Problem children are notorious for being, well, a problem—but this particular Problem Child (pun intended) is doing something good for once.
In the newly released lineup of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 unveiled on July 28, Makati-based bar Problem Child took the 44th spot as a new entry and is likewise named “The Best Bar in the Philippines 2026,” sponsored by Roku Gin. Meanwhile, just last week, The Spirits Library was just shy of the list, sitting on the extended 51-100 list, following the recent addition of San Juan-based bar Raion and Quezon City’s Recraft to the 50 Best Discovery guide.
“Like any true problem child, this bar refuses to sit still,” the website reads. “While the menu continually reinvents itself, the eye-catching setting of stainless steel, clean timber lines and clever lighting remains just as compelling,” it adds.
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Pushing boundaries (and drinks)
Launched in 2025 by Kevin Corales, Wendy Esteban, and Patrick Leyble, Problem Child has made a name for itself by pushing boundaries just as much as it pushes new creations.
“The menu rotates around a single color scheme every three months, always spanning from innovative sips to reinvented classics,” Asia’s 50 Best notes.
And rightfully so. Problem Child pushes the envelope with its own brand of mischief, with progressive drinks like Green Sticks (rum, wakame distillate, and salsa verde) and the carbonated Serene (aromatized Japanese whiskey with green tea, jasmine, oolong, and orange bitters), or reimagined classics with a tropical twist. Think Negroni but with mango distillate, guava, and pineapple Campari—or Ranch Water, which combines tequila, green mango, and coconut water.
But more than its drinks, Problem Child is known for its bar chow—from caponata to focaccia, alongside edamame and birria tacos. And just like any bar, DJs keep the energy up with beats and mixes that start during the late hours, extending all the way to the wee hours of the morning.
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A prestigious award
Produced by UK media company William Reed, “The World’s 50 Best” is an influential list that compiles the top 50 brands from around the world, spanning restaurants, bars, hotels, and even vineyards.Beyond that, and the extended 51-100 list across continents, the organization also awards a series of special prizes, which include the One to Watch Award, the Icon Award, the Best Female Chef Award, and the Chef’s Choice Award, among other accolades.
Often regarded as a barometer of global hospitality and gastronomic trends, the list celebrates excellence from every corner of the world. For bars, restaurants, and hospitality businesses, earning a place is more than just a badge of honor—it puts the brand on the global radar while simultaneously attracting new audiences.
Problem Child is located at Unit 107 G/F, 369, Executive Building, Jupiter, Makati City
