I’m kind of a sucker for any establishment that uses retro motorcycles and bicycles as its theme. There are a few biker bars in Metro Manila, including The Roadhouse along Mall of Asia, Vintage Cafe Muvela in Marikina and Handlebar & Grill, to name a few. I heard that there was a similar bar in Legazpi City in Bicol, so during a family road trip there, I made it a point to check it out.
Vintage Garage Bar is a bar and music lounge that uses vintage transportation and memorabilia as its theme. According to the waiter on duty, the owner of the bar is a motorcycle and bike enthusiast who operates a garage.
Instead of disposing of old parts, he opened the bar to house the vintage items. The space is rather small, with a seating capacity for about 20-25 people max, but it’s crammed full with classic motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, vintage bicycles and automobile parts.
Old car seats are used as guest seating while the bar stools make use of hubcaps and other car parts. Near the entrance was a black and silver vintage Triumph (TWN), while four other classic mopeds were hung up on the wall.
There are about 6 vintage bicycles including a tandem bicycle, hanging above and in front of the bar. Meanwhile, the exterior of a red and white automobile hangs from the ceiling. Filling up the empty spaces on the wall are more hubcaps and car parts, license plates from different countries, iconic road signs and other vintage memorabilia. Even the bathroom signs use road signs as the theme.
On the menu are the usual bar chow and appetizers. Specialties include Buffalo Chicken Wings, Fish & Chips, Finger-Lickin Ribs, Sausage and Cheese Platters, Burgers and pastas. Since my family and I had just come from dinner from another restaurant, I didn’t really get to try the main dishes, but I ordered a Pepperoni Pizzeta (P80), which I found pretty good. The beers are mostly local (San Miguel variety), but they have an extensive selection of cocktails and hard drinks.
Vintage Garage Bar is a cool, cozy place for riders, bike enthusiasts or anyone who wants a quiet place to unwind over drinks and bar chow while in Legazpi City.
NOTE: A version of this article was first published in Motorcycle World Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 9.
Vintage Garage Bar & Diner is located at PVLB7 Alternate Road, 4500 Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines. They are open from Monday to Saturday from 5:30 pm to 2:00 am. Closed on Sundays. Facebook Page: Vintage Garage Bar & Diner