Manila is getting more wired by the minute, thanks to the many small coffee businesses emerging in the city.

Evidently, there’s a wider variety of local cafes to choose from, and people are being introduced to new concoctions. Some call it artisanal, some use the term “third wave,” but labels aside, the passion and hard work of the coffee farmers and baristas are the main reasons why Manila’s coffee culture is on the rise.

On September 30th, the world celebrated International Coffee Day. Now that we’re more immersed in this wonderful world of carefully hand-crafted cups of joe, it would be rude not to join the festivities!

Here are 8 artisanal coffee places in Manila that you simply must check out if you’re a coffee lover. Whether you like it hot or iced, strong or mild, plain or flavored, these places will whip up the best brew that will tickle your taste buds, make your day a hundred times better, and make you appreciate coffee even more.

Unit C14 Building B, Ortigas Home Depot Complex, Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig
Located at the Ortigas Home Depot , Habitual Coffee is known for its use of the AeroPress, a device that’s similar to the French Press, but brews faster, and uses air pressure to improve flavor extraction. This place updates its bean selection regularly, and always has single-origin beans from both local and international roasters.
Must-try: Cold Brew with Milk (cold brew coffee using the slow drip method, and served with frothed milk, syrup on the side, over ice), and the Hot Hand Brewed Coffee

134 Legazpi St. corner C. Palanca St, Makati, 1229
Visitors of this Legaspi Village coffee shop/cocktail bar need to go past a wine shop before reaching the actual place. Looking for this place may be a bit more challenging, as it doesn’t have a sign, but you’ll get there (hint: remember their logo).
Must-try: Espresso Dark Matter Theory (with notes of dark chocolate and roasted nuts), Ethiopia Brewed Coffee (this is part of the Brew-Of-The-Day selections, and is not always available on the menu).

G/F CLMC Building, 209 EDSA, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tucked away in the busy streets of EDSA, Edsa BDG serves coffee and cocktails, and offers spaces for collaborative work at Honeycomb Manila Coworking (this is perfect for freelancers).
This coffee/cocktails place also has an tasteful, well-curated Instagram feed! Their official website, edsa-bdg.com, is still being completed as of posting time.
Must-try: Latte (their latte art is phenomenal), Cold Brew, Dirty White

Kapitolyo 8 East Capitol Drive Pasig City‎
This Kapitolyo coffee joint is part of the dizzying and sweet-smelling restaurants in Kapitolyo, so it’s perfect for a post-meal coffee break. Cakes and ice cream are also available, so your sweet tooth will not be left unsatisfied.
Must-try: Pour-over Coffee, Iced Salted Caramel, and Hot Matcha (for those who can’t have caffeine).

L.P. Leviste St, Makati, Metro Manila and 3rd floor, Century City Mall, Makati
Founded by Aussie Toby Smith in 2011, this coffee shop/restaurant sources beans from different countries like Costa Rica, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Uganda. They currently have branches in Brooklyn, Singapore, and Sydney.
They also have mouth-watering food that will make you stay at the place a little longer–check their Instagram page and see if you can contain the glorious noms.
Must-try: Cortado (espresso with small amount of warm milk), Flat White (double shots of ristretto espresso with little foam), Long Black (the Woolloomooloo Blend)

66 B Broadway Ave., Brgy. Mariana, Quezon City, Philippines
Craft Coffee Revolution started out in Broadway in Quezon City, and soon branched out in Katipunan (along Esteban Abada, near Varsity Hills) and The Podium mall in Ortigas. They take pride in their award-winning baristas, who are trained by the Barista Guild of the Philippines.
The Broadway branch is very intimate and is great for hanging out, and the Katipunan branch is excellent for studying (it’s near many QC schools, so most customers are studying and doing school work). The mall branch could get busy, as it’s located in an open space inside the mall. Talk to your barista while you’re at any of the shop and learn a thing or two about their process.
Must-try: Flat White, Cortado

Liberty Plaza, 102 H.V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City 
Located at Salcedo Village, this cafe/bar/resto is a charming space that boasts of three  things: great coffee, locally-sourced food (vegetarian options are available), and cocktails/craft beers.
Must-try: Commune Blend (a combination of Arabica and Robusta), Cafe Mocha

G/F 106 Esteban Street, Legaspi Village, Makati
Aside from serving excellent coffee, this café (also located in Legaspi Village) also offers courses and tasting sessions. This place is home to The Yardstick Academy of Resource & Development (Y.A.R.D.), which offers courses and workshops for pros and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Must-try: Flagship espresso blend Legaspi (good with milk–it has chocolate and nutty nuances), Hand-brewed Suke Quto from Ethiopia, and Cold Brew Coffee (which is brewed for 12 hours).
Have you visited any of these places? Or do you have other cafés to recommend? Share your experience at the Comments Section below!