The Prohibition Era is long gone but the trend of speakeasy bars continue to thrive. Speakeasy bars were illicit businesses in America in the 1920’s but its concept has since been mimicked up until today.
There’s been a noticeable growth of speakeasy bars in Manila in recent years and while most of the more popular ones are located in Makati and BGC, there are notable establishments worth paying a visit to in other parts of the capital. You just gotta know where to look.
Here are hidden bars outside BGC and Makati:
Three Little Pigs – Kapitolyo
12 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City
Three Little Pigs is located on the second storey of a pig-themed restaurant. Its quaint, quiet vibe will be right up your alley if you enjoy an intimate atmosphere and dislike the loud and crowded bars. Order a Whiskey Sour or two and take photos of their Instagrammable interiors.
Thirsty Barber – San Juan
G/F Promenade Building, Wilson St., cor P. Guevarra St., Addition Hills, San Juan
Behind a barbershop would probably not be the first place you think of when looking for a place to have a drink but the team behind Felipe & Sons thought “Why not?”. As soon as the clock strikes 6pm, the bar behind the barbershop opens and the party begins. After a fresh haircut, grab a cocktail or two
RM16 – Kapitolyo
Tittos Latin BBQ & Brew, 16 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig
Somewhere inside Tittos Latin BBQ & Brew, there’s a Coca-cola door that leads you to another place called RM16. The bar is inspired by the Eiffel Tower but the cocktail names are Latin American. Have the Coquito and Tittos Sangria but if you want to be more adventurous, try the Spiced Berry.
Unit 6 – Mandaluyong
50 Domingo M. Guevarra, Mandaluyong
This one’s probably the newest and most unknown joint in this list as it just opened its doors recently. Located somewhere along Domingo M. Guevarra in Mandaluyong, it’s tucked behind a cafe called Tipsy Beans. We’re not going to tell you where the entrance actually is because that’s the whole fun of it, isn’t it? When you do find it, order a drink called Adios and feel right at home in the dimly-lit space with a New York mobster wall mural.
INT. Bar – Cubao Expo
Cubao Expo, General Romulo Ave., Cubao
If you find a photobooth with a red velvet curtain in Cubao Expo, that’s the entryway to INT. Bar. Step right in and make yourself comfy in this cozy, small nook. The simple and vintage furnishings will take you back in time and if you enjoy a quiet, relaxed atmosphere to just kick back and have a drink, INT. Bar will provide just that.