Makati is probably best known for two things. One, it’s the Metro’s central business district. Two, it’s got a whole lot of coffee watering holes tucked in alleys, hiding in plain sight around corners, and sprawling around the area undercover – and they undeniably serve as temporary rehabilitation centers for the break time and after-hour brews.
One of the blessings I thank every day is the invention of coffee. There’s nothing a good cup of joe cannot fix and it’s a bonus if you can grab it after an elevator ride down your office building with a wide array of choices. Makati pulls a diverse group of people on the daily, we’ve got our regular nine-to-fivers along Ayala Triangle, the mall rats around Greenbelt and Power Plant Mall, and even the pub crawlers amongst the Poblacion lifestyle. But, there’s a beauty to the Makati coffee district that pulls in crowds from all around Metro Manila. This district boasts tree-lined cobblestone streets, non-dense sidewalks, and winding alleyways while whiffs of either roasting coffee beans, artisanal brunch servings, or the occasional hole in the walls surround you.
Makati is undoubtedly one of the perfect places to start your coffee crawl around the city, and here are a couple of our favorites you can try for your café hopping spree.
Ito Kish Cafe
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When we say it’s a scavenger hunt looking for this café, we’re not kidding. It may be a little difficult to navigate around (but at least it’ll be a fun activity for you…I hope) and find this spot but once you do, we promise it’s worth it. If you need more reassurance that you’re not going to be stuck in a warehouse, watch this TikTok just in case. Located behind a dark brown gate, Ito Kish Cafe is the coffee serving arm of Ito Kish, a renowned eponymous design house from the master furniture and interior designer. Part café, part home decor store, the minimalist and zen interiors create a calming atmosphere for dates, hangouts, or even business meetings perfectly paired with homegrown coffee (Try Pandin, a glass of nata de coco, espresso, and sweet coconut milk for the coco lovers) and your all-time favorite meriendas.
Ito Kish Cafe asks you to honk at their gate for the goods, so don’t be shy.
1120 J.P. Rizal Ave, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City
Fri-Sun: 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Reservations are required. Send them a request at @itokishcafe on Instagram.
The Curator Coffee and Cocktails
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When you have a 1 PM lunch break good for coffee and chow and your boss makes you work overtime the same day, The Curator is possibly the best pick for you. Placing #62 in Asia’s Best Bars 2022 and named once as ‘Best Bar in the Philippines,’ this Legazpi Street find would surely impress with its uniquely crafted coffees and artisanal cocktail mixes. With light and airy al-fresco seating for coffee runs to a private well-stocked bar for cocktail nights, you’re free to take your pick for your type of brew, or maybe do both. A personal fave in their line of coffee is Shake-O-What-O!, a cold brew-espresso-milk-coco syrup concoction served in a coupe glass, or their Champorado Coffee for a hint of tablea and rice.
The Curator Coffee and Cocktails invites you to ask their mixologists for the perfect blend.
134 Legaspi Street, Makati CIty
(Coffee) Daily: 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
(Cocktails) Tues-Sun: 6:30 P.M. to 1:00 A.M.
Walk-ins and table reservations are both available.
Deuces Coffee
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What screams Instagrammable more than pink? That’s right, nothing. Deuces Coffee is that pop of pink in the heart of Perea Street; a haven for regular café goers who are looking for a great place to hang out or have a chill date in. Offering Japanese food from katsu curry to salmon sashimi, sweet treats with churro and matcha basque burnt cheesecakes, and great beverage choices. Try my fave, the Pink Horchata, a berry twist on a classic horchata. Just a couple blocks away from Greenbelt Mall, you can have your coffee fix here before taking over some heavy-duty shopping.
Deuces Coffee is calling you to try the cutest coffee place. And you can bring your pets too!
103 Perea Street, Makati CIty
Mon-Sat: 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Sun: 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
No reservations available. Only walk-ins, takeout, and curbside pick-ups.
Good Sh*t Coffee
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If you’re looking for a hole-in-the-wall coffee stop along Poblacion after your dinner date around the area or maybe to sober up after going to a Friday night turn-up, Good Sh*t Coffee’s got the goods for you. Besides having good coffee, they’re known for their unbelievable pastries, offering a selection from croissants to rolls. Baked in-house, a crowd favorite is their Sourdough Croissant paired with their Spanish Latte, perfect for pick-me-ups both for early morning bike runs or late-night snacks.
Good Sh*t Coffee begs you to also try their baked goods. Trust me, it’s good sh*t!
5872 Enrique Street, Poblacion, Makati CIty
Sun-Thurs: 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.
Fri-Sat: 6:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M.
No reservations available. Only walk-ins, takeout, and curbside pick-ups.
Assembly Hall
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What happens if your special days fall on a work day? It’s probably a sign for you to visit the office regulars and get your caffeine fix while squeezing in a coffee run. But, we’re in luck because Assembly Hall isn’t so shabby. Try out their signature Campfire Latte for a roasted marshmallow garnish over a refreshing iced latte. Another surprise is that this café converts its “admin office” into a cocktail speakeasy by night. Definitely worth a try!
Assembly Hall is letting you drool all over with their cute drinks and cute pics combo.
775 J.P. Rizal Avenue, Makati CIty
Mon-Sat: 7:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M.
Sun: 7:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Walk-ins are accepted. Send them reservation inquiries at @assemblyhallph on Instagram.
Papakape
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If you’re the adventurous type, maybe try stopping over at this beloved neighborhood café in Palanan. Situated in a glasshouse with an outdoor rustic dining area, Papakape is a tiny charming space that surprises you with the most unique drinks! From Avocado Mocha, Blue Ginger Salabat, or a Lanka Affogato, this micro coffee house is sure to leave a big impression on you. And if you’re wondering why it feels just like home? It’s because it’s actually a garage-converted cafe from owners Manu and Rex Reyes, and they’re generous enough to let us into their humble abode while they serve up a storm. Try out their signature Iced Cocolatte, a mixture of ginger-infused coffee, cocomilk, and panucha toffee.
Papakape is inviting you over to their home as you sip their signatures.
5641 Ampere St., Palanan, Makati CIty
Tues-Sun: 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., .
No reservations available. Only walk-ins, takeout, and curbside pick-ups.
Cafe Seventy-Six
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Starting out with just online orders during the pandemic, Cafe Seventy-Six recognizes the need for everyday coffee. While having in-house delivery for Makati, BGC, and other selected areas in the Metro (for those who want coffee stat, perfect for the work-from-homes and homebodies), they have since opened a coffee shop to serve their classics in person. With their love for black and white line arts, this has turned into a café to visit on the daily (They have Wi-fi too!). Their Spanish Latte is a personal pick and they offer homemade croissants and tres leches to satisfy your sweet delights as well.
Cafe Seventy-Six is leading us for good vibes and great coffee.
114 Amorsolo St., Legazpi Village, Makati CIty
Mon-Fri: 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Sat-Sun: 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
No reservations available. Only walk-ins, takeout, and curbside pick-ups.
FLO All-Day Drinking
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What can I say? I’m a sucker for places that do coffee by day and cocktails by night. By this spot’s name, you’re sure to stay here all day and all night. FLO All-Day Drinking is a retro-futurist dream for those who enjoy great drinks and even better Instagram pictures. You can also take yourself to the next-door Hungry Homies if you suddenly want a bite or two. I’m personally biased toward their Cereal Milk Latte because of my undying love for Honey Stars cereal but their Thai Latte has been racking up 10/10 ratings lately too!
FLO All-Day Drinking asks us to kindly go with the flo and have a drink or two.
2233 Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati CIty
Mon-Fri: 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 M.N.
Walk-ins are accepted. Send them reservation inquiries at 0915-026-1426.
Header image courtesy of: Zeynep Sümer
