Batala Bar in Intramuros: Where Craft, Culture, and Comfort Food Meet
Situated within the Plaza San Luis Complex along General Luna Street just across San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, Batala Bar is a captivating blend of history, craftsmanship, and culinary flair.
IMAGE from Batala Bar’s Facebook page
Housed in a beautifully restored Spanish-colonial stone building, its old-world architecture evokes the walled city’s heritage, while an open-air second floor offers a breezy overlook of cobblestone lanes and heritage structures.
Inside, the bar buzzes with a warm, intimate vibe. First-floor tables sit near the bar and kitchen, surrounded by rustic wooden beams and stone walls. Upstairs, guests enjoy a loft-like setting, browsing displays from the Philippine Artisan Trade Gallery that feature handmade crafts while sipping and snacking.
IMAGE from Batala Bar’s Facebook page
IMAGE from Batala Bar’s Facebook page
The menu is a thoughtful fusion of Filipino-inspired bar chow and international comforts. They have everything from appetizers, mains, sandwiches, pasta, seafood offerings, coffee, and desserts.
First, kick off your culinary adventure with a flavorful stroll through Manila’s vibrant street food culture. Batala Bar’s Streetfood Sampler offers a nostalgic yet elevated take on local favorites.
Streetfood Sampler (Php 240) / IMAGE from Batala Bar’s Facebook page
It includes kwek-kwek (deep-fried battered quail eggs), homemade fish balls, and Betamax—a vegan-friendly tofu version of the iconic grilled delicacy.
Each bite is made even more exciting with a trio of classic dipping sauces: tangy sweet sauce, bold spiced vinegar, and a rich sweet-and-spicy blend. It’s the perfect way to savor familiar Filipino flavors with a creative twist.
For mains, you can have the Adobong Mestizo, Batala’s version of the Filipino favorite, Adobo. Their saucy chicken adobo is prepared with coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and chili.
Adobong Mestizo (Php 360) / IMAGE from Batala Bar’s Facebook page
They also serve their own take on one of Pampanga’s most iconic dishes—Kare-Kare. This rich and savory stew features tender oxtail and tripe simmered in a luscious peanut sauce, accompanied by steamed vegetables and a side of flavorful bagoong (fermented fish paste) to complete the experience.
Kare-Kare (Php 480) / IMAGE from Batala Bar’s Facebook page
For those looking for a twist, Batala Bar offers a Crispy Pork Bagnet (Php 440) version—adding a satisfying crunch to the hearty dish. There’s also a thoughtfully crafted vegan alternative, made with tofu and miso bean paste (Php 320), offering the same comforting depth of flavor in a plant-based form.
What’s more, you can pair these with their local craft beer or maybe have some ice cream or calamansi pie for dessert!
Local Craft Beers / IMAGE from Batala Bar’s Facebook page
Calamansi Pie / IMAGE from Batala Bar’s Facebook page
Indeed, Batala Bar is more than just a watering hole—it’s a sensory journey through Filipino craftsmanship, flavors, and the living history of Intramuros. Perfect for a reflective pause after museum-hopping, a sunset drink with friends, or a sweet coffee break mid-trek, it is Intramuros’ hidden gem for culture-rich indulgence.
