There is quite a number of nightlife destinations partyphiles and casual drinkers frequent all around the city. But certain rooftop bars and sky lounges provide a distinct ambience and spectacular view of the cityscape—helping one to take a breather from life’s pressures every once in a while. Feel recharged and alive at some of these sky lounges and rooftop bars, where the cuisines are one thing and the view another.

1. Buddha-Bar Manila

Tatler Asia

Picar Place, Kalayaan Avenue, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City, +632.856.7822 

If in search for Asian fusion music, oriental atmosphere, and a rooftop lounge, Budddha-Bar Manila is the place to be. The popular global restaurant brand boasts opulent interiors inspired by Asian temples and offers nouvelle cuisine inspired by Asian flair. Every now and then, DJs from other Buddha-Bars around the world perform music of subtle mixture of captivating Electro-Ethnic rhythms and tribal sounds.  Start off the meal with its signature appetiser, the Pink Lady signature maki, and later have a relaxing time at the wide-open space rooftop lounge. Make sure to try the Asian Sling, which is Sake and Cherry Herring with other interesting mixes, and the signature drink Heart of Darkness, which is a mix of red grapes, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, vodka, port, and Sprite. 

Read More: Buddha-Bar Manila’s Executive Bar Manager Mathias Giroud showcased his artistic ingenuity through cocktail painting

2. Straight Up

Tatler Asia

Seda BGC Hotel, 30th Street corner 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, +632.945.8888 

Following a modern design concept where guests can either lounge indoors or enjoy the cool evening breeze on the outdoor deck, Straight Up offers the best of both. Savour great drinks and 21st century lounge music while taking in a stunning view of the city. Straight Up offers diners Western and Asian bar chow, Barbecue buffet, and Italian aperi buffet. Before partyphiles are ensue club hopping, they may go “straight up” to Seda to prep the nerves. Straight Up offers a wide selection of local beers, mocktails, cocktails, and wines for all to enjoy.

3. Sky Deck View Bar

Tatler Asia

The Bayleaf Hotel, Muralla corner Victoria Streets, Intramuros, +632.318.5000

Have a 360-degree view of the city and be mesmerised as the towering skyscrapers serve as backdrop for the streets of old Manila. The rooftop bar of The Bayleaf hotel is designed with cushioned rattan couches, evoking a beach setting, and colonial-styled walls and stairs for a nostalgic ambience. Enjoy a plate of tapas with unlimited local beers at happy hour that extends until 9:30 PM and enjoy live band acoustic music every Fridays and Saturdays.

Read More: An Epicurean's Guide to Intramuros

4. Black Sheep (Permanently Closed)

Tatler Asia

Penthouse at W Fifth Avenue, 32nd Street cor. 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, +632.478.4498

A relaxed setting downplays the rustic interiors of Bar by Black Sheep, which offers a variety of vintage house bottles of Spanish, Australian, French, and Italian wines. As Black Sheep occupies the penthouse of W Tower, it is a refuge for the cosmopolitan people and a place to enjoy one of over 120 single malt brands from the Scottish isles to the Japanese coasts. Spice things up with its artisan cocktails made from premium-based liquor and whole fresh fruits, and enjoy signature dishes like the Bahay Kubo salad or foie gras rocherwhile dining at the exclusive circular enclave in the mezzanine—The Sky—that scans the room and its chic clientele.

5. Vask (Now 'Gallery by Chele') 

Tatler Asia

5/F Clipp Centre, 4th Avenue corner 39th street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, +632.217.6563

Good food meets good art at the lounge area of Vask. At Curve, one may enjoy an array of caviar and champagne selections, as well as exciting Spanish dishes by the chef J. Luis Gonzalez, like the foie gras on mango toast or the Australian wagyu carpaccio with Parmesan ice cream. The cool interiors of Curve complement well the classic cocktail cuisine of the restaurant, and the same goes at The Deck, which is the lounge extension of the main dining room. At The Deck, enjoy signature tapas and pintxos while having a sip of some of cava.     

Read More: Introducing Gallery by Chele

6. Vyne (Permanently Closed)

Tatler Asia

8/F W Global Building, 9th Avenue corner 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

This boutique restaurant and freestyle tapas bar offers a unique dining experience as good food meets contemporary art. From the founders of Hyve club comes a boutique restaurant extension that offers a wide variety of Mediterranean fare as well as a vast selection of wines and spirits. The interiors are adorned with contemporary modernism as graffiti-lined walls welcome guests. Vyne’s unique personality makes it a good place to hang out and chill after a long day. 

7. Hyve (Permanently Closed)

Tatler Asia

8/F W Global Building, 9th Avenue corner 30th street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, +63917.633.5882

We move to our rundown of lounge and clubs for partyphiles by starting off with Hyve, which is just right beside Vyne. Boasting sleek and elegant interiors, the boutique nightclub is a favourite nightspot for the young to gather and mingle. Hyve offers premium bottle service as well as an impressive roster of resident DJs, both local and foreign. Enjoy world fusion culinary fare and a variety of House, EDM, Electro, Top 40s and Hip Hop music.

8. Raven (Permanently Closed)

Tatler Asia

W Fifth Building, 5th Avenue corner 32nd Street, BGC Taguig, +63917.807.1111

If done savouring Black Sheep’s exceptional cuisine and you are searching for the nearest place to keep the spirits up, the Raven Bourtique Club is just a few walks away. With its state-of-the-art interiors, the two-level club is one of the newest favourite destinations in Manila’s nightlife jungle. The music is a mix of Top 40s, House, and Hip Hop. Guests are provided with their own personal concierge as they indulge in artisanal cocktails and premium bottle service. Take note of the tables modified with USB charging stations and hidden cabinets for personal valuables.

9. VU’s Sky Lounge and Bar 

Tatler Asia

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila Meralco Avenue and Sapphire St., Ortigas Centre, Pasig City, +632.720.7777

The first sky bar and lounge in Ortigas offers guests the beauty of the cityscape with its 180-degree view, sumptuous Mediterranean tapas, and indulgent cocktails, wines, and spirits. Have a sip of VU’s finest cocktails like Psyche, a gin-based cocktail with tropical flavour hints, and Eros, the sweet and sexy Midori liquor-based drink inspired by the winged Greek god of Love.

Read More: Here's a list of must-try drinks at VU's Sky Lounge and Bar

10. 71 Gramercy (Permanently Closed)

Tatler Asia

The Gramercy Residences, Kalayaan Avenue Corner Salamanca St., Century City, Makati, +63.9178094093

Topping our list is of course the highest of them all. The 71 Gramercy is a favourite destination of bar-hoppers because of mixologist Tim Walters’ concoctions and by club-goers because of its exciting themed nights and DJ acts. Have a glass of Don’t Jump Julep, which is a mix of sweet pineapple with fragrant mint mixed with whiskey. Definitely it takes drinkers to new heights of flavour and sensation just as high as the skyscraper is known for. Another signature drink you may not want to miss is the LuzOn High, which is a mixture of strawberries and basil topped with sparkling white wine. 

“What’s interesting is that nightlife is the barometer for how well the country’s economy is doing. If bars are doing well, that means people have much money to spend. That goes well in the country’s picture,” GP Reyes, one of the co-owners of 71 Gramercy and other known nightclubs, said. “For me you have to own the right to party. Work hard, party hard.” 

More From Tatler: GP Reyes talks about 71 Gramercy

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