Somewhere Quiet Pays Homage to the Classics, Amidst BGC's Noise
“Why don’t we take this to Somewhere Quiet?”
In the middle of the noise at The Palace complex in Bonifacio Global City lies Somewhere Quiet, a new speakeasy hidden behind an unassuming brown door just beneath The Distillery Fort Bonifacio.
Step inside, and you’re immediately transported to a…bathroom?
Well, a speakeasy dressed in full bathroom fantasy, complete with vintage checkerboard tiles, velvet bathrobes, industrial bathroom-ware — and a golden bathtub at the center of it all. There’s a reason for all that, we assure you.
It’s all delightfully campy, and it works. Somewhere Quiet is the kind of place where they take their cocktails seriously, even with the vintage bathroom interior. Think expertly mixed drinks under the privacy of dim amber lights and the reverberating hum of bass-heavy music.
It’s a surreal little escape from chaos outside — private enough for hushed conversations, inside jokes, or just a moment to yourself.
So, why not slip away from the noise and join us for a drink at Somewhere Quiet?
Taking Notes from the Prohibition Era
Somewhere Quiet isn’t just a quirky, fun concept — it’s rooted in a storied past. The space pays homage to the Prohibition era, a time when bars and speakeasies were hidden in plain sight: behind butcher shops, libraries, soda parlors, and even bathrooms.
History buffs might pick up on all those cues right away: the hush interiors, the golden bathtub centerpiece, the vintage bathroom style—it’s all a wink to that era, touching on the playful disguise of speakeasies from a century ago.
It’s a blend of historic charm and modern luxury that makes Somewhere Quiet, dubbed as a “speakeasy-inspired spot” by the owners, more than just a themed bar.
In true speakeasy fashion, Somewhere Quiet doesn’t just serve — it curates. Their shelves house a bespoke collection of bottles rarely seen elsewhere, chosen to honor the bold, bootlegged spirit of the Prohibition, while elevating the classics for a more refined taste.
Cedric Mendoza, co-owner of Somewhere Quiet and Beverage Director for ReCraft, described the space as an outlet to experiment on vintage cocktails from the 1920s, with a menu thoughtfully curated to revive concoctions from that era.
“We were looking for an outlet to feature bottles that you won’t find anywhere else. Other places do, but they don’t make cocktails out of it,” said Cedric. "Now that we have that space, and we’re experimenting on, and reviving vintage cocktails from the 1920s.”
Their signature cocktails and the menu also tell the same story, named after the slang from the era but reimagined with flavors that speak to today’s nightcrawlers.
“Sticking to the Prohibition theme, there’s a lot of bathtub gin alcohol being made, which is where the centerpiece of the bathtub came from,” explained John Go, co-owner of Somewhere Quiet.
Born from the minds behind Bar Flora, a gin and tea cocktail bar, and ReCraft, home to experimental-forward cocktails, Somewhere Quiet seems like a pivot from those other experiences.
“Among all of those, this bar has the most ‘speakeasy’ vibe,” shared Lester Fuentes, co-owner of Somewhere Quiet. “It leans more into tradition, but with a modern take on the classic cocktails.”
The bathtubs, rare bottles, and nods to the past all make for a fun and quirky story. But what kind of experience are they creating for guests who make their way inside?
Lester, John, and Cedric say — it’s all in the name.
“It’s not completely quiet like a library, but it’s not a club either. It’s a place for conversation. It’s a place to not be seen,” said Lester. “Maybe that’s the irony of it — the way we want to stand out is by being hidden. We want to be discreet.”
The Drinks Worth Whispering About
The storytelling doesn’t end with the interiors and the vibe, it actually climaxes with the cocktails themselves. The Beat Manila got a taste of some of their Bathroom Signatures, Signatures, and a pick from their Most Wanted Classics.
Our verdict? The aftermath was totally worth it. Here’s what we tried:
Lesterine
Playfully named after the co-owners, this cocktail is smoky, minty, and smooth, almost like sipping on a refreshing mouthwash (in a good way). It’s an ingenious nod to the American brand Listerine, but reimagined as an adult version of candy, making it a good starter for the night.
Served in a small bottle, the cacao and mint flavors blend perfectly with the mezcal, giving it a smoky and refreshing finish that’ll make you want to have another sip — or two.
Bathtub Rum
This tropical crowd-pleaser is a total stand-out, both in flavor and presentation. Served amusingly in a small bathtub, topped with frothy Pineapple Air, it looks like a playful bubble bath — but don’t be fooled, it’s more than just a visual treat.
The drink was fruity but not too sweet, the guava and pomegranate molasses are balanced by the earthiness of the Clairin Communal, giving the drink both body and brightness. It’s pleasantly playful, and you should try it once you’re there.
Phoebe Snow
This is Somewhere Quiet’s creamy, dreamy take on a classic Alexander. Served in a Nick & Nora glass, it’s prepared with a swipe of pistachio cream on the side — like a toothpaste moment (and we loved it.)
The drink itself is creamy, velvety, and indulgent, with the creaminess softening the spicy kick of the genever. The dusting of nutmeg ties everything together, adding the right touch of warmth and finesse to the romantic drink.
Coco No. 5
Inspired by the timeless Chanel No. 5, the cocktail is as feminine as its presentation, and smells as luxurious as it tastes. Sharp yet smooth, floral yet firm, the cocktail is an olfactory experience as much as it is a sip. A light spritz of rosewater transforms it into an elegant infusion with a delicate bite.
The rose and grapefruit elevate the flavor into a floral space, while the honey and spice add a warmth that lingers for a while. It’s sophisticated, yes, but with a bite that tells you that she’s not just feminine for her looks.
Hipflask
Deep, smoky, and utterly complex, this cocktail was made for the seasoned drinker — the one that loves adventure but still respects the classics. Served in a smoked old-fashioned glass from a flask, the drink is rich and layered, dancing on the tongue like velvet.
The whiskey base gives a deep, brooding foundation, while the PX sherry reduction and Branca Menta adds soft flashes of sweetness and coolness to the drink. It finishes the cocktail with mole bitters that leave a slow-burning warmth, a subtle intensity that lingers long after you indulge in it.
Negroni
Somewhere Quiet’s take on the Negroni is familiar but is still different from the others. A love letter to the classic, drink opens to a clean, refined bitterness from the Nikka Coffey Gin, with a rich, and caramel-like warmth from the Mulssano Rosso wrapping the drink like a hug. The Carpano Bitter and Amaro Montenegro adds a bit of herbal complexity to the body, while the hint of citrus softens its edge.
Confident, balanced, and elevated, it is a timeless choice for most, and you’ll surely have a great time with this in hand.
Jake Walk
Despite its name being a nod to a condition caused by poorly made liquor during the Prohibition, the Jake Walk is anything but that. It’s a light, well-balanced way to start the night, with the first sip alone giving a zesty kick from the calamansi and yuzu. The mix of Luisita and Doorly’s XO rum adds body to the drink without heaviness.
The Velvet Falernum and Jamaican ginger bring warm and bright feel to the creation, like a push and pull between sweet and spicy. Playful and clever, it’s the cocktail that perfectly sets the tone for the night, especially if you’re in the mood for some adventure and a party.
Hidden in Plain Sight
At the end of the night, it’s clear that Somewhere Quiet isn’t just a quirky name for a space hidden in plain sight. It’s a place where the world unwinds, the lights dim, and the noise fades into a soft, bass-heavy hum.
Not all nights out need to be loud and intense, too. The recipe for a good night out? A private space, perfectly mixed cocktails in hand — and Somewhere Quiet to slip away to.
Follow Somewhere Quiet on Instagram.
Location: Somewhere Quiet, The Palace, 10th Ave, corner 38th St, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila
Opening Hours: 7 PM till late (Tuesdays to Sundays)
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