Pancho Cafe - Maysilo — Restaurant in Mandaluyong

5/5 for atmosphere, I think this is one of the best cafe you can go to around this area if you are looking for a place to study or relax. They do not blast obnoxious music and the interior has a lot of warm tone lights paired with wooden furniture which gives it a cozy vibe. I suggest having a seat at the back area because the walls are thick and you can barely hear the hectic traffick just outside the cafe. They also have outlets available for use incase you need to charge your device. FYI, food outside and pets are not permitted inside. If you have a fur friend, you can seat at their patio area. They only serve pastries/ dessert only so if you want something savory you might have to explore nearby restaurants.

As for the coffee, it's a tad bit pricier than Starbucks but that's okay considering the serving size, location, and it's a non-franchise (local business). The coffee itself is on the stronger side but not bitter. I had the latte and I noticed some bits of curdling so maybe they can improve on that. The coffee comes in a tall thick glass with a wooden tray, presentable and quaintly elegant! They should change their straws though as it barely reaches the bottom, I had a hard time stirring my latte because of it.

I would stir away from the fruit juices as they are using pre-made powder. For the the price, they should heavily consider producing their own house-made syrup as it's very easy to make. For very little expense and labor, the pay-off of having your own syrup blend is very rewarding and can set you apart from the other cafes.

They should also improve on their comfort room in terms of cleanliness. There are noticable stains on the toilet. They should also consider putting up curtains to seperate their storage area as entering the hidden door leading to the comfort room does not look pleasing.

Overall, a highly recommendable place if you have the budget to spare and you are looking for a quiet place to unwind with some things to improve that wouldn't...

Pacho Cafe is genuinely warm and welcoming. The staff are attentive and friendly, offering recommendations with a genuine smile. They seem to take pride in their cafe and the experience they provide to their customers, adding to the overall feeling of being a valued guest. Pros: Excellent Ambiance: Cozy, inviting, and a true escape from the city bustle. High-Quality Coffee: Expertly brewed and using what seems to be quality beans. Delicious Pastries and Light Bites: Authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. Friendly and Attentive Service: Staff who genuinely care about the customer experience. Convenient Location: Perfect for a pre- or post-city hall visit or a workday treat. Cons: Limited Seating: Due to its small size, it can get crowded during peak hours. Potentially Limited Menu: While the offerings are excellent, the selection might not be extensive for those seeking a full meal. Pancho a true gem nestled near City Hall. It offers delightful slice of Italian charm with its inviting ambiance, exceptional coffee, and delicious treats. While its small size might mean occasional waits for a table, the overall experience is well worth it. It's the perfect spot to take a moment to relax, recharge, and savor the simple pleasures of good coffee and Italian hospitality in the heart of the city. I highly recommend seeking out this little oasis for a truly enjoyable cafe experience. Rating: 4.5...

Edit: Aug 7, '24: glad they have made their staff more discreet and professional.

Cafe is open 24 hours. Anyone can drop by even at midnight. Atmosphere is great, very relaxing despite being along the highway. The service is quick as well but for some reason they didn't give me any printed receipt. They also have wi-fi.

Would not recommend sitting inside if you need some peace and quiet. Servers are quite chatty. They're on their phones when idle (which is okay) but talking out loud and watching tiktoks in high volumes are very unnecessary. They also tend to slam cabinet doors and drag chairs around (their chairs are solid heavy wood so that's understandable).

Coffee quality and taste is also okay. The amount you get for the price of 180-250 pesos is good. I also ordered a blueberry cheesecake here which was divine. It was the right taste and sweetness, very filling. Although it was 265 per slice which I think is quite pricey but you get what you pay for.

I'd drop by again if I want to hangout and get a quick cup of coffee but maybe not...