3 Must-visit Cafes in Poblacion for Coffee and Art Lovers

Metro Manila is home to several unique cafe. The attention to detail and support to local roasters make it a coffee lover’s paradise. Filipinos have a long history and love affair with coffee. The stories of how coffee originated in the Philippines differ from one another. History of Philippine coffee is like a rich and aromatic brew, blending legend with facts and history. It represents a colorful journey that dates back to the 1700s. While there is a lack of historical data tracing the exact details of when coffee first arrived in the country, It is thought that the first coffee tree was planted in the town of Lipa, Batangas, by a Spanish Franciscan monk. Moreover, there are a tons of local coffee shops that you should visit during your Philippine food tours. Smell the aromas and taste the finest brews in these must-try Philippine cafés in Poblacion, Makati.

La Petite Cafe Fleur

Situated in Makati’s Barangay Poblacion. Le Petite Café Fleur is a charming tiny restaurant that has made its way into the heart of the Metro dining scene. Chef Sau Del Rosario’s latest concept is a satisfying mix of familiar Filipino and some Western meals. Additionally, he is recognized for his artistic takes on traditional Kapampangan cooking. The menu at Le Petit Café Fleur is like a wormhole that transports diners through Del Rosario’s culinary journey. The setting is visually appealing. Even the rusted bike on exhibit at the entrance was used by the chef as a child. Rattan furniture as well as white cushions for coziness creates a modern yet traditional Filipino atmosphere. Stepping into Le Petit Café Fleur is like leaving the daily grind and busy city. Indeed, the interior is showcasing tropical-Mediterranean vibe. Thus, like entering a serene oasis where one can dine and drink coffee in peace.

Cafe Fleur Poblacion’s menu pays homage to his heritage while also granting some international influence gleaned from his travels. It’s indeed a restaurant where I’d take non-Filipino friends to get a taste of the flavors they might not be used to just yet until they try. Here are the menu and some of the delectable foods that we tried:

Additionally, Cafe Fleur’s address is 5893 Enriquez St Poblacion Makati City. They open from 10 AM – 10 PM on Tuesdays to Sundays.

Coffe ARTea

The Coffee ArTea, is a tiny café situated in Poblacion Makati where you can treat your eyes as well as your tastebuds to works of art and delicious coffee drinks. This cafe is promoting local coffee beans from various parts of the Philippines and crafting them all from farm to cup. Also, customers can easily find seats with a safe social distance thanks to the open space outside. Sitting on one of their locally made rattan stools indeed introduces you to an al fresco hangout that immediately feels like home. Moreover, Its off-white brick walls, black roof, and wooden highchairs give it the appearance of a Japanese coffee shop. This roadside cafe combines the minimalist vibe of our favorite coffee shops with the traditional Pinoy sari-sari store. Coffee Artea offers their specialty blends such as handmade coffee and tea-based beverages using the finest local ingredients. 

The Coffee ArTea serves espresso, cappuccino, mocha, Horchata Manchado, and Lokal Cacao Bicerin at reasonable prices. Furthermore, they use local coffee beans from various parts of the Philippines. What’s better than enjoying a delectable sip of coffee while supporting small local business and farmers at the same time, right? Here are some of the delicious drinks they offer:

Additionally, Coffee ArTea is found at  5966 Fermina Street corner Alfonso Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City. They open from 10 AM to 8 PM on Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10 AM to 11 PM on Fridays to Saturdays, and 8 AM to 6 PM on Sundays.

Commune Cafe

The Commune Cafe is a chic cafe situated in Poblacion, Makati. In fact, It displays latte art in the early hours and transforms as a bar that hosts artistic events at night. It is also owned by a coffee enthusiast/web media strategist who has always wanted to open her own cafe. The white-painted exterior is visually appealing. Large glass windows bring light and life into the corner café, while industrial light fixtures and subjected ceiling beams highlighting the urban setting. A brilliant combination of minimalism and contemporary. Moreover, commune hosts workshops with various artists in areas such as calligraphy, water color, paper cutting, and sculpture. They also allow customers to dine in with their furry babies long as the area is kept clean. Who wouldn’t love a cafe like that? Indeed, Commune promotes gathering of people sharing a common life. Check this place on your next visit to Makati.

Of course, supporting the local community entails encouraging the growth of locally grown coffee. Moreover, the menu includes coffees from various regions of the Philippines that were sourced from farms throughout the country and roasted through a third-party partnership. Additionally, The Commune blend which is available all year, is primarily arabica with a touch of robusta. Single-origin selections, such as those from Benguet, a northern region, and Davao, a southern region, are also popular. Here are also some of what you can find:

Additionally, Commune Cafe is situated on 36 Polaris corner Durban Streets, Poblacion, Makati City. They open from 8 AM – 8:30 PM on Monday-Tuesday, 8 AM – 9 PM on Wednesday-Friday, and 8 AM – 10 PM on Saturday- Sunday.

Recommendation

Indeed, Poblacion in Makati is a haven for cafe enthusiasts having so many options to choose from. You might also wanna wandea around the area and visit the others. Furthermore, supporting business is helping one’s dream come to possibility. Here are some of the food places nearby the area you might want to try:

How to get there

• From Manila or Pasay: First, take a ride from LRT/FX/jeep to Buendia. Then take MRT jeep. Get off at Buendia cor. Makati Ave. Look for: Pacific Star. Walk on Makati Ave. and cross Buendia toward Watsons (formerly Mang Inasal). Finally walk your way on the streets the cafes are situated.
• From QC or Pasay: First, take a ride from MRT to Buendia. Then Take Buendia-LRT jeep at McDonalds. Get off at Petron at Buendia cor. Makati Ave. Walk on Makati Ave. and cross Buendia toward Watsons (formerly Mang Inasal). Finally walk your way on the streets the cafes are situated.
• From Glorietta/Greenbelt: First, take a ride from Makati Ave.-bound jeep at Landmark dept. store. Then Get off at Buendia cor. Makati Ave. Look for: Pacific Star. Walk on Makati Ave. and cross Buendia toward Watsons (formerly Mang Inasal). Finally walk your way on the streets the cafes are situated.
• From JP Rizal/Poblacion, Makati: First, ride a jeep going to Landmark at J.P. Rizal cor. Makati Ave. Then Get off at Durban Hotel. Finally walk your way on the streets the cafes are situated.