There comes a time in every K-drama or K-pop fan's life when he or she starts looking beyond samgyupsal for a night out. Maybe you're working on your summer bod and you want to cut back on grease and calories. Maybe you just feel like you've tried every BBQ grill already. Maybe you just want something new and exciting. Whatever the case, we get you and we gotchu! Enter: The perfect bars or clubs for K-pop and K-drama fans. These are the best places to go if you want to go out, party with popular Korean music, and try Hallyu-inspired drinks.
Round up your chingudeul (friends) to drink and dance or just ~vibe~ all night at these hip spots around Metro Manila:
1. K-Pob at Polilya
Location: Ebro, Makati
Open: Mondays to Saturdays (K-Pob nights happen on Wednesdays!)
Even before the pandemic, Polilya has been one of the most popular spots for drinks in Poblacion. When they reopened last year, one of the new events they eventually held was a weekly K-Pob night. It was launched in November 2022 and hosted by Kiara Dario, a member of the P-pop group DAYDREAM and a true Hallyu fan.
What can you expect at K-Pob? Imagine a K-pop random play event but with drinks and bar chow! Apparently, they also award a dancer for the night. Sometimes, they also hold special promotions like their YTC "pre-game" promo before BTS' concert and a Choi Min Ho fan meet ticket giveaway. While vibing to K-pop hits, you can try unique soju-based drinks like the Love Shots (P350) and Borahae Booze (P225). The best part: Entrance is FREE and there's no minimum consumption for guests.
2. The Studio Dance Club
Location: Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati
Open: Monday to Saturday (K-pop nights on select days)
What used to be just a swing and ballroom dance club now holds K-Pop Nights every once in a while (usually a Wednesday or Thursday night). You'll just need a P750 per head consumable or you may book a VIP table at P5,000 for four guests.
The Studio Dance Club lets you dance to your favorite K-pop hits across generations. Show off all those choreographies you've been practicing or follow the other performers. All fandoms are welcome, and you can even request songs.
3. Sneaky Seoul
Location: Scout Torillo cor. Scout Limbaga, QC
Open: Tuesdays to Saturdays
If you're looking for a more chill place for low-key Hallyu fangirling, this is the perfect spot. A fridge door inside the Japanese-Korean mart called Tokyo Seoul is actually the entrance to Sneaky Seoul. Recreate those moody bar scenes in Korean dramas here.
Some of the cocktails you have to try are the Seoul Sunrise and The Goblin, which cost P350 each. They also serve unlimited wine (Wednesdays) or cocktails (Tuesdays) at P999. Don't forget to pair your drinks with savory bar chow. Try the Gamja Jorim or braised potato marbles (P250), Korean Fried Chicken (P350), and Beef Bulgogi Skewers (P420).
4. The ODD Seoul
Location: Kalayaan Ave., Poblacion, Makati
Open: Daily (but subject to change after renovations)
The ODD Seoul claims to be "your secret route to Gangnam, South Korea tucked inside Poblacion, Makati." This hidden gem lies inside Gaja Korean Kitchen. So if you want to have a pre-game meal or a hangover cure, you can easily get it at the adjoining restaurant.
Try their signature cocktail called Kimchi Sour or grab three soju bottles for P799. They also have your other essential K-drama drinking ingredients like Yakult for soju-yogurt cocktails. You have to wait a bit if you're curious, though. Last March 16, they closed the bar for renovations, so stay tuned to their social media accounts for when you can visit again.
It looks like other bars are also starting to ride the Hallyu wave. For instance, the popular bar in Tomas Morato called RUE has a K-pop night lined up. Keep an eye on the announcements if your favorite bars or suggest a similar event to them! Who knows? There might be more party places for Hallyu fans soon! Hwaiting!
