When it comes to hangout spots in the Metro, there’s no shortage of new places popping up. From coffee shops to comedy bars, there’s always something new to try and check out. The only question left is — what’s the vibe?
We’re back for another addition to our #WhatsTheVibe series, and this time we’re taking a peek behind the iconic speakeasy Sari Sari located in a cozy spot within Makati.
We dropped by on a Friday night when the sun started to set, and we were greeted by lights of Thai Mookata’s signage as it started to glow from afar. If you didn’t know that there’s a hidden bar located inside in what seems to be a sari-sari store display, you might even get lost and miss the bar entirely.
In what was originally a high rollers’ lounge meant for the corporate big wigs after clocking off, Sari Sari leaned into the hub of being for musicians and music enthusiasts. It got to the point that the Offshore Music crew of Ely Buendia, Audry Dionisio, and Pat Sarabia decided to buy it once the previous owner put up the bar for sale.
The trio already had an affinity with the location, being able to play in previous gigs and even hosting their Offshore Christmas party just last year. A quick turn around and a brief closure for transitioning led to a smooth re-opening of the bar under their new management, but the same vibe regardless.
VIBE CURATION
The vibe honestly shifts from night to night. The place is suited from chilling after a tiring day at work for a chill gig by Shirebound & Busking and Shane Dandan (a few main acts of the night we went to) to having rocking sets by the likes of Sandwich and Novocrane where moshpits of people form in front of the stage. Yes, they do even adjust the venue’s layout somewhat depending on the night.
Outside of the typical gigs and concerts, they also often host other unique events like trivia nights, Tekken tournaments, and even wedding receptions! Imagination really is the limitation in how to transform the space into something that’s worth a night out.
“The crowd is as diverse as the events themselves. We host everything from wrestling and gigs to drag shows and stand-up comedy, which brings in different social groups on different nights.”
MENU SELECTION
We had a blast trying out the different drinks each inspired by a distinct Asian flavor. Our collective favorites have to be the Thai Coco Mango and Teh Tarik Satu – more milky flavors that mix well to the point that you couldn’t even taste the alcohol at all. Each signature cocktail has its own unique spin from the Manila Tropicana resembling a halo-halo both in taste and glassware, to you sipping the Shanghai Peach Blossom from a small Chinese bowl made out of porcelain.
Having shared ownership with outside’s Thai Mookata, one can order a plate of their signature Pad Thai with a San Miguel Pilsen on the other hand while chilling inside. Some items like their Krapao to Chicken Satay also hit the right spot once you’ve been craving for some mid-drink munchies. The recipes were perfected by a Thai chef so you know the flavors are authentic, and trust us that they really are.
Lastly, their hot pot hits the spot either before or after a night out at Sari Sari as a perfect way to start or cap off the night. Imagine discovering your new favorite band, getting drunk off of their tasty drinks, and you wash it away with some Seafood Tomyang Soup and some Mango Sticky Rice after? You really can say that you had a Sari Sari worth of experiences.
VERDICT
So, what’s the vibe? Audry and Pat summed it up quite nicely:
“There’s a lot of ways to describe Sari Sari, but at the end of the day it can be whatever you want it to be. Pag wala kang magawa on a certain night, you can bet that there’s something happening and you can bring whoever.”
@sarisaribar is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 6 PM to 3 AM.
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