10 Spots in the Metro Where You Can Enjoy Live Music and Good Food
One of the best ways to learn more about one’s culture is to listen to their music. It doesn’t really matter if you understand the language or not—it goes beyond words. Thank the heavens for live music in Manila, colloquially known as gig, helping you fully immerse in local music.
If you still don’t know how gigs work, well, think of it like a mini concert, but this time with no VIP tickets. Attendees don’t come and go after the show, rather, they make friends to form a close community. Even artists hang out with everyone after!
IMAGE Jess & Pats
Just like in other countries, gigs in Manila are often held in bars and cafes that are passionate about supporting local artists. Entrance fees range from Php 200 to Php 500, often inclusive of one free drink.
Gigs in Manila usually start at 7 p.m. and end at midnight, depending on the line-up of performances. Prepare to drink a bottle (or two) of beer, too.
So if you are ready to start your live music adventure in Manila, here are some of the spots we definitely recommend:
Ikomai
Can’t decide whether to satisfy your Japanese food craving or ear for good music? Lucky for you, Ikomai in Makati offers both—thanks to their hideout sessions! Said live music events feature both Japanese and Filipino artists, so you know it’s a win-win!
Also read: Ikomai and Tochi Desserts in Salcedo, Makati: Home to Japanese street and comfort food
ACI Group Bldg., 147 HV Dela Costa, Salcedo Village, Makati
02-816-4588 / 0917-709-4809
Website: ikomai.today
facebook.com/ikomaistreet
instagram.com/ikomaistreet
Saguijo
If there’s one place that anyone from the underground scene would recommend, it’s Saguijo in Makati. A lot of popular local bands now started with playing a few gigs here—a proof that it truly stood the test of time. They welcome any kind of genre from both up-and-coming to prominent artists. It’s the ideal place if you’re looking for a modest yet intimate space to sing your favorite songs in.
Address: 7612 Guijo Street, Makati City
Contact: 02-621-6752
Facebook: facebook.com/saGuijo.Cafe.Bar.Events
Instagram: instagram.com/saguijobar
Dulo MNL
Poblacion, Makati is known for its vibrant night life, and it’s undoubtedly best spent with live music. Dulo MNL, in particular, is a popular spot for millennials as it’s a cafe and bar in one, plus the fact that indie artists and bands drop by every now and then.
Also read: Dulo MNL in Poblacion: Cafe, Restobar, and Event Space in One
4992 P. Guanzon, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City
Contact: 0956-504-0739
Facebook: facebook.com/duloMNL
instagram.com/dulomnl
Concepto
If you’re the type who does not enjoy the loudest of crowds, Concepto is the place for you. They are located in an unfrequented spot in Poblacion, so it’s safe to say you won’t be bothered by the neighboring restaurants. Expect mostly local artists and DJs that will serenade you with chill music. Oh, and they also hold open mic nights.
Also read: Concepto in Poblacion Is Your Next Hangout Place Serving Straightforward Food
6234 Mañalac Street, Poblacion, Makati
02-745-9343 / 02-689-1656
Facebook: facebook.com/conceptoph
instagram.com/conceptoph
20:20
Who can ever deny the beauty of 20:20 in Makati with its artistic walls and industrial interiors (not to mention their mouthwatering tapas and cocktails)? Although they usually hold events with international DJs, you can expect local artists bringing a night to remember. Their equally-famous sister bar, XX:XX, also has amazing events you can check out.
Also read: 20:20 in Makati: Bar experience like no other
20A La Fuerza Plaza 1, 2241 Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati
0917-634-8764
facebook.com/2020bar
Alchemy
It’s hard not to notice Alchemy when walking around the streets of Poblacion with its purple glow, as if there’s some kind of elixir haunting you to come in. They have weekly live bands, dance nights, among other events that will make you a regular in no time.
Also read: Alchemy in Makati: A Beacon of European Cuisine
4893 Durban Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City
02-500-7398 / 0917-555-5641
Website: alchemybistrobar.com
facebook.com/alchemybistrobar
Tiyo Craft Kitchen + Bar
Maraming Salamat sa lahat nang nagpunta sa Leanne and Naara x Ang Bandang Shirley live at Tiyo! ❤️😍
The nightlife district of Tomas Morato just got a little brighter! Opened barely a year ago, Tiyo Craft Kitchen + Bar was able to make it to the limelight easily with their Filipino dishes (with a twist) and daily musical acts. If local indie artists and bands are not enough to excite you (which we highly doubt)—they have vinyl nights, where you can bring your own vinyl and have it played on their turntable.
Address: CKB Centre, Tomas Morato cor. Scout Rallos, Diliman, Quezon City
Contact: 0932-864-2593
Facebook: facebook.com/tiyoph
Jess & Pats
The owners of Jess & Pats in Maginhawa are very passionate about supporting anything local, and that trait perfectly resonates with its crowd. You’d be surprised how people sing solemnly through acoustic nights, so be ready to make a few friends along the way. Note, however, that they do not offer any alcoholic drinks—they have refreshing juices, for a change!
Address: 2/F 63 Maginhawa Street, UP Village, Quezon City
Contact: 0916-625-5771
Facebook: facebook.com/jessxpats
Instagram: instagram.com/jessxpats
Unit 27 + Bar
Unit 27 Bar + Cafe in Eastwood is among the popular spots for good music in the northernmost part of the Metro. It exudes a very intimate vibe so prepare for a little heart-to-heart with the artists. Bonus: they have an all-day brunch menu.
Also read: Unit 27 Bar+Cafe in Eastwood: All the Good Things You Want to Do in Life
Eastwood Citywalk 1, Libis, Quezon City
0998-556-9129 / 0956-732-8680
Facebook: facebook.com/Unit27BarCafe
instagram.com/unit27barcafe
Route 196
Another crowd-favorite gig place is Route 196 in Quezon City, despite it being a bit farther North. This is where you can get a chance to discover local indie artists long before they take the world by storm. From anniversary to album launches to just-because gigs, you’re surely in for some eargasmic treat!
Address: Katipunan Ave, 1109, Quezon City
Contact: 02-439-1972
Facebook: facebook.com/Route196Rocks
Instagram: instagram.com/route196rocks
Overall, attending gigs allows you to understand more than the melody and lyrics. You’ll witness the artists passionately performing their own pieces and the crowd singing (and maybe crying) to the songs.
Besides, what better way to spend your night than with good music and beer, right?
Where’s your go to spot for gigs in Manila? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Written by Yana Bautista
