Bar-hopper’s bucket list: 14 Speakeasies around Metro Manila to hunt down

Often hailed as Manila’s oldest and truest speakeasy, The Blind Pig is a no-frills establishment you won’t find on social media. Since 2011, the hidden bar has been known for its exceptional cocktails and warm hospitality, a concept fashioned after the legendary Milk & Honey speakeasy in New York. Though the team bid farewell to their Salcedo St. address in December of 2023, you now find them at 163 Legazpi Street, not too far away.

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The Back Room at Shangri-La the Fort, Manila immediately transports you to the Prohibition era with its sophisticated, masculine interiors. While gin may be their speciality—they even carry their own signature gin, Bee’s Knees, which showcases local ingredients like dalandan and sampaguita—you can rest assured that any tipple you request will be one worth craving time and again. Be sure to check out their delicious bar chow, too.

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Tucked away within Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Alabang is Alibi, a sleek speakeasy that requires a secret keycode (which changes frequently) to enter. Discover an intriguing portfolio of signature cocktails like The Peat, Meat and Greet, garnished with a strip of bacon and encased in a smoke-filled glass box, or witness the bartenders whip up their perfect rendition of the classics.

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All out of your favourite bottle of vodka, tequila, or gin? Consider stopping by The Attic: a quirky, inviting speakeasy hidden inside a liquor store. The youthful cocktail bar recently extended its opening hours and is now open as early as 4pm on weekends. Try out their signature drinks like the clarified Negroni, and be on the lookout as they gear up to reveal their second menu, launching soon.

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Although hidden behind the storage room of a 7-Eleven in BGC, Bank Bar is perhaps one of the best-known speakeasies throughout the metro. Managed by The Moment Group, the chic, well-appointed venue has become a popular watering hole for anything from spontaneous drinks by the bar, to catch-ups with friends, or even large-scale events. Book out The Den, their cosy private room for a more intimate affair.

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Soon after revamping Pink’s at BGC, introducing a refreshed space for Pink’s hotdog and burger shop, the Hotel Bar speakeasy, and its newest brand Pizza Sisters, The Wildflour Group took to Salcedo Village to bring that same cosy yet lively atmosphere to a new borough. Tucked in the back of this new multipurpose space, you’ll find Village Bar—a new iteration of its speakeasy, where you can expect the same commitment to quality drinks as Hotel Bar in BGC.

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Decked out in neon lights and hidden within Hoesik Bar and Lounge, The Odd Seoul is a bar within a bar thatoffers a fun selection of both cocktails and bar snacks like kimchi sour and spam fries. Find the Johnnie Walker bottle at Hoesik to experience The Odd Seoul’s electric energy for yourself.

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The next time you’re hankering for some delicious barbecue and find yourself at Vito’s BBQ at Forbestown BGC, open the white door to the right of the kitchen to reveal an intriguing staircase. Follow it up, and you’ll find Fauna, a modern cocktail bar tucked away in the busy nightlife district. Stick to classics like the martini, explore playful drinks like the Meet Your Matcha, or opt for something in between like their campfire twist on the Amaretto sour with chocolate bitters and a toasted marshmallow.

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Square One’s dedicated speakeasy, La Vie en Rose (LVR for short) has become a popular choice for laidback evenings and intimate events—and with good reason. Decorated with eclectic accents, the bar has a wealth of nooks and crannies that allow for warm conversations, with ample room to have a bit of a dance, too. Apart from the classic cocktails on the menu, LVR also offers a handful of pass-around dishes and share plates to keep you going til late.

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Come sundown, The Curator in Legazpi Village switches its gears from coffee to cocktails. Consistently hailed as the country’s number one bar by Asia’s 50 Best, The Curator team not only boasts commendable skill but passionate creativity that drives their unique cocktail menu. Browse through their booklet of signature cocktails (complete with helpful graphs that describe its flavour profiles) to find the one that suits you best, or speak to the affable bartenders who can help guide you through the process. Keep your eyes peeled for guest shifts with local and international talents, too.

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Once the “cocktails” lights flash on at Assembly Hall café, it’s time to make your way over to Here After, hidden away behind the faux admin office next door. Reminiscent of classic pubs with an inviting, lavender twist, the speakeasy is all about comfort—large cushioned booths, warm lights, and an array of both classic and reinterpreted cocktails await.

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Take a peek behind the red curtain at Nori to find Bar Good Times, a chic new speakeasy dressed in luxurious velvet, marble, and gold accents. This newest venture by F&B entrepreneur Milka Romero offers a lean but curated cocktail selection, with martinis as a central focus—but do speak with the bartender to curate your very own bespoke cocktail that best suits your mood.

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Before heading up to Ugly Duck Rooftop Bar or down to Apotheka, consider settling into Cheshire: the nightlife group’s newest concept, sandwiched between its two trendy establishments. The bar is eccentric, to say the least—the menu is presented to you through a deck of cards, with different suits signalling different flavour profiles and preferences. No matter what you choose, rest assured that you’ll be in good hands, as Pourhouse Hospitality’s Cedrick Allen Mendoza (Re Craft, Flora Gin Bar) curated the drinks list himself.

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