The 10 best bars that opened in 2024

Location: Salcedo Village, Makati City

In 2022, Micah Cabral and Dimitri Roleda became the Philippines’ first Japanese wine importer and distributor, introducing the country to a colourful range of grapes, terroir, and winemakers previously unexplored. It didn’t take long for open-minded drinkers to fall in love with their selections. Soon, their wines (and ciders!) became highly favoured—a highlight at pop-ups, shops like Mitsukoshi Fresh, and even restaurants across the city.

Fast forward to July 2024, and the couple has finally opened the doors to their quaint 4-seater bar, the Good Morning Wines Shop. The interiors are cosy and stipped back, which allows three important features to shine through: their curated selection of wines and the sincerity of their hospitality. Step into the space to sample their featured wines available by the glass, or go all-in with their tasting flight to appreciate the nuances of each pour.

Tatler Tip: Although they can accommodate more than four guests, the Good Morning Wines Shop is a space best for intimate groups for the most immersive experience.

Read more: Kanpai! Read why Japan is the newest “it” region for wines

Location: Siargao Island

Known for its idyllic beaches and great surf, Siargao has become a favourable food and nightlife destination with establishments such as Cev, Manu, Roots, and many others inspiring travellers to make the trip to General Luna. One of the island’s latest attractions takes the form of a vibrant cocktail bar, with owner and bar manager Jesse Qi heading the operation. Drawing from his time at Anvil Bar & Refuge in Texas, USA (a famed bar regarded as a Houston institution), Last Chance is an American-style cocktail bar with local sensibilities, offering a slew of classic, familiar cocktails that utilise local ingredients both creatively and sustainably. Anvil’s Bobby Heugel, who many cite as a pioneer in Houston’s thriving cocktail scene, also joins in on the fun, albeit still based in the US. While still in its early days, Last Chance has become a fast favourite on the island, and we’re eager to see what the team holds up their sleeves.

Location: Cebu City

Push past the wall of lockers within Eat& restaurant to find The Lost Unicorn, a new speakeasy specialising in Korean-inspired cocktails. Their signature drinks utilise Korean ingredients in playful and unexpected ways, delivering creative yet approachable twists on familiar flavours—take the banana milk, a milk-washed cocktail of dark rum, Jeju mandarin black tea, spiced syrup, and yoghurt. For a more refreshing pick, consider the omija: their spin on the gin and tonic, with omija berry, aloe vera, lemon, and parmesan foam. Since opening back in April, The Lost Unicorn has also hosted bar takeovers by some of Manila’s most popular watering holes like The Curator and Fat Cat, and even played host to Alice Cheongdam all the way from Seoul.

See also: The future of cocktails is fine-drinking: How Zest, Seoul is forging new definitions of sustainability

Location: BGC, Taguig City

Over recent years, the integration of retaining with F&B has sprouted a slew of lifestyle concepts that marry shopping with restaurants, cafés, and bars. The Atmos Philippines flagship store is a prime example, partnering with Yardstick Coffee to present the Otaku Room: a beverage space on the shop’s second floor serving coffee by day and cocktails by night. The Otaku Room pays homage to Atmos’s Japanese heritage from design to flavour—the timeless interiors are reminiscent of kissatens and listening bars, while the menu features Japanese coffee beans and Japanese-inspired cocktails like the matcha sour and miso old fashioned.

Location: Comuna, Makati City

Palm Tree Abbey is no stranger to the local beverage scene—since 2016, the team has been brewing beers, with a particular focus on Belgian styles, saisons, and sours. But 2024 marked an exciting step for the brand as they opened the doors to their brewery and taproom at Comuna. Designed as a space for friends to gather over delicious beer (and non-alcoholic kombucha for those who seek it), the taproom is laid-back and inviting, tempting passersby to stop by for a drink or two. The beers are as local as you can get, brewed right on-site, and pair perfectly with their selection of bar chow, including German sausages.

More from Tatler: How the Tatler Best of Asia Takeover Series shines a light on Asia’s greatest talents

Location: The Corner House, San Juan City

If there’s one bar in San Juan City that’s got everyone talking, it’s Raion—and that comes as no surprise, with Kate Osmillo running the show. Before opening Raion, Osmillo was found behind the bar at Oto as bar manager and even took home the gold at competitions such as the Glenfiddich World’s Most Experimental Bartender Competition 2019 and Don Papa Cocktail Competition 2017. Together with head bartender Shinichi Itoh, the tandem offers “cocktails for the curious made by the curious”, honouring the classics while flexing modern techniques and experimental flavour combinations. A fan of the gin basil smash? Try the Resurrection, a light and refreshing cocktail made with London Dry gin, lemon, basil, and aloe vera.

Related: Check out this foodie hotspot in San Juan: The Corner House

Location: Diliman, Quezon City

Nestled within the original Max’s Restaurant along Scout Tuazon, Quezon City, Ruby’s turns the spotlight to an essential figure in the brand’s storied legacy: Ruby Trota, niece to Max’s founder Maximo Gimenez. “Ruby Trota is my grandmother, my mum’s mum,” shared chief marketing officer Jim Fuentebella in an interview with Tatler. “She was the one who came up with the recipe for Max’s fried chicken.”

The intimate 21 sqm space was built in celebration of Trota, honouring not only her iconic fried chicken recipe but also the warmth and love she injected into the brand. With the help of architect Sarah Canlas, the Max’s Group has crafted a space that feels nostalgic and familiar, even on your first visit—a place that invites you to come as you are, invoking, as Canlas puts it, “a feeling of coming home to a loving house.” Created by beverage consultant Mandrake Ferrer, the lean but thoughtful menu of signature cocktails likewise draws inspiration from the brand’s history, unravelling more about the Max’s legacy with every sip.

Tatler Tip: after sampling a few of their signature cocktails, ask about their off-menu special: a milk-washed cocktail with coffee-infused Aperol, vanilla, and rum, garnished with a torched cinnamon stick.

Location: Solaire Resort North, Quezon City

After much anticipation, Solaire Resort finally welcomed guests to its newest luxury entertainment destination, Solaire Resort North in Quezon City. Among the property’s many highlights is the Skybar, a glamorous rooftop bar boasting incredible views of the city 38 storeys high. Leading the beverage programme is Melody Joy Lim, 2023 Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender champion, serving up complex and balanced cocktails such as the Sierra: an earthy yet elegant drink made with mushroom distillate, honey, lemon juice, and mushroom powder. Those after a taste of nightlife can look forward to live DJs and performances throughout the week, while those looking for some privacy may book their private room for 6 to 10 guests.

Related: What’s for dinner (or lunch) at Solaire Resort North?

Location: Salcedo Village, Makati City

The Wildflour Hospitality Group’s multi-concept space at Shangri-La the Fort, Manila has become a go-to spot for burgers, pizzas, and cocktails in BGC, housing Pink’s, Pizza Sisters, and Hotel Bar in one convenient location. In April 2024, the restaurant group launched their new home in Makati, bringing Pink’s and Pizza Sisters to Salcedo while introducing a new speakeasy: Village Bar. Though fashioned after BGC’s Hotel Bar, Village Bar provides a more homey feel, embracing the atmosphere of its new neighbourhood.

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