The eastern side of Metro Manila is a popular destination for cyclists for good reasons. For one, cities on this side are in close proximity to nature. Marikina, for one, is also relatively bike-friendly and its roads are less congested by cars. Plus, there are plenty of streetside cafes peppered within the locale to power your ride.
Cyclists know how important coffee is to, say, a morning ride, whether prior to being on the saddle or a short stop along the ride. A cup can spell the difference between a breezy and a tiring trip. Of course, don’t forget to load up on much-needed carbohydrates, too. Some of these cafes also serve breakfast platters and pastries.
Resonate Coffee
113 Bayan-Bayanan Ave. cor. Dao St., Marikina
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Visible bike parking rack available
Instagram.com/resonate.coffee
A coffee destination for bikers in the East, known for its selection of local and international specialty beans. Pair it with their rotating menu of assorted sweets. They also have indoor and al fresco dining options.
Lay-by Coffee
108 Champaca St., Marikina Heights, Marikina
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Instagram.com/lay_by_coffee
The offspring of the original post in Nangka, Lay-by Marikina Heights is an al fresco coffee shop that serves coffee for dine in and to-go. If you’re in the mood for something more filling that won’t adversely affect your ride back, order their grilled cheese.
Must-try: Dirty horchata, a caffeine-infused version of the traditional Mexican drink
Kalinaw Coffee
95 Rainbow St. SSS Village, Marikina
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Instagram.com/kalinaw.coffee.marikina
A cozy little shop located in a commercial building, Kalinaw is more of a typical cafe than your roadside coffee spot. If you’re in the mood for more than just coffee, Kalinaw serves pastries, bread, breakfast plates, and even wine. Just don’t drink and ride after.
Must-try: Peppermint mocha, for when you’re already feeling the holiday spirit
But First, Coffee
27 Molina St. cor Bautista St., Concepcion 1, Marikina
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Instagram.com/butfirstcoffeeph
One of many branches in the metro, the coffee shop chain has drip-, espresso-, and milk-based drinks as well as entrées and pastries, perfect for quick stops for light snacks. It’s easy to miss as it’s tucked in a corner. But if you do, there’s another one in Gen. Ordoñez Ave.
Must-try: Vietnamese drip coffee with condensed milk
D’expresso.Mnl
12 Scarlet St., Marikina
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Instagram.com/d.expresso.mnl
This roadside coffee shop offers cyclists both classic and specialty caffeinated drinks, available within a few minutes and ready to pair with your choice of pastry. They have donuts, coffee buns, as well as savory Korean garlic buns all made in-house.
Must-try: Sea salt latte, a sweet and creamy caffeinated drink with a hint of saltiness