I've been coming to Habitual Coffee for years now, and it still feels like my little secret hideout…read morein the city. Walked in last weekend during a crazy downpour, dripping wet, and the barista just smiled, handed me a towel to dry off, and asked what I felt like without any rush. Ended up with their single-origin pour-over--Ethiopian this time--and it was bright, juicy, and perfectly balanced, like every sip reminded me why I fell in love with coffee in the first place. Sat by the window watching the rain hammer Pasong Tamo, worked on my laptop for hours with zero pressure to leave. The space is still that perfect mix of raw concrete and warm light, never too crowded, always calm. Staff remembered my usual order even though it's been months since I last dropped by. Five stars, easily--still one of the most consistently great coffee experiences in Manila.

There is a lot of third wave coffee in Manila. This is a huge win for us coffee lovers, but it also…read moreups the ante for the purveyors of the coffee as well. Fortunately, Habitual Coffee holds its own. Situated on a super industrial part of Pasong Tamo (though gentrification is very real and will probably make its way here very soon), it's kind of out of the way compared to most third wave coffee spots. This is a good thing though! I've never had a problem finding a seat there. The set up is great too. Very industrial. I like the large amount of natural light and sparse feeling of the place. There's a lot of exposed concrete and metal, making the place very Instagram worthy. There are also outlets, wifi, and pretty large tables so getting some work done here is definitely possible. I just wish the seats were more supportive. The coffee is amazing! I believe Yardstick sourced a lot of their coffee while I was there. Their mocha and Americano are great. Not too bitter. The only downside I have is the clientele was a little snooty. The staff, however, was great.

On my seemingly endless conquest of Metro Manila coffeeshops, I blindly followed my friend to this…read morecoffeeshop in San Juan the day before our exam week starts. I wasn't expecting much but I was pleasantly surprised. Located above the Rustan's Supermarket on P. Guevarra, the café is quiet compared to the busy street below and gets tons of natural light from the building's all-glass facade. Great plus for me as it made the place have a very airy feel which went great with the painted concrete floors and industrial seating. The coffee was great too! I got their cold-brew coffee and it was a solid cup of cold-brew. Nothing out of the ordinary but it wasn't offensive. The price was great though! At least 30 pesos less than a comparable brew from one of the third wave stalwarts. They also have a lot of differently sourced beans to choose from, with even a Filipino Benguet option! So even though it might not have same pretentious or hipster vibes that we have come to expect from many of the other third wave purveyors here in Manila, I love how laidback this place is. You can definitely get a lot done here. Cash only!! There are ATMs downstairs though if you're in a pickle.

Backyard Coffee is a treat for coffee lovers like me. They offer single origin coffee beans and I…read morelove them! After eating out with my friends, we tried different drinks that they offer. My friends ordered Iced Mocha, Iced Black, Cold Brew, Strawberry Frappe and Ube cake. As for me and my posh friend, I ordered Sumatra while he ordered Civet coffee. Love the beans that they are using even for their regular coffee drinks. But let me describe my order. I love Sumatra because it is not that bold and not that bitter. It's a little sweet, a bit acidic and fruity in flavor. So if you are in San Juan area and looking for a different cafe or different drink of coffee, checkout Backyard Coffee and try their single origin coffee beans.

This CB&TL is conveniently located in Glorietta Mall on 2F overlooking The Atrium. You can easily…read morespend an hour or so catching up with friends and enjoying the comforts of an indoor mall with air con. I prefer drinking Coffee Bean over the other coffee shop, for thier really delicious coffee as well as their friendly baristas. The variety of food and snacks in The Philippines is so different from back home. They don't have free wifi, so it's best to detach from the outside world for a moment. Their lines aren't super crazy long, and all their baristas are really friendly, 5 stars for this Coffee Bean!

Hot drinks served in glass mug, unlike Starbucks in a disposable cup…read more After dinner, we decided to have matcha tea and hot vanilla at this Coffee Bean greenbelt. Price is comparable with other known cafes. Wifi is free. Ask for the code when you pay the cashier for your order, Looking at their pastries, it's outer crust needs more color. Blueberry cheesecake looks yummy. It's past 11pm, it would be nice if they sell the Desserts half of its price instead of throwing them at the end of the day. No restroom, so you have to go out of the shop then go inside the mall. You can go down walking or ride the elevator. Not much of a coffee drinker, but I think Coffee Bean is nice place to hang out for hot and cold drinks. Starbucks is a bit crowded. You can take your drink and enjoy while it is hot or cold in the shades, located just in front of its main door.

Just outside the Shangri-la hotel this was a solid Starbucks. Coffee was fresh and service was fast…read moreand friendly. Comfortable interior as well. I'll assume all the Starbucks in the area have the half and half etc behind the counter. Learned that after the first day and they gave me exactly what I asked for the next five days, a splash of half and half. Wifi worked very good and no issues using my laptop and phone. Outside seating was a good view of the happenings in the area.

This Starbucks location is open 24 hrs which is. I've when looking to get your caffeine fix…read more I happened to be there for my usual collectors mug & while I was sad to see the style I prefer has already been phased out here in the Philippines, they had a very nice selection of alternate styles I opted for the cityscape version w/ Manila. I liked the Jeepney & the size was what I am used to Staff was super friendly- huge fan!

Third Wave Coffee Shops have hit Metro Manila in a big way, and Magnum Opus Fine Coffees in BF…read moreParañaque is one of its first advocates. The experience starts when you enter the rather small but cozy cafe. Yes, the smell of coffee fills the air, but it's different. It's more defined, subtle but richer, and it hits you like a velvet mallet. Now comes the ordering. Now Magnum Opus is NOT a place to order a latte and be done with it. No, no, no, you come here to experience coffee like you've never experienced it before. Take a seat at the counter and chat up the barista, who will be more than happy to chat you up as well. Take a leap of fate and ask for their recommendations, nay, an education in coffee. For true coffee aficionados, start with a basic pourover. No milk, no cream, no sugar, nothing but pure unadulterated coffee, curated from the best coffee sources the world has to offer. Sip it, let it swill and envelop your mouth like a lover's kiss, making you regret every single day you settled for Instant. If pure coffee is not your thing, or if you want to try some of their delectable concoctions, go right ahead and ask. They have a fantastic, unique menu, and if you're in the mood for something not on the menu, they can most probably whip it up anyway. But to get you started, ask for the Belgian Heartbreaker. You will thank me later. If you're the impatient type, this place is not for you because all the coffee there takes time to make. You might have to wait 10 - 15 minutes for your cup, an eternity for this Internet-hungry age. But if you're a true coffee lover, know that each cup is done with an artisan zeal and attention to detail. The best time to go to Magnum Opus is at night, where you can hang out outside the cafe, enjoy the clean air sadly missing from most parts of Metro Manila, and check out the traffic at the busy intersection of Aguirre and Elizalde Avenues. Also, check out the totally bitchin' TARDIS bathroom.

I guess people are tired of their three-in-ones because craft coffees seem to be trending in Manila…read morethese days. One of the places I love is Magnum Opus, along BF bustling Aguirre street. To those not familiar with the area, the place is hard to miss because they've put up a big sign to help you find you way. The place is small and quaint and doesn't necessarily feel like the kind of coffee shop you'll sit and read in, but more like chat and work in. I personally like to sit at the bar because I enjoy watching the baristas craft my coffee. They've got machinery that I've heard the owner paid a whole lot for simply because it really is a hobby of his--I'm just glad he's sharing really good coffee to the rest of us who can't afford fancy paraphernalia. Their brew is strong, which is a bold move considering a lot of Filipinos like their coffee milky. But I guess that's not to take away from the quality of the beans. I however prefer the Flat White or their Latte for a bit of creaminess in my cup. The foam art is another thing that you should watch out for because it really shows off how artisanal this place is. Like I said, their coffee is strong, so order a slice of cheesecake for a punch of sweetness.

Order taker is very snobish. She takes your order like she is not happy that you are there. Ordered…read morelonganisa meal and served hungarian sausage. The rice is not warm and fresh.

Conveniently located below our condo. People that works here are so cool. I visited from Las Vegas,…read moreNV and born here in Manila. Nice to see and experience a true and genuine hospitality of the Filipinos. Great coffee and muffins

This is my favorite Starbucks in all of Metro Manila. I spent countless mornings (and so much money…read morehaha) for two years at this Starbucks branch. It was my first stop before heading to my office, it's my first "good morning" of the day. Before I frequented this Starbucks, I would have a a "Starbucks Name," or a name that was easier for the baristas to spell. I was so sick of baristas spelling my name as "Osy," "Aussie," "Ossie," and other variations. But the Starbucks SB team deoesn't even have to ask me anymore, and even write a nice "Welcome Back" note when I've been gone for two weeks (usually to shed off all the fat I've gained from everyday visits). It's here that I understood and really experienced what the Starbucks brand is all about. That "culture of warmth and belonging," that sense of "being present" and "transparent," and holding themselves "accountable" for the service and quality of what they do that they claim in their Mission-Vision statement? The baristas at Starbucks SB embody it. When I left my old job at Ayala, leaving this Starbucks branch was one of the things I lamented. When I go to Ayala to visit my old office mates, I know I'm going to pass by this Starbucks branch again and say hello to the baristas.

The varieties here give me inspiration to write. The pastries and other plates are breathtaking and…read moremake me feel at home. World-class service if I would say. -K

Toby's Estate is an Australian coffee roaster. This Manila branch seems to emphasize their…read morededication to seeking out high quality and sustainable beans through direct trade and from all over the world. The coffee shop itself is setup to be study friendly however I noticed that they didn't have any Wifi. Data connection is also not reliable as the location in Salcedo Village, Makati is surrounded by towering skyscrapers and condos. The food seems to be of the Western/ Italian fare with some traditional baked goods in the display case. Their latte art was phenomenal; their coffee drinks were bold and velvety in texture. I did welcome the healthier choices present on the menu. The *Smoked Salmon & Greens* (php 340), while very white washed, was refreshing and protein rich. It is a very well-run and organized coffee shop so one cannot complain.

If you like cafes where you don't feel pressured to leave as soon as you are finished with your…read moremeal or drink, Toby's is it. I found Toby's to be the perfect place to sit with a book, and thoroughly enjoyed the fantastic atmosphere in addition to the highly acclaimed coffee. I didn't get the same feel when I was next door at Wildflour. What a great spot!