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Best Bars in the Philippines
There is no better way to appreciate the dynamic energy of the Philippines' major cities than from above, cocktail in hand. We've curated a list of the ultimate high-altitude destinations. These best bars in the Philippines that offer an unmatched ambiance for a celebratory night out. Prepare for an evening of elegance and unforgettable moments.
Buccaneers Rum & Cocktails
Buccaneers Rum & Cocktails offers a truly unique and luxurious immersive dining and drinking experience by transforming its space into the opulent, dimly lit interior of an old pirate ship. It is distinguished as Manila's first dedicated rum bar, boasting the largest collection of rums in the Philippines—over 180 selections, including rare and discontinued bottles. Guests are treated to an inventive menu of tiki and bespoke cocktails crafted by award-winning mixologists, served in a lively, nautical-themed ambiance complete with wood-planked walls, ropes, and ship-like fittings, ensuring a high-quality, adventurous, and memorable night out.
Buccaneers Rum & Cocktails
5668 Don Pedro, Makati City, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines
Oto
Oto is a standout luxury destination in Poblacion, Makati, revered not just as a cocktail bar, but as an audiophile's dream "listening room". Taking its name from the Japanese word for "sound," Oto is dedicated to providing an unparalleled sensory experience, featuring a top-of-the-line, all-vinyl sound system and curated playlists spun by DJs, creating a unique auditory backdrop. The bar has been consistently recognized on Asia's 50 Best Bars list since 2019 for its inventive, world-class cocktails, which draw inspiration from musical eras and often feature fun, modern twists.
Oto
Villa Caridad I
Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar
Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar is a premium bar and dining destination offering a sophisticated, "Mad Men"-esque gentleman's club ambiance. It is a renowned steakhouse specializing in Josper-grilled, high-quality meats sourced from sustainable farms (like Australian Wagyu and Black Angus), but its bar stands alone as a luxury spot dedicated to whisky, smoke, and inventive cocktails. The bar menu features an extensive whisky list, its own custom Raging Bull bourbon, and pleasingly experimental, barrel-aged cocktails like the Maple & Bacon Manhattan.
Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar
Shangri-La The Fort Manila
The Back Room
The Back Room is renowned as one of the country's best luxury bars, having consistently been featured on Asia's 50 Best Bars list. This hidden gem successfully transports guests back to the glamorous Roaring Twenties with its dark wood, plush green leather, and Art Deco ambiance. It is particularly celebrated for its focus on gin, boasting a collection of over 120 labels, including its own in-house distilled "Bee's Knees" gin, crafted in their secret Gin Laboratory using local Filipino ingredients.
The Back Room
Shangri-La The Fort Manila
The Curator Coffee & Cocktails
The Curator is the Philippines' most awarded and influential bar, consistently recognized on the Asia's 50 Best Bars list for over seven years, making it a definitive luxury destination. It is celebrated for its unique dual identity, operating as a top-tier specialty coffee shop by day and seamlessly transforming into an intimate, speakeasy-style cocktail lounge by night.
The Curator Coffee & Cocktails
134 Legazpi Street, Makati, Philippines
Lit Manila
Lit Manila is a distinct luxury bar that has earned recognition on Tatler Asia's 100 Best Bars list for its specialization in Japanese whisky. It offers a uniquely refined, cinematic ambiance, often described as recalling film noir movies and Tokyo hideaways, featuring vinyl records and loungey seating. Under the guidance of its resident whisky concierge, Lit provides an exceptionally well-curated selection of rare and premium Japanese single malts and whiskies, alongside expertly crafted cocktails like the "LIT Manila Old Fashioned" that often draw Japanese inspiration.
Lit Manila
Serendra
Big Fuzz
Big Fuzz is a sophisticated yet understated speakeasy-style cocktail bar known for bringing the New York City cocktail renaissance to Manila. Hidden behind a striking red door, the interior is cozy, dimly lit, and surprisingly spacious, featuring comfortable leather seating and a dedicated vinyl turntable that sets a cool, jazzy ambiance. It is celebrated for its creative, well-balanced cocktails and exceptional service from knowledgeable and attentive bartenders who are skilled in crafting both elevated classics and unique off-menu drinks.
Big Fuzz
Creekside Building
Fat Cat
Fat Cat has quickly established itself as a luxury contender, even earning the title of Tatler Asia's Best Bar of the Year 2025. Inspired by Japanese kissatens (listening rooms), the bar offers a sophisticated and immersive sensory experience with a focus on jazz and vinyl records played on premium sound equipment. It is celebrated for its imaginative craft cocktails that often use bold, locally-inspired flavor combinations (like Pinangat and Bibingka), expertly balancing complexity and quality.
Fat Cat
Makati Central Square
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