Asia’s 50 Best Bars has released its annual list of top bars across the region with the Philippines taking three spots on their 2019 list – The Curator at 37th, OTO at 47th, and The Back Room at 50th.
In its fourth year on the list, The Curator was also awarded the Best Bar in the Philippines for 2019. Known for their dual identity as a cafe serving third-wave coffee by day and a master cocktail bar at night, The Curator is a combination of everything you wish for in a bar – Warm and bright with its cafe in front while sleek and intimate with the bar at the back. Previously, they ranked 25th in 2018, 23rd in 2017, and debuting at 16th in 2016. Signature cocktails to try include the Kiban Sour, #StillHurting, and Under Pressure.
Newcomers OTO and The Back Room ranked 47th and 50th respectively. OTO, with its dark interiors and continuous music, adds an acoustic quality to their bar – appealing to the sense of hearing as well as taste. With its name meaning “sound” in Japanese, they also frequent guest DJs and bands to add to the auditory experience. Must-try cocktails include the Smoke and Coffee and the Old Fashioned with Bacon.
Recently opened in late 2018, The Back Room has certainly made a name for itself come 2019. As a speakeasy bar in Shangri-La at The Fort, its interiors reflect a secretive nature with green leather walls and a black marble floor and bar. Their For the Thrill of It punch is our recommended drink, best shared as a group.
With a total of three, this is the most entries the Philippines has attained on Asia’s 50 Best Bars List.
Photo from The Curator’s Facebook Page
Other notable spots in the 2019 list include The Old Man in Hong Kong taking the number one spot in Asia, beating out The Manhattan in Singapore at number two after ruling the top spot for 3 years in a row.
Asia’s 50 Best Bars has been releasing their annual list since 2016. Bar rankings are decided by the body’s academy of over 200 drinks experts from across Asia.
