A night out in Metro Manila does not mean having to bump into everyone all over again in the same places in the metropolis’ party centrals! Whether one is simply sick and tired of the same nightlife crowd, or wanting a little adventure, these 8 spots in the City of Manila are worth a visit on a Friday or Saturday night!
Sky Deck (Bayleaf Hotel)
Dining al fresco has never been chicer than at Bayleaf Hotel’s rooftop bar. Located in Intramuros, this sleek spot offers not only excellent cuisine but also an expansive view of Manila and its environs. That’s two birds in one go! The roomy rooftop bar can accommodate large groups of friends, but its intimate feel is also ideal for a meet up with a special someone in the group. This is the place to go to wine and dine; the capacious menu is complemented by a wide selection of European wine and other spirits, ready to cater to all senses and appetites.
Tambayan Gastrobar
Sometimes there is no better gimik than a food trip to the tune of great OPM bands. This hangout situated in Malate is a great place to simply chill and dine with friends. Portions here are really designed for sharing; even the drinks can be bought by the bottle. Try this especially on a more casual evening or en route to another spot!
Cowboy Grill
Also located in Malate, this dining spot is a stone’s throw away from the sights and sounds of Remedios Circle. Its hearty cuisine makes it an excellent choice for pre-gaming or lining one’s stomach before partying hard. Must-haves include crowd favorites such as pizza and grilled seafood. To have the best of all worlds, try this place’s sampler platters!
G Point Smorgasbord and Bar
The truly adventurous group of friends should definitely stop by this restaurant in Ermita. Its eclectic menu features local and international cuisines, as well as a wide selection of liquors and spirits. European, South Asian, and Southeast Asian foods can be found in the extensive buffet. The alcohol selection is just as cosmopolitan. There is surely something to suit all tastes and appetites in this bucolic casual dining establishment.
Silong Restobar
Ermita has no shortage of great places to eat and chill, as evidenced by this popular place on Maria Orosa Street. Silong Restobar offers many time-honored comfort foods and pica pica dishes great for sharing after a long week at work. With these and a bucket of cold beers on hand, a relaxed and easygoing weekend gimik is made.
Acustica Bistro & Lounge
Sometimes a quieter night is in order, with dimmed lights, soft music and a mellow ambiance. The chill atmosphere at Acustica exemplifies this, making it perfect for decompressing in the aftermath of crunch times, deadlines, and other troubles. Another bonus of this place is that it is located in Sampaloc, far from most of the weekend crowd. This makes it perfect for those who are aiming to not see and be seen.
Oarhouse Pub
One mainstay in the Manila nightlife scene is the Oarhouse Pub located in Malate. This cozy establishment has a great repertoire of spirits and cocktails, with the perfect finger food accompaniments as well. Although this is not exactly a place for fine dining, it is the best place to kick back with drinks and excellent conversation.
Tap Station
Newbies and connoisseurs of microbreweries and craft beers will definitely enjoy this bar in Ermita. One thing not to be missed is the “beer flight”, which requires the quick consumption of six different hand-crafted beers. The sporty ambiance of the establishment also adds to the fun of the experience of sampling and perhaps comparing favorite beer selections.
Although Manila is not the first place one may think of when it comes to partying and dancing the night away, this old city offers a wide variety of places to go with family and friends. After all, this place was the nightlife central before Metro Manila expanded beyond Intramuros and its suburbs. Hopefully, this list has provided more options for the upcoming weekend. Have fun!
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