If you are over 35 and you still party until way past 2 a.m., then this guide might not be for you.
This was designed for the hardworking Tito, the man who has foregone his partying lifestyle for brunch, but who, on occasion—after a long day (or week) at work—might need to blow off some steam. The kind of exhaustion that can only be soothed with the guys accompanied by some hard drinks or cold brews (not the caffeinated kind).
The Tito's goal is to get intoxicated but not enough to be shit-faced that he would get locked out by the wife. The Tito's goal is to enjoy some music ('90s grunge would be nice; plus points if you bust out the occasional Backstreet Boys at the very right moment), but not have to yell over heart-pumping EDM. After that long conference call which had your boss chewing your head off for that lost account, the last thing you want to do is drink beers in sweltering tropical heat within a cramped space.
The Tito has moved past the fighting for elbow room at clubs and sacrificing comfort for eye candy and overpriced bottles of vodka. Now, this man of a certain age prefer intelligent conversation over Jäger shots and early evenings over early morning afters, all in the confines of a comfortable, well-ventilated environment. Eye candy, if present, is still a welcome bonus but not the priority.
If you are a Tito looking for a bar to unwind—alone or with likeminded buddies—where you can start early, have some good grub, and imbibe in a comfortable environment, let this guide point you in the right direction. And, yes, we promise to have you home early enough for a few hours of Netflix before bedtime.
| IF YOU LIKED | THEN YOU'LL LIKE |
| San Mig | Bar Pintxos, where everyone knows your name |
| Peps | Early Night? If the name alone doesn't get you, then the uncomplicated mix of cheap booze, bar chow, and fun will win you over. |
| Il Ponticello | Libertine, a hidden bar, obscure but always full of people |
| Pravda | Yes Please. This is for the Tito who wants to be seen. |
| Seven Eight Orange | 20:20 comes with great music and this time with really good food and cocktails. |
| Venezia | The Reserve because it comes with bottles and bottles of the good stuff. |
| Music Hall | 12 Monkeys, which shows how good music is timeless |
| Cable Car | Common Table. Chef Ian Padilla makes sure to give you lots of good food to balance the booze. |
| Shiraz | Monopole—wine for the big boys |
TITO-SPOTTING: A LIST OF AIR-CONDITIONED BARS IN POBLACION
OTO
5880 Enriquez Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Mathilde
8483 Matilde Street corner Kalayaan Street, Poblacion, Makati City
El Chupacabra
5782 Felipe Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Wokby4900
4900 Durban Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Lobo Filipino Tavern
4898 Durban Street corner Polaris Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Kite Kebab Bar
5772 Ebro Street, Poblacion, Makati City
A Toda Madre
Sunette Tower, Durban Street corner Makati Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City
Tambai
5779 Felipe Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Joe's Brew
Mathilde Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Taperia Poblacion/The Sippery
Six Axis Center, 4347 B. Valdez Street, Poblacion, Makati City
