Here Are 8 Of The Best Cafés In Manila For Working
Not all coffee shops are created equal. Indeed, cafés, in general, have a reputation for being a go-to haunt for students, digital nomads, and basically anyone with a whole bunch of stuff to get done. But too many coffee shops are too crowded and buzzy to get any work done. When it comes to finding the best cafés in Manila for working, we’re looking for ones that are as subdued as they are stimulating. A great ambience helps. Great coffee is expected. Good food is a plus. Oh, and free, unlimited Wi-Fi is a non-negotiable, of course.
The next time you’re looking for an office out of the office, try these places out.
1Bo’s Coffee
As far as chain coffee shops go, this is one of the best cafés in Manila for working. As a makeshift workspace, Bo’s is great. Most of their branches have power sockets aplenty, and Wi-Fi connection is steady for the most part. Of course, their coffee is maybe the best part. Sourced from the best local producers and prepared via pour-over process, you get a potent caffeine kick that will totes help you conquer your mile-long to-do list.
Bo’s Coffee
Branches all over the Philippines
Open daily
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2Restock Coffee + Curiosities
Everything about this small, sunny space screams hipster—from the espresso menu to the artwork on the walls to the copies of Cereal magazine on sale—but even those who shun the label will feel right at home here. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who could benefit from being surrounded by out-of-the-box ideas. Their espresso is definitely worth a shot (or two, or three). But it’s the huge chocolate chip cookie that might be the unsung hero on their short but sweet menu. Their playlists are always perfectly curated as well, as can be expected from a decidedly hipster hangout.
Restock Coffee + Curiosities
7635 Guijo Street, San Antonio Village, Makati
Open Monday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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3Yardstick Coffee
Something about Yardstick’s stark white walls and minimalist decor makes anyone who stays there more focused. But if the crisp interiors don’t get you to start working, the coffee definitely will. While the people behind the bar definitely take their coffee seriously, you don’t have to be a coffee geek to appreciate the taste of their brews. The owners will also happily share their coffee knowledge if you ask, giving you something interesting and productive to do even when you’re taking a quick break from working.
Yardstick Coffee
Universal LMS Building, 106 Esteban St. Legazpi Village, Makati
Open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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4Afters Espresso & Desserts
Even before the boom of third wave coffee, this place was already serving up espressos that made even the most discriminating coffee enthusiasts sing. The cozy ambience and mood lighting call to mind a library. The hushed sounds and permeating quiet only adds to the effect. This makes Afters one of the best cafés in Manila for working. It’s especially suited for getting lost in a text. If you’ve got a ton of reading to do, you at least get a shot at getting it done here.
Afters Espresso & Desserts
20 Lansbergh Place, Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Sct. Castor st., Quezon City
With another branch in Katipunan
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
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5The Good Seed
This place is known more for being a vegetarian restaurant, but the spacious interiors and pleasant dearth of chatty diners also make it an ideal workspace. In fact, the generous menu offerings mean you can stay here all day. This makes The Good Seed perfect for those who follow regular office hours but don’t want to transfer to a different place for lunch. Also, the ceramic floor tiles and plant-lined shelves are oddly inspiring if only because they very faintly recall a Mediterranean getaway—work motivation, maybe?
The Good Seed
3 Brixton st., Kapitolyo, Pasig City
Open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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6Kuppa Roastery
The warm, industrial interiors make this place resemble the HQ of a hip tech start-up. The high energy and BGC address add to the vibe. You’ll probably start waiting for your imaginary sneakers-and-hoodie-clad CEO to walk in, and someone who fits the description just might. This place, after all, is already something of a go-to for out-of-office professionals. With most tables equipped with power sockets, unlimited internet, and enough space so you can zone into your work, it’s not a surprise that many consider this to be one of the best cafés in Manila for working.
Kuppa Roastery
Commercenter Bldg., 31st cor. 4th ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
With another branch in Bacolod
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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7Diligence Café
This place is one of the best cafés in Manila for working, particularly if you plan on pulling an all-nighter. For one, they’re open in the wee hours of the morning (when procrastinator productivity is at its peak!). They also serve coffee—cold brew nitro coffee, to be exact, which makes it sound all the more legit. If the caffeine doesn’t work to keep you up, they’ve also got sleeping quarters. This sounds dangerous considering you’ve got stuff to do, but that only means you can give your brain a much-needed snooze to juice it up. If you’re racing against the clock to beat a deadline, you’ll definitely be able to do it here.
Diligence Café
2/F Elizabeth Hall, Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Open Monday to Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
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8Single Origin
The heavy wood furnishings and warm lights at Single Origin will somehow put you in the mood to work as soon as you walk into the café. If that alone doesn’t boost your energy, their all-day breakfast servings and an incredibly detailed coffee menu will do the trick.
READ: 13 Brunch Spots In Manila Where Titas Can Wine, Dine, And Catch Up
Single Origin
2/F C3, Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City
With another branch in Rockwell Makati
Open Sunday to Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 12 m.n., Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Friday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
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Finding the best cafés in Manila for working has never been more important. After all, more and more people are trading in the office life for the coffice life. The appeal is obvious anyway. As it turns out you can do away with the stifling cubicles, nosy coworkers, and fiddly time card machines. As these places show, all you need to get things done is a good table, cozy seats, and that lingering, all-too-delicious coffee smell.
If you want something a little more office-y than your friendly neighborhood café (or if you need a quieter environment and more reliable internet), check out our favorite coworking spaces in Manila.
