Is it just me or is every cafe or food place out there overcrowded nowadays? It doesn’t matter if you go during the busiest time of the day or in the wee of hours of the morning, the end point will always be the same: learning that they have zero seats left and have the noisiest crowd.

If you happen to be studying or working around Vito Cruz, or if you are simply aching to visit a pretty chill place in Manila, then today’s your lucky day. I present to you Cuaderno, a Fil-Mex book cafe with great food that marries Filipino and Mexican food together. The place is perfect for finishing work, catching up with friends, or getting spellbound by a book.

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It’s a risk checking out a new food place, but to get you hooked, their rice meals start at 130 pesos; and you get the best out of your money. Still not sure about Cuaderno? Here are a few of the many favorite features I love about the place.

5 Reasons Why You Should Try Cuaderno Fil-Mex Book Cafe

5. It is conducive for work.

Cuaderno is a study place by nature. It won’t be hard to find a happy place there as every corner proves to be a great spot to get your brain working.

4. There are many books to choose from.

From the classics to young adult novels, they got you covered. If you’re doubtful of ever finishing a book at a book cafe, take their past customers as proof. Alexa, a part owner of Cuaderno, disclosed how some of their customers slide in receipts or bookmarks in their books to mark where they last finished reading, and eventually pick up from there to finish the novel (or series!).

3. The place in itself is worth it.

You might have a hard time looking for the place, but once you step inside: it’s all worth it. The place is simple yet attention-grabbing at the same time. The simplicity comes from the serene atmosphere it gives off and the place itself has a high ceiling. Aside from it being the perfect place to go to study or chill, it’s also the perfect place to reveal your artsy side and get your #foodstagram going.

2. The place houses local art.

Cuaderno houses work by local artists, including visually appealing handwritten postcards and stickers with hugot that will hit you right in the feels (check the work of @maartengletra on Instagram). Apart from helping local calligraphers market their work, they’ve also set up a book drive dubbed ‘Books For A Cause’, which provides street children with donated books.

1. They’ve got great food.

This world is so blessed to have Anthony and Alexa, owners of Cuaderno, share their love of spicy food and make great Filipino-Mexican cuisine. There may be a ton of other Fil-Mex restaurants out there, but the way they put their own spin on classic Mexican dishes places a higher standard than other food places. Their menu is not your typical Mexican menu and they make sure they serve you something different, so that you’re in for a completely different experience.

Here’s their Nacho Grande, drenched in cheese and beef sauce. It is extra Pinoy because of the sweet style spaghetti sauce that comes with it. You can get this for only 145 pesos!

This is their Toastadilla Rolls (priced at 129 pesos). Instead of tortilla bread, the shell is a soft bread rolled over crushed nachos; the inside is a combination of beef and cheese, and together, fried to goodness. 

You know what makes something Pinoy? Eggs. Cuaderno’s Crispy Chicken Tacos is part of their pseudo-Pinoy creations.  Crispy light breaded chicken served with a runny egg on the side–yum! Would you believe this only costs 125 pesos?

Ever heard of a Sisig Burrito (priced at 130 pesos)? You should definitely taste how this power creation revolutionises burrito the way we know it.

Their Mexican Buffalo Wings are spot on. The spiciness of their wings is thrilling, while their garlic mayo sauce complements and completes the meal. Feeling hungry? Get this at 140 pesos to keep your pocket happy and your appetite full. 

Finally, the champion: Mexican Braised Ribs. This deal is a winner. You’ll get authentic, tender and juicy braised ribs that’s smothered in a zesty orange and smoky sauce for 180 pesos. It also comes with Lemon Iced Tea – what a deal, right?

Cuaderno is worth every peso. Check out their Facebook and Instagram to know more and get into the deets of their upcoming deal(s).

Cuaderno Fil-Mex Book Cafe

#1013 Estrada Street, Malate

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuadernomanila

Instagram: @cuadernomanila