ExPat Philly

The best nightlife experiences in Manila showcase the city’s love for music and fun. The capital city of the Philippines is a huge metropolis that hosts venues for just about every type of night owl, from lively nightclubs for dancers to live music bars for concert-goers. 

There are even pub crawls for those looking to hit up some of the city’s long-standing bars and pubs, where they can enjoy a wide range of drinks and catch the latest sports events all night long. Check out our list of the most popular nightspots in Manila – there’s indeed something for everyone after dark in Manila.

1: Cowboy Grill Mabini

One of the most popular bars in Manila, always a fun lively venue, the beer and the whisky flowing with great live music! Also great value!

Forget ordering wine, this is a Cowboy Bar! YeeHa!

After enjoying Manila Bay, a visit to this bar that is not far away. At Cowboy Grill Mabini, try perfectly cooked pizza Margherita, sisig and calamari. Don’t miss the opportunity to drink great moccachino.

The live music performances make this venue an awesome evening to remember. The cheerful staff at the Cowboy Grill show how much they value their guests with awesome service. Great music! Great Drinks! Great Food!

Location: 11910 Mabini, cor Arquiza St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: till 5am.

Phone: +63 2 8525 1474

2: Black Market

Kick back and have an ICY sip of KOOL AID , buy 1 take 1 San Miguel Pale and Light, Free Jell-O shots, and 100Php Jaeger shots until MIDNIGHT See ya there!!! Free Entry- 10 PM.

Black Market Manila is a trendy club that caters mostly to a cool crowd looking for something beyond DJs playing top 40 pop hits. A warehouse-style club with an industrial concept that plays edgier underground music, the place sees a good mix of locals, expats, and tourists all looking to have a good time. Music depends on the night, but you might hear anything from drum & bass to dubstep to hip hop. 

Location: 2723 Sabio St, Makati, 1233 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Wednesday–Saturday from 10pm to 4am (closed on Sunday–Tuesday)

Phone: +63 (0)2 403 5019

3:City of Dreams Manila

City of Dreams Manila is 6.2-hectare complex that houses 3 hotels (Crown Towers Manila, Nobu Hotel Manila and Hyatt Hotel) and a casino, as well as plenty of bars, lounges, KTV rooms and nightclubs. You can also find the DreamPlay theme park and The Shops at The Boulevard Mall within this massive complex. City of Dreams Manila is open for 24 hours.

Location: Asean Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Entertainment City, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Phone: +63 (0)2 800 8080

4: Karaoke bars and lounges

In the Philippines, Karaoke is like a national sport! One of the most popular things to do on a night out, singing your favourite tunes whilst having a few drinks with friends. You don’t need to go far for a Karaoke bar anywhere in the Philippines, and in Manila, you’ll find yourself tripping over them.

5: House Manila

House Manila at Holiday Inn Express Manila offers a world-class clubbing experience. It’s an opulent and large venue that can accommodate up to 1,600 people, including 400 seats. Electronic Dance Music and Top 40 hits rock most of the nights, with local and international DJs on tour bringing original sounds on special nights.  

Location: Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City, Philippines

Open: Wednesday–Saturday from 10pm to 5am (closed on Sunday–Tuesday)

Phone: +63 (0)916 638 7666

6: Royal Night Club

Royal Night Club on General Luna Street, features a French and English-inspired, palatial décor, top-quality sound and lighting equipment, and plenty of comfortable VIP lounges, both around the dancefloor and in a mezzanine above it.

Special theme nights include Ladies, Throwback, Fresh, and All Star, which take place from Thursday to Sunday. The music policy at Royal Night Club is a mix of House, EDM, Top 40, mashups, and hip hop.

Location: 5343 St, General Luna, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Monday–Thursday from 10pm to 6am, Friday–Sunday from 6pm to 6am

Phone: +63 (0)2 831 0184

7: Manila PubCrawl

The Manila Pub Crawl offers you an exciting bar-hopping trip through Manila after dark. For a modest fee, an enthusiastic local team will take you in small groups to the most popular pubs and bars of a predetermined district. 

Different routes are available, including Makati, Bonifacio Global City and more. You’ll obviously have a drink, meet people, discover cool venues and have fun, feeling like a local. 

Location: The are several organised pub crawls around the Makati area of Manila.

8: 70’s Bistro

Throughout the 30 years of business operation, The 70’s Bistro has been recognized and praised to have the vibe reminiscent of the ’70s with live music performed by local bands. Also known as Manila’s premier gig place featuring the best bands in the Philippines since the 1990’s.

70’s Bistro, owned by a Filipino artist, features some of the most talented musicians in town. Considered to be the breeding ground for the local music scene, try visiting the bar on nights when award-winning performers are scheduled to perform. 

The music here is mostly reggae, but you can enjoy local bands covering songs by The Beatles on Saturday nights. 

Location: 46 Anonas, Quirino 2-3, Quezon City, 1102 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Monday–Saturday from 6pm to 3am, Sunday from 6pm to 5am

Phone: +63 (0)2 433 8070

9: H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant

H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant is best described as a good escape from the madness of nearby P. Burgos Street (Manila’s lively nightlife district).

A welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by stand-up comedy routines and live televised sport. Drinks are reasonably priced and the crowd generally sociable at H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant. The venue is open for 24 hours.

Location: Felipe, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Phone: +63 (0)2 954 1130

10: Filling Station Bar & Cafe

Located in Poblacion, Makati City, the Filling Station Bar & Cafe, often just called the Filling Station, takes you right back in time to the 50’s and offers its diners the best American dishes including the BEST MILKSHAKES in town 24/7. 

Every inch of the Filling Station is decked out with collections of authentic American memorabilia, Rock n’ Roll with your favourite superheroes and iconic stars that come alive and with every décor that tells its own story!

Location: 5012 P. Burgos Ave. Brgy. Poblacion Makati City 1210 Philippines

Open: 24/7

Phone: +63 917 833 7837

11: Craft Rock & Grill

Craft Rock & Grill offers you great food and a place to rest after a long walk around Bonifacio Global City. Check out the nacho chips, chicken wings and rolls at Craft Rock & Grill. It’s nice to order delicious craft beer or good draft beer.

Live music is played by musicians in the evening. The cool staff reflects the style and character of this place. Enjoyable service is something clients like here. From the guests’ viewpoint, prices are fair. The comfortable ambiance will be really just what you need after a long day of working or shopping.

Location: Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: 2pm to 2am

Phone: +63 2 8846 1715

12: Handlebar Manila

STEAK, BEER, SPORTS, MUSIC AND BIKES…

Established in 2003, Handlebar Bar and Grill has been a favorite hangout for Business, Bikes, Beer, Sports, Classic Rock, and Pub Grub.

Voted by many online polls as the Best Steak in Town, Best Pizza, Coldest Beer, Best bar in Makati, and Best Band Venue, Handlebar is a biker-themed, family-oriented restaurant and bar, with a long history and international reputation for excellent service, great food & drinks, and a fun, homey atmosphere to unwind in.

Expect a rotating schedule of some of the best upcoming bands in Manila playing live on Friday nights, with our schedule set to expand to other evenings.

Handlebar is the go-to venue for Rugby, AFL, League, Cricket, Soccer, Basketball, MMA, Boxing and Motor Racing, with our regularly updated sports schedule listing upcoming games. We have multiple zones with large screen TVs to cater for all sports events across the globe. If you don’t see what you want, we can arrange to have it on one of our screens for you!

We have all your favourite local beers, plus a selection of local craft and international beers, served extra cold by our friendly staff.

Want to book a table for an event? Call us or fill out the online form. Tables can be booked for most sports events, bands, or your own personalized celebration. Want to go big on celebrating? Your team building event can be catered for in one of our many zoned areas with exclusive food and drinks packages.

Our menu contains the international standard Steaks, Ribs, Pizzas and Burgers we have always been famous for, as well as local favorites and dedicated menus for lunches, bar snacks, and desserts.

At Handlebar, there’s nothing we enjoy more than being the best part of your day.

Location: 31 Polaris, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Monday to Thursday 11am – 12am | Friday 11am – 2am | Saturday 8am – 2am | Sunday 8am – 12am

Phone: +63 2 8898 1976

13: 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub

The 12 Monkeys was the brainchild of 12 friends who wanted to create the perfect night out experience. The 12 monkeys, or owners,

The founders, 12 familiar names in the local music industry such as Chito Miranda, Champ Lui Pio, Keith Haw, JM Rodriguez, Raymund Magdaluyo, DJ Tony Toni Bueno, and more, the Pasig and Makati-based bar has seen the rise of many names and debut shows in the scene. 

Now in it’s new nearby location. 12 Monkeys is as popular as ever.

What really makes 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub an interesting place are the 12 owners themselves. Co-owner and resident DJ Keith Haw who takes care of Monkey Business (EDM, Top 40, and Mashups) every Friday. He said that Saturdays are usually for guest DJs while they have live bands performing during weekdays. Tuesdays are for their Comedy Night. 

Location: Estancia Mall Capitol Commons, Meralco Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig, 1605 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: 11am to 3am

Phone: +63 917 570 3222

14: Tago Jazz Cafe

Intimate hangout featuring local jazz gigs in a snug, cabin-like interior with a convivial ambiance.

Dont be fooled by its exterior, if you are a Jazz fan, then you have to check this place out! With all the other bars and clubs offering either clubbing music or live rock, pop and mainstream music, Tago Jazz Cafe offers something a little different. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the art of jazz of by very talented local musicians.

The people are friends, drinks are cheap and the overall atmosphere is cozy and intimate.

Locations: 14 Main Ave, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Friday to Sunday 8pm – 2am

Phone: +63 917 138 5299

15: Revel at The Palace

Revel at The Palace is a luxurious nightclub that attracts stylish locals, expats and tourists looking to enjoy a fun night out. You’ll find lavish décor and furnishing, upscale and intimate ambience, and a wide range of dance music. International DJs often stop by Revel at The Palace on weekends, so head there early for the best spots.  The entrance fee allows you 2 drinks and gives you access to Palace Pool (another famed club set around a swimming pool).

Location: 11th Ave Corner 38th St, Uptown Bonifacio Taguig, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 10pm to 5am (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

Phone: +63 (0)917 550 8888

16: The Palace Nightlife Manila

The Palace Manila is a popular nightlife destination located in the hip and dynamic city of Taguig. The complex consists of several nightclubs as well as a day club, bar, and restaurant. The entire facility is all about a luxurious experience, so expect a good mix of local celebrities, expats, and Manila’s affluent youths. Some of the busiest spots within The Palace Manila include  XYLO Nightclub, The Island, and Revel. 

Location: 11th Ave The Palace Complex, Uptown, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: 10pm to 5am

Phone: +63 (0)917 680 8888

17: Red Light Districts

Manila has 3 main red-light districts housing go-go and striptease bars as well as naughty massage parlours. These spots are P Burgos Street in Makati, EDSA Entertainment Complex in Pasay, and the slightly less exuberant districts of Malate and Ermita on Manila Bay. Naturally, they are far from family-friendly and can be a little shockingly overt.