Picture this: enjoying a nice cup of joe in a city that is home to so much history and charm. Located right in the heart of Visayas, Iloilo City offers a brewing scene that is as vibrant as its rich cultural heritage. Beyond iconic landmarks and delectable cuisine, Iloilo boasts a flourishing cafe culture, offering speciality brews, stylish interiors, and a warm, local vibe. If you’re in it for a caffeine ride, follow our mug as we navigate the hippest Iloilo City cafes, where every sip is an adventure!
Also read: 10 Best Restaurants in Iloilo That You Simply Can’t Miss
Step back in time and savour a piece of Iloilo’s history at Madge Cafe. Though their OG branch at La Paz Market has closed, their branch in Shops at Atria remains open and ready to serve customers with delectable Ilonggo coffee. The cafe dates back to the 1940s and is a cherished community hub in the province.
Sip on their famed locally sourced Arabica line of coffee boasts a unique recipe that is passed down through generations, and soak in the cafe’s super homey atmosphere.
Address: Shops at Atria, Donato Pison Ave., Brgy. San Rafael Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Next on our Iloilo City cafe crawl: Bluejay Coffee & Company! This cafe is a local favourite known for its double dose of deliciousness. They offer a wide range of menu items, featuring everything from coffee and pastries to pasta and steaks. That explains why many locals and tourists troop to this quaint cafe for a quiet corner where they can sip a perfectly brewed cup.
Locations: Ayala Technohub and SM City Iloilo
Albeit decorated with a modern Pinoy house vibe, Manifesto boasts a haven for those who crave a taste of global comfort. This chic Iloilo City cafe housed within the Citadines Amigo Hotel isn’t your average hotel cafe.
Manifesto promises to elevate your experience with a menu that offers a fusion of European and Asian cuisine. Just imagine munching on fluffy pancakes drizzled with locally sourced honey for breakfast, or devouring a juicy, mouthwatering burger with a unique Filipino twist for lunch. This cafe definitely caters to every foodie’s craving, all under a stylish ambience that brings together the best of the East and West.
Address: 2/F, Citadines Amigo, Corner Iznart St., Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City
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There’s a hidden gem tucked away in the streets of Valeria in Iloilo City, and it’s Xin Cafe! The Chinese-Filipino cafe is bathed in warm light and tasteful decor that feels cosy and homey for anyone stepping foot inside.
Xin Cafe caters to both coffee cravings and a rumbling stomach as its menu boasts expertly brewed coffee alongside a selection of unique dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches, and even dimsum! This makes it the perfect spot for a satisfying breakfast, a hearty lunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Address: LaSalette Building, Valeria St., Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City
A haven for bibliophiles, art enthusiasts, and coffee lovers? Count us in! Book Latté Café, Library & Art Space promises quite the experience: Brew a cup of creativity, curl up with a novel from their curated library, or get inspiration from the rotating art exhibits on the mezzanine level. Book Latté is certainly not just a cafe that serves brewed coffee, but the perfect place to fuel your mind, body, and soul — all in one delightful sip. Plus, it’s open 24 hours! You can grab a cup of coffee or read a book even in the wee hours of the morning!
Address: Business Park, G/F Festivewalk Parade, Megaworld Blvd, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Also read: 10 Library Cafes in Manila for Bookworms & Avid Readers
Tucked away in Villa Arevalo is Iloilo Coffee House, a haven for coffee connoisseurs and anyone who appreciates a delightful cup of joe. This Iloilo City cafe isn’t just about serving coffee — it’s a full sensory experience.
Step inside and you’ll instantly be greeted by the warm aroma of freshly brewed beans, vintage cameras adorning the walls, and antique espresso machines on display for coffee enthusiasts to marvel at. The community and relationship the cafe has built with the locals is also one of the best things in this place, indeed the perfect spot to enjoy a perfectly brewed cup while having sensible conversations.
Address: 77 Quezon St., Villa Arevalo District, Iloilo City
Craving for serenity while enjoying a cup of coffee? Monkey Grounds Coffee offers just that, and more. This spot isn’t just about the excellently-brewed coffee, though it’s a major draw!
Monkey Grounds boasts a spacious al fresco area, perfect for catching the cool Iloilo breeze, while the modern interiors offer a chic space to catch up with friends or enjoy solitude. Oh, and it’s also one of the Iloilo City cafes with vegan options on the menu, making it a guilt-free indulgence for all dietary preferences!
Address: PH52+FJ9, Benigno Aquino Ave., Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Also read: Vegan and Vegetarian Travel Tips From 6 Plant-Based Pinoys
Don’t let the name fool you — Choking Grounds Cafe in Molo is anything but hazardous to your health! This Iloilo City cafe thrives on playful irony, offering a delightful selection of coffee concoctions and a menu that goes beyond the usual cafe scene. From mouthwatering burgers and satisfying rice meals to all-day breakfast options, Choking Grounds is your one-stop shop for all things coffee and hunger busters. Plus, its-laid back atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind and soak up the local Iloilo City energy.
Address: Avanceña Street corner San Jose Street, Molo, Iloilo City
For the minimalist, 60:40 Cafe by Beans & Grind offers a sleek and stylish refuge. This gem is all about clean lines and modern aesthetics, all while offering a flavourful punch of expertly brewed coffee and a menu that boasts a tempting selection of single-origin beans. So, if you’re ever craving quality coffee in a sophisticated setting, 60:40 is your ideal pitstop.
Address: MHX9+5GQ Amigo Jeepney Stop, Iznart St., Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City
Owl’s Cafe is a haven for night owls (and early birds too!), offering a cosy ambience bathed in warm light, perfect for catching up with friends or unwinding with a book in one hand and a perfectly brewed cup of coffee in the other. More than the aesthetics, their coffee is what truly makes them shine as they source only the finest beans and meticulously brew each cup, ensuring an aromatic and flavourful experience that will leave coffee lovers hooting with delight.
Address: Brgy. Democracia St., Jaro, Iloilo City
Tucked inside a charming ancestral house reborn as Balay Sueño, Sunday Bake Night isn’t just a cafe, it’s an experience. Picture this: lingering over steaming cups of locally sourced coffee, their aroma blending with the heavenly scent of giant, freshly baked cookies. Think decadent double chocolate cakes, classic red velvet, or even a touch of local flair with ube. This delightful spot isn’t just about satisfying your coffee and pastry cravings; it’s about savouring a slice of Iloilo’s heritage in a warm, community hub.
Address: 2 Washington St., Jaro, Iloilo City
Also read: Budget Coffee: 7 Best Cafes in Metro Manila for Less Than ₱100
From hidden havens to bustling social hubs, cafes in Iloilo City offer more than just a caffeine fix; they’re a window into the city’s creative spirit, a place where locals connect with each other, and a launchpad for exploring the city’s unique charm. If you’re looking for a sign, this is definitely it! Grab your travel mug and explore these Iloilo City cafes on your next out-of-town trip!
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