Tatler Best 20: The best bars in the Philippines 2025

Step through The Back Room’s hidden doors and be transported to the Roaring Twenties—a time defined by glamour, style, and exclusive speakeasies for the elite. From its opulent vintage decor and the staff’s 1920s attire to thematic cocktails inspired by Prohibition era references like Al Capone, this celebrated bar at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila invites guests to revel in the spirit of a bygone era. Master mixologist Volkan Ibil ensures its menu is consistently updated with well-made drinks that reflect innovative trends, while the hotel’s knack for professional service makes every experience seamless and memorable. As many did in the Prohibition era, The Back Room also distils its own gin, albeit one far more refined and certainly more delectable than the illicit moonshine. Their Bee’s Knees gin tantalises the palate with a dry, floral finish, infused with local ingredients like dalandan, malunggay, and sampaguita—a standout in their impressive gin collection

Architecture firm by day, cocktail bar by night—Bar by East easily stands out in Marikina City, offering a world-class drinking experience in an otherwise quiet neighbourhood. The space also doubles as a home to Emerging Architects Studio (EAST), a creative hub for architects, interior designers, contractors, and other professionals in the design industry. Come nightfall, the cosy industrial space transforms into an after-hours bar where the team can reward themselves with delicious cocktails. Thankfully, they’ve extended this invitation to the public, offering classic, signature, and bespoke cocktails. Beyond their playful yet approachable drinks, the team, led by co-founder Rian Asiddao, prides itself on friendly and attentive service, earning Bar by East many regulars.

Bar Flora differentiates itself from the mix by offering a unique and exciting cocktail journey, diving into the world of botanicals, tea, and gin. Their niche cocktail menu is inspired by six types of tea—Grey Dragon white tea, matcha green tea, Dong Ding oolong tea, Darjeeling black tea, tisane blend, and pu-erh fermented black tea—and boasts a gin list 330-strong. This women-led concept in the heart of Tomas Morato transforms from day to night, offering two distinct experiences: a teahouse in the afternoon and a gin bar at night (that also celebrates the nuances of tea). Embark on this intriguing journey with Tana Picar, Rose De Guzman and Elli Tiongco, and familiarise yourself with tea in ways you have never experienced before.

Four friends dreamed of having a cocktail bar with classic rock 'n' roll in a space that felt like their very own living room–so that’s exactly what they created. Before co-owner and head mixologist Kyle Quismundo entered the industry, he had been a musician and photographer for 14 years and has now integrated this passion with his new project. Push through their big red door and make your way around Big Fuzz’s quaint and cosy space decked out with eclectic sofas, chairs, and lounge seating. At first, you’re met by a wooden bar with vinyl records before being introduced to their other restful nooks. The menu is rooted in classic cocktails from the Prohibition and pre-Prohibition era, plus the New York cocktail renaissance of the late 2000s too. However, this time around, the cocktails have been treated with modern techniques like fat-washing, milk-clarifying, and tea infusions. Since music is integral to the Big Fuzz identity, most of their delicious drinks are inspired by pop culture, be it a rock song, a film, or an artist.

Said to be Metro Manila’s original speakeasy, The Blind Pig is a sexy, sophisticated cocktail bar known for serving spectacular libations. This intimate and moody bar values cordial hospitality, welcoming every guest into its space with open arms. The dimly lit haunt was inspired by New York’s Milk and Honey, meant to be hard to find and for those in-the-know. Keep an eye out for a braille-laden wooden door with a peephole to know you’ve found the right spot. In fact, Tog Exconde, the bar’s head mixologist, was even trained by Michael McIlroy of Milk & Honey. With quality ingredients at the core of every creation, guests can rest assured that they are in for a treat. The entire team collaborates closely to fashion their beverage programme, one that they should all be extremely proud of. Pay them a visit to acquaint yourself with all of their nuanced and thoughtful cocktails

A name synonymous with excellence in cocktails and hospitality, The Curator has long been regarded as one of the country’s best bars—and after over a decade in the game, its reputation has not declined. The secret to their success lies with their talented team. Rather than spotlight one mixologist at the head of the bar, they value collaboration, upskilling and uplifting each bartender to lend their expertise and input to the overall experience, from cocktails to hospitality. Their latest menu distils their stories into creative beverages, each dedicated to the people who have inspired the team. As perhaps the Philippines’s most decorated bar, The Curator also regularly hosts takeovers with some of the world’s best bars, giving even their most loyal regulars something to get excited about.

Influenced by Japanese jazz kissatens, Fat Cat is a cosy listening room that serves classic and contemporary cocktails. Their sleek tipples focus on the celebrated classics, but while the menu is deeply rooted in what’s stood the test of time, be sure to try their few stellar signatures too. Each creation is served in a humble, understated space that is alluringly dimly lit, with just a handful of tables and comfortable seats. Their modest bar counter gives you a full view of their illuminated wall of vinyl records from the Fifties and Sixties. At Fat Cat you will be introduced to a simple cocktail bar where excellent drinks steal the show. Here, the team welcomes guests into an extension of their personal sanctuary. The founders aimed to create and foster an atmosphere where visitors can feel welcomed and right at home. Sit back and make new friends as you sink into their amiable community while indulging in a taste of their expertly prepared drinks.

Micah Cabral and Dimitri Roleda became the Philippines’s first Japanese wine importers and distributors, introducing the country to a colourful range of grapes, terroir, and winemakers previously unexplored. It didn’t take long for open-minded drinkers to grow increasingly curious about their Japanese wines, and for the Good Morning Wines bar to open shop. This quaint four-seater bar is intimate, to say the least. Step inside and become smitten with their beautiful wines and the couple’s tender hospitality. At this relaxing and pared-back wine bar dedicated to discovering and celebrating Japanese winemaking, savour their featured pours either by the glass, bottle, or through a tasting flight. Whether guests are looking to expand their wine knowledge, unwind with friends, or simply explore, they ensure that every visit is personal and memorable.

The Grasshopper is an ingredient-forward cocktail bar that celebrates the overlooked and the underrated. Their detailed menu features hyperlocal ingredients in their drinks (and food) to reintroduce them to the mainstream in new ways that feel familiar and approachable. Here, they make a conscious effort to steer clear
of elaborate garnishes and unnecessary gimmicks, allowing each drink to stand on its own. The Grasshopper team makes it their responsibility to treat every ingredient with intention, recognising their deep cultural significance and showcasing each with the respect they deserve. Its moody setting creates a space where guests can unwind and let loose, all while feeling included too. The menu was a collaborative effort driven by the entire team, a process rooted in exhaustive R&D at every stage. Expect a tantalising experience with adventurous tales, with artfully made cocktails that keep you coming back for more.

Discover an immersive drinking experience at Ito, a discreet, intimate bar in Legazpi Village. Niko Tituan and Alex Atienza have graduated from their bottled cocktail operation, 35cl Cocktail Co., making their impressive debut in hospitality with this daring new bar. In the evening, Tituan’s brilliant technique and unexpected flavour combinations shine. Cocktails, mocktails, and low-ABV beverages are paired with light snacks and served exclusively through course menus, reflecting the breadth of their craft and their ability to tell compelling stories through beverages. Their creations surrender to the majesty of seasonality, designing drinks around Filipino ingredients. Meanwhile, Atienza takes the reins during their afternoon flights, which explore the vibrant world of coffee and tea. With just seven seats, all at the bar counter, the couple’s passion for entertaining guests builds a memorable experience grounded in connection and conversation.

Last Chance is among the latest additions to Siargao’s flourishing nightlife scene and has already become a fast favourite among locals and tourists alike. Positioned as an American-style cocktail bar with Filipino sensibilities, owner and bar manager Jessey Qi crafts classic, familiar cocktails that creatively and sustainably utilise local ingredients. Its contemporary tropical design reflects their approach, inviting a comfortable and warm yet exciting atmosphere. Expect personable, energetic service that keeps the senses engaged and memorable cocktails that benefit from Qi’s tenured expertise, sharpened at establishments such as Anvil Bar & Refuge in Houston, Texas—the institution said to have kick-started Houston’s cocktail culture.

Tucked away in a residential complex and dimly illuminated, the intimate Japanese whisky bar Lit is a hidden gem. This unassuming haunt is known for its whisky but serves a range of must-try cocktails, too. Headed by whisky expert Francis Hasegawa, it features top-tier whiskies from around the globe as well as signature cocktails. In fact, they were the first bar in Manila to offer whisky flights! Most of Lit’s seating is at the bar, as they encourage guests to interact with their bartenders in order to become a part of their community, learn, and make new friends. Be charmed by their dark wooden interiors with steel detailing. They make artful use of reclaimed floor planks, charred using the Japanese technique sho sugi ban. The interiors are designed to play off their name Lit, embracing an interplay between light and dark. As you find your drink of choice, pair it with tasty picks from their food menu, like the expertly cooked yakitori or fabulously juicy gyoza. Lit is also loved for its excellent music as Hasegawa is an avid audiophile who spins retro vinyl records at the bar, setting the mood with a wonderful funky collection of global sounds.

A leader in Siargao’s craft cocktail scene, Manu pays homage to the storied history of tiki cocktails. Inspired by Ray Buhen and the other Filipino mixologists who migrated to the United States and are credited with pioneering the tropical cocktails trend, owner and head bartender Adam Hrapko established this “neighbourhood Filipino tiki bar” to celebrate this often-overlooked chapter of Filipino history. Originally from Slovakia, this seasoned mixologist brings his experience from Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and New York to this surfer’s paradise, marrying local ingredients to create intriguing cocktails. From a twist on the Paloma with tomato, calamansi, and chilli salt to a smoked infusion of whiskey, peanut butter, and apricot dubbed F*ck Covid, Manu offers a playful, exciting bar experience in a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.

“Cocktails for the curious, by the curious”—at Raion, expect innovative beverages that veer from the norm, designed to deepen your fascination with the infinite possibilities of beverages. Here, bar manager Kate Osmillo and head bartender Shinichi Itoh whip up impressive drinks that honour the classics while flexing modern techniques and experimental flavour combinations. Since opening in February 2024, this experimental café and cocktail bar has become the talk of the town, luring many to San Juan City. While Raion surely rewards adventurous drinkers, it equally caters to those looking to explore the world of cocktails for the first time. Inclusivity and hospitality remain at the heart of their operation, offering a welcoming space for meaningful gatherings over tasty drinks.

Recraft is rebirthed at their new location, now found along Scout Tobias in Quezon City. With a much larger, more open space as their playground, head bartender Cedric Mendoza and his team of mixologists offer an “open-concept” neighbourhood bar with an open bar station, encouraging continuous interaction between the bartenders and guests. As its name suggests, the bar specialises in recrafted cocktails— playful, conceptual takes on the classics, drinks that revolve around the “familiar unfamiliar.” Driven by their creative spirit, their menu is highly seasonal and changes every three to six months. Adding to the excitement are must-not-miss guest shifts by prominent bars across Asia. Since opening the doors to their new home last August, Recraft has already hosted takeovers from Taipei, Bangkok, Saigon, and Tokyo, to name a few.

On paper, a cocktail bar tucked within one of the country’s largest multinational restaurant chains may raise an eyebrow— but when it’s a cherished Filipino brand with 80 years of history, it poses a story worth celebrating. Ruby’s turns the spotlight on an essential figure in the storied legacy of Max’s Restaurant, the eponymous Ruby Trota. Niece to Max’s founder Maximo Gimenez, Trota was Gimenez’s right hand in building the restaurant into the success story it is today and is the woman to thank for Max’s iconic fried chicken recipe. Nostalgic and inviting, the intimate 21 sqm space was designed to honour Trota’s generosity and warmth. Thoughtful details make every visit more meaningful, from archival mementoes that decorate the space to signature cocktails that reveal more of the Max’s tale, and off-menu drinks offered exclusively to regulars. Through Ruby’s, Trota’s loving hospitality lives on, welcoming a new generation to the table.

Skybar at the swanky Solaire Resort North in Quezon City is a dreamy rooftop bar with panoramic views of the vibrant Quezon City landscape. Perched on the 38th floor, this cocktail bar enchants guests with its sultry ambience and tantalising concoctions, paired with satisfying bar bites too. Leading the impressive beverage programme is award-winning mixologist Melody Joy Lim. This talent effortlessly presents complex and balanced cocktails from traditional favourites to fascinating signature serves. As their live DJ performances and the glittering cityscape enhance the mood, settle into Skybar and create lasting memories with friends, family, or that special someone. For larger groups and celebrations, book their private room which comfortably fits six to ten guests.

At Southbank, prepare to meet a pleasant array of unconventional drinks with surprising flavours. This Melbourne-inspired lounge nestled in the heart of Bonifacio Global City prides itself on curating a menu that seamlessly blends the essence of global cuisines into its own creations. Their cocktails programme is headed by the award-winning executive bartender Kevin Jerrold Corales and managing partner Patrick Leyble. Corales began his career as a chef before realising his passion for cocktail culture. Since then, he has been completely captivated by the world of bartending. Here, he incorporates his culinary background with his cocktails, marrying explosive and unexpected flavours designed to challenge and wow. While exploring their menu, be sure to have a bite of their expansive Australian-inspired food menu too. 

When looking to impress cocktail connoisseurs, The Spirits Library remains top-of-mind. Located in the bustling Poblacion nightlife district, this beloved cocktail bar boasts a wealth of spirits, bar books, vintage glassware, and other bar paraphernalia, enough to excite any avid drinker—but it’s their skilled mixologists who really steal the show. With charismatic, creative, and seasoned staff tending to the bar, The Spirits Library is best experienced sitting right at the bar counter, allowing their bartenders to truly shine. Their newest cocktail menu, inspired by Filipino cocktails documented from the 1920s to 1930s, bridges the Philippine mixology of the past and present, resurrecting a forgotten narrative through creative storytelling.