Change as they say is inevitable. It's fascinating that this philosophical ideal is also applicable to the business side of the world. Many establishments made it by going with the flow, but unfortunately, those that were not able to meet the demands of this rapidly changing world were like sinking ships who went down along with the old trend. That is why one of the new trends of the Pinoy's bustling nightlife is the RESTO-BAR: a restaurant and a bar rolled up into one.

Going with the flow

A few years ago, resto-bars are not that common but now, they are like mushrooms sprouting everywhere. Why this phenomenon? What is SURVIVAL? Yep. It's survival of the fittest. _______, branch manager of Mystique Grill Bar & Restaurant in Eastwood puts it this way: "Ang restaurant kasi madami nang competition niyan kaya medyo mahina, kaya we have to adapt na din to the environment."

Well, he's absolutely right! There are many kinds of restaurants. You have Italian, grill, Japanese and the list goes on and on. What happens then when you can't keep up with competition? You go down. But resto-bars take on a different attitude, a different way of surviving. Being a restaurant, they cater usual lunches and dinners to families, working people, yuppies and basically everybody who eats out. But resto-bars have found a new set of people to cater to: the nightlife crowd. For one thing, ordinary restaurants close after dinner time; say, they close at around 10 in the evening. Well, Pinoy nightlife starts to get alive at around 10 p.m., so ordinary restaurants wouldn't cater to this crowd. A resto-bar on the other hand, opens at around noon or some even at early dinner time and will not close until the wee hours of the morning. So it's as if they hit two birds with one stone: the ordinary dining clientele and the nightlife crowd.

The resto-bar

Aside from their sign that says that they are a resto-bar, how else could we identify an establishment as a resto-bar? Well, for one thing, they have a drinks bar and that's exactly why they're called a resto-bar. They also have a complete menu ranging from appetizers to main course then to desserts. A resto-bar provides delicious and complete food to its customers, while giving them that bar & disco-like background music, usually through live bands or system-surround music. People, most especially yuppies and adults, patronize resto-bars and they have become a common meeting place because of the environment they possess. Like a resto, you have your own cozy place to chit-chat during a late dinner with your companions while enjoying yourself through the music. Resto-bars are a place to unwind and relax while eating sumptuous food or drinking all night long, or even dancing & grooving to the music. But resto-bars don't have a big dance floor; instead people dance in front of the stage (if there is any), or in front of the live band or even at their own seats. With all these options that it can give, indeed, resto-bars are THE ultimate place to meet, eat, drink, dance and unwind. It's everything you want to do, all in one. But since competition is also aggressive, resto-bars must create a way that will make them unique. Thus there exists a number of diverse resto-bars.

Standouts Local Hollywood: Hard Rock Cafè (Glorietta, Makati)

Located at the heart of Makati, Hard Rock Cafè is known as THE place to be when it comes to live performances of known bands and performers both local and foreign. It's best known for its Hollywood aura since it is a branch here in the Philippines with branches known worldwide. When there is no performer or band for the evening, there is no cover charge and entrance fee. When there is a show, an entrance fee is charged when you enter at 9 pm onwards, since the shows start at around 9:30. At this time, you're there not for the food anymore but for the performer.

Latino Fever: Cafè Havana (Greenbelt 3, Makati)

What's eye-catching about this place is the presence of many foreigners particularly North Americans and Latinos. When asked why they chose this place to spend the night, an American answered, "Well, Cafè Havana is popular!" Indeed, it is famous among the foreigners perhaps because of, first and foremost, its name. Havana is a historic place in Cuba which is of importance to Americans and Latins. So with their name, it can attract foreigners. Also, it has a unique Latino atmosphere because of the Latin music played by not the usual rhythms instruments but with Bongos and other distinct musical instruments.

Jamaican Frenzy: Montego (Eastwood City, Libis)

As it is with Café Havana, Montego is also a unique concept bringing alive a foreign atmosphere. If Havana is Cuban, Montego is Jamaican. Locals, Jamaicans and other foreigners go to Montego for a night of reggae and of Bob Marley but other types of music can be requested also. But aside from its different music, mostly yuppies and adults come there to taste their specialty: spicy Jamaican food.

Sporty Gimmick: Bargo (Eastwwood City, Libis)

And yet another unique gimmick of a resto-bar, a sports bar. They offer you another choice of activity, billiards. Teens, yuppies and adults flock to Bargo for a night of eating, drinking, dancing and billiards. Their billiard tables are at the 2nd floor while you can dance the night away on the whole 3rd floor. Talk about maximizing your night.

The Deviation: Nappa Bistro & Bar (Eastwood City, Libis)

A bistro-bar is an alteration of the resto-bar. Here, it is a more formal and elegant setting and ambiance which in turn will make you spend more. But a bistro provides a soulful evening of relaxation because of its soothing music in the form of piano accompaniments and classical music. Adults and yuppies are the ones it caters to.

Resto-bars may have different styles, themes and approaches for them to survive but what remains is the concept of a place where people can come together to dine, drink and unwind, all night long.

Dancin' the Night Away

Metamorphosis

Alternative Night Life

Bar-hopping 101

Singin' the Night Away

A Family Affair

Definitely Not For Kids

Cafes For You