When most people speak of Williamsburgos (aka Poblacion, Makati), the first places they'll mention…read morewill most likely be the taco and yakitori joints on Felipe Street, or the Latin American chicken shack on Ebro. But one of my favorite places in Poblacion is actually a decrepit little pub, located beside Ringside and a couple of sleazy strip bars (it IS Makati's red light district, after all) mostly frequented by geriatric Caucasian expats and their Filipina wives, and maybe the odd hipster or two. That being said, The Woodman's Head is a great place to grab some beers and gin and tonics for cheap. I'm talking 60 pesos cheap. In fact, I kinda hesitate to write about this place because I am clannish about where I like to hang out, and prefer it if people don't hang out where I do when I go out because I am a notorious introvert. Another really great plus about this place is that Travis, a good friend of mine, has done a great service to The Woodman's Head by introducing Deep Fried Pickles(!!!!) to their menu. I know that dill pickles aren't everyone's cup of tea, but hear me out. When they are sliced thinly, deep fried in batter and dipped in Travis's magical Ranch Sauce (I realize that sounded vaguely pervy), it's sooooo good. Would definitely eat these even without the aid of alcohol. However, going to the Woodman's Head can be a little bit intimidating without a posse (unless you're a dude. If you're a woman going there independently, I suggest you bring friends, because). Still, it's a part of Williamsburgos that's off the beaten path, that I enjoy going to when my night is winding down, especially when I can't be bothered to shout over my beers just so my friends can hear me.

From the owner: The Only Authentic English/Irish Pub in the Philippinesread more

I know they market this as an Irish pub but it seem to be more akin to an English gastropub. It's…read moresmack right into the heart of Mabini and easily accessible. No, this is not one of those bars in Mabini, if you know what I mean. It is a sports bar with several television sets showing different sports programs. The TVs volumes are turned down so no worries about getting confused with what you are watching. I've been to a bar with three TV sets showing different sports programs all with their volumes set on high. It was a disaster. Imagine watching a basketball game while hearing the commentator calling out jabs and upper cuts. Not the brightest of ideas. A friend egged me to try the Fish and Chips and was I glad I got "bullied" into it. They make their Fish and Chips exactly how it should be made. Crispy flaky fish with the batter cooked just right and not oily at all. The chips are also equally good. Crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. They also have a good selection of beers. Don't let their prices discourage you. May sound expensive but their large servings justify the prices they charge. If ever you are in the Mabini area then try Molly Malone's, it's one of those rare times when you can say that you went to a bar in Mabini without having to blush.

It's got 3 branches along the same street, it's got to be that good! An Irish pub mixed with a…read moresports bar, Mulligan's has 3 branches along Aguirre Avenue (you can actually walk from one branch to the next one), and at least one of these branches is open 24 hours. Whenever my friends and I can't decide on a place to have some drinks, we always default to Mulligan's. It's not that it's a last resort, it's because Mulligan's is always reliable and great for big groups of friends. (And, for the 24-hour branch, at least we don't have to worry about getting kicked out during closing time.) As for the menu, the servings are huge and usually good for 3-4 people, (sometimes even 5-6) with a complete bar and all kinds of beer (even some foreign brands). Their popularity in BF has recently lead to another branch along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati. The Irish pub feel also attracts a lot of foreign clients, and the place becomes one giant party during major sports events like the World Cup or a Pacquiao match.

I have been here many times fun place good food. But today is the first time I felt like I needed…read moreto write a reveiw. Very rude waitress. She told me I was "Makulet".(with in 5 minutes of me entering) I can not recommend a place that will insult a customer to his face, it is worse because they think it is acceptable if they do it in a language that the customer might not understand. This establishment is not Foreign friendly, please do not support places like this that are blatantly disrespectful.

"We have beers as cold as your ex's heart."…read more With a slogan like this, no wonder Elbizens (Citizens of UPLB) flock to Jacques at night. There's nothing like a bottle of subzero beer paired with hot wings after a particularly stressful hell week, am I right? What I like about Jacques is its ambiance --very Irish. Add a few booths and it'll remind you of MacLaren's from How I Met Your Mother.

Z Roof Deck lives up to its name as a solid rooftop bar in Poblacion. While it isn't the highest…read morevantage point in the area, it still offers a great perspective of the neighborhood, with particularly nice views of the illuminated Rockwell buildings and the distant BGC skyline. The atmosphere is definitely a vibe--chill and social. Music starts up later in the evening (around 9 PM, I believe), which helps transition the mood as night falls. We visited fairly early and enjoyed the shift when the music began. However, one interaction notably dampened the experience. A brief, joking conversation with a bouncer took an unexpectedly dark turn. When I lightheartedly asked if anyone had ever tripped on the spiral staircase, he replied, "Only if I throw them off." Joking or not, for someone responsible for patron safety, this felt in poor taste and sounds like he wants to look or sound intimidating. It's a remark that unfortunately sticks with you. And it was of bad taste. Overall, Z Roof Deck has much to offer in terms of views and ambiance, but attention to staff training and customer interaction would elevate it from a good spot to a great one. 2 star from poor choice of words from the security at the roof deck. You want to be funny? Tell a better wholesome joke.

The happy hour is awesome- you get a free drink! The view is cool, you can see a lot of the city…read morefrom here. The only drawback coming here is that you need to buy a bracelet and put a minimum amount 300 pesos per person but if you choose your poison correctly it can get you 2 drinks or 3 beers :)

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.

Came here during our recent Manila trip and it was highly recommended by friends and family. Great…read moreambiance and wonderful drinks. Would likely come back again. Pretty affordable if you're converting USD to PHP but likely very expensive for locals If you're on a local salary. I've been to actual speakeasies in the US that survived Prohibition era and they don't quite have the same feel--for starters, the building is new, there are no secret doors or hidden basements, there isn't a password or secret code to get in or antique version of the menu, no history about how the place survived when it was illegal to sell and distribute alcohol. Despite not having the culture and history behind it, it is still a very good experience and would highly recommend for the drinks and ambiance.

ok, it's a bit tricky to find this place, at least for me, but i'm glad i didn't give up so easily…read more once inside, i was greeted by the friendly staff. the drinks weren't only pretty but delicious too. it's a really chill spot and would definitely recommend to friends. can't wait to come back to this place.

Went to Black Market last weekend for the first time in ages and man, it still hits different…read more Walked in around midnight, no ridiculous line, just that familiar raw warehouse energy--exposed concrete, dim lights, and the bass already thumping through the floor. The crowd was a perfect mix: locals in hoodies and sneakers, some foreigners vibing, everyone just there to lose themselves in the music. Caught this killer hip-hop/trap set that had the whole place moving without feeling forced or pretentious like a lot of BGC spots. Slipped upstairs to Mao Den for a bit--smaller room, tighter sound, killer cocktails--and it felt like its own little secret world. Left at 4am sweaty, happy, and already planning the next one. If you want real underground Manila nights without the dress code drama, this place is still unbeatable. 5 stars every time.

Black Market is hands down my favorite and go-to club in Manila. It's not your typical kind that…read moreyou mostly find in Manila, the atmosphere here is much more relaxed and you can dress casually. It is an underground industrial warehouse type of club that focuses mainly on underground music. It is where you can usually find independent, up and coming local and international artists playing mostly hip hop, bass and trap music. Most of the time, it's not really for the EDM type. This place also has different areas inside, which offers different ambiances and music scenes too. On the second floor, they have the Mao Den, a room which has its own DJ and bar. Black Market is also the place where I always celebrate "birthday salubongs" and halloween with friends, which were always fun! This is one of the things that I miss back home. Highly recommended!

Located at the 21st floor at the Ace hotel, great Pasig view and hip-happening music. Great food…read moreand drinks. Cold air fan blowing on you while you enjoy the night lights!

If you really wanna go for a "sosyal" date then Sky High Bar might cater to your liking. What I…read morelove about the place is that it's so intimate that you just can't get on a regular al fresco dining. What I also like about it is the view of Manila at night that you'll get to enjoy because they're located at the rooftop of a semi-high rise building. In Metro Manila, you won't get to see that much stars at night, as what people say, it's because it's polluted. What makes up for it is the busy street and night lights that you'll only get to see if you're on top of a building or a helicopter. The only problem with fine dining at night is that you don't get to see your food under good lighting and get to instagram it. They do have mini lamps that you can use to see better when eating. Just ask the waiters. What I also enjoyed in this place is their food. It's mostly pica-picas (did you read that in Pikachu's voice because I did) but they also offer meal sets. I'm in love with their calamares and fries. What added oomf to their food is their dips. It's so flavorful and it complements the crunchy texture so well. The place has two sides. One is for the bar with the loud thumpin' music and the other side is for fine dining.