The City of Taguig lies at the western shore of Laguna Lake, at the southeastern portion of Metro Manila. With a population of about 800,000 in 28 barangays, its typography has given it a unique characteristic, where water features, farmlands, urbanized centers and districts are all within a 20-minute drive from each other. Characterized by a strong government, diverse population and robust industries, Taguig is evolving into a dynamic and sustainable community.
There’s a reason why Bugsy’s Sports Bar and Bistro is one of the longest-standing hangout joins in BGC: it’s simply a no-frills dining and hangout spot where you can eat, drink and let loose. Come in any day at any time and you can still get the same vibe: fast service, warm staff, great food and drinks. And if you’re a self-confessed Tito or Tita of Manila who hates loud music in bars, the ambiance here is relaxed and casual where you can have decent conversations with your pals.
Bestsellers: Buffalo Tenders, Bugsy’s Siegel (Angus Rib-Eye)
Bugsy’s Sports Bar & Bistro. Forbes Retail, Forbestown Center, Burgos Circle, BGC, Taguig City. Telephone: (+632) 753-9255.
Living up to its name, The Brewery is the go-to watering hole that makes and serves their signature beers on site! Nothing like a fresh beer to counter that stress if you’re overworked, or if you just want to satisfy your beer craving all week. They also serve tasty dishes to go along with it.
Bestsellers: Dark Beer and Onion Soup, Beer Cheese Pizza, Barbecue Bacon Mushroom Burger
The Brewery at The Palace. 10th Avenue corner 38th Street, Uptown Parade, Taguig City. Telephone: (+63 917) 507-3442.
If you’re the type to sing your heart out to the tune of your favorite hits, then Rockstar KTV is a must-visit. It’s easy to channel the vibes of its A-list celebrity owners, Anne Curtis and Karylle. The rooms decors are inspired by big named artists like Britney, Prince, Beyonce and more. It’s also family friendly so be sure to treat the entire fambam during birthdays and other special occasions.
Rockstar KTV. 5/F SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, BGC, Taguig City. Telephone: (+632) 838-4292/838-4128.
Behold, one of the most exclusive speakeasies in Manila. Hotel Bar is hidden inside Pink’s Hot Dogs in Shangri-la at The Fort, BGC and is popular with celebrities. The venue is small and intimate, perfect for relaxing in a classy setting. Guests can order snacks (and hot dogs!) to pair with their handcrafted cocktails. Sit back and relax as they blast a music set of contemporary po and hip-hop.
Bestsellers: Whisky Sour, Dark and Stormy, Old Fashioned
Hotel Bar, inside Pink’s Hot Dogs. Shangri-la at The Fort, 30th Street corner 5th Avenue, BGC, Taguig City. Telephone: (+632) 772-1147.
Are you looking for a hangout spot that pays homage to the easy and laid-back 90s and 2000s vibe? Let’s hear it from the people at the back, Yes Please! This new hotspot in town has a “funky space and serious bar.” And, unlike the upscale nightclubs where you have to dress to impress, Yes Please! has a casual dress code where even shorts are welcome.
Bestsellers: Carmen San Diego, , FroYay, Darla’s Fizz
Yes Please! 11th Avenue corner 38th Street, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City. Telephone: (+63 917) 140-7777.
Sandwich lovers will drool over Tipple and Slaw’s Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich, made with crab fat and aioli. But there’s more to love here because they have some of the most mouth-watering appetizers and main dishes around. In the evenings, this pub comes to life with awesome drinks and DJs cranking up chill music.
Bestsellers: Volcanic Wings, Whisky Sour, Hottest Fried Chicken in Town
Tipple and Slaw. The Forum, Federacion Drive, BGC, Taguig City. Telephone: (+632) 500-0882, (+63 917) 654-3318.
You don’t have to get on a plane to have a taste of Australia. Skippy’s Gastropub, located at The Forum in BGC, is the premier Aussie bar in the country. Catch the best happy hour in town with their awesome lineup of food and drinks, sporting events and live music!
Bestsellers: Skippy’s Bourbon Ribs, Diablo Wings, Seafood Platter
Skippy’s Gastropub. The Forum, Federacion Drive, BGC, Taguig City. Telephone: (+632) 866-0578, (+63 949) 888-9300.
For the foodie who wants a foodgasmic experience paired with some of the best beers a gastropub has to offer, visit Tipsy Pig in Forbestown Road, BGC. They have an open bar and long tables good for group seating. Bring in the barkada!
Bestsellers: The Yellow Submarine, Beer Can Chicken, Belly Good Sisig Tacos, and Tipsy’s Crispy Pata.
Tipsy Pig Gastropub. Forbestown Road, Burgos Circle, BGC, Taguig City. Telephone: (+632) 952-6877, (+63 956) 912-7912.
Club-goers can head over to The Palace, home of the hippest party destinations in Manila. We’re talking about Valkyrie, Revel, and The Island Club!
Boasting a space that can hold up to 2000 people, Valkyrie accommodates guests inside outstanding interiors dotted with couches and cocktail tables, as well as Skyboxes. If you’re up for drinks, visit Revel and try their offerings of first-rate champagne, vodka, tequila, rum and specialty cocktails. You can jump in on the busy dance floor, or enjoy more privacy on the sofa seats in the mezzanine.
The ultimate tropical escape is also now in the heart of BGC with the newly renovated The Island Club (formerly The Palace Pool Club). Relax with some refreshments and chill on the cabanas and the daybeds as the DJs rev up the hottest tracks in the city.
All these party concepts are the go-to place of millennials including VIPs and celebrities. Expect some world-class clubbing experience like no other… night after night!
The Palace. 9th Avenue corner 36th Street, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City. Valkyrie: (+63 917) 680-8888. Revel: (+63 917) 550-8888.
Lukkas Barber Shop is proud to be your small neighborhood barbershop. They want to foster a sense of community among their patrons. Lukkas is an old school barbershop that provides no frills service, which keeps their prices reasonable. Signature cuts include the fade, classic, pompadour, and other more contemporary styles. They recently added hair and scalp treatments such as Deep Repair Treatment, or Hydrating Treatment.
Taguig branches:
• 14 MRT Road, North Signal Village
This popular barbershop chain started out as a neighborhood shop. Now, you can find them in most malls around the metro. GQ Barbershop will give you value for your money with their wide range of services that include smart haircuts, shave, facials, hair treatments, massages, and even nail grooming.
Taguig branches:
• Starmall Prima, Cayetano Ave., Brgy. Ususan
As Titan 22’s in-store barbershop, this is the perfect place for basketball enthusiasts. Where else can you get groomed while enjoying a game that’s on, or talking shop with fellow hoops fanatics, or checking out the latest kicks and jerseys? They take pride in their Titan Special, a specialty of the house that includes a dapper haircut, a hot towel shave, and a relaxing scalp massage.
Taguig branches:
• Two Parkade, 30th St., BGC
If you want high quality, no frills service, then Back Alley Barbershop is for you. It’s a traditional barbershop experience using old school rituals: a smart haircut, clean and smooth shave, and soothing massage. Go for the Hungover Treatment (even when you’re not), a relaxing and pampering session that includes alternating hot and cold towel applications, facial scrub and mask, moisturizers, and a massage. The shop gives off a retro feel with vintage-inspired interiors. There’s a lounge where you can read from a good selection of magazines while sipping a hand brewed coffee or a craft beer. Back Alley takes music seriously; one can enjoy a carefully curated playlist with tunes ranging from jazz to blues to rock.
Taguig branches:
• Bonifacio High Street Central, 30th St., BGC
• Eight Forbes Town Road, Forbestown Center, BGC (The Village Barber & Supply Shop)
Felipe and Sons is not just a barbershop; it’s a fusion of the traditional barbershop and a haberdashery, hence the term barberdashery. This is a place where you can get a haircut and a shave, while trying on customized suits for gentlemen. Book an appointment and they’ll serve up your refreshment of choice – coffee, whiskey, or beer – before giving you a stylish cut with relaxing hot towels, a close shave or beard sculpting, or facial. They can even shine your shoes or clean your sneakers while you get groomed. At the haberdashery, you can try on bespoke shirts, suits, and formal accessories such as bow ties and neckties to go along with your suit.
Taguig branches:
• Net Quad Bldg., 4th Ave. cor. 30th St., BGC
Bruno’s Barbers has been cutting hair for over 27 years now, and remains the go-to place for men’s grooming. They are known for their precision cuts, as well as their hair and scalp treatments. Bruno’s delivers head-to-toe pampering including a shave or beard/moustache trim, facials (try their Hypoallergenic Facial, or Deep Cleansing Facial), massages, and even threading services. If your shoes need a touch up, they can shine them for you, too. You’ll want to keep your new haircut fresh with Brunolab, their own line of hairstyling and shaving products. Coffee and cookies are on the house while you wait.
Taguig branches:
• SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, BGC
• Grand Hampton Tower, 2nd Ave. cor. 31st St., BGC
• Uptown Mall, 9th Ave. cor. 36th St., Uptown Bonifacio
Toby’s Estate is a specialty coffee shop from Australia. They are known for their Woollomooloo and Rodyk blend, and their single origin coffee La Trinidad Geisha from their own coffee farm in Panama. The Gibraltar is their signature drink, made from a very strong shot of espresso with a little milk. Their full range menu boasts of scrumptious dishes that include the Traviata (a breakfast dish of two baked eggs with cherry tomatoes, arugula, basil oil, and rustic bread), and the Chorizo and Egg Bun (soft slow-fried egg and crisp potato chips packed in the patty, and homemade potato bun).
Taguig branches:
• SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, BGC
• Eco Tower, 9th Ave. cor. 32nd St., BGC
• Art Bar, Serendra, BGC
• W Fifth Avenue Bldg., 5th Ave., BGC
• Shangri-la at The Fort, Bonifacio High Street, BGC
Another homegrown coffee brand, Bo’s Coffee traces its roots to Cebu where it was established in 1996. They use handpicked coffee beans that come from the Philippine Highlands – Sagada, Benguet, Mt. Apo – and, in the process, help local farming communities around the country. Check out their hot and cold espresso-based drinks – the Artisanal Chocolate Froccino is made with local cocoa. Their breakfast menu includes omelettes and pancakes, and those looking for heavier fare can choose crowd favorite pasta dishes and sandwiches.
Taguig branches:
• Bonifacio High Street, 9th Ave., BGC
This third wave coffee shop is a celebration of everything Filipino. Luna uses only local roasts, and offers specialty blends that change every so often to provide diners with new experiences. The Luna Brew is your classic barako coffee, but if you like your coffee a bit sweet, try their ice-blended candyccino drinks that incorporate favorite childhood treats such as Candyccino Flat Tops and Candyccino White Rabbit. An all-day breakfast menu presents Filipino dishes with a twist: open-faced Pan de Sal with toppings like Longganisa or Bangus, and their famous Crispy Tapa which will make you swear is really bacon.
Taguig branches:
• NAC Tower, 32nd St., BGC
• Bonifacio High Street, 9th Ave., BGC
Figaro has been brewing coffee for 25 years. This proudly Filipino coffee chain champions the local barako coffee, and sources their beans from all over the country. To ensure freshness, their coffee is roasted every week at their local roasting facility and delivered straight to the various Figaro branches. Figaro Cafe features a full menu with a wide selection of lunch sets, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, including an all-day breakfast menu.
Taguig branches:
• Bonifacio High Street, 9th Ave., BGC
Donut + coffee are a classic pairing, and nobody does it better than J.CO Donuts.
This Indonesian chain is known for their unique donut flavors, with unique names to go with it – think Al Capone (almonds and white chocolate), Avocado DiCaprio (avocado and chocolate), and Berry Spears (strawberry and cream cheese). Pair it with J.coccino, their signature cappuccino, and you’ve got a match made in coffee heaven. If you prefer something cooler, try the Choco Mint Frappe or Avocado Frappe if you’re feeling adventurous.
Taguig branches:
• Market! Market!, McKinley Parkway, BGC
Upscale specialty brand Lamill is the preferred coffee for Single Origin. Order the regular brew, or one of their custom blends like the Honey Latte or Salted Caramel Latte. As the name suggests, they also have a wide array of single origin coffees from around the world. If waffles are your thing, this local shop serves one of the best in the city, whether you prefer it sweet (Blueberry Cream Cheese) or savory (Bacon & Egg with Waffle).
Taguig branches:
• Bonifacio High Street Central, 7th Ave. cor. 30th St., BGC
This California coffee chain started brewing in 1963 and went on to become one of the largest coffee and tea companies in the world. CBTL uses only the top 1% special grade arabica beans for its coffee, and the top 2 leaves and a bud of whole leaf for its teas. One of their most popular drinks is their ice-blended concoction such as the Caramel Ice-Blended Macchiato, and Hazelnut Chocolate Ice-Blended Latte. Their extensive tea selection includes uncommon flavors such as Lung Ching Dragonwell tea, and Estate Darjeeling tea.
Taguig branches:
• Net Lima Bldg., 5th Ave. cor. 26th St., BGC
• Bonifacio High Street, 9th Ave., BGC
• Starmall Prima, Cayetano Ave., Bgy. Ususan
• Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio
• Burgos Circle, BGC
• Bonifacio Stopover, BGC
• Kidzania Bldg., 11the Ave., BGC
• Bonifacio High Street Central Square, 5th Ave. cor. 30th St., BGC
A well-loved Filipino restaurant, Cafe Mary Grace serves comfort food with a good selection of sandwiches, pastas, and fresh salads. While they may have become a household name for their famed pillowy ensaymadas, there is quality in their coffee. No fancy offerings here — just basic espresso, americano, cappuccino, and latte — but they do, indeed, make a fine cup of joe.
Taguig branches:
• SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, BGC
• Serendra, BGC
In 1997, Filipinos were introduced to, what was then, a fast-growing coffee chain from Seattle. The rest, as they say, is history. Starbucks paved the way for a new kind of coffee culture in the country where it’s not so much about where to buy a cup of coffee, but rather where to experience a good cup of coffee. Must trys include their signature espresso beverages and their popular frappuccinos, which are well suited to warm climates like ours.
Taguig branches:
• Science Hub Tower 4, McKinley Hill Cyberpark, Fort Bonifacio
• 32nd St. cor. 7th Ave., BGC
• SMDC Grace Residences, Levi Mariano Ave.
• Venice Grand Canal Mall, Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio
• One World Square-McKinley Hill, Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio
• Intelenet Bldg., Five McKinley West, Le Grand Ave.
• SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, BGC
• Sunlife Centre, 5th Ave. cor. Rizal Dr., BGC
• RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, 25th & 26th St., BGC
• Fully Booked-Bonifacio High Street, BGC
• Bonifacio High Street Block 3, 7th Ave., BGC
• Market! Market!, McKinley Parkway, BGC
• BGC Corporate Center, 30th St. cor. 11th Ave., BGC
• Eight Forbestown, Forbestown Road, BGC
• Bonifacio High Street Central Square, 5th Ave. cor. 30th St., BGC
• Net Quad Bldg., 4th Ave. cor. 30th St., BGC
• Globe Headquarters, 32nd St., BGC
• Crescent Park Residences, 2nd Ave. cor. 30t St., BGC
• Uptown Parade, 9th Ave cor. 38th St, Uptown Bonifacio
• BGC Stopover, 31st St. cor. 2nd Ave., BGC
• St. Luke’s Medical Center, 32nd St., BGC
• Uptown Mall, 9th & 11th Ave., Uptown Bonifacio
• Park West Residences, 36th St. cor. 7th Ave., BGC
• Philplans Corporate Center, Triangle Dr. cor. 10th Ave., BGC
• Shell Gas Station, 32nd St. cor. Rizal Dr., BGC
