Christmas is the season of giving, but with all the expenses piling up and the stress of planning memorable parties, you really have to rack your brains to stay festive under budget. Here at the BiteSized HQ, we’ve rounded up our best finds around the metro for awesome places you can book for big office parties or more intimate Yuletide gatherings with friends and family. Depending on your needs, we have recommended wallet-friendly to go-big-or-go-home hangouts below.
Café Congreso
It’s a modern café straight out of the Wes Anderson crime classic “The Grand Budapest Hotel” with its pastel hues, all-day breakfast dishes, and sweet desserts that your girls will love for your annual Christmas get together. Refreshingly dainty but with authenticity in its single origin coffee and pastry offerings, it’s a relaxing way to celebrate if you’re not into the club and party scene this year.
Budget per person: P650
G/F Don Mar Building, Paseo del Congreso Street, Catmon 3000 Malolos, Bulacan
Filling Station Bar Café
If you feel like dressing up for a 50’s diner complete with a display of a 1959 El Dorado Cadillac Convertible and the addictively fun music of Elvis Presley, head on over to the Filling Station Bar Café. At about Php 750 per head, enjoy great steak, burgers, pizza, fries, and milkshakes for an all-American date with your squad! What’s more, they are open 24/7 with their roaring jukebox music and pool table – and if you stay here long enough, you might just spot a celebrity partying it up!
Budget per person: P750
5012 P. Burgos St. Poblacion, Makati
The Penthouse 8747
A rooftop lounge with a Makati skyline view will surely have you feeling merry and chic. Punctuated with art deco elements, the spacious bar is patronized by yuppies and yuccies slurping away on Penthouse originals like the Fitzgerald (Php 350), Night in the Plaza (Php 300), or a Rabustatini (Php 400). For the complete The Great Gatsby feel, snack on some fancy Freshy Shucked Oysters with classic Mignonette sauce (Php 450) or fill up with a 63⁰C Beef Shortribs (Php 650). It’s a chance to taste the opulent 1920s in a modern setting, without breaking your bank account!
Budget per person: P950
1209, 8747 Paseo de Roxas, Makati
Aposento
Looking for a low key place where you can really have a great time with feel-good music, quality food, and a friendly ambiance? Head over to Aposento, conveniently located in the heart of Makati City where you can chill out amidst the high profile crowd with daily live band shows and a bite of well-curated finger foods and mains. While you’re there with the team, make sure to check out their highly recommended local and foreign bar menu concoctions too!
Budget per person: P1,000
162 Valero Street, Makati
Thefunctionrooms
You might think it’s just a humble events place, but if you’ve got a big crew and want to work with a blank canvas for your themed decorations, Thefunctionrooms has 7 rentable rooms for you that can accommodate up to 160 guests for a sit-down set up. With a gourmet offering from its Connoisseurs Catering partner and even multi-cuisine buffet packages (Western, Asian, Modern Filipino) to choose from, you’ll definitely satisfy your guests whilst customizing your Christmas party exactly to your specifications. Its convenient location in bustling BGC also makes for an ambient backdrop for this year’s holiday season.
Budget per person: P1,500
9th Avenue corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City
SALA
Image via Sala Restaurant
If you’re really looking to splurge and treat your buddies, head over to one of the most exclusive restaurants in the Makati CBD, where your 7 digit bill for a 10 person crew will be rewarded with a delight for the senses. Bring out your inner fine dining connoisseur as you blissfully savor the contrasting flavors in their decadent 5 course meals. From fancy pastries, rare spices, fine wine, and chef’s specials like Seared Tuna Carpaccio and Chicken Leg Confit With Pumpkin Puree, treat your tastebuds for a truly posh Christmas celebration.
Budget per person: P1,750
LV Locsin Building, 6752 Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, Philippines
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