Batala Bar in Intramuros recently reopened! Right before the lockdown restrictions in March 2020, I met up with good friend Mica of Senyorita for a “business meeting” in the area and we spent a chill afternoon with mugs of local craft beer here. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed random meet-ups with friends over drinks and it’s nice to know that more establishments are finding ways to reopen with the proper health and safety measures, like contact tracing and health declaration forms in place.
This heritage bar in Intramuros has been closed for 10 months since the lockdown was imposed mid-March 2020, so the announcement of their reopening last January 15, 2021 is welcome news especially for those who plan to try out Bambike’s rentals, which is back in business as well. Tours are still not allowed, but you can rent the bamboo bicycles for P100 an hour to go around the area on your own, which is a great option for those who don’t have their own bikes.
Anyway, last March we visited the bar after dining at the nearby Ristorante delle Metre, a Catholic-themed restaurant with post-colonial Spanish-era interiors right across the San Agustin Church. Little did I know that that would be one of my last real hangouts before the pandemic all forced us to all stay at home and drink alone.
P.S. All these photos were taken in early March 2020 before the lockdown when face masks and face shields were not a thing yet. Face masks are now required and a plastic barrier has now been put up near the bar area.
Batala Bar
Batala Bar gets its name from the supreme god of the Tagalog people worshipped during pre-colonial times. This isn’t your typical enclosed pub or bar that serves beer by the bucket with greasy bar chow.
The bar is located within the heritage area of Intramuros, right next to 16th-century Catholic churches, cobblestone streets and heritage structures, making it worth seeking out.
Batala Bar exclusively serves products that are handmade in the Philippines. The homegrown bar champions local beverages, mainly craft beer, craft coffee and specialty ice cream.
During the time of our visit, they were serving beer from Boondocks Brewing and Engkanto on tap, and had a wide range of hard-to-find local craft beers like Joe’s Brew, Nipa Brew, Professor’s Brew and more in bottles for sale. Their January 2021 offerings right now includes Crazy Carabao’s Golden Ale and IPA on tap, along with mainstream brands San Miguel.
For non-beer drinkers, the bar also serves fresh fruit shakes, iced and brewed coffee, iced tea and coffee floats. Prefer something sweet? They also have ice cream made from local ingredients such as guyabano (soursop), mango, ube, macapuno (jelly-like coconut flesh) and sweet corn.
Batala Bar doesn’t serve food, but you can get popcorn to pair with your beer for P50 a bowl. It’s best to go here mid-afternoon after having lunch elsewhere. They close pretty early at 7:00 pm.
UPDATE: As of April 2022, Batala Bar has started serving meals to complement their drinks, including a Biker’s Brunch, rice bowls, pasta, and panini. You can also get a few dessert items and sundaes here.
Philippine Artisan Trade Gallery
The bar is located inside the Philippine Artisan Trade Gallery, where visitors can also discover new products that are handmade in the Philippines.
You can also find unique Philippine-made and eco-friendly items including bamboo toothbrushes, lotion, soap, bags, wallets, shampoo bars, and pet-friendly products for sale here.
The second floor has a communal table in a space ideal for small meetings and gatherings and offers a great view overlooking the fountain in Plaza San Luis.
The complex, which was designed to recreate a residential and commercial setting in the 1950s also contains the Bambike Headquarters, heritage restaurant Barbara’s and more. It’s right across the UNESCO listed San Agustin Church.
While Batala Bar used to be a popular joint with international tourists and balikbayans in Metro Manila, with travel still largely restricted, it’s a great unique watering hole for local tourists to rediscover Manila and patronize local products.
Batala Bar/Philppine Artisan Trade. Plaza San Luis Complex General Luna Street, cor Real St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila. Open 10:00 am -7:00 pm, 7 days a week.
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