When everything in the world seems to be going wrong, it’s obviously the perfect time to sit back, relax, and cuddle up with a steaming cup of coffee and your favorite Elena Ferrante novel in solitude. If misanthropy is this weekend’s agenda, here are our favorite coffee spots for that much needed alone time. Wear your #TitaofManila badge like a champ!
The Curator
If you’re as serious about your coffee as you are about yourself, then The Curator is the answer to (most) of your problems. The newly renovated staple in Legaspi village is a stone’s throw from the Sunday market at the park. It’s also the kind of cafe where the noise level is at a comfortable hush, the lighting is dim enough to be sexy, and no one is going to approach you for small talk.
Best time: Sunday afternoon
FN Tip: Their world renowned baristas go above and beyond the menu, so enjoy your experience by letting them brew you a custom creation.
Open Daily: 7:00AM - 2:00AM
Palanca cor. Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
Cartel
Tucked away in busy Salcedo, Cartel’s multi-faceted offering isn’t as daunting as it seems. For a place that’s got coffee, a deli, fresh produce, and baked goods, it’s surprisingly laid back and intimate, even if you don’t really care about your food being organic or the real meaning of gluten. Cookies roll out of the oven faster than you can say “peanut butter and chocolate chip,” so leave some room for sweets!
Best time: Sunday
FN Tip: Great place to snag last minute salad fixings
Open daily: 6:30AM - 11:00PM
G/F, The Picasso, 119 L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo, Makati City
59C
59C is testament to the fact that not every co-working space is fitted with subway tiles, open-plan architecture, and tables brimming with 20-something creatives and their Macbook Pros. What was once a ‘50s family home is now a charming co-working venue, cafe, restaurant, and bar in one. Every menu item is fully consumable, so feel free to stay while you sip on your freshly-made salabat amidst its homey interiors.
Best time: Late afternoon
FN Tip: There are outlets under every table. Yay for the workaholics.
Open Monday - Saturday, 9:00AM - 1:00AM
59, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
Rural Kitchen
Rural Kitchen is reminiscent of those Sunday lunches at your lola’s: solihiya chairs, soft yellow lighting, and pretty porcelain. Well-known for its Laguna roots and cuisine, the cozy 30-seater restaurant makes for a nice hideout to nurse that huge cup of white cafe mocha and homemade ube ice cream.
Best time: Sunday afternoon
FN Tip: If you’re in the mood for a little pick-me-up, Rural brews its own plum lambanog!
Open daily: 11:00AM - 10:00PM
G/F HRC Center, Rada St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
