Gastro pubs & bars in Poblacion, Makati
The gastro pubs and bars in Poblacion, Makati are famous for social drinking and partying. The crowds in the area are often a mix of Makati’s community of expats, celebrities, and young adults who enjoy the nightlife.
If you’re looking to drink around Pob, here are some of the best pubs and bars in Poblacion that you could try out for an iconic night out.
Table of Contents
- Gastro pubs & bars in Poblacion, Makati
- What do you need to know before visiting a bar in the Philippines?
- Why is Poblacion popular?
- 1. Alamat – enjoy Filipino food and craft beer
- 2. H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant – play billiards & watch ball games
- 3. Pura Vida – dance all night at a Costa Rican reggae bar
- 4. El Chupacabra – authentic Mexican grub in Makati
- 5. Bar55 – quiet, cozy bar with exotic cocktails
- 6. Futur:st – dance club and safe space for artists & LGBTQ+ community
- 7. Filling Station – neon-lit US-style diner and bar
- 8. Antidote – rooftop bar with a great view of the Makati skyline
- 9. Run Rabbit Run – old family home turned cocktail bar
- 10. The Spirits Library – filled with rare liquor bottles and bar-related books
- 11. Dear Adam / Sweet Lucy – cafe and cocktail bar with Wi-Fi
- 12. Maillard Gastropub – hidden upscale bar with affordable drinks
- – More gastropubs and bars in Makati –
- 13. 78-45-33 – chill, jazz-themed bar
- 14. Agimat at Ugat Foraging Bar and Kitchen – inspired by local folklore
- 15. Blind Pig – hidden and lowkey speakeasy for the chill ones
- What are the alcohol laws in the Philippines?
- Bars in Poblacion, Makati to explore
What do you need to know before visiting a bar in the Philippines?
Visiting a bar in the Philippines can be quite an experience. Bars in the Philippines are lively places meant for guests who want to unwind, listen to good music, and have a great time with friends. Dress codes are usually casual, but you’re welcome to dress as you like if you plan on hitting up a more upscale bar. Do note that most places would require you to wear covered shoes.
Filipinos are generally warm and friendly, so don’t be shy to strike up conversations with different circles of people.
If you want to ensure you have a spot at a popular bar, especially on weekends or during holidays, it’s wise to book a reservation in advance. Some bars can get quite crowded, so having a reservation can save you from waiting in line.
Additionally, make sure to try out some Filipino-inspired cocktails and other local drinks such as craft beer and Lambanog.
Why is Poblacion popular?
Poblacion, Makati is a popular location in the Philippines for many reasons.
Firstly, the nightlife is electric. There are numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants that you can visit to cater to your tastes and style. From fancy cocktails to local brews, Poblacion is your go-to.
Secondly, Poblacion also offers a gastronomic adventure for anyone who visits. You can opt for street food delights and even gourmet dining experiences according to your preferences. It’s a hub for social gatherings and events, making it a hotspot for both locals and tourists alike.
So if you’re looking for a place that’s alive with energy, culture, and fun, Poblacion is where it’s at – so check out the Poblacion bars in this list.
1. Alamat – enjoy Filipino food and craft beer
The bar area of Alamat
Image credit: Alamat Filipino Cuisine via Facebook
Everything in Alamat, from its interiors to the drinks and food menu, is an homage to Filipino heritage. The bar lights bouncing off the woven nipa ceiling and other wooden furniture are a unique sight. Here, you can get different craft beers straight from the tap, so the flavors stay strong and crisp. You can order fruit-based beers and strong pilsners starting at P300 (~USD5.36).
Some of the dishes at Alamat, and the al fresco dining area.
Image adapted from: Alamat Filipino Cuisine via Facebook, Alamat Filipino Cuisine via Facebook
They also serve elevated versions of classic Filipino dishes, including binagoongan (P545, ~USD9.74), pork belly stewed in shrimp paste, and bistek (P645, ~USD11.52), beef belly in citrusy soy and red wine sauce with caramelized onions. You can also try their 10-hour sous vide pork belly BBQ, glazed with banana barbecue sauce.
Address:Â 2/F, 5666 Don Pedro, Poblacion, Makati, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Tue-Thu, Sun 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-4am (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 0917 306 2024 | Facebook
2. H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant – play billiards & watch ball games
A billiard table in H&J.
Image credit: H&J Sports Bar via Google Maps
Those who love to get into sports discussions over drinks would appreciate H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant. This bar has multiple TV screens playing different sports in every corner, so you can enjoy watching US football, basketball, baseball, and other sports while having a drink with friends or even other friendly patrons of the place.
Tables and booths inside the sports bar.
Image credit: H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant via Google Maps
You can also rent one of their billiards tables to play while enjoying your favorite liquor. The place has a decent amount of space, so it doesn’t get too cramped even during busy weekend nights. The interior is dimly lit, with cushioned wooden seats, tables, and plenty of sports memorabilia on the walls. If you’re into chill drinking nights, this your next go-to place.
Address: 5781 Felipe, Poblacion, Makati, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 2pm-5am | Fri-Sun Open 24 hours
Contact: (02) 7954 1130 | Facebook
3. Pura Vida – dance all night at a Costa Rican reggae bar
The dance floor in Pura Vida.
Image credit: Pura Vida Manila via Facebook
Party goers love to frequent Pura Vida for the energy of the entire place— from the reggae dance mixes by seasoned DJs to occasional live bands and the crowd of like-minded people. You’ll find the bar on the second floor and go up a stairway lined with reggae posters and images, making it a favorite Instagram-worthy spot among patrons.
Costa Rican dishes with cocktails and the lower ground of Pura Vida.
Image credit: Pura Vida Manila via Facebook
Right in the heart of Pura Vida is their bar, where you can get commercial drinks, Pura Vida’s craft beer, tequila shots, and more cocktails. You can also chow down on delectable Costa Rican dishes such as Taco Ticos, a deep-fried corn tortilla filled with tender pulled pork paired with a refreshing Ceviche. This spot is right for you if you want an exciting night of partying.
Address: Ground Floor, 8456 Kalayaan Avenue cor Doña Carmen Street, Poblacion, Makati, Metro Manila
Opening hours: 2pm-2am, Daily
Contact: 0927 676 3736 | Facebook
4. El Chupacabra – authentic Mexican grub in Makati
The facade of El Chupacabra.
Image credit: El Chupacabra via Facebook
El Chupacabra is another Poblacion favorite because they serve authentic Mexican street food. They even have a local taco expert who ensures you’re getting the real deal, so don’t expect ground beef with cheese on hard shell tacos here.
Instead, you’ll have freshly made soft corn tortillas filled with either carne asada (grilled beef), carnitas (pulled pork), lengua (beef tongue), pollo (chicken), pescado (fish), camaron (shrimp), chorizo, barbacoa and tripa (intestines). Combine that with chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and a zingy fresh salsa, and you’ve got yourself a real Mexican taco right in Makati.
Tacos, margarita, and one of the many murals inside the pub.
Image credit: El Chupacabra via Facebook, Richard Fransisco via Google Maps
Our personal favorites include the chimichanga (deep-fried burrito) (P314, ~USD5.61) and carne asada taco (P165, ~USD2.95), which pairs really well with an ice-cold beer, or a couple of tequila shots.
El Chupacabra has a dive bar vibe with rustic furniture and Mexican-inspired murals. Visit this spot for authentic Mexican food, reasonably priced drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Address: 5782 Felipe Street, Makati, Metro Manila
Opening hours: 11am-11pm, Daily
Contact: (02) 7729 3358 | Facebook
5. Bar55 – quiet, cozy bar with exotic cocktails
Bar55 is the bar for you if you want an intimate hangout with some friends. According to previous reviews, the bar is filled with attentive staff, delicious snacks, and creative cocktails.
Image credit: @bar55.ph via Instagram
Past guests recommend high quality cocktails such as the Golden Flower, Tom Yummy, and Ping Pat Pong. Each cocktail is priced at P555 (~USD9.93).
They also offer bar chow such as Thai Disco Fries (P365, ~USD6.53), Crispy Calamari (P395, ~USD7.07), and Prawn Crackers & Nam Jim Sauce (P245, ~USD4.38). These will go well with your drinks of choice.
Address: 5903 Matilde, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila
Opening hours: Wed-Thu, Sun 6pm-1am | Fri-Sat 6pm-3am (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
Contact: 0977 272 6275 | Instagram
6. Futur:st – dance club and safe space for artists & LGBTQ+ community
The dance floor inside the Futur:st.
Image credit: Futur:st via Facebook
The Futur:st (Futurist) was a branch of a well-known queer speakeasy in Cubao called TodayXFuture. Nowadays, it stands alone and keeps the legacy of the artist and queer-friendly space that started in Cubao. It carries the same ambiance, highlighting eccentric artworks that change depending on which artist is on showcase.
A couple of dishes at Futur:st & their facade.
Image adapted from: Futur:st via Facebook, @futurist.ph via Instagram
When you walk into the establishment, you’ll notice the DJ booth directly next to the entrance door and a shiny disco ball spinning in the middle of the ceiling on top of a small dance floor. Limited seating on the first and second floors invites people to move around and dance to the DJ’s mixes.
For the drinks, aside from your standard pilsners, we recommend trying out the My Shirota (P300, ~USD5.36), a refreshing cocktail made of soju and Yakult, sure to fuel your dance moves and social skills all night long.
Address: 5062 Guerrero Street, Makati, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Mon–Sat, 2pm-2am | Sun 3pm-12pm
Contact: 0928 520 9102 | website
7. Filling Station – neon-lit US-style diner and bar
Filling Station in Poblacion, Makati.
Image credit: Filling Station Bar Cafe via Facebook
If you ever find yourself walking the main streets of Poblacion, you definitely wouldn’t miss the Filling Station. The theme of the diner and bar is straightforward, from the bright neon lights outside to the intentional kitschy 50s-60s US diner memorabilia filling every corner of the place.
Milkshakes and chicken & waffles.
Image credit: Filling Station Bar Cafe via Facebook
Live your Riverdale or Grease fantasies of hanging out at a diner, complete with the red cushioned booths, jukebox music player, and tall milkshakes (from P295, ~USD5.27) with the little cherry on top. You can also munch on diner classics such as loaded potato skins (P260, ~USD4.65), buffalo wings (P440, ~USD7.86), and all-day American breakfast (P440, ~USD7.86) complete with diner-style scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, hashbrown, and toast.
You can enjoy cocktails that cost from P235 (~USD4.20) per glass and P900 (~USD16.09) for a pitcher. This quirky spot in Pob is a favorite hang-out for those looking to have IG-worthy night-out photos.
Address:Â 5012 P. Burgos Street, Poblacion, Makati, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: 0917 833 7837 | Facebook
8. Antidote – rooftop bar with a great view of the Makati skyline
Bird’s eye view of Antidote.
Image credit: Antidote via Facebook
Poblacion is a stone’s throw away from the Makati central business district, giving rooftop bars like the Antidote a fantastic city skyline. This gastropub is a favorite spot for date nights because of the romantic ambiance of drinking and dining under the stars. But don’t worry if you’re single, because this spacious rooftop bar also caters to large groups and even private parties.
The view at the roof deck.
Image credit: Antidote via Facebook
Sit back and relax while enjoying the unobstructed view of the night skies with their multitude of drink options, including canned beers such as Hoegaarden (P300, ~USD5.36) and Stella Artois (P400, ~USD7.14); single shot scotch or whiskey is priced around P220 (USD3.93), and different kinds of wine starting at P1,790 (~USD31.96) per bottle.
Address: Roofdeck, I’M Hotel, 7862 Makati Avenue, Makati, Metro Manila
Operating hours: Sun-Thu 5pm-2am | Fri-Sat 6pm-3am
Contact: (02) 7755 7888 | website
9. Run Rabbit Run – old family home turned cocktail bar
Image credit: Run Rabbit Run via Facebook
If you’re looking for a place to go on a date or host quiet get-togethers, Run Rabbit Run is the bar to visit. Aside from the bar and tables, their cozy area upstairs and outdoor deck are at your disposal depending on your seating preferences.
They are also commended for their friendly and accommodating staff, chill atmosphere, and unique signature cocktails such as The Duchess (P450, ~USD8.05) and Floppy Ears (P450, ~USD8.05). And if you’re a fan of gin, you can get a custom-made gin cocktail starting at P400 (~USD7.16).
Classic cocktails and other alcoholic beverages are priced at P400 (~USD7.16) each.
Address: 4991 P. Guanzon St., Makati, 1012 Metro Manila
Opening hours: Tue-Wed 6pm-1am | Thu 6pm-2am | Fri-Sat 6pm-3am (Closed Sundays & Mondays)
Contact: 0926 986 8786 | website
Image credit: The Spirits Library via FacebookÂ
When you walk into The Spirits Library, it’ll be as if you just entered a library. Only, instead of books, you’ll be seeing tons of bottles and other bar paraphernalia on display. So if you’re into vintage aesthetics, then you’ll like going to this bar.
Image credit: The Spirits Library via FacebookÂ
Compared to the prices mentioned before, this bar offers slightly lower priced cocktail drinks ranging from P320-P390 (~USD5.73-USD6.98) each.
What’s more, you get to enjoy your drinks with a live performance happening in the background.
Address: 4963 Guerrero, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila
Opening hours: 6pm-3am, Daily
Contact: 0917 160 1162 | Facebook
11. Dear Adam / Sweet Lucy – cafe and cocktail bar with Wi-Fi
Image credit: Dear Adam / Sweet Lucy via FacebookÂ
If you’re looking for a place to chill in the day and party at night, then Dear Adam / Sweet Lucy is the place for you. It’s a cafe in the day and cocktail bar at night.
What’s more, this food spot offers a Wi-Fi service, so you can definitely work or study here if you choose to do so.
Image adapted from: Dear Adam / Sweet Lucy, Dear Adam / Sweet Lucy via FacebookÂ
From salads to pasta, their cafe offers vegan and non-vegan dishes (from P320, ~USD5.67) that’ll leave your stomach full. They also have coffee and refreshing drinks (from P90, ~USD1.59) that you can pair with your dishes.
The cocktail bar starts operating at 6pm. You can opt for dishes that are great for sharing such as the Crab Cakes (P550, ~USD9.47) and Crispy Chicken Mini Sliders (P490, ~USD8.67).
As usual, you can choose from different alcoholic beverages from cocktails to hard liquor such as tequila and blended Scotch whiskey. These drinks start at P250 (~USD4.43).
Address: 2nd Floor, 6060 R Palma, Poblacion, Makati
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-1am | Fri-Sat 11am-3am (Closed Sundays)
Contact: 0905 571 7081 | Facebook
Image credit: Maillard Gastropub via Facebook
Maillard Gastropub is one of the affordable bars in Poblacion that you can visit if you’re looking for a hidden upscale bar. According to the reviews, this place is great if you want to go somewhere with a chill and quiet ambiance that offers good food and drinks.
Image adapted from: Maillard Gastropub, Maillard Gastropub via Facebook
Not only do they offer local pica-pica dishes such as Sisig Kapampangan (P380, ~USD6.73), but they also offer fancy dishes such as USDA Angus Rib Eye (P2,800, ~USD49.57) and Roast Beef (P850, ~USD15.05).
What’s more, they possess a variety of signature cocktails from Maillard’s Mule to JR’s Concoctions priced at P395 (~USD6.99) each, affordable and able to satisfy your taste buds as claimed by previous customers.
Address: 5937 Gloria Street, corner Jacobo, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 6pm-3am (Closed Mondays)
Contact: 0917 164 1532 | Facebook
– More gastropubs and bars in Makati –
13. 78-45-33 – chill, jazz-themed bar
Image credit: O Phoomwit – PK6 via Google Maps
If you’re looking for more chill spots to drink, consider deviating from the Poblacion neighborhood and into the Makati Central Business District.
78-45-33 is a bar in Salcedo Village that not a lot of people know of, giving it an intimate vibe. It’s an audiophile’s haven too, with superb acoustics that lets you enjoy jazz music.
Image credit: Johnny Benitez via Google Maps
They mostly serve classic cocktails (from P500, ~USD8.94) but you can try their very own Zoe’s Dirty Chocolate Cream Soda, the bar’s take on New York deli soda. You can also request a custom-made drink. For some light bar chow, get their highly-raved truffle popcorn (P250, ~USD4.47).
Address: Ground Floor (rear), 44 LPL Mansions, San Agustin Street, Makati, Metro Manila
Operating hours: 4pm-1am, Daily
Contact: (02) 8567 5025 | website
14. Agimat at Ugat Foraging Bar and Kitchen – inspired by local folklore
Image credit: H AJ via Google Maps
Agimat at Ugat‘s Filipino folklore and mythology theme will make you forget that you’re in the big city.
Agimat on the second floor is a party space with a faux balete tree and folk magic symbols – you’ll think you’re in a fantasy game. Meanwhile, the first floor, Ugat, is a fine-dining space that also serves alcohol for important dealings over drinks.
Poot ni Bathala cocktail.
Image credit: Agimat at Ugat Foraging Bar and Kitchen via Facebook
Both spots serve elevated takes on Filipino fare. They also offer impressive cocktails (from P300, ~USD5.36) made with Filipino culture-inspired liqueur and spirits from their own distillery, Destileria Barako.
Address: 5972 Alfonso corner Fermina Street, Makati, Metro Manila
Operating hours: 5pm-3am, Daily
Contact: 0960 388 2024 | website
Image credit: @itsrileyme via Instagram
Blind Pig is a Makati speakeasy so hidden you’ll have a little difficulty finding it.
Inside, it’s dimly lit and quiet, perfect for self-confessed titos and titas who can no longer bear flashing lights and loud music. It’s also great for those who want to keep to themselves as the bar has a rule not to approach other parties without consulting the bartender.
Image credit: @doraemmm via Instagram
They serve unique cocktails (from P495, ~USD8.85) and you can also ask for a custom drink based on the flavors you’re craving.
Address: 227 Salcedo, Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila
Operating hours: 6pm-2am, Daily
Contact: 0917 5492264 | website
What are the alcohol laws in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, alcohol laws are taken seriously to ensure public safety and responsible drinking. Legally, you need to be at least 18 years old to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. However, there are specific regulations for stronger drinks such as liquor and spirits, where the legal age is set at 21.
It’s important to note that establishments serving alcohol comply with licensing requirements and are prohibited from selling alcohol to minors or intoxicated individuals.
Additionally, there are designated “dry days” during elections and other important events where alcohol sales may be restricted. Suffice it to say, alcohol laws are there to promote responsible drinking and create a safe environment for everyone.
Bars in Poblacion, Makati to explore
Metro Manila’s drinking and partying scene are so diverse that there are a lot of different spots you could go to depending on what you’re looking for.
Establishments, such as the pubs and bars in Poblacion above, let you enjoy the nightlife regardless if you want a chill drinking sesh, to dine on good food, or party all night long.
Explore other neighborhoods in Metro Manila and check out our guides to Cubao Expo in Quezon City and the historical walled city of Intramuros in Manila!
Cover image adapted from: Pura Vida Manila via Facebook, El Chupacabra via Facebook, and Antidote via Facebook
Article originally published by Ella Enriquez on July 2022. Last updated by Jaya Fanoga on April 2024.