5 Manila Coffee Shops For Chill/HOHOL Times
Whether you’re pounding on your laptop getting some work done or simply relaxing to kill time with your SO, these Manila coffee shops are the ideal haunts for a caffeine fix and some cool, soothing vibes.
EDSA Beverage Design Studio
CLMC Building, 209, EDSA, Barangay Wack Wack, Mandaluyong
Probably the biggest and arguably the best designed cafe in Manila, EDSA BDS is a haven situated along EDSA in the Santolan area. The place, spanning two floors, is as great for solo diners as it is for groups. There’s a bar where cold brews and craft cocktails are best enjoyed, where there are also small rooms for brainstorming sessions. For the serious coffee lovers, there are cupping sessions worth checking out.
Cartel
119 L.P. Leviste Street, Makati
More than the great coffee, supplied by seasoned purveyor Yardstick, Cartel offers a lot more than your usual cafe in terms of brews and chows. There’s jamon from Txanton, a selection of pastries, a collection of rare beers and spirits, and even organic produce supplied by Holy Carabao. Being in the heart of Makati, it’s where yuppies to grab breakfast in the morning and come back later for happy hour.
Catabolic Cafe
22 Malingap, Diliman, Quezon City
If there’s one coffee shop in the Teacher’s Village area that needs to be on your radar, it’s this. Catabolic serves great caffeine concoctions as well as full, savory meals. The place created a buzz with its fried chicken and waffles, but really, it’s the rainbow cake that, well, takes the cake. Unlike other ones, which are only pretty and snap-worthy, Catabolic’s is moist, creamy, and simply crave-worthy. It’s a northern treasure in all its colorful, delectable glory.
Habitual
2135 Chino Roces Avenue, Legazpi Village, Makati
Aesthetic and attitude are the primary strengths of this simple, underrated cafe. From the rustic interiors, to the way the sunlight fills the room, there is something about Habitual that makes it a nice, laid back sanctuary perfect for hushed conversations and, perhaps, even a casual, romantic date. The menu is limited but the coffee here is top-quality.
Little Owl
Broadway Avenue, Quezon City
With a place that seems like a home turned into a tasteful dining space, Little Owl has a cozy ambience begging for long, spirited conversations with friends. The place is rarely packed and the menu has a wide selection of breakfast favorites. The tapa is especially unforgettable. On cooler days, the al fresco area is where late afternoons are ideally spent.
