Highly unlikely to find a bar along the White Plains side of Katipunan Avenue, that stretch between Santolan in Cubao to the Mormon church at the back of Camp Aguinaldo.
But there’s one, in between the rows of gardening supply stores, and it’s quite quirky—from the name, 78-53-86, to the all-drinks-no-food menu, and the all-vinyl records stacked by the wall.
Named after owner Jay Amante’s old telephone number, 78-53-86 is a nondescript watering hole next to a barber shop on the top floor of a two-story building. Its cramped space holds no more than 15 people, but therein probably lies its appeal—a sense of exclusivity among cool heads who prefer to be lost in intimate conversation than be seen in a crowd.
You go here with a date, or a buddy, and drink at a slow pace to enjoy the music playing on a record player—we hear mainstream jazz, pianist Alex Hill, upon arrival.
The drinks list has only two beer brands, Stella Artois and Corona; the rest are hard liquor, and they’re all priced at P200 per bottle and per shot.
There’s no bar chow, except for popcorn (also at P200 per large bowl)—to prevent food particles and the smell from damaging the records, says one of three bartenders.
We order Jack Daniel’s, our companion settles for Corona beer and popcorn, and the vintage music completes the tranquil ambiance.
Tempting as it is to ask for a specific album and song to hear, requests are discouraged because there’s a playlist—most probably by Amante himself, playing the imaginary DJ and setting the mood for the night.
Use Waze when going here since the building is also nondescript, you’re bound to miss it.
78-53-86, 2/L West, 42 Katipunan Ave. Quezon City; call 819.9297.
Industrie Loft
On the same night, we visit City Golf Plaza, a driving range along Julia Vargas Avenue in Pasig, which is also home to a cluster of restaurants and bars.
At one corner is Industrie Loft, on the second floor, which has food stalls and a bar called On The Rocks—with 10°c-cooled San Miguel Pale Pilsen at P55 each.
On the same floor is a branch of Barcino, a deli with an extensive wine list from Spain, South Africa, Chile, Argentina and Italy. It is also said to offer the “best Spanish beer.”
But we’ve had enough drinks. Well, a nightcap is fine, so we go for San Miguel Premium with Chistorra, fried sausage Basque style in olive oil.
Nice way to end a stressful night, but not too drunk to remember people nearby talking about martial law and the 1987 Constitution.
