The Tatler Dining Guide Philippines
BEST BARS
Discover where best to sit back, relax, and unwind with a drink in hand or dance the night away and party all night long
AGIMAT FORAGING BAR
Taking its name from Filipino folklore,
Agimat Foraging Bar and Kitchen pays homage to the magic and mysticism of local culture with speciality drinks and an ambience to match. Order the Ritwal ng Agimat to not just taste a fiery concoction but to witness a show of ethnic proportions as well.
BACCARAT ROOM AND BAR
Gentlemen and ladies are invited to luxuriate in this sophisticated lounge and enjoy a variety of premium cocktails and a vast selection of local and international cigars. One may also be pleasantly surprised to find themselves invited to an actual game of baccarat, actually available on eight private tables.
THE BACK ROOM
The Prohibition Era paved the way for hidden hangouts and secret bars, and The Back Room transports one to the heyday of speakeasies. With five drink categories and over 150 variants of gin to enjoy, The Bee’s Knees—the bar’s homegrown gin—is a true stand out.
BANK BAR
Tucked behind a convenience store of an office building in BGC is a popular drinking haven that stocks a wide selection of top shelf spirits. Apart from being an ideal location for after-work drinks, one can expect to sample the delicious fare The Moment Group is best known for, too.
the bar
Checkered floors and wooden walls surround The Bar’s cosy furnishings, which take inspiration from an old Cuban cigar factory. It comes as no surprise, then, that it also holds The Peninsula Manila’s smoking area. Take a sip of the Batangas Old Fashioned, which comes highly-recommended, as well as the aromatic Martinez.
buccaneers rum & cocktails bar
Once, the man behind Shangri-La at The Fort’s award-winning bars, Ulysse Jouanneaud, ventured into new shores by founding a rum tavern of his own with partners Vincent Landais and Simon Côté. Together, they redefined the Poblacion drinking scene by placing rum-based libations at the fore.
cork Wine bar and shop
Coveted bottles of vino from esteemed vineyards around the world allow Cork to elevate the local wine culture through their BGC outpost. Well-appointed interiors contribute to its elegant atmosphere, making it an ideal location to catch up with friends over curated food pairings.
The CuraTor
As its name suggests, The Curator doesn’t offer a basic bar experience. Bartenders create drinks that suit their patrons’ tastes, on the menu or not. They not just take their cocktails seriously, but their coffee too—stumble into the space while the sun’s out and enjoy their special brews.
Dr. Wine
While the doctor-prescribed option would be to sample one of their French wines from Bordeaux, a range of fine libations is also available for choosing. One can easily feel right at home in Dr. Wine with its cosy seating and flavoursome bites, and its third floor allows private celebrations with a party of 20.
elberT’s upsTairs bar
Unbeknownst to many who line up for a popular ramen joint in BGC is a fine speakeasy just above it. A wealth of spirits allows the perfection of a drink of their choice, made just the way one likes it. Try the Old Fashioned (which is said to be Elbert himself’s benchmark for a quality drink) and pair it with their fine cheeses and charcuterie.
KarTel roofTop bar
Some of the best views of Poblacion are seen from Kartel, the rooftop bar above Dr. Wine. One will find a more laidback vibe here compared to its sister establishment. A different playlist and a menu of its own beverages and bites also set it apart.