The Back Room — Restaurant in Taguig

We were a group of three, and I would like to share my insights from our visit to the speakeasy bar.

1. The staff could benefit from some improvements in their customer handling skills. While they were not the worst, there is room for improvement.

a) It would be helpful if the staff had walkie-talkies for better communication. During our visit, the guard had to send one staff member to the back room to check if there were any available tables for us. We had to wait outside, but we took the initiative to ask the guard if we could wait inside the foyer since it was hot outside.

b) As a group of three, we expected to be seated in a comfortable arrangement. However, we were initially seated at a table for two with just one stool added next to the two standard chairs. We had to request a change for the stool ourselves. It would be appreciated if the staff would proactively ask us if we were okay with such seating arrangements in the future.

2.) For the DRINKS, since it is considered to be the highlight of the establishment, we ordered a total of eight (8) drinks for the three of us, with a price range of PHP400.00 to PHP600.00. You can actually taste that such price is reasonable since the drinks actually taste good. Personally, I would give them an 8/10 rating.

3.) There is a limited selection of food, which is reasonable since we primarily went there for the drinks. We ordered burrata and fries, both of which were good. However, the eggplant ingredient in the burrata dish caused a reaction on my lips, making them itchy. Despite this, the overall food offering was nice, earning a personal score of 7/10.

Overall, it was a pleasant experience, and we look forward to returning soon. We hope that the establishment continues to make improvements, although it is already quite good.

The highlight of the evening was the icebreaker questions attached to the drinks. They truly sparked engaging conversations, especially when on a date or getting to know new friends.

Wishing you...

Turned up at 7:30 pm on a Sunday wearing a tailored shirt and tailored shorts — refused entry because I wasn’t in long trousers.

The door staff even asked the brilliant question, “Do you have long pants?” — yes, of course, I’ve hidden them in my back pocket just in case the temperature drops 20°C!

It’s 33°C and humid, yet they cling to this outdated, pretentious dress code as if it’s 1920s London, not Manila in 2025.

I’ve been to countless top-tier bars across Asia and Middle East, and not one has turned away a smartly dressed customer in tailored shorts. This policy reeks of form over substance — next thing you know, they’ll be demanding brogues, a blazer, and a tie just to sip a cocktail.

I understand the need for some standards, but this is petty gatekeeping at its worst.

Not to be defeated, I did come back later with long pants. Inside, it’s so dark you can barely see someone five metres away so I’m don’t understand the objective of their policy.

The cocktail menu has a few interesting twists, but nothing blew me away. The atmosphere was pleasant enough, with some funky jive music in the background.

Would I return? Probably as decent semi decent speakeasy bar fee and far between in Manila, but I still think the long-pants rule is nonsense, albeit I would not have been caught out on a weekday after work.

Tried their vault and red c-note, cocktail. Price is normal for good Asian speak easy bar.

Low overall ⭐ due to their petty policy and getting off on a...

For those seeking an upscale and sophisticated bar experience in Manila, The Back Room is an absolute must-visit. While it's technically classified as a speakeasy, fear not, for it's not overly secretive or difficult to locate. Simply head to Shangri-La The Fort and you'll find this hidden gem tucked away, devoid of any exterior signage.

The ambiance within The Back Room is nothing short of captivating. The décor is a delightful blend of modern and classic elements, with carefully curated lighting fixtures that look like eyes! The overall atmosphere exudes an air of refined elegance, making it the perfect setting for both intimate conversations and lively gatherings.

The true stars of The Back Room, however, are the cocktails. Masterfully crafted, each concoction is a symphony of flavors, perfectly balanced and bursting with character. Whether you prefer classic cocktails or are seeking something more adventurous, The Back Room's menu has something to tantalize every taste bud especially the Gin lovers.

The staff at The Back Room is equally impressive, exuding an air of professionalism and charm that complements the bar's sophisticated ambiance. They are poised yet friendly, and walk around looking as glamorous as the guests.

If you're seeking a grown-up bar in Manila where you can indulge in world-class cocktails, engage in stimulating conversations, and immerse yourself in a refined yet inviting atmosphere, The Back Room is your answer and a true gem in...