and mementos from travels around the world. Behind, is a small dance floor beside the DJ booth and an elevated wooden platform where long tables are situated for grabbing drinks with friends and eating their oh so delectable food offerings by the chef Mico Uy . Aside from the communal table set-up, there are also outdoor patio-esque furniture, all of which are underneath exposed lamps that hang from the ceiling, changing in brightness levels. The walls are painted with artistic murals, giving the space a more trendy and underground feel. Try the popcorn with manchego and chorizo, pork belly tacos or the curry pizza to go with your favourite drinks! The music is not what you’d find at your typical bar nowadays, it is more of an eclectic underground mix of throwbacks funk, disco, and indie hits.

7. ABV

Tatler Asia

The acronym for Alcohol by Volume, this speakeasy can be found underground, inside Lazy Bastard behind an old elevator-style door. Push your way in and find this charming haunt. ABV has become known for a quality drinking experience and beverages created by top-notch, award-winning bartenders. Customers can indulge in time-tested classics or give innovative new mixes a sip. If you’re looking for food, you will find American-French fare that is sure to hit the spot, including delightful hotdogs.

8. BANK BAR

Tatler Asia

This is the ideal place to go to when bringing foreigner guests around in the Philippines. Making your way through a 7-11 convenience store is sure to throw you off but push your way past the exit sign, go through the stock room and find yourself inside the high-ceilinged, trendy treasure of a speakeasy that is Bank Bar. Eccentric and playful images are beamed onto the large white walls while patrons mill about the dimly-lit intimate space. Bank Bar is complete with plush seating and a mirror backed bar that is equipped to create any drink of your preference. This joint is perfect for a night out with close friends and is a great place to make new ones, too. As the night goes on and you’ve grooved enough to their lively sounds, don’t miss out on The Moment Group’s all-time favourite food offerings.

9. LIT

Tatler Asia

Lit is small, intimate, and dedicated to serving you the best Japanese whiskies. Come here for a more sophisticated, curated, and refined experience, away from loud music and large crowds as they only allow around 25 people at a time. You will feel fully taken care of. At Lit, you will be able to choose from a vast selection of Japanese whiskies, classic cocktails, and custom creations, too. Their concoction of Old Fashioned is unique in that they replace the traditional sugar cube with muscavado—a very interesting twist. Come here to clear your mind after work for a nice post-dinner tipple.

10. YES PLEASE

Tatler Asia

At The Palace complex you will find no distinct signs save for a long metal staircase, which leads you to Yes Please. Amidst this large, pulsing, nightlife complex, Yes Please offers a more laidback alternative. Instead of a nightclub, this hot spot welcomes its patrons into a living room environment decorated with sofas, coffee, tables, and even a foosball table. The interiors harken to a Brooklyn-esque, lower Manhattan vibe, with graffiti and cartoon sketches on the red brick walls. Yes Please channels a 90’s-2000’s energy as it more often than not blasts classics from these eras along with remixed bossa nova, disco, and funk. Get ready for some seriously good drinks and delicious food options personally conceptualised by its foodie proprietors.

11. MANDALAY

Tatler Asia

No one would expect that tucked away inside the Belle and Dragon sports bar that you would find a luxe, orientalthemed, whisky and cigar speakeasy. Much like a Narnia fairy tale, stepping through a wooden wardrobe located at the back of Belle and Dragon transports you to a hidden bar inspired by an “opium den.” Settle into the quaint pockets of Mandalay with friends. This high-end smoking lounge is ornately designed, featuring gorgeous brown leather and wood, with gold and red accents. Treasures from 19th-century travels and East Asian artefacts are spotted throughout Mandalay. Sit back in a comfortable lounge chair and enjoy an expansive whisky and cigar menu or one of their many original cocktails.

12. MATHILDE

Tatler Asia

Think of Mathilde as Poblacion’s neighbourhood living room—literally, it looks as if you are in someone’s home. Mathilde’s clean white walls mixed with an eclectic mix of sofas, chairs, and lamps create a bohemian, unpretentious, and easy-going ambience. This trendy bar has its hipster charm and a set of regulars in their twenties and early thirties. Aside from a large selection of cocktails, and even moonshine, give their brick-oven pizza and bar chow a try, too!

13. OTO

Tatler Asia

Its name means sound in Japanese. Aside from the bar’s commitment to providing exquisite food and drinks, its owners are also avid music lovers. The vinyl record collection on the wall, from which you can choose from, is a dead giveaway. The space is small, retro, and very intimate, with the music corner taking central focus. In fact it is intended to be a music space, meant for a community of music aficionados and lovers to share the experience together. Its black and cream striped walls are accented with wood (including a wood-panelled ceiling), which render excellent acoustics. The bar is fully prepared to offer high-end drinks while the kitchen churns out incredible bar chow and full meals. Try their chicken and waffles, steak, foie gras and delicate desserts, too! Oto is a great hideaway, perfect for a more chill night with a scotch, Paloma (a twist on a margarita), or whisky sour in hand.

14. ANTIDOTE

Tatler Asia

This new rooftop bar is one of the best that we’ve seen. Its multi-layered design, filled with terraces, vertical gardens, intimate nooks, comfortable seating areas and views to die for make it a must-visit. This is the highest rooftop bar in Manila with 360-degree views of the city. Sit back and watch the sunset while sipping on innovative premium cocktails. Not only are their cocktails top-notch, but so is  their worldly food selection. There are endless Instragrammable locations with overwhelmingly beautiful views, and so much space that you’ll never feel cramped.

15. RAGING BULL CHOPHOUSE & BAR

Tatler Asia

Decked in rich brown and red leather, dark wood, gold accents and an art deco motif, Raging Bull’s interiors were inspired by ‘50s Manhattan. The hanging gold metal light fixtures at the entrance add a beautiful texture to the ceiling, while their bookshelf, filled with a colourful array of books adds a homey touch to this classy joint. The black and white stripped pattern on the floor, bold light detailing, upscale leather diner-style booths, and rattan-backed seats create a posh ambience. Aside from some of the city’s best steaks, Raging Bull is also known for exquisite drinks. Their house cocktails are detail-oriented, thoughtful, made with fine liquor, and by creative minds—prepare to be impressed! An elegant backlit wooden and mirror bar with red leather stools adds to the whole establishment’s elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.

16. 1824 DISCOVERY

Tatler Asia

This quiet, dim, and relaxing bar celebrates a beloved classic: whisky. It is, in fact, named after the year single malt distilleries were granted their first licenses. There is a vast selection of scotch, European, Japanese, and Chinese whiskies for you to choose from, as well as an excellent selection of cocktails. Look no further as you can light up a cigar inside 1824! Before doing so, browse through an extensive menu containing the best cigars from around the world. Pair your drink with a gourmet dish to complete a great night out. Separate yourself from the city’s hustle and unwind in this sophisticated escape at Discovery Primea.

17. LONG BAR (RAFFLES MAKATI)

Tatler Asia

In this dim, high-ceilinged, East Asianinspired bar you will find mounds of peanut shells that have been tossed on the floor. This tradition is very much associated with the original Long Bar at Raffles Singapore where it was customary to munch on peanuts and chuck the shells over your shoulder! The tropical, laid-back atmosphere is well-decorated with cream-coloured shutters and warm accents. Try their signature Makati Luxury Sling. You can often find live performances and an easy-going crowd.

18. BAR ROUGE

Tatler Asia

As the sound of jazz permeates the air, simply unwind and enjoy your favourite single malts and quality cigars. Take this moment for yourself and luxuriate in a bar that was designed to take your mind off of work—ideal for a travelling businessman or woman. New World Makati promises drinks that pack a punch, designed by their brilliant bartenders. Try cocktails infused with imaginative ingredients, one is even reminiscent of a breakfast  meal. If you are looking to get a little bit more ‘jazzed up’ you can book their private room for party.

19. THE BAR (PENINSULA MANILA)

Tatler Asia

Ideal for smokers and cigar lovers, its Asian-inspired interiors, dark wooden bar and shutters, blue and white tiled walls, paired with dim lighting are very relaxing and soothing. Vintage artefacts from worldly travels, as well as vintage black and white photography decorate the walls. A more mature crowd frequents this niche cigar bar, which is perfect for after work drinks. Try the Martinez, an aromatic and citrusy concoction made of Tanqueray No.10, Maraschino Cherrie, Martini Rosso, and Angostura bitters.

20. BAR 27

Tatler Asia

Check out BAR 27 for some killer views and inventive (27) signature cocktails. You’ll get to listen to live music and DJ’s spinning while you and your friends chill out to a  wraparound view of the Manila nightscape.Try their selection of premium jamons, and their many tasty dishes that are perfect for sharing throughout the night.

21. MIRÈIO (RAFFLES MAKATI)

Tatler Asia

With a terrace like Mirèio’s, who wouldn’t want to sit back with a drink or two! Cocktail hour while the sun sets does not get any better! Soak up the stunning view of the Makati business district skyline while enjoying some fine Provençal cuisine. This classy outdoor spot has a wide terrace with dim lighting, where you are to enjoy the luxury of space! This stylish spot has an excellent wine list and a healthy selection of your favourite cocktails. Listen to lounge music, with your drink of choice in hand, surrounded by an inimitable view and great company.

Topics