Manila's Bars and Lounges: Look North for Your After-office Chill

Hanging out in bars and lounges is one way of de-stressing and relaxing after a long day at the office. Since after-office hours are within the hellish rush-hour traffic window, most employees choose to let traffic pass by chilling in bars before going home.

If you think that almost all cool after-work-hour hangout places are located down south of Metro Manila, you’re mistaken. You might want to check out the suggestions below and discover new spots to go to in the North of the Metro.

If you are looking for a place to eat dinner and hangout afterwards within the heart of the metro, Brickyard is one good place to try. The restaurant’s exterior is what draws people in. The building stands out as a modern-looking house with a giant tree, lamps hanging around it, on its front yard.

Brickyard offers Filipino cuisine for dinner along with finger foods and drinks for those who want to stay a little bit longer. Every Thursday, they have live music featuring budding musicians and bands that perfectly accompany the chill and relaxed vibe of the resto. Their bestsellers include bagnet kare-kare (PhP 445) and their sets of kilawin ( PhP285-295).

Location: 40 Eugenio Lopez Drive corner Sergeant Esguerra, South Triangle, Quezon City

If you seek a more vibrant and lively after-office hangout place, Oblivion Bar and Lounge might be the one for you. They take pride in bringing upscale clubbing to the heart of Quezon City while still maintaining value for money.

Oblivion Bar and Lounge hosts parties almost every week, which they announce through their social media accounts.

Location: 104 Timog Avenue Quezon City

One of the oldest bars along Tomas Morato Avenue, Guilly’s has been home to numerous parties and events in Quezon City. With their reasonably priced food and drinks, this bar has proven itself to be one of the most stable restaurants in the area.

The bar stays true to the tradition of QC nightlife, which usually starts just after midnight. Prepare at least PhP800 for two if you plan to visit and party at Guilly’s soon!

Location: Along Tomas Morato Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City.

For those hardworking employees who still haven’t had dinner, Mario’s Kitchen is worth a visit after logging off from work. A proud Tapas (which means appetizers or snacks in Spanish cuisine) restaurant, Mario’s offers a fusion of Spanish and mild Filipino dishes. Their slate of grandiose sandwiches, or ”grandwich” as they call it, can also be ordered for takeout.

Location: Mario’s Kitchen is located at Marmico Building, 223 Katipunan Avenue Extension, Blue Ridge, Quezon City.

Publiko offers entrées and appetizers inspired by Italian cuisine, but they make it even more Filipino by setting up a menu that has a Filipino touch with their silogs and pulutans.

Aside from Italian staples like pizza and pasta, Publiko also offers an all-day breakfast set menu for those who plan to spend the night there and eat some breakfast, too. They also have a variety of good champagne and wine to choose from. The bar also offers live music every once in a while—which is great for those who wants music to cap the work week off!

Location: Eastwood Citywalk 1, Libis, Quezon City.

If there’s one word to describe the overall ambiance of this lounge, it’s going to be just “chill.” Home to breezy acoustic bands, Odyski is a typical heaven for casual drinking and hanging out, with good food and great company—your friends!

Location: People from the North can find Odyski Bar at Samson Road, South Caloocan.

Aside from being a restaurant, Alchemix can pass as a typical macho sports bar. They often host viewing parties for sports events such as boxing matches, basketball championships, and the like. They are open from 10:00 AM up until 3:00 AM, nestling customers with their good food and live music accompaniment every night.

Location: Along MacArthur Hwy, Valenzuela City.

Like the name implies, Drunkyard is beginning to be the mecca of chill night drinking in the quiet city of Malabon. With their traditional drinks named with puns, Drunkyard attracts those who want to relax and spend the night laughing out loud with friends and loved ones.

Location: Along General Luna Street, Malabon City.

If there’s one more thing people in Malabon like to do to chill, it’s having an open mic jam session—and that’s what Tey’s Dugout offers its patrons. There is nothing more fun than being in a room with people who do not know each other but can sing and laugh together.

Location: Along General Luna Street, Malabon City.

Did the bars information above make you want to learn about bartending and mixology? You can do just that by enrolling at ABV Masterclass. ABV Masterclass is “a premier bartending and mixology program for different enthusiasts from beginners to bar professionals, brought to you by some of the top bar men in the Philippines including Mr. Ken Bandivas – the Philippine’s representative in the global competition held by Diageo.”

For questions and inquiries, you may visit masterclass.abv.ph or contact Justin Qua at +63 917 790 7134.