This isn’t about which cafe in Manila has the best coffee. We can argue for ages about that (appropriately, in a cafe)! The FlySpaces Team decides to compile a list of good cafe spaces to hang out after work, particularly in the CBD areas. Many of you may prefer drinks, but for some of us, a long evening of conversation and maybe some pastries are all we need.
Commune is a calm oasis in the heart of the nocturnal, neon-lit side of Makati. The sophisticated yet welcoming cafe aims to not only serve good coffee but also encourage good conversation. The facade stands out with its unique rounded corner and second floor terrace lined with railings reminiscent of the windows on a quintessential Filipino home.
Situated in the center of the corporate part of BGC - a brief walk from your office, Caravan Black welcomes you with retro-inspired interiors with wooden accents and a gentlemanly appeal.
Instead of pushing you to try coffee their way, they’ll ask you how you like it: sweet, black, familiar, or gutsy. In case you have a buddy who prefers to drink instead, they also serve beer and cocktails.
Image credit Toby’s Estate, Salcedo, Makati
Toby’s Estate has the perfect atmosphere for a post-work chat over a flat white. Cool white tiles complement the solid wood in the airy, ambient-lit interiors. You can spot fellow office folks having meetings or unwinding at the space and pairing coffee with cigarettes at the outdoor seats. Sit back, settle down, and have some calamansi cake.
Image credit The Curator, Legaspi Village, Makati
If your buddy prefers to drink while you’re in the mood for coffee, The Curator - a cafe and speakeasy - offers the best of both words.
A bit low key in Makati, The Curator wins if you want to hide away for a bit. The interiors are effortlessly cool with simple concrete walls and nothing over-the-top as they let their menu do the talking. Dim lighting and good music helps you loosen up too.
Light solid wood surfaces and color accents made us think of building blocks and preschool. Yardstick’s space is not a typical cafe as it takes the open concept to the next level. Upon learning that they have barista and art classes in the space, it makes sense. Yardstick is also one of the pioneers of third wafe coffee in the Philippines. Great if you want to chill with a friend or by yourself with a book/laptop and iced chai tea as the place is spacious and bright with ample power outlets.
Chairs? On the ceiling? Subspace is a small, cozy Korean-owned cafe in Ortigas with a lot of personality. Unique also to the place is their purple latte art, which is great instagram material apart from their adventurous interior design.
Ideal if you’re in the area and craving for some waffles or need to catch up with that creative friend who’s also a pop culture junkie.
If your favorite coffee shop isn’t on the list, don’t worry. That means you can have it all to yourself, you hipster you. Otherwise, comment on our social media if you have a suggestion!