Cubao Expo in Quezon City
Checking out mall after mall in Metro Manila on the weekends can get boring. If you want to go someplace artsy without leaving the metro, you can’t go wrong with this lifestyle hub in Quezon City.
Cubao Expo – or Cubao X –Â has indie cafes, specialty restaurants, and vintage stores that can reignite your creativity. To guide you on your next weekend out, here are 15 cafes, restaurants, and shops you can find at Cubao Expo.
What is Cubao Expo?
Cubao Expo in Quezon City was formerly known as Marikina Shoe Expo.
Back in the 70’s, it was a space where local shoemakers showcased their handmade, leather products.
Today, the compound is filled with hole-in-the-wall restos, cafes, and bars, as well as specialty stores you won’t see anywhere else in the Metro.
What is Cubao Expo famous for?
Cubao Expo is known as a hipster haven, with dining spots with unique themes and shops selling rare vintage and retro items.
One of the most popular spots within the hub is the Filipino fusion restaurant Habanero Kitchen + Bar. Many also visit the area to try their hand at pottery in Bumi and Ashe.
But besides these, there are more amazing spots waiting to be discovered within this vibrant space.
– Cubao X restaurants and cafes –
1. INT.Bar / EXT.Cafe – cafe with a movie-themed speakeasy
Image adapted from: Pauline Cueto via Google Maps, @jtgarcia23 via Instagram
INT.Bar / EXT.Cafe‘s facade is a quaint, industrial-inspired cafe in Cubao X. Here, you can get coffee & blackcurrant and coffee & orange for unique takes on coffee with berry and citrus notes (P180, ~USD3.19).
Image credit:Â @intbar.extcafe via Instagram
Behind the cafe, you’ll find a mysterious photo booth that’s actually a door to a speakeasy. This hidden bar serves movie-inspired cocktails (from P250, ~USD4.43), including a peach-infused drink aptly named Parasite, after the 2019 Korean film.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: 9am-12am, Daily
Contact: 0917 853 3726 | FacebookÂ
2. Habanero Kitchen + Bar – elevated Filipino fare
Image credit: Gem via Google Maps
Habanero Kitchen + Bar is arguably the most popular restaurant at Cubao Expo.
In particular, it’s known for its elevated takes on classic, Filipino fare. Some of the crowd favorites from this restaurant are their oyster sisig (P395, ~USD7.00) and lechon Habanero (from P955, ~USD16.93).
Image credit: @hangryfamloves via Instagram
If you’re looking for something light, get their three-cheese pizza (P498, ~USD8.83) which comes with a unique, housemade mango-chili sauce.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-10pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 0977 206 5489 | Facebook
3. The Brewman Coffee – strong coffee blends
Image credit: @kape.lovers.club via Instagram
If you’re looking for a caffeine kick to wake you up from last night’s partying, head to The Brewman Coffee and get one of their espresso-based drinks (from P130, ~USD2.30).
Image credit: @thebrewmancoffee via Instagram
The staff are knowledgeable about their coffee offerings so they can recommend a blend that suits your taste.
The rustic-style cafe also lets you borrow books, card games, and board games, which adds to its cozy vibe.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-9pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 0917 828 4849 | Instagram
4. Ichiban Takoyaki – authentic takoyaki made by a Japanese
Image credit: R N via Google Maps
For a light snack, you’ll find Japanese street food from Ichiban Takoyaki a delightful treat.
Image credit: Image credit: @karaon.ph via Instagram
They serve takoyaki (from P70/3 pieces) with real octopus bits. The taste is authentic to Osaka, made by a Japanese from the city.
The shop also sells other Japanenese meals and snacks as well as local beer to go with these.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 3.30pm-12am | Sundays 2pm-11pm
Contact: 0977 216 1093 | Facebook
5. Fred’s Revolucion – dive bar serving local craft beer
Image credit: @badonget via Instagram
Fred’s Revolucion is a dive bar in Cubao Expo with eclectic, rustic interiors.
This drinking spot is best known for refreshing Pinatubo craft beers (from P180, ~USD3.19) and Boondocks Brewing ales (P130, ~USD2.30).
Image credit: Albert Balbutin Jr. via Google Maps
They also serve a variety of beer pairings. Get their flavorful tapang ramo (P298, ~USD5.28) – dried pork made from wild pig meat.
Pro-tip: To enjoy their beers, food, and ambiance, get there before peak hours to snag the best seats.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: 3pm-2am, Daily
Contact: 0910 969 6720Â | Facebook
6. Bellini’s – authentic Italian cuisine
Image credit: 윤준경 via Google Maps
Among the highly raved Cubao X restaurants is Bellini’s serves a variety of Italian food offerings, which of course includes pasta (from P380, ~USD6.74). To sample as many types of the dish, you can get a platter with 4 kinds.
Image credit: Rex Rosario via Google Maps
Its interior will make you feel like you’re on a vacation in Italy, with paintings on the wall of iconic attractions. There’s even a painting on the ceiling inspired by the iconic Michaelangelo painting at the Sistine Chapel.
The Italian owner is also often at the location to serve customers himself, giving it a family restaurant vibe.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: 10am-9.30pm, Daily
Contact: (02) 8913 2550 |Instagram
7. Best Of Luck – hawker-inspired Chinese restaurant
Image credit: @jei.peg via Instagram
There’s no need to fly overseas for the hawker experience. Best of Luck, one of the newest Cubao X restaurants, provides just that, with aesthetics that are reminiscent of neon-lit Hong Kong dining spots.
Image credit: @mikhiatto via Instagram
This resto serves Cantonese and Chinese-Filipino dishes, including the classic, crowd-favorite dim sum. However, don’t miss out on their other specialties such as the braised beef tendon dry noodles (P288, ~USD5.09) – flavorful noodles with melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef.
Best Of Luck also boasts creative takes on booze. Happy Milkboy (P218, ~USD3.85) infuses the popular Chinese milk drink Wang Wang and the flavor of White Rabbit candy with soju.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: Instagram
– Shops in Cubao Expo –
8. Bumi and Ashe – cute, handmade ceramics
Image credit: @bumi.and.ashe via Instagram
For those who want to explore a new hobby during weekends, visit Bumi and Ashe at Cubao Expo.
This pottery studio offers pottery and hand-building classes from P3,200 (~USD56.74). Occasionally, they also host other workshops such as rug tufting.
Image credit: @bumi.and.ashe via Instagram
If you just want new decor, the shop also sells ready-made ceramics that’ll add loads of cuteness to your space.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: website
9. Katha Lifestyle Store + Cafe – zero-waste store-slash-cafe
Image credit: @itsericago via Instagram
If you’re looking to switch to sustainable products, check out Katha Lifestyle Store + Cafe.
They sell locally made, small-batch, and eco-friendly products, from shampoo bars to loose-leaf teas to pickles.
Image credit: @jelatorralba via Instagram
This Cubao Expo shop is also a cafe. For something unique, try their ube-flavored coffee, Liham for P150 (~USD2.66). Besides coffee, they also serve a limited selection of pastries per day, including eclairs.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Wed-Sat 2pm-8pm (Closed on Sundays to Tuesdays)
Contact: Facebook
10. My Breathing Space – sells unique knick-knacks
Image credit: @mbscollectibles via Instagram
Going inside My Breathing Space at Cubao Expo is like entering an emporium in a fantasy novel.
Image credit: MY BREATHING SPACE via Facebook
The shop has an expansive variety of knick-knacks, perfect for those who love the maximalist aesthetic and all things eccentric.
They have everything from vintage pop culture collectibles to one-of-a-kind home decor, including pieces that some people may find creepy. But look around the shop carefully and you might just find the item that completes your collection.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat 12pm-5pm (Closed on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays)
Contact: 0917 880 1347 | Facebook
11. Vinyl Dump – vinyl thrift store
Image credit: Google Maps
If you want to start collecting records, head to Vinyl Dump for affordable options.
They sell vintage records from the 60s to the 90s for as low as P300 (~USD5.32). Their vinyl collection includes different music genres, from Frank Sinatra to Duran Duran.
Image credit: Vinyl DUMP Thrift Store via Facebook
The thrift shop also has other nostalgic 90s items such as CDs, toys, comic books, and cameras.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Contact: 0926 755 2755 | Facebook
12. The Twelfth House – local streetwear brand’s flagship store
Image credit: @jcobmanalo via Instagram
The Twelfth House is a local streetwear brand that calls Cubao Expo its home.
Besides their own apparel (from P700, ~USD12.41), the shop carries items from other local streetwear brands. These brands include The Starving Artist, Tenement, and Sober Kids.
Image credit: @thetwelfthhouse via Instagram
The shop also has a cafe where you can enjoy a cup of coffee after browsing through their selections. It’s relatively quieter than other cafes at Cubao Expo, making it the ideal place to do some work on weekdays.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Sun, Tue-Thu 11am-9pm | Fri-Sat 11am-9.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: website
13. Kick Engines Skate Shop – skateboarding gear
Image credit: @kickengines via Instagram
Get your skateboarding gear from Kick Engines Skate Shop at Cubao Expo.
Here, you’ll find skate and longboards with a variety of designs. The shop also carries other skate supplies, including wheels, knee pads, and gloves.
Image credit: @kickengines via Instagram
It’s a good place to shop as a beginner. The staff are knowledgeable about skate gear and are always ready to help customers.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-8pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 0966 358 8142 | website
14. Dudeparetoys – pop culture collectibles
Image credit: @dudeparetoys via Instagram
Head to Dudeparetoys for more collectibles from currently popular shows and more.
They have Marvel and DC figures in and out of their original boxes. If you’re not a Western comic and action film enthusiast, they also carry anime, K-pop, and NBA merchandise. They even have Smiskis and other Pop Mart blind boxes.
Image credit: Dudeparetoys via Facebook
This collectible store has something for you, whether you’re a fan on a budget or out to splurge on rare items.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm-8pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 0919 002 0361 | FacebookÂ
15. The Grey Market – sells a wide variety of vintage and retro items
Image credit: @thegreymarketvintage via Instagram
The Grey Market is a haven for old souls who love repping vintage and retro items.
Snag cool finds such as Ray Bans and classic Omega and Seiko watches that never go out of style. They’ve got a bunch of vintage cameras too, and if you’re into collecting odds and ends, there are typewriters and old radios waiting to be scooped up.
Image credit: @thegreymarketvintage via Instagram
If you’re looking to add rare furniture pieces to add to your space, The Grey Market also offers chairs and various kitchenware that can be great conversation starters.
Address: 3 Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours:Â Tue-Sun 4pm-12am (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 0917 816 4614 | Facebook
How do I get to Cubao Expo?
Cubao Expo in Quezon City is accessible both by train and by bus.
If you’re taking the MRT, simply disembark at Araneta Center-Cubao Station. From there, it only takes a 13-minute stroll to reach the compound.
If you opt for the EDSA Carousel bus route, you can alight at the North Avenue bus stop and then hop on the MRT to Araneta Center-Cubao Station. This route cuts down your walking time to Cubao Expo compared to riding the EDSA Carousel all the way to the Main Avenue bus stop.
Explore the artistic hub that is Cubao Expo
You don’t have to move from place to place to enjoy many indie dining spots and shops in the metro. At Cubao Expo, you’ll discover all of your new favorite spots all in one place.
For more vintage items, check out this list of vintage and retro shops in Metro Manila. Or to explore a different neighborhood, read this list of things to do in Intramuros.
Cover image adapted from:@jcobmanalo via Instagram, @itsericago via Instagram, @bumi.and.ashe via Instagram, @badonget via Instagram
Article originally posted on 31 May 2023, updated on 5 April 2024.