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    Buddha Bar Manila

    3.8 (17 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndLounges, Asian Fusion, Cocktail Bars
    Open 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Buddha Bar Manila Photos

    BUDDHA BAR MANILA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Trendy
    DJ

    Recommended Reviews - Buddha Bar Manila

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    Salad can look exciting, too!
    Ron C.

    Buddha Bar is famous for two things: clubbing and lounge music CDs. Yes, stereotyping is bad but you can't blame me. I'm sure you have a "Buddha Bar Volume X" or something lying around somewhere in your house. When the news broke out the Buddha Bar was opening its doors in Manila, it was actually surprising. The property, which is located beside Century Mall in Makati, is massive. Not really being into clubbing, I wasn't so sure how it as a business would fare locally. With that big a property, you can't survive if you'll solely focus on clubbing. I'm guessing they know this too, as they want to highlight their food and how you can actually come in even when the sun is out. After paying them a visit, I can say that the food is good, but it's a bit on the expensive side. If you want to try them out and save a couple of bucks in the process, go during lunch so you can get the set meal at a discount.

    A view of the dancefloor and the Buddha at Buddha Bar
    Reena G.

    Being a night-owl, we were quite excited and very curious upon hearing of an international bar franchise opening in Manila. Buddha Bar is quite know locally for the good- quality of the music they have played in their clubs (they have released several compilations of the music they regularly have played in their clubs), and for the overall luxurious experience. A friend of mine had extra tickets to an event which featured three top DJs from the eighties disco era and invited me and my Dad to go to their event. Of course, I took that opportunity to get dressed and check the place out. Upon entering, I found it a bit dark but was assisted by bouncers by lighting the way to the open area where the lights were brighter. I was at awe with the giant Buddha that was placed in such a way that it was as if the Buddha is watching everyone at the club. From the dancefloor, the two staircases opposite each other lead to the second floor and add to the grandeur of the place. The lounge areas had plush couches and were so comfortable I thought I would fall asleep into it. What I found wonderful was that they had three bars - two in the ground floor and one in the second floor. This enables them to serve people faster, thus people were getting their orders relatively fast and being able to fully enjoy themselves without having to constantly follow-up on their drinks. For a night, I felt that it was as if I was transported to Paris, getting a dose of the opulence and vibrant energy that is distinctly Buddha Bar.

    CJ M.

    Buddha Bar is quite well-known to be a clubbing / lounge place during after work hours and weekends. This three-story building located in Kalayaan Avenue faces the newly-built Century Mall. The last time I was here, I was at an event held by Diageo Philippines. Their event was for World Class, a competition among local bartenders, in order to find out who has the best bartending skills and most flavorful cocktails. They had the event on the top floor, and it was actually quite spacious, even with the center area occupying a large stage. Each of the corners around the floor area was occupied by different stations, and each station had two bartenders representing their resident hotel or bar. They were serving cocktail food as the bartenders were preparing their cocktails. I don't remember the names of the food that they served, but I liked their Asian fusion themed food. I do remember being served some rolls and mostly fried finger food. I enjoyed my experience at Buddha Bar, and if some of my friends would ask me to come chill out here, I would go without hesitation.

    Abby I.

    Gorgeous space! And very dimly lit. Considering its menu being on the pricier side, I was a bit underwhelmed with my order of Chicken Tikka Masala, which although was good, was lacking a bit in flavor and spice. I came here with a large party and we all ordered various items off the menu and had mixed reviews: some loved their food, while some shared the same sentiments as mine, feeling underwhelmed after their meal. What I would come back here for, however, are their sushi and sashimi. My friends and I shared a 24-piece assortment platter of sashimi. You can tell that their fish is of quality because it really does melt in your mouth. I would also recommend the Pink Lady Roll--so good! Their signature drinks are delicious, although not strong at all. I had the Heart of Darkness (minus the cinnamon syrup), and was also able to try some of my friend's Majestic, which was also very good! We ended up spending a significant amount of time (and money) at the bar ordering shots to make up for the punch that the signature drinks lacked.

    This is their version of Tiramisú. Tasted like a whipped condensed milk, biscuits with sesame seeds,bland biscuits and 2 tsp lavender mousse

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    Buddha Bar Manila Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Buddha Bar Manila

    we had the peppered beef, spicy tuna maki, salmon maki, and the golden dragon roll.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    The Bar

    The Bar

    5.0(2 reviews)
    1.2 kmMakati City

    Curiously amazing place. Respect the old fashioned protocols and the great staff! Amazingly curated…read moredrinks and warm atmosphere make this a must see

    Probably one of my favorite bars in the whole of Manila! When I want to have drinks after work or a…read morenightcap after a late dinner, I will most probably end up at The Bar. Interiors are beautiful and cozy. The leather chairs, central bar, and decor take you to another world where you can enjoy your classic cocktail, scotch, or wine in utter opulence. The staff are always efficient and helpful when serving and suggesting drinks if you are feeling a little adventurous. Try the Negroni 1919 or the Espresso Martini. Good selection of wines too and a decent repertoire of Single Malts (for a price!). Bar chow is available too if you feel like you need more than the refillable snacks they serve you. It's also the perfect place to have an intimate conversation or a casual meeting. Cigar smokers and smokers alike will enjoy the fact that you can smoke here (sorry non-smokers!). Price points are expensive compared to your average bars or speakeasies but you're at The Peninsula after all. The overall feel is nostalgic, classic, and definitely for those who enjoy high quality cocktails and drinks in a place that makes you feel like you're transported to a bar in Cuba with different world music playing in the background.

    Photos
    The Bar - Espresso martini

    Espresso martini

    The Bar - With my honey

    With my honey

    The Bar - With my honey

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    With my honey

    VU's Bar - Marco Polo Earl Grape Iced Tea

    VU's Bar

    4.5(6 reviews)
    4.6 kmPasig City
    ₱₱₱

    Great views from the rooftop bar of the Marco Polo hotel. The bar has most of the imported beers…read more and local ones. Has live music with adjacent dance floor to shake it. Attentive service and good atmosphere for entertaining

    Wow. I'm giving this review 5 stars so it stays at the top and as many of you as possible won't…read morehave to experience what my girlfriend and I have. I don't know how I can say any of this more politely, but I am a firm believer that in an organization of such high status ladies and gentlemen should be the ones serving ladies and gentlemen. 1 - Our transaction left me feeling like my money had been deceitfully stolen by our waiter Mike. I verbatim asked if SC is gratuity/tip. Mike's answer was a confident no - so I asked for some change from a larger bill which resulted in two more bills way bigger than what customary tip should be. This left me and my girlfriend who's stomach upset by the meal in an awkward situation of really not wanting to ask for change again because of how long menial tasks took. Essentially I felt strong-armed into an what for me was an uncomfortable position. Sure I could have said something but I was brought to an uneasy place where I thought I was purchasing an upscale experience. (I only googled what SC was once I got home) 2- The pizza had a 4cm puddle of oil in the center - yuck. 3- I ordered a cocktail which was improperly made multiple times, so poorly I had to speak up. On the re-delivery it looked sloppy and tasted like what was done was the addition of water and a heavy citrus squeeze. It was a simple and classic drink that is standard for every bartender to know. I didn't ask for a mocktail or whatever made up drink that was. 4 - What upset me most was Mike sitting at our table without a reason or invitation, very close to my girlfriend. This was extremely inappropriate and left us feeling like boundaries were crossed and uncomfortable. I enjoy connecting with local staff of places while traveling, but in the proper time and place. This transaction was done very wrong. 5- Was the DJ faking it? He left for like a half hour and the playlist continued. I was half a room away and I have to say it was loud and aggressive music for the vibe of the crowd which were mostly a lively elderly bunch this particular evening. This is the first time I even wanted to leave a 1-Star review. Since I only leave 5-star reviews I will continue to do so here but with this as a warning. Rooftops are cool but there are others with better views and better service than what Mike delivers. Can someone tell him that his behavior seems to be misaligned with how the organization he represents presents their hospitality services? Dang. I didn't want to post a review while feeling upset so I slept on it. Unfortunately it was disrupted multiple times from unusual (for both my girlfriend and I) digestive issues at both ends of the tract if you know what I mean. As the great Robert Kiyosaki said 'if it's not an asset it's a liability'. This expense and experience has definitely been a liability .

    Photos
    VU's Bar
    VU's Bar
    VU's Bar

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    Red Rabbit - What used to be a secret bar

    Red Rabbit

    4.0(2 reviews)
    0.9 kmMakati City
    ₱₱

    As speakeasys goes, I think Red Rabbit was one of the first I've actually discovered for myself…read moreinstead of going online to look for them. I was a regular of Bugsy's long before I discovered Red Rabbit, to the point that the moment I entered the smoking area, I'd tip my head to one of the waiters and when I'd sit at what I claimed as my spot, there would be an ice cold Pale Pilsen waiting for me already. One night, the waiters told me about the private place behind Bugsys and, always game for weird stuff, I readily agreed to be lead into it. I was always curious of the place next to the smoking area-- it was a partially frosted glass door, and what looked like an office space beyond it. Little did I know that one of the wall's panels swung into Red Rabbit, the hidden speakeasy behind Bugsys. It's a private place, with a full bar. Their specialties are strong!cocktails and a pretty decent whisky collection. The area is non smoking and dimly lit, as with all speakeasys I've been to. (My friend has a joke that these places are where you would bring your "kabit" or your lover to when trying to hide from your wife or girlfriend. And I agree! Haha) What I really liked about Red Rabbit was that the song list was very chill, and that the bathroom has a dimmer. A what now? A dimmer. Maybe I was just drunk, or maybe I just enjoy the truly simpler things in life, but Red Rabbit's nice, air conditioned, well kept bathroom is one of the nicest I've been to (That's inside a bar) I really appreciate the dimmer, you know? Imagine when you're blindingly drunk and you want to ahem, relive yourself, those nasty fluorescent lights of most typical bathrooms just incites a headache and I can't do my business properly .' Now, with Red Rabbit's bathroom where you can adjust the lights to your comfort, you can go do your business at your leisure. (Did I really just wax poetic about a bathroom? You bet I did.) By the way, Red Rabbit's mac and cheese is also pretty good.

    Is this place still open? If it is then I'm happy and will check it out again soon. As far as…read morespeakeasies go, Red Rabbit has been faithful to its name. It's at the back of a popular and populated bar in Makati but it's managed to keep its secrecy to its core. They've never even advertised their existence and I'm not sure if it's still there because they keep their doors closed and discreet this whole time. But the few times I've gone in, it's also had a fair amount of people enjoying a quiet and quality time. The drinks are potent, the charcuterie above standard, and the dry aged steak worth it. When it comes to passwords, it's close to keeping the tradition strong. The guys at Bugsy's won't tell you what's in their back room and you really have to intend to go there by yourself!

    Photos
    Red Rabbit

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    ABV

    ABV

    4.8(29 reviews)
    1.0 kmMakati City
    ₱₱₱

    I'm going to start my review by stating that I'm not a speakeasy fan... i find them very gimmicky…read more We walked there from our Makati hotel. It's a little off the busy part of town... for some stretches you need to walk through empty streets. It is accessed via a burger joint. If you can't find it, the local security guard will help. Drinks range from like 320-600ish pesos. So while expensive for Manila, they are cheaper than bars in coastal cities in the US. How were the drinks? Meh. Definitely nothing special. For a place that specializes in cocktails, I definitely think that they were below average. Also the presentation for the most part wasn't great either (apart from a few exceptions). Most drinks were served in a regular glass that most people would have at home. The bar Oto, located fairly close by, serves much better cocktails (and at a cheaper price with better ambiance). They also gave us a bowl of popcorn but it taste fairly stale to me. I figured it's best not to eat that... who knows how many tables it's been on before

    I love the bar seat at ABV! I mentioned it to Lee, the owner, who said he had it custom made by his…read morefurniture guy. It's super comfy for a barstool! I could sit there forever! I will be back to get the name of that guy, Lee :) Also of course I will be back for the drinks and the burger and sausage sandwich. Goes well with whatever Ken will concoct for you. Ask him for his Jupiter Street drink. :)

    Photos
    ABV
    ABV - Loved this room !!

    Loved this room !!

    ABV

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    Buddha Bar Manila - lounges - Updated May 2026

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