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Midnight Makati
Makati City
As the work day fizzles into night, the otherwise all-business city of Makati comes to life with refreshed energy. In its downtown and central business district, the night-time crowd of creatives, residents, and tourists is relatively small—you’re bound to bump into someone you know or make new friends along the way! Tour the various neighborhoods of Makati, from posh Salcedo Village, to the business district of Legazpi Village, and into Makati’s creative downtown of Poblacion, through its nightlife spots buzzing with the city’s hip and stylish.
It's a block party at El Chupacabra where the laid-back crowd spills into the street with platefuls of tacos and beers on the table. A streetside griddle sizzles by a charcoal grill, wafting a smoky and enticing smell through the open air. The converted house that hosts this bar is vibrant, even under the cover of the dark. Its yellow façade shines with colorful murals inspired by Mexican art. El Chupacabra is always packed, so best to head out before dinner if you’re coming for their street tacos. Brave the wait for their drinks and cocktails or make a few friends at one of the tables!
- +6327293358
5782 Felipe Street, Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines
- https://www.facebook.com/elchupacabraph/
Those who grew up in the Philippines are all too familiar with the concept of Tambai. With a play on the word “tambay” (tam-bai, Tagalog for “to hang out”), this drinking spot embodies a part of Filipino culture where nights are spent in front of a small neighborhood store or a friend’s house, drinking with nothing more than flimsy tables and crude stools. Tambai’s take on that local custom has twists in store for its patrons. Aside from the staples of San Miguel Beer, they also stock Barik Supremo Lambanog (Philippine coconut wine) and local craft beer Joe’s Brew to pair with their yakitori.
- +6322155695
5779 Felipe Street, Poblacion, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.facebook.com/TambaiPH/
Mardi Gras meets Makati City! Well, almost. The famed Bourbon Street—eye of the Mardi Gras Parade—inspires Rue Bourbon’s festive interior and expansive menu. Split their generous servings of New Orleans-inspired bar chow with friends because there will always be plenty of soul food to go around! Chug down and finish every last drop of their Big Ass Caramel Beer.
- +63 917 718 6155
Ground Floor, Aguirre Building, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.ruebourbon.ph/
Veer a bit South from New Orleans where tropical cocktails replace absinthe concoctions to find yourself in Central America! Costa Rica’s beaches and tropical fruits inspire the flavors of Pura Vida’s drinks, while their bar bites stay just as true to local cuisine. Reggae music washes over the laid-back lounge enveloped in colorful lights and the low murmur of conversation. “Pura Vida” is a saying local to Costa Rica meaning “pure life”—an entire way of life summed up into a simple phrase. Embrace this philosophy as their regulars do to find out what keeps patrons coming back to this welcoming lounge!
Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines
- https://www.facebook.com/PuraVidaMNL/
Discover what it’s like when “East Meets Pub” at Belle & Dragon. This after-work spot along Legazpi Village plucks influences from East and West to create a unique mix of flavors. Decompress any day of the week, as this gastropub features different themes and different soundtracks each night. Tickle your taste buds with their Masala Mac n’ Cheese, Pulled Pork Tonkatsu Sandwiches, or Wanton Nachos to get the best of both worlds. Pair with a pint from their assortment of craft beers and beers on tap and you’re golden.
- +6326258828
OPL Building, 100 Don Carlos Palanca, Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.thebelleanddragon.com/
Recline in a room cozy enough to be your living room, if you had pink neon lights and craft beers on tap. Engkanto (eng-can-toh, Tagalog for fairy) Brewery, an up-and-coming local microbrewery, offers a full line of beers—from amber-hued lagers to murky stouts as well as seasonal flavors—available at Polilya. Beer bottle lanterns hang above the bar, with an Instagram-worthy sign hanging behind the bar taps asking, “Have You Figured Out What You Want Yet?” Kick back and sink into the cushy sofas and leave your worries at the door.
5658 Jacobo Street corner Don Pedro, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.facebook.com/Polilya.MNL/
Out on the rooftop bar of this hostel, a round of drinks and a bit of dancing can turn strangers from all over the world into friends. Z Hostel is not just a place to rest your weary head. When dusk hits, it’s a wonderful way to start the night—sometimes, a DJ takes the deck, ready to lead the crowd to a fun-filled night; other times, a sits behind his guitar and serenades locals and tourists out on the town. Dominate at beer pong—they have a table specially for play—or watch the city stretch before you atop the roofdeck!
- +6328560851
5660 Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://zhostel.com/
This music lounge feels much like a friend's home, as vinyl plays in the background and cocktails and coffee flow freely. The man behind local cocktail bar and café, The Curator, also put together the concoctions of OTO. Signature cocktails include rum-, whisky-, or bourbon-based recipes made with regional ingredients such as tamarind syrup or black sesame syrup in the mix. Savor each sip and let the relaxing airwaves envelop you.
- +6327282433
5880 Enriquez Street, Poblacion, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.facebook.com/ototo.ph/
When you're ready to kick up the pace, local and international DJs liven the night with some electronic house and techno beats at 20:20. Scarf down some Pork Belly Tacos with a bottle of Cerveza Negra to recharge before dancing the night away! This bar is tucked away just off Chino Roces Avenue, allowing for easy access despite its distance from the main road. The party really starts when the music kicks in, and it’s an unstoppable night hidden away from plain sight.
- +63 917 634 8764
20A, La Fuerza Plaza One, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://www.20-20.asia/
The playlist shifts from day to day and room to room at Black Market, whether you vibe to heavy beats, trap, funk, or techno music. A favorite amongst young party-goers often spotted dancing and grooving to the beats generously supplied from the DJ’s booth. The club gets wild and rowdy, and it’s exactly this uninhibited energy that draws people to this popular haunt!
- +6324035019
2723 Sabio Street, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- https://blackmarketmnl.com/
About Philippines
