Gig Bars in Metro Manila for Booze and Live Music

Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, Deezer — music has become more accessible today thanks to several streaming sites. While listening to our favorite hits through our devices can help energize and calm us down, it’s a different feeling when we’re listening and watching artists live in the flesh. While we sadly said goodbye to many good restaurants and bars offering live music due to the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some that stood the test of time and are waiting for you to visit again!

Mow’s

Located a few minutes away from Quezon City Hall and QC Circle is Mow’s, a friendly neighborhood gig bar that offers great local acts and indie talent. It’s one of the most popular spots in the city for live music in different genres, be it rock or jazz, so you won’t regret spending your time here. It also hosts stand-up comedy nights for those who aren’t afraid of being roasted and want to laugh their problems away.

Mow’s is open daily from 7 PM to 12 midnight. Follow their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts to know which gigs are up for the week.

Location: Mow’s, 20 Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City

19 East

19 East is the premier spot for eating good food while listening to the country’s top mainstream artists. Launched in 2003, this live music venue has housed OPM icons Kamikazee, Rico Blanco, Urbandub, Gloc9, MYMP, Ely Buendia, and more in a world-class setting. It also has outdoor seating if you want some fresh air and scenic views.

The venue is open from 7 PM to 2 AM every Tuesday to Saturday. Follow them on Facebook for updates on upcoming gigs.

Location: 19 East, Km. 19 East Service Road, Sucat, Muntinlupa City

12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub

Located inside Estancia Mall, this music hall and pub boasts the best in live entertainment and progressive but authentic Filipino cuisine. It has housed several OPM acts, such as Mayonnaise, Side A, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, MYMP, Gloc9, Shanti Dope, and many more. Their weekends are mostly star-studded, so it’s better to arrive early if you want good seats!

12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub is open from 4 PM to 3 AM every Tuesday to Sunday. To know which artists and bands will perform, follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts for updates.

Location: 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub, Estancia Mall Capitol Commons, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

SaGuijo Café + Bar Events

Established in 2004, this rockin’ café and bar has been providing a place for unsigned bands and independent groups to perform their music and bring out their creativity. It’s a safe haven where all genres, from rock to jazz, are accepted. If you’re ending the day or week at this spot, you’ll be spoilt for choice as they have cocktails and mixers and a range of hard liquor such as vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and whiskey.

SaGuijo Café + Bar Events is open from 7 PM to 2 AM every Tuesday to Saturday. To know which acts will go live, follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Location: SaGuijo Café + Bar Events, 7612 Guijo Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City

Jess & Pat's

Opened in 2018, this artsy café along Maginhawa serves “honest homemade comfort food and a passion to support the local art scene.” You’ll be welcomed by a wave mural backdrop in white, gray, and black, which gives life to this humble spot. If you’re more into indie music and would like to discover new talented local artists, this is the place to be.

Jess & Pat's is open from 2 PM to 2 AM every Tuesday to Saturday and 3 PM to 12 midnight every Sunday and Monday. Visit their Facebook to get updates on their gigs. You can also visit their website and buy merchandise to show your support.

Location: Jess & Pat's, 2/F 63 Maginhawa St., UP Village, Quezon City