Sifting through SM Mall of Asia’s congested holiday crowd, my friends and I found the perfect spot to have a Christmas party—Roadhouse Manila Bay. What seems like the atypical tavern tucked in San Miguel By The Bay is actually a popular joint for Manila’s bikers and blues community.
That Tuesday night, my party of 7 enjoyed a feast of American bar chow, such as The Roadhouse Platter (a sampling of their top appetizers and dips), chicken quesadillas, and dynamite jalapeños. We even got to sample the bartender’s newest cocktails (to be launched in 2017, so watch this space) and helped him come up with a name for the drinks.
It’s too bad there wasn’t a band playing that night. According to manager Mike Manansala, local rock ‘n roll/ blues bands play at their joint every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Sundays they have jam nights, better known as rockeoke for millennials, where guests can take the stage as the band’s lead singer. Just don’t expect Ariana Grande and Billboard Top 40 tracks. Your choices are narrowed down to classic blues and rock ‘n roll croons—a fitting tribute to the ’50s-’60s era that inspired Roadhouse.
If you’re looking for a joint with a legit vintage blues feel, this is the place to be groovy. Don’t forget to order a glass of Roundhouse, the new drink my friends and I named! Let me know what you think of this concoction.
If you own a bike, you’ll feel more than welcome here. You’ll get your own special parking slot outside the bar where a statue of Elvis will keep an eye on your ride.
The Roadhouse Manila Bay is located at SM By The Bay, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines. Telephone numbers: (+632) 836-7382 and (+632) 831-2719.
Date of visit: December 13, 2016