The holiday season is in full swing. Schedules are filling up, spontaneous hangouts are harder to plan, and the weekends are booking fast. But if you want to squeeze in a memorable catch-up with your barkada before the Christmas whirlwind begins, a good meal is always the easiest place to start.
Photo: When In Manila
If you’re looking for something hearty, fun, or reliable for big groups, these spots offer great options for barkada dinners.
1. Apo Filipino Heritage Restaurant Café
Photo: When In Manila
Where: 106 L.P. Leviste St., Goldman Plaza, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Apo Filipino Heritage Restaurant Café celebrates Filipino flavors through dishes that feel both nostalgic and elevated—ideal for barkadas who want familiar food done well. The space is warm and inviting, making it great for long dinners and stories that run late into the night.
2. Tipsy Pig Gastropub
Photo: Tipsy Pig Gastropub
Where: Multiple locations
Tipsy Pig is practically made for barkada nights—big tables, a lively crowd, and food that’s perfect for picking at while the conversation keeps rolling. Their signature bar chow and drinks make it easy to stretch dinner into drinks and drinks into “one more.”
3. Blake’s Wings & Steaks
Photo: When In Manila
Where: Multiple locations
Blake’s Wings & Steaks is built for barkadas: massive servings, comfort food, and dishes that always end up in the middle of the table for everyone to pick at. It’s the place where “share tayo” turns into “order pa tayo,” and no one goes home anything less than full.
4. Food Truck Fest
Photo: When In Manila
Where: Mayflower St., Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City
This one’s for barkadas who can’t ever agree on what to eat. The Food Truck Fest has everything—wings, noodles, burgers, desserts, and quirky indie stalls you won’t find in malls. Everyone gets to wander, pick what they want, compare finds, and then regroup at a shared table. It’s casual, fun, and perfect for that pre-Christmas “roadside food trip” vibe without actually leaving the metro.
5. Kanin Club
Photo: When In Manila
Where: Multiple locations
If your barkada bonds best over Filipino comfort food, Kanin Club is the move. Their menu is built for sharing and is crowd-pleasing. Ideal for groups who want a laid-back, no-fuss dinner that still feels special, especially during the holiday season.
Schedules may get messy, and plans might shift, but a good barkada meal is always worth making time for. With plenty of food to share and spaces built for long conversations, these restaurants offer the perfect excuse to squeeze in one last hangout before the Christmas rush officially takes over.
ALSO READ: This Bayside Food Village Is Home to Restos Serving Fresh Seafood and Other Asian Dishes
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
