It’s been a while since I’ve updated this list, and a few of the places that were in my previous list have already moved locations, but are still conducive for working or studying. In this list, you’ll find hidden cafes that are away from the hustle and bustle of noisy crowds in the busiest areas of BGC.

Quiet Cafes Conducive For Working & Studying

Frank & Dean Coffee

Address: Shop 3, Five/NEO, 31st Street, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila
Hours: Open 7 AM – Closes 2AM, Closed on Sundays

In my opinion, Frank & Dean now sits at the top of this list, especially for those who don’t like big crowds, and for people who feel more productive in the late evening. It’s located in one of BGC’s least crowded areas, and they’re open until 2 AM! (Night Owls, rejoice!)

For someone who enjoys being at a cozy, quiet cafe, Frank & Dean Coffee gives you that satisfaction while helping you become productive. They don’t play loud music, and all the customers that dine there are mindful of their conversations being too noisy.

It’s easy to get distracted by other people when you’re working, (introverts, you’ll understand what I’m talking about) and being at Frank & Dean gives you the freedom to be productive without getting distracted by other customers.

Wanna know the best part about the cafe? It’s one of the most affordable cafes you can dine in at BGC! Where else in BGC can you find coffee priced at Php. 110 to 190?

My personal recommendation would be to try their Dream Latte. It’s creamy, not too sweet, and not too bitter.

As an added bonus, for those who enjoy riding a bike or using an e-scooter in BGC, they have a Rotonda in front of the cafe that has little to no traffic, and you can enjoy a simple, yet fun date with your loved ones or your friends.

Masa Madre

Address: H354+RGP, 11th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila
Landmark: Cocolight Building
Hours: 7 AM – 8 PM

After searching extensively for a replacement of my favorite hidden cafe, which has since moved to a busier location, I found a gem sitting right in the outskirts of Uptown BGC, in front of KFC no less.

Masa Madre might be one of the best cafes you can work in right now. They’ve got plenty of outlets available, and more than enough tables & seats to house people without looking crowded.

What really draws people to Masa Madre is its relaxing ambiance, welcoming staff, and delicious pastries. The coffee is on the mediocre side, but you can get away with mid coffee if you’ve got great service, good food, and a chill ambiance.

The best time to be at this cafe is in the morning or late afternoon. You can even visit them after a nice jog around British School Manila! (Stay fit, jabronis!)

Sunkissed Cafe

Located in: Red Planet BGC The Fort
Address: 12-10 40th Street, Taguig, Metro Manila
Hours: 7 AM – 10 PM

What’s more hidden than the outskirts of Uptown BGC? This cafe is located at the farthest end of Uptown, and boy, it was a wonderful find.

Although the coffee leaves a lot to be desired, you’ll find no other cafe in the city with the same tranquility as Sunkissed Cafe. Their prices range from 150-350 pesos, which is perfect for someone dining alone and just wants to get some work done.

If that’s not enough to convince you, you should try availing their unlimited coffee and wifi promo!
For only Php. 500, you’ll get unlimited coffee, and 2 hours of wifi service, along with a comfortable place to study or work, and outlets to plug in your devices.

To make this great cafe even better, they actually serve an all you can eat breakfast buffet until 2pm for only Php. 499/head. The breakfast buffet is by no means subpar. Though some of the dishes are mediocre or above average at best, I would personally recommend the Beef Tapa and their Ube Champorado.

You can’t get better value for money than that in BGC!

High Street Lounge | Shangri-La The Fort

Address: Level 2, Shangri-La The Fort, Manila 30th St, Cor 5th Ave, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila
Hours: 7 AM to 12 AM

I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t that place expensive? Lucky for you, Shangri La’s Lounge at BGC isn’t as pricey as you think it is, if you’re just planning to have coffee and some pastries.

Their coffee ranges from Php. 150 (Americano) up to Php. 280 (Flavored Latte), with portion sizes that rivals Starbucks. Though it seems like this pricing is still a bit on the expensive side, the comfort, the ambiance, and the service that you receive just for being there makes it so worth the try.

I’ve written a script for a film, a few chapters of my novel, and I even finished setting up the SEO of a few clients just working here (That’s over the course of a few visits, of course).

For that amount of work, spending Php. 500 – 600 pesos per stay is definitely worth the spend.

Now, why is this part of the Hidden Cafes list? That’s because people tend to shy away from visiting High Street Lounge because they’re intimidated by how luxurious the place looks, and they don’t get to find out that there’s a cafe inside the hotel.

In reality, those who can afford Starbucks, can definitely afford to spend here.

To make the place even more special than it already is, the lounge isn’t just a place to be productive in. It’s also a good place to talk and unwind with friends, family, or a loved one. They have an afternoon tea set (Php. 1,650) that already gives you two sets of beverages (Coffee or Tea), and a whole array of delicious pastries.

Their afternoon tea set varies depending on the season, so expect different pastry sets every few months.

Scott’s Corner BGC (Scott’s Restaurant)

Address: 5th Avenue, 1634 28th St, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila
Hours: Open 6 AM – Closes 10 PM

Since writing this article 2 years ago, Scott’s corner has since removed the workstations that were perfect for those trying to focus, while having a much needed outlet for devices. It’s a shame that they downgraded, but they now have two long tables, which is great for study sessions.

Still, Scott’s corner remains as one of the few quieter cafes in BGC, and it’s just next PSE tower and under Ascott Hotel.

They also have a wide range of pastries that will make you revisit the cafe more often. Need more convincing? Just take a look at this Facebook post of their delectable cakes!

If you get hungry after a long productive day, you can also order off their kitchen menu. My personal recommendations would be the Truffle Chicken Alfredo (Priced at Php. 650) and their Adobo Fried Rice (Priced at Php. 400). Not only are these dishes flavorful, but they’re also good for at least 2 persons.

And of course, what cafe doesn’t have its own fair share of coffee and other energy fueling drinks? Scott’s corner has decent coffee (Not the best, but it’s arguably better than Malongo Atelier and CBTL). Their coffee ranges from Php. 150 – 250 depending on the drink.

My personal favorite is their salted caramel macchiato (priced at Php. 250).

Starbucks RCBC Corporate Center

Located in: RCBC Corporate Centre, 25th St, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila, Philippines
Time: 6 AM – 8 PM on weekdays only

Though I’m not a fan of Starbucks Coffee, and in fact, I highly avoid buying from this chain due to how overpriced and imbalanced their coffee tastes, I wouldn’t say no to a Starbucks that is away from the public eye.

More often than not, Starbucks chains are crowded, noisy, and just overall unappealing because of how mainstream it is.

However, the same cannot be said for this particular branch. This branch is a great place to study in, especially if you’re avoiding lunchbreak or dinner time hours. Doing that will help you avoid numerous other customers, and long lines.

Coffee:Life at 32nd

Address: G/F Ecoprime Building, 32nd St, Corner 9th Ave, Taguig, 1635 Metro Manila
Operating hours: 7AM – 10PM

After the recent change in location, I can no longer say that Coffee:Life is the best study or work cafe in BGC. They still have the same interiors as before, but moving its location to a busier spot has brought in noisier crowds.

Why It’s No longer the best hidden cafe in BGC and What changed my mind

While I do understand that it’s a business decision to move locations, it alienated its loyal customers that enjoy the comfort of a quiet space, tucked away from the busy and loud crowds.

I’m certain that I’m not the only one who feels the same way about this location change because the other regulars that I usually see hanging out at Coffee:Life are no longer frequenting this cafe.

To top it off, they raised the price of their mediocre food. Previously, their tapa meal was Php. 270, now they’re priced at Php. 300. I’m not paying a premium on food that I know isn’t good.

What’s the coffee and food like?

Black Latte Coffee

Previously, I said that this was one of the best brews I’ve tried in BGC, but after coming back to this place, with their higher prices and lower quality, I’ve lost all respect to the establishment. Was the coffee still good? Before, I’d have given it a 4 out of 5, but now, it’s sitting at a 3 out of 5. Slightly above average, but not really a stand out.

Tapsilog

As much as I love Tapa and breakfast food, I can’t recommend the dishes at Coffee:Life. The quality of their food is inconsistent. I’ve tried this same dish three times, and it’s a different experience each time. The first time I tried, it was quite decent, but it didn’t justify the price (Php. 270.) After trying this at their new location and more expensive pricing structure (Php. 300), I can safely say: go eat somewhere else. The food here is just not good.

There are other snacks you can try, but I highly suggest sticking to coffee.

If you’re really hungry and you want something to eat, take a few minutes of walk towards uptown and you’ll find more decent places to eat, and then come back to Coffee:life if you really want to. Otherwise, this is a skip.

Would I still go back there?

No. It’s become crowded, there are no longer enough sockets per table, and it’s become commercialized and lost what made the place special.

Are there any landmarks people can use to tell if they’re near the cafe?

It’s right next to Metrobank Fort (Ecoprime tower). Should you decide to go, I’d suggest avoiding lunch breaks as this is typically when most employees come down to have coffee.

Author’s Note: Considering how there are many cafes closing and opening over the past few months, I will continue updating this list.

As I’ve predicted, a better establishment has taken Coffee:Life’s spot, and because of the recent changes in their location, their pricing, and the quality of their coffee and service, it’s now at the bottom of my list.

I’ll continue looking for more cafes that pop up and give an honest to goodness review of each establishment. Ciao for now.