ReCraft Proves Reinvention is Their Specialty: New Drinks, New Location
If you're wondering whether "ReCraft" is just another clever bar name or if it actually means something, co-owner Lester Fuentes has an answer: "What's the point of calling ourselves ‘ReCraft’ if we can't reinvent ourselves?"
True to their name, ReCraft has done exactly that. After bidding farewell to their original speakeasy location in Broadway Avenue, New Manila (their last service was on January 3, 2024), they've found a new home in an unexpected place: a 1960s house along Scout Tobias. The move wasn't just about changing addresses — it was about evolution.
"We took a lot of design elements from the old bar and brought it here," Lester shared, but anyone who frequented their old location will notice this isn't just a simple copy-paste job. The new space is decidedly more ambitious, sporting an industrial aesthetic that transforms the vintage house into something that feels both modern and timeless. Unlike their previous setup where they shared space with a café, ReCraft has now crafted (pun intended) their perfect environment.
Their first choice for relocation, the old house along a nondescript street gives off strong "friend's place" vibes — and that’s exactly what they were aiming for.
"We want to be a neighborhood bar," Lester explained, adding that they want guests to feel like they're just dropping by a friend's house. Judging by how quickly people got comfortable during our visit (though we suspect the expertly crafted cocktails might have helped), we'd say mission accomplished.
Raising the Bar
Behind ReCraft's ambitious reinvention is Beverage Director Cedric Mendoza, whose vision extends far beyond Scout Tobias. "ReCraft is a very nice place. You could put it anywhere and it would be nice anywhere — New York, Seoul, Singapore," he said. "What we want is for Filipinos to not need to travel to other countries like Hong Kong or Japan to experience something different and be awed. You can get it right here, just a jeepney away in Tomas Morato, and get the same level of great drinks and food, but with the renowned Filipino hospitality."
It's a tall order, especially considering Fuentes's frustration with the Philippines having only one entry in Asia's 50 Best Bars — despite several Filipino-led establishments making the list elsewhere. With their elevated new space and revamped offerings, ReCraft seems determined to change that narrative.
When Old Manila Meets New Manila
Speaking of elevated offerings, ReCraft's new menu perfectly embodies what Fuentes calls the "familiar unfamiliar." He explained: "It's like seeing a dear old friend and you know something's different about them, but at the same time, it's still the same person you used to love."
We got to sample six cocktails during the launch — three beloved classics from their old location and three new creations. Let's start with the oldies (but goodies):
The New Manila, composed of whisky, dry vermouth, pandan, calamansi, and bitters, hits you with immediate strength before settling into a comfortable, zesty embrace. It's like that stranger who comes on strong at first but turns out to be surprisingly friendly — and the calamansi makes sure of that.
Grow in the Dark, which mixes together blended scotch, islay, passionfruit, mint leaves, lemon, chili, and soda water, plays it safer with subtle fizzy notes and hints of smoke and sourness. While it might not wow you immediately, it's a reliable companion for a long evening.
Lolita's Dream, with dry gin, white wine tarragon syrup, lime, and cardamom, comes with an Instagram-worthy lollipop stirrer. Don't let its cuteness fool you though — this fruity, citrusy concoction packs quite a punch. It's that deceptively strong cocktail that has you posting IG stories one minute and calling a Grab the next.
As for the newcomers:
Old Manila, which combined whisky, spiced rum, curry, ginger, pandan, and bitters, doesn't just nod to its predecessor — it practically screams at it. The combination of whisky and spiced rum is bold enough, but add a sharp ginger kick and you've got a drink that's unapologetically strong. We don’t have to warn you about this one, one sip and you’ll know exactly what we mean.
Bask in the Light, a mix of arette blanco, herencia mezcal, basil cordial soda, and water, comes with a towering column of ice that seems to say, "Take your time, we'll be here all night." It's a fizzy, herb-forward creation that's perfect for those who like their drinks light but interesting.
Dolores Haze might be the most cunning cocktail we've encountered. Starting as a salty, dry mixture of gin, vermouth, and salt, it transforms as its accompanying popsicle (a frozen version of Lolita's Dream) melts into the glass. The result? A constantly evolving symphony of herbal, citrus, and fruit notes that's as dangerous as it is delicious. Consider yourself warned: no matter how cute that popsicle looks, this drink means business.
Elevated Bar Food
Of course, how else can you survive a night of drinking without proper accompaniments? And let us tell you- ReCraft’s kitchen delivers just as well as the bar.
Their Kimchi Arancini (gochujang, kimchi rice, and mozzarella) is a Korean-Italian fusion that somehow works brilliantly. For Korean food enthusiasts, it's a must-try, though be warned — it's quite substantial so if you’ve had a meal at home, maybe stick to the fries.
Loaded with potato fries, teriyaki sauce, wasabi, mayo, and bonito flakes, their Okonomiyaki Fries are a must-try for adventurous eaters. With an onsen egg centerpiece, this dish might raise some eyebrows but trust us, you’ll be rewarded with a savory dish that clears the alcohol from your palate.
For truffle lovers, the Black Truffle Fries deliver exactly what they promise, while their selection of chips and dips deserves special mention — particularly the Portobello dip, which had us contemplating whether it would be socially acceptable to ask for takeout…or to, as they say, “Sharon.” The Chili Crab and Smoked Fish dips aren't far behind in the competition for your attention, though. Give them a try too!
If you need a heartier meal, then you can try their Chori Smashburger or Cubano sandwich, although we didn’t get to try these during our visit – mostly because we couldn’t stop ordering more Portobello dip!
New Home, New Tricks
ReCraft's reinvention is more than just a change of address — it's a statement. The new iterations of their classic cocktails are notably stronger than their predecessors, which might require some adjustment for longtime fans. But change, as they say, is good, especially when it comes with such interesting new flavor profiles.
For the social media-conscious, Dolores Haze is your best bet for that perfect shot, though Bask in the Light might be a safer choice if you're not into dry cocktails. And if you're looking to start your night with a bang (or end it prematurely), Old Manila is standing by, ready to remind you why some traditions are best approached with respect — and a designated driver.
In the end, ReCraft has managed something remarkable: they've preserved their soul while leveling up their game. It's like running into that old friend who spent a year abroad and came back cooler than ever — familiar enough to be comfortable, but different enough to keep you intrigued. And isn't that exactly what a great neighborhood bar should be?
Follow ReCraft on Instagram for more information.
Location: ReCraft, 39 Scout Tobias, Quezon City, Metro Manila
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