Nightlife

Z BAR

Z is definitely one of the most unique bar concepts Cebu, perhaps even the world, has seen. The interiors are an original creation by internationally acclaimed and Cebu grown designer Kenneth Cobonpue. By reinforcing bamboo twigs with steel and tying these with rattan to create cocoon-like shapes in the ceiling and over tables, Z Bar exudes an element of whimsy, and the play of mood lights enhance it. A wide selection of wines and spirits is available, as well as an assortment of cheeses and cold cuts from the Tinder Box deli below.
The Tinder Box, Archbishop Reyes Road
cor. Bauhinia Drive, Banilad, Cebu City
Business hours: 6:00 pm to 12:00 mn
Tel: 6332.234 1681-85
www.thetinderbox.com.ph

VUDU

VUDU continues to keep the magic alive under one roof. Their dance club, Luxx, sports two floors playing either House or R&B. On weekdays, there’s a slew of other entertainment style options including a rock band night and “VUDU-oke.” They’ve also recently opened Gilt, the first single malt whiskey Lounge in Cebu that also serves a bevy of everyone’s favorite European beers, best paired with their baked oysters or potato fries. For company events, Luxx can accomodate 300 persons while Gilt can take up to 60, comfortably.
VUDU, Crossroads Mall, Banilad, Cebu City
Business Hours: 9:00 pm till late Wednesdays thru Sundays
Tel: 6332.2340836
www.vudu.com.ph

THE PENTHOUSE

Giving heightened definition to partying is one of the country’s premier clubs— The Penthouse.  Located in the part of Cebu that never sleeps (Asiatown IT Park a.k.a. call center jungle), it is a solid authority on hardcore clubbing with five resident DJs, and has hosted a string of events for international bigshots Ministry of Sound, Miss Nine, Junior Sanchez, Rosie Romero and Kaskade, among others. With a capacity to hold 450 persons, you can just picture the mayhem that goes on when heads bob in unison to the blaring beats of House, Rnb and Hiphop.
The Penthouse Cebu, 3/F CJRS Point,
Asiatown I.T. Park, Cebu City
Business hours: 10:00 pm to 5:00 am
Fridays and Saturdays
Tel: 6332.231 3284, 2380532
www.thepenthousecebu.com

TREFF

From the driveway of the Waterfront Hotel, one’s eyes can’t help riveting to a tall glass structure on the second landing. Derived from the German word “Treffen” which means ” to experience,” Treff certainly piques the senses. The bar’s contemporary mix of white walls and furniture with dark wood and aluminum accents make it the choice of the chic social butterfly. Not to mention the transparent Philip Starck ghost chairs that mirror the all-glass roofing. Catch Treff’s happy hour everyday—50% off on a premium selection of wines, spirits, cocktail drinks and hard-to-find picking of imported beer.
Treff, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino,
Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City
Business hours: 5:00 pm to 2:00 am Fridays and Saturdays
Tel. 6332.232 6888 local 8628
www.waterfronthotels.com.ph

BLU BAR & GRILL

You can never go wrong with a scenic elevator that shoots straight up to a hotel roofdeck, revealing a cityscape view from every vantage point at 1,000 feet high. At Blu, you can chill and dine with friends and colleagues, or set the right mood for a romantic date. The continental cuisine goes well with their signature cocktails— Blu frozen margarita, wild fantasy and dejavu. Those coming from dinner can opt to munch on sumptuous pica pica or appertizers, like the slightly spicy gambas ( shrimp in garlic sauce), beef tenderloin and sauteed garlic sauce), beef tenderloin and sauteed garlic mushrooms. The best part is that you need not drive far to reach this trendy nightspot.
Blu Bar & Grill, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Nivel Hills, Cebu City
Business hours: 4:30 pm to 12:00 mn
Tuesdays thru Sundays
Tel. 6332.253 1111
www.marcopoloplazacebu.com

LEVEL EI8HT

Whether it’s a sumptuous serving of calamares, salpicao or tandoori chicken that you crave, it will go perfectyly with the stunning view of the city as you dine al fresco in the terrace, or inside as you get serenaded by the live band for the night. Reminisce the night away to the nostalgic tunes of the 70s and 80s while sipping their quirky drink, “Dancing Queen”— a must-try for curious cocktail cats out there along with many others that you might want to gulp down before hitting the dance floor.
Level Ei8ht, 8/F Adnama Building, Larrazabal
Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
Business hours: 6:00pm to 2:00am
Monday thru Saturdays
Tel: 6332.236 0027-28

THE JOKER’S ARMS

A massive wooden bar counter and a framed collection of funny English anecdotes on the brick walls may make The Joker’s Arms look like an English pub, but it’s really the interactive atmosphere that seals the deal. The Joker’s Arms is a melting pot of different nationalities— ex-pats, locals and out-of-towners cheering their teams on weekly Trivia Night. Even families go to Joker’s on Sunday and bond over traditional English fare like the hearty Sunday Roast.
The Joker’s Arms A.S. Fortuna Street, Mandaue City, Cebu
Business hours: 3:00pm to 12:00 mn Sundays
5:00pm to 2:00am Mondays
4:00pm to 3:00am Tuesdays thru Saturdays
Tel. 6332.505 3193
www.jokersarms.com

BELLINI CHAMPAGNE BAR

What could be more exquisite than sipping champagne from an alfresco lounge overlooking the city? From the Dedon furniture to the oversized, illuminated planters, Bellini basks in what would be a modern interpretation of old word European charm. Help yourself to their bestselling flatbread rolls, and one of six different bubblies to accompany it. Bellini has a happy hour from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sundays and a live acoustic band at 9:00 pm everyday. With an upcoming series of October events meant to tickle the epicurean in you, Cebu evenings have never looked so good.
Bellini Champagne Bar, Panorama Heights, Nivel Hills,
Lahug, Cebu City
Business hours: 6:00 pm to 1:00 am Sundays thru Thursdays;
6:00 pm to 2:00 am Fridays and Saturdays
Tel: 6332.232 7375, 236 0097
www.anzani.com.ph

FORMO RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

The most loved mojito pitchers and homemade potato chips in town can be found at FORMO Restaurant and Lounge. They boast of the longest happy hour in Cebu from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm all week long, on cocktails and below-zero beers. Each night of the week is also dedicated to a different music genre including Fridays being House, Saturdays being Disco, and Sundays being Chillout.
Formo Restaurant and Lounge, Banilad Town Center, Banilad Cebu City
Business Hours: 6:00 pm to 3:00 am daily
Tel: 6332.416 1990
www.facebook.com/FORMO.Lounge

COWRIE COVE

Part of luxurious Shangri-La Mactan, Cowrie Cove is the perfect balance between urban living and nature. Indulge in fresh seafood in a trendy setting overlooking the vast sea. The adjacent bar is a favorite among professionals and couples looking for a rendezvous to share the day’s experience over early evening cocktails. Try the kilawin tangigue ( Filipino-style ceviche) and the seafood platter, which is heaped with lobster, prawns, mussels, clams and crabs, for dripping in Cowrie Cove’s signature sauce.
Cowrie Cove, Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa,
Punta Engano Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
Business hours: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Tel: 6332.231 8224
www.shangri-la.com

MAYA TAQUERIA AND TEQUILA BAR

Maya Taqueria and Tequila Bar mixes ancient Aztec charm with modern sophistication. They offer indoor and al fresco seating with soft reverberating beats for a subdued Latin ambiance. Tuesdays and Thursdays are “buy one, take one” on their famous tacos. Enjoy their happy hour on a wide selection of local and imported beers. And what’s a tequila bar without a few cocktails? Maya takes it to the next level with gourmet Mexican dishes like queso fundido with tortillas to complement your margarita.
Maya Taqueria and Tequila Bar, Crossroads Mall, Banilad Cebu City
Business Hours: 5:00 pm till late
Tel: 6332.238 9552
www.theabacagroup.com

THE VERANDA

Restaurant by day, hangout by night. The original Veranda was a house-turned-restaurant which eventually transformed into a club. Now in a mall location and staying true to its roots, Veranda offers Filipino-Spanish comfort food, but doesn’t stop there. By 7:00 pm on weeknights, dinners can also appreciate live music with their meals. Acoustic pop sessions reign from Sundays to Fridays, whereas Saturdays showcase local band talents Pandora, Purple Helmets, Shades of Blue, Mr. Mustache, Kage and Johnny, who perform mostly 90s and early 2000 covers by 10:00 pm. You need not worry about being overdressed at Veranda; many clubbers like to make it an early night stopover before they brave the rave.
The Veranda Cebu, Parkmall, Mandaue Reclamation Area, Mandaue City, Cebu
Business hours: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm daily; 5:00 pm to 12:00 mn Sundays thru Thursdays
5:00 pm to 2:00 am Fridays and Saturdays
Tel: 6332.505 0007
www.theverandacebu.com

THE OUTPOST

Great music doesn’t necessarily have to come at a price. If you dig a bohemian vibe and support the local music industry, then check out the Outpost. Because it used to be a house, The Outpost makes you feel as though you’re just walking into your friend’s place for a jamming session. True artistry comes to life from painting-adorned walls and originals (mostly alternative) performed by local bands. You have the option to stay inside for the performances, or grab a cold beer in the al fresco area while rubbing shoulders with the free-spirited lot that frequent the place.
The Outpost, 976-A Veteran’s Drive, Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City
Business hours: 6:00 pm to 2:00 am Tuesdays thru Sundays
Tel: 6332.417 2929