2017 is coming to a close, and it means one thing: stress. It’s that time of the year when young professionals work twice as hard finish the year strong. This chaotic grind makes some want to wish they’re in college again, hanging out with friends in their favorite tambayan (hangout) where they can eat and drink their hearts out while listening to some good music.
We can’t ever go back in time, but we can always revisit it. If you’re feeling nostalgic or just looking for a new place to de-stress, check out this list of bars and cafés that serve good food and great music.
1. Conspiracy Garden Cafe
59 Visayas Ave., Quezon City
Monday – Saturday, 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Ebe Dancel gracing the stage of Conspiracy Garden Café (Images: L, @andrewphiebie; R, Sinjin Barney Zafe)
Hidden in the heart of Quezon City is home-turned-café Conspiracy Garden Café. It’s a cozy and relaxing place that supports the local arts scene by featuring works of various artists. These artworks aside, the real treat is in the amazing live performances. Artists like Ebe Dancel, Noel Cabangon, and Joey Ayala frequent the place and serenade the audience with their songs. Conspiracy Garden Café also hosts spoken word poetry nights that showcase artists who will make you feel intense emotions with their words.
You can view the schedule of live performances on their website and call in for a reservation so you’ll be guaranteed a seat.
2. Craft Rock & Grill
Unit E Fort Entertainment Center, 5th Avenue cor 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Monday – Sunday, 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Trinidad Band rocking Craft Rock & Grill (Images: L, @triplesccc; R, Amherst Ureiqn)
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is known for its night life and clubs that blast the latest hip-hop music and EDMs, but if you’re into rock and roll, head to Craft Rock & Grill. This pub is known for its wide offering of beers and tasty bar chow. As for the live performances, the place takes a diverse approach. It features artists that play music from various genres—from glam rock, to acoustic beats, to alternative rock.
Parking is available at the restaurant and you can also call in advance for seat reservation.
3. 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub
El Pueblo, Ortigas, Pasig City
Mondays – Saturdays, 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Itching to see Franco? You might catch him at 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub. (Images: L, 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub’s Facebook Page; R, Jovel Llanza)
12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub might be intimidating on the outside and even on the inside with its swanky interiors, but the music and food makes it worthy to visit for a night out. Although it may be pricier here compared to the usual tambayan, the place offers good food that makes listening to the live bands more enjoyable. Some of the acts that frequent the place include Moonstar 88, Silent Sanctuary, and South Border. Aside from live bands, 12 Monkeys also hosts Rockeoke Nights, where diners take the stage.
It is recommended to call for reservations as the place is usually packed. The bar has a parking space and valet parking.
4. Saguijo Cafe + Bar Events
7612 Guijo, San Antonio Village, Makati
Tuesdays – Saturdays, 7:30 PM to 2:00 AM
Indie band Artestole ripping their instruments at SaGuijo Café + Bar Events (Images: L, @saguijobar; R, @gc2r)
If you’re into a no-frills kind of music, then you’re more than welcome to jam at SaGuijo Café + Bar Events . Entering the place will make you feel like you are in an underground secret music scene with acts that are either unsigned by major labels or are unheard of. If you’re big into music and not on the popularity factor, you’ll certainly enjoy the performances. Still, some well-known bands have graced SaGuijo, such as Autotelic and Chicosci. Upstairs, the café also houses a gallery that features various local artists.
Reservation isn’t necessary. Parking is limited so best not bring a car.
5. Route 196
196-A Katipunan Ave. Extension, Blue Ridge A Quezon City
Tuesday – Thursday, 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM; Friday - Saturday, 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM
You might feel like a college kid again at Route 196. (Images: L, Christine Joy Sy; R, Kean Cipriano)
Route 196 will literally make you feel like you’re in college again as their regular customers consist of students in nearby schools. Here, you can enjoy both indie and mainstream live bands that produce different kinds of music. Some frequent performers include Barbie Almalbis, Hilera, and the Itchyworms. Be sure to come early though as seating in the bar is limited and it tends to be filled up fast (unless of course you’re fine listening to your favorite band standing up).
Parking is limited so best not to bring your car.
6. 19 East
Kilometer 19, East Service Road, San Dionisio, Paranaque City
Enjoy some margarita while catching the best OPM bands. (Images: L, Karren Yama; R, @teamudd)
Since it opened in 2003, 19 East has become a favorite of many music fanatics despite it being all the way in Parañaque. This is because most if not all musical icons have probably set foot here. From Jay Durias to Bamboo, many artists choose 19 East as their performance venue because of its topnotch equipment and space that could hold a couple hundreds of people. For fans, this means a great view of their favorite bands plus great food minus the hefty price of a concert ticket.
Note that the dining area and concert area are two different spots, and they’ll be charging PhP300 if you’re going to watch the live performances. You can bring a car since 19 East has ample parking space for their customers.
Check out more bars in Metro Manila or browse the Dining & Leisure category of the ShoppersGuide Directory.
Call up your friends and relive your college days or simply chill at these music spots in the Metro. Let us know in the comments which of these bars and cafés you are excited to visit.
