Speakeasies And Old World Romance
8 of our favorite bars (some hidden) that guarantee excellent drinks, chow and seclusion on the Valentine's Day
Whether you're happily in love and looking forward to a romantic evening with your SO, or a singleton who's mildly annoyed at all the fuss, a bar can be one of the best places to go to on Valentine's Day. You can have craft cocktails, excellent bar chow, and the fun of "finding" hidden speakeasies. We're sharing our secret haunts with you.
Baccarat Room & Bar at Solaire
This prohibition-era themed bar is outfitted with plush leather lounge chairs and sofas, spaced for privacy so you can enjoy your drink and conversation. Pro tip: head bartender Lawrence Gabriel can help you select a drink (and bar chow). Avail of the Valentine Roku gin offer: special two for one G&Ts with flowers. 1 ASEAN Avenue, Parañaque, (02) 8888-8888, @BaccaratRoomAndBarAtSolaire
Photo Credit: @BaccaratRoomAndBarAtSolaire
The Back Room
This trailblazing speakeasy made it into the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019 list after just eight months in operation. Its slick interiors and stellar cocktail program makes it ideal for dates with your SO. Get a special treat on Feb 15 as they host a special bar takeover featuring the top barmen from The Clumsies, a world class bar in Athens, Greece. They start zozzling at 8 pm. Shangri-La at The Fort, BGC, Taguig, @backroomph
Photo Credit: @backroomph
Blind Pig
Braille signage marks the entrance to “the OG” speakeasy in Manila’s craft cocktail scene. Small and dimly-lit with booth seating for privacy, its cocktails are complemented by a good albeit limited bar chow menu that still has IMHO Manila’s best take on shepherd’s pie. Try the Kowloon, a cocktail made of Death’s Door Vodka, coconut cream, fresh mango, and nata de coco. 227 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati, (0917) 549-2264
Photo Credit: Cyrene dela Rosa
Elbert's Upstairs Bar
If your idea of a perfect date is top tier drinks and ramen, this is the answer to your prayers. A luxe modern bar just above a ramen shop, it’s stocked with all you need for the evening — cocktails, champagne, wine, spirits—all with a menu consisting mostly of charcuterie and cheese. Thanks to its odd location, you needs only go down a short flight of steps for ramen and gyoza. Icon Plaza, Federacion Drive, Taguig, (02) 7964-1848
Photo Credit: @elbertsupstairsbar
Hotel Bar at Pink's
Behind the curtains of Pink’s Hot Dogs is one of Manila’s most secret bars with a great selection of cocktails, beers et al. The food consists mostly of Pink’s best grub, from corn dogs to the delish cheese burger. Shangri-La at The Fort, BGC, Taguig
Photo Credit: @hotelbarmanila
LIT Manila
This jewel box-like space houses one of Manila’s best Japanese whisky collections (they make the best whisky highballs in town). They now have whiskies from around the world and recently added a curated selection of boutique-produced Japanese sake. Bar bites are Japanese-inspired like boiled or smoked edamame, or chicken shio yakitori. You can also order a limited menu from Mamou — mostly steaks and pasta. Serendra BGC near Gino’s, (0917) 510-0014
Photo Credit: @litmanila
Long Bar at Raffles Makati
The first Long Bar built outside Raffles Singapore (where the original still stands), this is where to go for Raffles’ signature drinks, including an updated (less sweet) version of the iconic Singapore Sling. Roots Band & Shayne and the Brown Union are playing on V-Day 2020, while happy hour offers P840 per person for free flowing beer and endless pours of select cocktails, wine and liquors. Raffles Makati
Photo Credit: @RafflesMakati
The Refuge
Nothing says romance like champagne. This gem of a bar has a curated collection of wines, spirits and over 20 different kinds of champagne available by the glass. A cozy hideaway not too many people know about, it’s the perfect refuge for privacy and romance. It’s hidden behind a craft coffee stall during the day that closes when the bar opens at 7pm. Kensington Place, 1st Ave corner 29th St., BGC, Taguig
Photo Credit: Cyrene dela Rosa