Last updated: January 2024
Are you a fan of reading books?
How about the thought of relaxing in an astounding café while holding your favorite literary journal? Sounds great and enthusiastic, isn’t it?
We all know that reading is not just a hobby, but it impacts our lives positively, and it is beneficial to human health as it tends to increase your attentiveness, intellect, compassion, understanding, and strong verbal ability.
It could also make you enjoy living better by facilitating positivity into your psychological health.
Reading encourages you to establish unique qualities that might enable you to perform better at the workplace or in your daily interactions.
If reading itself has already a vast advantage to bookworms, what more would it be once you go to a peaceful place that offers free books to explore your imaginations while sipping and inhaling the tempting aroma of your best-loved freshly brewed coffee and savoring the sweetness of every bite from your piece of dearest pastry product?
I like staying at cafes especially when studying or doing literacy stuff because it makes me feel more comfortable and convenient since the area makes me perceive that what I read is a part of my reality.
I bet you are somehow like me because you are going through this article. Set your pondering aside because today, I will be your tour guide around Manila, who will present you with the list of popular book cafes around your area.
Top 5 Book Cafes You Should Visit in Manila
1. Antiteasis: Books and Brews
AntiTeasis is a coffee shop that accommodates a reading room, at which guests like us may read and drink under their soul's pleasure.
The picturesque café in Maginhawa is a perfect destination for people who are convinced that a nice novel and a nice cup of chocolate usually go hand in hand immaculately.
It was a safe place for peeps who wish to take off their sneakers, sit on the floor, and unwind with a classic book or more, with cute couches and mattresses placed on the ground.
I have witnessed the two marvelous bookshelves overflowing with novels from the operators' home library and household collection which amazed me the most.
Since supporters and clients have enthusiastically contributed to several different publications, then I guess perhaps the owners and managers have almost no effing clue whatever their updated book collection has always been.
You can also consider giving textbooks if you wish, however, swaps are not authorized so do not try to attempt at least once.
They have young adult fiction, kids’ stories, locals, and documentaries among many of their collections. My favorite was their impactful documentaries because of its life-changing lessons.
Of course, apart from the books they offer, they also have foods that I treasured so well. You may appreciate it while reading. Some of their best-selling items that are mouth-watering which I highly recommend are the following:
- Lemon Tiny Donuts Php 130.00/bag of 10
- Matcha Latte Php 110.00
- Apple Basil Milkshake Php 100.00
Location: Unit C, 154 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City
Contact Number: 09493602224
Operating Hours: 1:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. (Monday to Sunday)
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2. The Nook Café
A coffeehouse, that was captivated by Harry Potter and owls, was constructed to be a hideaway for creative adolescents and the millennials to hang out with their buddies and fritter away more peaceful space reading.
Inside The Nook’s Cafe, the last time I visited, they had almost 60 publications. They additionally serve to highlight local creators and outstanding achievements, – for example, Bob Ong's books which are highly recognized by the bookworms due to his amazing pieces.
The majority of the books you can see in their shop are for YA. If you are also a fan like me of the greatest J.K. Rowling and Kristin Cashore, then I bet you will surely have a mesmerizing moment as well because their works could be found inside. Otherwise, you may gift them with some of your collection.
Their Baguio latte grounds and native brisket are bloody outstanding, apart from addressing fresh ingredients sourced for their menu and refreshments.
In terms of foods, don’t miss out their best-selling items that are recommended and proven to be scrumptious:
- Wrapped In bacon Chicken Php 100.00- Php 140.00
- Goyasaur Php 75.00
- Matcha Hazelnut Latte Php 100.00
- Butterbear Php 100.00
- Cafe Latte Php 95.00 (if hot) Php 100.00 (if iced)
Location: 164 A Maginhawa Street, Quezon City
Contact Number: 09159743660
Operating Hours: 1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday)
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3. Tweedle Book Cafe
Tweedle Book Café's urged to operate a bookstore prior to their desire of opening a café. It is a coffeehouse and reading area at the same time. I am telling you, their espresso, sweets, and appetizers are merely just a cherry on top!
Upon its bookshelves, you will see around a thousand books consisting of adventure, children's books, honorees, love stories, literary fiction, masterpieces, young adults, and mysteries.
They used to permit guests to sublease their collections, however, their guidelines were changed due to unforeseen occurrences. Reading is exclusively permissible within the coffee house.
Anyone can give textbooks directly. Furthermore, Tweedle Dee is giving their older models for free.
Terry Pratchett, Margaret Atwood, Paulo Coelho, and Sweet Valley are just some of the grand authors I saw in their collection.
Here are some of their menu that you should try once you give them a visit:
- Wagyu Kimcheese Burger Php 300.00
- Duck Sisig Rice Php 1, 500.00
- Choco Lava Php 120.00
- Chocolate Chamber Chocolate Drink Php 180.00 (dark) Php 160.00 (infused)
Location: 106 B Scout Gandia Street, Quezon City
Contact Number: 09228051688
Operating Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. (Sunday to Thursday) | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. (Friday to Saturday)
4. Books and Borders Cafe
The Book and Borders Café is a perfect venue where you may study, drink, and eat. The café's most regular clients are family members deciding to bond on Sundays and Saturdays or working executives who have been using it as a rendezvous point because of its colorful and pleasant surroundings and creative dishes.
For books, I was required to present a single identification card so you must bring yours. Then, when you've accomplished reading your chosen book (that is solely permitted inside the building), you may claim your ID again.
There are around 650 journals and publications provided, all of which are classified into subcategories.
In genres like love story, fantastical, suspense, horror film, children, young adults, life story, recreational, self deprecation, general wellbeing, and leisure are mixed with the fiction and non.
Mitch Albom, John Green, Anne Rice, John Grisha, Stephen King, and Jane Austen are just among the remarkable authors present in their shelves.
Listed below are few of their menu that you should try while reading:
- Fried Tuyo Pasta Php 195.00
- Bolognese Pasta Php 200.00
- Iced Mocha Php 150.00 - Php 170.00
- Salted Hot Chocolate Php 125.00
Location: 281 Tomas Morato Street, Quezon City
Contact Number: +639171501325/ +63282879287
Operating Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. (Monday to Sunday)
5. Uno Morato
Looking for a place where you can read and purchase once you fall in love with the story?
Uno Morato is a bookseller, nightclub, bistro, and lovely place that gathers individuals around each other to explore their artistic endeavors. This purports to be the Philippines' oldest autonomous and pure-Filipino bookshop.
We are welcome to read as many as we desire and Uno Morato reinforces us to actually buy the volumes in favor of promoting local production.
Their location is welcoming for its artistic type, providing courses ranging from trying to write to singing lessons and doodling.
Approximately 100 items have mostly been authored and developed by fresh creative Filipino authors and poets.
High Chair Poetry Press's entire releases are available through Uno Morato. Moreover, what's also provided are a wide assortment of Pinoy graphic novels, as well as fantasy and documentaries.
Some of their most memorable pieces are Chingbee Cruz's Dark Hours and Alamat ng Pangit.
You should try these beverages while browsing a book to have a better and refreshed experience:
- Snake Juice Php 150.00
- Red Horse Php 50.00
- Ginakult Php 80.00
- Mudder’s Milk Php 100.00
Location: GYY Garden Area, 1 Tomas Morato Avenue corner E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon City
Contact Number: (738-6610)
Operating Hours: 3:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. (Tuesday to Sunday)
Visiting Popular Book Cafes in Manila
What is a book cafe?
A book cafe is a cafe where customers can purchase books, magazines, and other reading materials, as well as get coffee, snacks and other light meals.
This unique combination of food and books can provide a relaxing way to spend time and take a break from the normal hustle and bustle of life.
Book cafes often feature book clubs and author readings, creating a social atmosphere for book lovers.
Book cafes are becoming increasingly popular because of their cozy atmosphere, great selection of reading material, and the ability to purchase on the spot.
Why do some people go to cafes to study?
People often choose to go to cafes to study because it provides them with a change of scenery and atmosphere, which can help with staying focused and productive. Cafes offer a more relaxed environment which means that people are more likely to be able to concentrate on their work.
Cafes often have areas dedicated to studying, with plenty of power outlets, healthy snacks, and even wifi access available. This means that people can comfortably study for extended periods without the distractions of their home.
The presence of other people in a cafe can also create a feeling of accountability, which encourages people to stay on task.
Why do people read in cafes?
People read in cafes for a variety of reasons, including:
- Relaxation: Cafes can be a calming and peaceful environment, making them a great place to read and unwind.
- Escape: Reading can be a form of escapism, allowing people to immerse themselves in a different world or story for a while.
- Inspiration: Cafes can be a great source of inspiration for writers or artists, providing a creative atmosphere and a change of scenery.
- Socializing: Some people enjoy reading in cafes as a way to be around other people and enjoy the company of others without having to engage in conversation.
- Convenience: Cafes can be a convenient place to read, particularly for people who may not have a quiet or comfortable space to read at home.
Overall, reading in cafes can be a great way to relax, escape, find inspiration, socialize, or simply enjoy a change of scenery.
Book Cafes Manila
Aside from bracing your mind to absorb new stories as you go to the book cafes around Manila, make sure to wear your best outfit because their shops are not just about being nerdy while sipping your espresso.
Every corner of each coffeehouse is an Instagram worthy to take a pic of before you leave, so do not miss the opportunity by channeling your inner kikay personality hiding in your bibliophile self!
Also, try checking their sites to be updated with the prices, contact numbers, and other important announcements because those may change with no prior notice.
Suit yourselves and enjoy your day in one of these book cafes and you will surely not regret the idea of it!
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