Tap Station

This place you'll never forget it,nice ambience,food,specially the drinks,the staff are very friendly.....you will enjoying the time you'll stay..........;-);-);-)

Tap Station serves international as well as Filipino craft and microbrewery brands on tap across four locations, and given the burgeoning popularity of locally made beer, I’m surprised this venue isn’t bigger than it is. 

Their centrepiece decoration is their beer on tap, with chalkboard-written prices and descriptions, though one of their most under-rated assets is the richness of their gorgeous archival photography, which shows the Manila of a bygone era - the old post-war shopping districts, bullfight announcements in Manila’s old Sunken Gardens, even an execution by garrote in the barracks of Fort Santiago. 

Prices have gone up in the last year or so, so take note before picking, because some beers now approach the area of P500/mug, while the cheapest are in the P245-285. They’ll also do a few mixed cocktails such as frozen margaritas, but I’d pass on those and order liquor by the shot, if you must. 

Their main menu’s best item is their sausage and cold cuts platter, which is good for sharing. They share another menu - and kitchen - with G-Point restaurant, which is round the corner, and that menu includes sisig, spicy fried green chili spring rolls, as well as international pastas and pizzas. 

Just like its BGC branch, it’s open air with air-conditioning blown into the venue to keep it well-ventilated. Great place to try some local beers if you’re not planning to eat in the mall.

I like berry red fruity ale whether it's chilled or not the taste is good,
Small place but Cozy ambiance to relaxed,
Next time I will try other ale,

I love the ambiance, the place doenst feel too small. Great place to chillax and catch up with friends coz its not so noisy. i never knew that theres a place like this near our place. Craft beers are a must try! Great service too! Will definitely come back as this will be our new hangout place!

HIDDEN GEM: Craft Beers

To be frank, I would not classify myself as a craft beer connoisseur but I do enjoy them - especially when they are on tap. It was back in December that I got to sample what Tap Station had to offer in their unassuming Ermita branch. Recently I found out they are opening a BGC branch but honestly think that it will eventually blend into being another bar on the strip due to not having any real rustic charm like this first location.

Design-wise, it is a bit of a "Hole In The Wall" type of establishment, minus the blaring sign out front. It is small but cozy, open-air and definitely unique-looking. I could not stop admiring the creative and quirky layout of their bar.

Service-wise, there are two to three staff members manning the station (pun intended). It is not self-service, so it's nice that patrons can kick back and enjoy from where they're seated.

Food-wise, aside from their sought-after craft beers they do offer actual munchies. From what I remember, the dishes such as sausages, potato wedges, or an assorted plate seemed to be more for sharing and "pika-pika" style but still quite filling.

With regards to the CRAFT BEERS themselves, my friend and I opted to get a tasting tray where we got to try six different kinds of beer for around P300* (I forgot the exact price). In general though, it seemed like all their craft beers were quite affordable.

Here are the options we got: Manila Hipster (Fruit Ale), Pirate (IPA), Respect (IPA), Hard Day (Blond Ale), Shut Up (IPA), Red Head (IPA). From what I remember, the IPA's were pretty bitter - not really my taste. I did enjoy the Blonde Ale the most though, perhaps because it was lighter. The Fruit Ale ended up being a bit too sweet. Other than that, the other beers tasted quite similar to me.

Anyway, I do plan on going back soon though and will definitely go with someone who knows craft beer so they can explain it to me. Haha! When that day comes, I will update my review.

Over-all for now, I am giving this establishment a 4.5 for the chill ambiance, the comfort food and for their interesting array of craft beer offerings. It is a great place to hang out and catch up with friends - definitely worth recommending.