Manila’s Craft Beer Scene is thriving. We offer you a six pack of venues to enjoy local (and imported) craft beers in Manila as well as some recommendations of food and beer pairings that we’ve enjoyed. Cheers!
1. The Bottle Shop
Jim Araneta, the pioneer of craft beer in The Philippines, operates two locations of The Bottle Shop where one can find the largest selection of craft beer in the country. Each locations features at least 12 rotating taps of both local and imported craft beer as well as a vast selection of bottles for in house consumption or to go. Watch for special events at each location that feature limited supply beers and new releases. An array of cocktails is also available including The Philippines’ largest selection of hand crafted Gin. Food is also available.
Our Pick: The Cebruery People Power Pale Ale and a Fresh Made Baguettini
Bottle Shop BGC: 26th Street Corner 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Bottle Shop Magallanes: Ground Floor, Tritan Ventures Building, Magallanes, Makati City
2. The Perfect Pint
The Perfect Pint is your perfect spot to sample a vast array of local Filipino craft beers and Modern Filipino & International cuisine. Located next to MC Home Depot in BGC, The Perfect Pint is open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A dozen draft beers and a large bottle selection are available and one or two house-made brews rotate the taps on occasion.
Our Pick: Truffle Fries and Ayahay IPA from Palaweño Brewery
The Perfect Pint: Second Floor, Crossroads Building, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City
3. Smoky Bastard
Smoky Bastard is a very unique craft beer bar located in a high-end food court in Century Mall. This one of a kind spot feature four taps of local craft beers (such as Katipunan and Pedro Brewcrafters) and an extensive bottle selection. The bar also offers cocktails and is open late, even after the mall closes. Being inside the food court, known as Hole in the Wall, allows patrons to purchase food at one of its premium food vendors such as Mr. Delicious, Bad Bird or Scouts Honor.
Our Pick: Joe’s Brew 34th Pursuit IPA and Sisig Tacos from Posporo Taqueria Filipino
Smoky Bastard & Hole in the Wall: Hole in the Wall, Fourth Floor, Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City
4. The Brewery at The Palace
Metro Manila’s newest craft beer hotspot located in BGC features a 400 seat restaurant, live music stage and half a dozen in house brewed craft beers. Plenty of parking welcomes guests and a friendly and attentive staff will ensure your visit here is complete. Fresh crafted beer can be ordered by the glass or on a sample tray and can be paired with some delicious menu items perfectly crafted to compliment the beer. Located in the same venue is The Palace Pool Club and Valkyrie Night Club should you want to dance off some of those calories.
Our Pick: A Sample Tray of Four House Brews and The Nachos! Sarap!! (Yummy!)
The Brewery at The Palace: 9th Avenue Corner 36th Street, Bonifacio Global City
5. Big Bad Wolf
Located next to Burgos Circle in BGC, Big Bad Wolf offers a nice selection of imported and local craft beers on tap and by the bottle.This funky bar known for food, music and art is great for people watching from their patio seating or one can enjoy the eclectically decorated interior while sampling some of The Phlippines’ finest craft beers. The Big Bad Wolf also brews their own beers and offers a rotating selection on their taps.
Our Pick: Queso Fundido (with house made chorizo and freshly made flour tortillas) with a Nipa Brew Tropic Haze Wheat Beer
Big Bad Wolf: Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City (Next to Bugsy’s)
6. The Belle and Dragon
A new addition to the Makati pub scene. Located on the quiet Carlos Palanca street in Legaspi Village, this spot is perfect for the business crowd in Makati to grab a lunch or relax after work. The open concept bar offers some patio seating, perfect for watching the street below. Six craft and imported beers are available on tap including some local favourites like Great Islands Craft Brewing and Pedro Brewcrafters. The food is fantastic and the service is great!
Our Pick: Pearl of the Orient Pale Ale and Chicken Karaage Bao Sandwich
The Belle & Dragon: 100 Don Carlos Palanca, Legaspi Village, Makati City
Where can you buy Craft? Crystal Sand mail nyrac2009@yahoo.com