The Black Attic x Smooth Cafe — Restaurant in Malay

When you’re a family of three with caffeine on your mind and a curious 6-year-old in tow, a casual stroll around Bulabog Beach can turn into an unexpected highlight of the trip. We were just looking for a decent cup of coffee when we noticed this cocktail lounge beside Aqua Boracay offering a happy hour deal—buy 1 macchiato, get 50% off the second drink. That was enough to make us pause. The place is called The Black Attic, and from the moment we stepped in, it felt like we were in for something different.

The staff greeted us right away—friendly, chatty, and genuinely welcoming. The interiors? Impressive. There’s a shallow pond with real fish and a pathway of flat stones leading to a spiral staircase that brings you up to the actual attic. Naturally, we planned to have our coffee up there, but once we came back down to the first floor, the fresh air was unreal. I honestly thought there was a fan somewhere, but no—it was just that well-ventilated. Cool, breezy, and incredibly relaxing.

Now, the drinks. We ordered What Life Is and Fan Done. What Life Is was the standout for me: double espresso, ube jam, sweet purple potato syrup, and breve milk. Sounds indulgent? It is—but in the best way. Creamy, bold, a little sweet, and full of character. Every sip felt intentional. I wanted to try Bean There Twice (they had mungbean and avocado in it, which I was very curious about), but they were out of stock that day.

Fan Done surprised me in the best way—double espresso, pandan syrup, breve milk, and desiccated coconut. The sweetness of the pandan played beautifully against the strong espresso, and that coconut added the kind of texture you don’t expect from a drink. Chewy, nutty, and just the right amount of playful.

We also got their nachos, and they didn’t disappoint—crispy nacho shells topped with beef chili con carne, cheese, tomato salsa, fresh tomatoes, and paprika. It was supposed to have corn kernels, but ours didn’t, and honestly, we didn’t miss them. The chili con carne alone was enough to carry the dish—rich, flavorful, comforting.

And since it was happy hour, we couldn’t resist the buy-one-get-one Aperol Spritz. Light, bubbly, citrusy, and exactly what we needed to wind down.

To round it all off, we went for the Oysters Rockefeller, made with fresh oysters from New Washington, Kalibo. They were creamy and satisfying, though I’ll admit—I was hoping for a brinier, more ocean-forward flavor. The cream and cheese slightly masked the natural taste of the oysters, which I always look forward to. Still, no regrets—they were well-executed.

By the end of it, we were full. Not just comfortably full, but that “okay, I need to sit here and do nothing for a while” kind of full. And the total? Just P2,000. For everything we ordered, that’s more than fair.

If you’re in the area and craving a chill spot for coffee, cocktails, or just really good vibes, The Black Attic is absolutely...

Over the seven days we spent in Boracay, The Black Attic Café quickly became our go-to spot—so much that by the second visit, it felt like a cozy second home. No matter which day it was, every time we walked in, Rose greeted us with genuine warmth. Lowell, playing barista and all-around coffee maestro, always served a cup that hit the right note—consistently excellent from day one. Even the owner would pause to say, “Welcome back!”—and seeing that same phrase uttered not just to us but also other returning diners was downright heartwarming.

The café itself strikes the perfect balance between understated and elegant. Picture soft natural light, minimalist decor that feels chic without pretension, and a layout that supports both working, relaxing, or simply enjoying good company.

Every visit delivered solid food and drinks. From hearty all-day breakfasts to well-crafted coffee and brunch plates, the offerings were always satisfying.

What really made The Black Attic stand out, though, was the team. Rose remembered our faces and our usual table. Lowell never missed a beat with the coffee—and I mean never. And knowing the owner took time to greet frequent guests with that sincere “welcome back”—it felt more personal than transactional.

If you’re heading to Boracay, this is the kind of café that makes you smile just walking through the door. With its great food, strong coffee, dependable Wi‑Fi, and a team that treats every visitor like a returning friend, The Black Attic Café is an absolute must‑visit.

With lots of...

Customer Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10) The staff are super friendly and warm. Kuya even offered to take my photos—such a nice touch!

Facility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10) Love the concept! They kept the charm of the original house and turned it into a cozy café. There’s a koi pond, a circling staircase, and even the kitchen area kept intact—it feels so homey. I’ve only been to the 1st floor since I was with my lola and baby niece, but I’d love to come back to explore the 2nd floor and above. I heard they even kept the bedroom intact, which sounds interesting.

Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It’s about a 10–15 minute walk from the drop-off at Bulabog Beach. I actually enjoyed the walk—it was serene, windy, and quiet. Perfect spot for morning or afternoon coffee when you want peace away from the crowd.

Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10) Tried the penne pesto and four cheese pizza. The penne was light and healthy—more on the green, herby side, which I loved. The four cheese pizza was simply delicious.

Drinks: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10) The Bulabog drink was great—just the right balance of caffeine and sweetness. Their caramel macchiato, latte, and cappuccino are also worth trying!

✨ Overall: Such a gem in Boracay. I would definitely come back again when I return...