Another caffeinated year has passed, and it would not be me if I do not wrap it up with my annual Favorite Coffee Shops list.
Making this year’s list was not easy. One reason that made this list difficult was that I could not visit coffee shops as regularly as I wanted to because of the demands at work and opting to rest more. Thus, I kept asking myself, what coffee shops I enjoyed most this year?
After a bus ride to my hometown and reflecting while listening to The Ridleys, I discovered this year’s list would be pretty different from the previous years. The last years focused on my preference regarding the coffee, service, and vibe of the coffee shops. This year, it was still my preference, but this time, it centered on comfort.
These coffee shops were places where I would go for solace and a space. Coffee shops that took me away from how busy things were, where I could take a deep breath.
T’Brews
Of the coffee shops on this list, T’Brews was the one I may have visited the most. There is just something charming and comforting about this coffee shop. When I needed a break from everything around me, this was one of the places I could come to relax. I spent countless hours playing on my Switch, staring into the void, or scrolling through TikTok or Instagram.
In terms of coffee, T’Brew serves a good cup of coffee. My favorites had to be their signature drinks inspired by the owner’s favorite songs and snacks of kids who grew up in the 90s or early 2000s.
T‘Brews is located along Lacson St., Obrero. Click here to visit their IG page.
Kugi Slow Bar
Kugi is one of those coffee shops that I always visit to enjoy the presence of the coffee community. I always find a sense of community and comfort whenever I come here. It helps to have your cup of coffee in their living room—like enjoying coffee at your friend’s house. I also like the slow bar concept because it reminds me to step back and take things slowly.
My coffee experience here varies depending on the available coffee beans for filter coffee. I also make sure to get an espresso-based drink. In most visits, I tend to order two cups of coffee—one a pour-over and another espresso-based.
Kugi Slow Bar is located at Guadalupe Village, Lanang. Visit their Instagram here. You can also know more about them in this feature I wrote.
Kiks
If I seek somewhere to talk about mundane things with friends, I find myself at Kiks. The small coffee shop has heard many stories, from my misadventures around the city to my “lutang” moments.
Kiks also serves a good cup of coffee. I tend to gravitate towards their Vietnamese coffee or an Americano. Another reason I like coming here is that their lasagna is my comfort food.
Kiks is located along Veloso St., Obrero. You can know more about them by visiting their Instagram here.
Lot38
Lot38 is a coffee shop I like visiting after a long week. I see Lot38 as an escape from the busyness of the downtown area. It could be a challenge to get there without a personal vehicle, but it is always worth visiting.
When it comes to their coffee, Lot38 does not disappoint. They consistently serve a good cup of coffee, with my regular orders being their Gentleman’s Americano or a pour-over. I also love ordering their Pan-Q—a savory pork barbecue sandwich.
Lot38 is located at Phase 1 of Deca Indangan. Know more about them in this feature I wrote about them. Visit their Instagram here.
Onse
In the south, I tend to visit Onse regularly. It is my safe space in this part of town. I usually come here after work in one of my part-time jobs. When my friends are not around, I sit here and unwind as I savor my coffee.
For Onse, my go-to order is either the Puro (cold brew) or Blanco (cold brew with milk). Their cold brew is smooth, and I love its nuttiness.
Onse is located within the BC Chicken Compound at the corner of Quimpo Blvd. (Ecoland) and University Ave., Juna Subd. Visit their Instagram here.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
Hall of Fame: Darkk
When making this list, I realized Darkk has been part of the list for three consecutive years already (2021, 2022, and 2023). Thus, being inducted to my “hall of fame” (I have to give it a better name, hahaha).
Darkk is one of my go-to coffee shops if I want to sit back, sip coffee, and think of nothing. This is one of the few places in the city where I know the coffee will always be good. The vibe here is very laid back too.
Aside from the coffee, what makes Darkk special is how it is able to foster its community of coffee drinkers.
Darkk joins Spark Coffee + Crafts (2021) and Purge (2022) in Kape Diaries Hall of Fame.
Darkk is located along Palma Gil St., Obrero. Visit their Instagram here.
Favorite new discovery: Tala Cafe
This was truly a surprise discovery. To be honest, I have been managing my expectations with new coffee shops. But Tala Cafe left a lasting impression after one visit. I love the homey vibes of the coffee shop and the coffee is quite good too. I also love that this coffee shop showcases the life and artistry of poet Tita A. Lacambra-Ayala.
Tala Cafe is located along Tigatto Rd. Check their Instagram here.