- Location: 20a – 20b La Fuerza Plaza 1, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati
- Operating Hours: 5 p.m. to 4 a.m.
- Kind of establishment: Bar/Club
- Signature drinks: Espresso Martini, 20:20 Mule, That Thing In the Jar, Rosa Picante Margarita, and XXXX Pale Ale
Bars come and go, but 20:20 is here to dominate the scene for as long as it can. Conceptualized with an Old Americana meets Steapunk feel, the place is open from 5 p.m. onwards, with a Happy Hour that starts right smack when they open their doors. The seated dining area is elevated on wooden panel flooring and above it are lights hanging from cylindrical metal lampshades and broken cemented long vertical lamp fixtures where light peeps out. As the night progresses, you may think your eyes are playing tricks on you, but the lights actually flicker, gradually dimming and brightening, mimicking the effect of bars during the prohibition era. The camouflaged colored wall at the back took the longest to make, painting one hue over the other to arrive at the aged effect wall treatment. As of the moment, the artwork of artist Augie Fontanilla hangs over the walls. At the far right side is the said artist’s interpretation of a Ouija board painted in solid black with an excerpt of lyrics from proto-punk artist the Stooges’ “Search and Destroy.” It echoes a Dia del Muerto vibe carried over to another side of the wall with more street art doodles as backdrop to the DJ. The XX XX club is located at the right side of entrance, this area gets packed later in the night.
Another highlight is the exposed balcony stockroom shelf housing the prized liquors of the house. If you’re lucky, you may catch some burlesque dancers on the ledge of the balcony on a special night. This is the kind of place where you can kick back with friends and just be your true self. With that said, 20:20 was fortunate to get top mixologist Brett Bayly behind the bar to concoct crazy cocktails that’ll help you unleash your inhibitions.
You can always resort to the usual libations, but here are a few suggestions from the bar:
Espresso Martini: To ease into the night, this drink is a good starter. Composed of VuQo vodka and espresso, you will feel the coffee liquor slip smoothly with a nice alcoholic kick.
20:20 Mule: A great mix of VuQo, fresh ginger ale, and homemade sour mix, this beverage is quite refreshing and easily flows down the throat. For added flavor, it’s best to take the clipped fresh peppermint and sliced ginger and throw it in. Crush the mint with your straw to have that cool minty infusion in the mule.
That Thing in the Jar: Reality will definitely escalate to another level with this concoction of gin, Triple sec, Vanilla Galliano, marmalade, and homemade sour mix topped with a red wine float. It is recommended to sip the beverage without stirring. Sip where the wine is to get a flavorful mouthful of flavors with a sweet finish.
Rosa Picante Margarita: The newest exciting addition, still unlisted on the cocktail menu, is a stellar combination of two top-shelf tequilas, fresh lime juice, homemade sour mix, and jalapeño grind garnished with three rose petals, with the glass stained on the side with salt muddled with rose. Sweet and sexy, this pretty drink is out to pounce when you least expect it.
XXXX Pale Ale – 20:20 has bragging rights to their own beer. This pale ale of just 5% alcohol is blended with water, malt, yeast, and hops, and leaves the tongue with a slick bitter taste.
For food pairings, chow on some bar food:
Pork Belly Tacos – This delectable three-piece soft-shell taco stuffed with pork belly confit, pico de gallo, chorizo bits, roasted garlic, and mayonnaise makes a good partner alongside any beer of your preference.
Buffalo Chicken Skin – A good appetizer to order to share with friends, it goes well with practically any libation. The chicken skin crackling is smothered in buffalo sauce served with milk blue cheese, spiced vinegar, crudités, and blue cheese dip.
Popcorn with Manchego and Chorizo – When you just need something to munch on together with your booze, this bowl full of crunchy popcorn is topped with shredded manchego and crushed chorizo, giving your popcorn a savory burst of meat and cheese.
20:20 has a life and character of its own. Its steady, cozy feel bolstered by quality music and hard hammering alcohol is just like your rambunctious friend who can get a little out of hand but whose company always promises a jolly good time. As co-owner Anna Sobrepeña-Ong puts it, “If you remember, you weren’t there!”
