Barangay Poblacion or Pobla is the oldest barangay in Makati City. Dubbed as the City’s Cultural Center, it is now home to an electrifying nightlife scene in Metro Manila. It buzzes with life the clock hits midnight, the party is just starting. But there are also dozens of places you can chill and wind your friends and colleagues after work. If you want to chill in Makati, here are the top recommended bars in Poblacion.
- Filling Station Bar and Cafe
Walk into the 1950s America in Filing Station Bar and Cafe. From the lights to the interior design of the premises makes you feel like the night still goes on. Every corner of the bar is Instagrammable with dozens of furniture and decorations that reflect the times. Explore their menu from their Spam Series, pasta, and sandwiches. Of course, how can we forget the Barlist with their signature cocktails both local and international brands are available. There is also a wide selection of white and red wines. perfect for the night.
Photo courtesy of Filling Station Bar and Cafe FB Page
If you have a sweet tooth, desserts are also available like sundaes, banana splits, and so much more. Filling Station Bar and Cafe is one of the most visited bars in Makati that can contribute to what it is now today. Poblacion is a place where anyone can rest, meet new friends, and hang out through the night.
- Alamat
Alamat is a Filipino Bar in Poblacion. It caters to its guests with perfect scenery, well-made craft beer, and great food showcasing the finest Filipino cuisines. Their menu features delicious appetizers have 12 selections for you to try. Some of the mouth-watering cuisines that everyone should order are the Poblechon Belly, their sisig plates, desserts, and their beer flights menu. The interior of the Alamat Bar is comfy with comfortable booths.
Photo courtesy of ALAMAT Instagram Page
The bar gives off a traditional vibe with Filipino style because the bar tables are designed with placards that can be seen at the side of jeepneys. Besides a relaxing drink with friends, you can also go to the second floor to have a breath of fresh air with plants and a view of the busy streets of Poblacion.
- H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant
Are you looking for good vibes and just having a game of pool with your friends? Why not visit H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant? The restaurant is located at the heart of the barangay and just a few minutes away from townships such as Rockwell Center and Century City. At this particular restaurant, besides from having cool drinks, you can also play billiards or even watch your favorite team while you are having your drink. Their social media have a daily schedule on different sports to ensure you are updated. Have a chat with your colleagues after work while having their finest beer and admiring the vibe of the place.
Photo courtesy of H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant
The place is spacious you’ll have plenty of mobility to move around and the staff is also accommodating to make sure that you will have a comfortable stay. If you have the chance to visit the sports bar make sure to check out their Mediterranean cuisines as you enjoy watching your favorite sport team on the screen. You may also find yourself surrounded by fans who frequently visit the restaurant to cheer on their team. This kind of environment promotes camaraderie and its atmosphere is a must visit if you are looking for an exciting night in Makati.
- Firefly Roofdeck Restaurant
Firefly Roofdeck Restaurant is a jewel atop the City Garden Grand Hotel in Barangay Poblacion, Makati. As you step in, you’re immediately enveloped in a peaceful ambiance that matches the cityscape. The design is modern and reflects luxury and elegance for someone who visits this part of the city. A restaurant with good music, great drinks, and a view of the Makati skyline under the stars is within your reach.
Photo courtesy of City Garden Grand Hotel
A rooftop bar that is close to major roads and public transportation in Makati City Now that you have an overview of the place, there are noteworthy foods perfect for you and your friends. Some of the most requested dishes are Croquetas, Sisig Tacos, Sizzling Squid, Spaghetti Bolognese, and Pappardelle. The menu is an international and Filipino fusion, carefully crafted for its customers. Let’s go for the drinks, there are dozens of choices to choose from. There are local and crafted beers if you have different tastes on your palate or a selection of beers, gins, and vodkas for a fun night out after spending a long day at the office. Firefly Roofdeck Restaurant is located at the heart of Poblacion making it within walking distance of residential properties such as homes and condominiums in the city.
- Secret Door
Do you want to dance all night long? Secret Door has a dance floor ready for everyone. The upbeat and live music from the DJ pumps energy into the crowd, creating an electrifying atmosphere that makes you want to dance until the early hours of the morning. The entrance is somewhat hidden, true to its name, giving it an exclusive, speakeasy vibe that adds to the allure. Once you step inside, you’re greeted by a vibrant, billiards, dimly-lit space with colorful lights that pulse in sync with the music. The interior is modern and chic, with comfortable seating areas for those who need a break from dancing.
Photo courtesy of Secret Door FB Page
The bar offers an extensive menu of expertly crafted cocktails, local and imported beers, and a selection of fine wines, ensuring there’s something to suit every taste. Bartenders here are not just mixologists; they’re performers, flipping bottles and pouring drinks with flair and precision. Secret Door is not just about dancing; it’s a full sensory experience. The decor is eclectic, with a mix of contemporary art and vintage pieces that give the place a unique character. The crowd is diverse, drawing in both locals and tourists, all looking for a memorable night out. This diversity adds to the vibrant energy, making it a place where you can meet people from all walks of life.
- Bayleaf Restaurant and Bar Lounge
Enjoying the sights after office work is the best feeling to have. The view of the city lights and the buzzing Poblacion lifestyle are constantly alive wherever you may look. The Bayleaf Restaurant and Bar Lounge is a prime spot to soak in these urban views while indulging in a delightful dining experience at St. Giles Hotel. Perched atop a high-rise building, this venue offers a panoramic vista of Makati’s skyline, making it an ideal place to unwind after a long day. As you step into Bayleaf, you are greeted by a sophisticated yet cozy ambiance, with elegantly designed interiors that blend modern aesthetics with a touch of classic charm. The soft lighting and tasteful decor create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for both casual meetups and more intimate gatherings.
Photo courtesy of St. Giles Hotels
The menu at Bayleaf is a culinary journey that caters to diverse palates. It features an array of international dishes, each prepared with a creative twist by skilled chefs. You can also dine on the terrace to savor every flavor while looking at the view of Makati City.
- El Chupacabra
El Chupacabra is a Mexican Restaurant in Poblacion. It is one of the famous hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Makati City. The interior design is cozy and the ambiance will transport you on dining in Mexico. To make you more immersive about the culture it emanates make sure to have some of the signature dishes like the Baja California Fish Tacos, Carne Asada, Chorizo con Papas, and Camarones a la Diabla.
Photo courtesy of El Chupacabra FB Page
Outdoor dining is also available where you can catch up with your longtime friend while looking at the beautiful design of El Chupacabra alongside the nightlife of Poblacion.
- Spirits Library
Books and drinks go hand-in-hand. In Spirits Library you’ll have the whole library with your beverage on the other. This small bar in Poblacion is the perfect spot for readers and alcohol collectors. They have a wide selection and a small library for you to escape into the world of authors.
Photo courtesy of Spirits Library Instagram Page
They have one of the oldest bottles of alcohol for instance, the 100-year bottle of Absinthe is part of their collection. Anyone can be part of their history by what their offering. Spirits Library has tequila, gin, bourbon, and rum. All are categorized as funny names in their menu: Te Amo Paloma, Avoid This, Keep it Fonzo, Apricot Peach & Harmony, and Perennial Old Fashioned. The design of the bar is as if part of Diagon Alley, its aesthetic will capture not just the present generation but also everyone who grew up with the Harry Potter series.
The Poblacion Bars are famous throughout Metro Manila. From friends who just want to chill to young professionals hanging out with new colleagues, Poblacion offers the best local nightlife near your area especially if you live in Makati. Some of the bars mentioned above have exciting events, a dance floor, and live music to keep everyone upbeat through the night. There are rare bottles in the Spirits Library that are worth checking out. DJ sets are perfect for delicious food and with large groups who just want to take a relaxing turn from their lifestyle at the Financial Center.
Author Bio
Emman Bernardino is a Content Writer for HousingInteractive. He currently focuses on SEO and blog writing. Emman also studied at the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Literature. He has a great passion for writing and continues to strive to be a better version of himself. During his free time, he enjoys driving on the open road or even watching documentaries and historical films.
