From Ube and mango, to tamarind and calamansi, there are several flavors that are synonymous with the vibrant culture of the Philippines. With the San Francisco Bay Area’s large Filipino community, many bars in the city have begun incorporating and showcasing these distinct ingredients to craft artisanal libations that undoubtedly evoke the tropical lifestyle in inventive ways that go beyond their traditional uses.
If you’re thirsty for a familiar taste of the islands, here is a list of bars with the must-try Filipino-inspired cocktails in the city!
The Detour- Pinoy Pimms
2200 Market St
Looking for a charming and welcoming arcade bar that’s buzzing with games, friendly smiles, and a delectable food and drink menu? Head to The Detour! An inclusive Castro District favorite, come here on any night of the week to try their Filipino-inspired dishes and their refreshing Pinoy Pimms, with tamarind!
For the Record– Islands in the Stream
2120 Greenwich St
For the Record is the grooviest destination for complex cocktails in the Marina, replete with vivid decor, fun music, and the most knowledgeable and helpful bartenders! Their Islands in the Stream will instantly transport you on vacation with macadamia nut, ube, and coconut cream!
Kona’s Street Market– Boracay Old Fashioned
32 3rd St
Kona’s is the cutest cove in the heart of downtown, beloved for their cozy interior and Asian-inspired menus. We recommend relaxing here when sightseeing with their Boracay Old Fashioned that elevates pandan, bay leaf, and coconut water with Sapphire East Gin and calamansi!
Abacá– Carajillo
2700 Jones St
Abaca is Chef Francis Ang’s Michelin Guide favorite that has been highly revered for their inventive precision in uplifting classic Filipino staples. Their handcrafted beverage menu is just as remarkable, as aside from their ever-popular Ube Colada, their new Carajillo by General Manager and Beverage Director Justin Goo revamps the classic with charred cinnamon-infused Reyka vodka, lactic pandan, amaro, and muscovado espresso syrup.
Alnico– Dirty Mango-Mansi
1050 Valencia St
Alnico is the Mission District’s premier Filipino brunch destination known for their generous servings and aesthetic ube hotcakes. Pair your picturesque meal with their Dirty Mango-Mansi or refreshingly citrusy Calamansi Mint Mojito or Dirty Calamansi Shirley Temple!
PCH– Thrilla in Manila
550 Sutter St
Pacific Cocktail Haven near Union Square downtown is exactly that- a hidden oasis that provides an escape to the islands. Take a break from shopping and refresh with their Thrilla in Manila utilizing Evan Williams Bourbon, absinthe, li-hing mui, and the distinctly aromatic calamansi and coconut.
Causwells– Mango Sticky Rice
2346 Chestnut St
We guarantee you’ve never drank this classic dessert before. Beverage Director/Managing Partner Elmer Mejicanos has outdone himself with this extraordinary creation, highlighting mango and coconut with a perfectly balanced savory Forbidden Rice Cordial and ube!
