By: Andrea Mikaela Llanes
Rarely is the college experience an alcohol-free one. With the various bars that come and go along Katipunan Avenue, one is sure to find their fix no matter what it may be. In this article, we look to some of the best bars to in Katipunan—and how to make the best of your time at them!
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When you want to sing your heart out: Perfy’s Gastropub
Perfy’s Gastropub’s opening wasn’t much in its first few months; initially, people couldn’t make out what it was meant to be with its rather costly entrees and even pricier cocktails and mixes. Their complete game-changer was when they installed a karaoke. Perfy’s has since become the go-to when there’s an itch that ought to be scratched. It’s not uncommon to see groups order a bucket of beer and pass around the mic, belting their frustrations out over Filipino favorite tunes and pulutan. With its well-lit interior and barkada-friendly options, Perfy’s is a good karaoke bar for even the most tone-deaf of bathroom singers.
2F, 318 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila
3PM-2AM (Mon-Sun)
When you’re in the mood for “chill-numan”: The Rooftop
There’s a cliche saying that good things take time—getting to The Rooftop is definitely one of those “good things.” Situated on the top floor of Center for Culinary Arts, one would have to brave several flights of stairs to get to Katipunan’s first rooftop bar; the payoff is often considered worth it, though, with the breathtaking view and the airy vibe you’re bound to get. The drinks—taste and price wise—are just right, and the music is never intrusive. If you’re looking for a place to drink that’s a little more intimate, Rooftop is definitely the place to be.
287 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, 1800 Metro Manila
4PM-2AM (Tues-Thurs), 4PM-3AM (Fri-Sat)
When you’re craving good booze and better deals: Taco Joe’s Food Shack and Walrus Katipunan
Taco Joe’s Food Shack and Walrus have become staples to the Katipunan drinking scene, and rightfully so. Situated next to each other, the two bars have their distinct little eccentricities that have spared them from the alleged Katipunan curse of bars constantly shutting down.
Taco Joe’s claims the throne of the neighborhood’s taqueria joint with its menu of Mexican staples, but it claims its bar-goers hearts with its quirky murals and good music. The ates and kuyas behind the bar table are always generous with their alcohol and are bound to dance along as the night goes on; it just goes to show that despite the dimly lit interior, there is rarely a dull, quiet moment in Taco Joe’s, no matter how small of a space it confines its charm in.
3rd Floor, 318 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila
3PM-2AM (Mon-Sat)
Right next door is Walrus, named after The Beatle’s hit song “I Am the Walrus.” Almost reminiscent of a bar you’d find on a beachside, Walrus is warm and cozy with its welcoming ambiance and fresh cocktails. There’s never an absence of people to meet—a good night can bring in people from beyond Quezon City!—only proving that there’s no better backdrop to getting to know someone than Walrus’ blaring music and good food.
3rd Floor, 318 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila
3PM-2AM (Mon-Sat)
Both Taco Joe’s and Walrus have daily deals that you can look out for on their social media accounts; whether it’s discounted liquor bottles or Buy One Take One wengwengs, it’s always worth checking out to make sure you get a bang for your back!
When alcohol is looking a lot like a solution to your problems: VSpot Restobar
Fairly certain that you just bombed your last long test? VSpot Restobar is the place to go. VSpot is relatively more spacious than other Katipunan bars, having room for a mini-arcade, a television, and a beer pong table. The drinks are affordable but not to be underestimated; more often than not, one can easily get drunk with the blaring party music and the multi-color strobe lights. When in doubt, you can also easily grab one of their cheap meal options to sober up! The worst of days are bound to be solved—or forgotten—after a night at VSpot.
299 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila
2PM-2AM (Mon-Sun)
When you’re not quite sure what you want just yet: The Pop Up
When unsure ventures around Katipunan prompt barkadas to insist “Ikaw bahala” (It’s up to you), The Pop-Up is where everyone can be happy. With its open-air, mobile, container van set-up, Pop-Up houses not only options for alcohol but anything and everything you could want to eat—from rice meals to shawarma to unli-Samgyupsalamat! The different establishments sell various kinds of drinks, depending on what you’re the mood for. Even the most uncertain are bound to find something to enjoy in Pop-Up. It’s also worth looking out for performances or concerts held at the venue; there’s always a celebration of Pop-Up, and it beckons for you to come and join.
273 Katipunan Ave, corner Xavierville Ave
11AM-2AM (Mon-Sun)
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Once you know how you want your night to go, your alcoholic escapade is bound to be worth the hangover in the next morning. Remember to drink responsibly—but make the best of your college memories along the way!
Katipunan Kulture 