New bar experiences are no longer confined to Makati and BGC. In recent years, an array of bars has emerged throughout the metro, broadening the landscape for bar hopping and offering patrons exciting new options to explore. Over in Katipunan, Quezon City, coffee and cocktail enthusiasts can indulge at the newly opened Benny Coffee and Brunch and Chérie.
Watch the video below for a sneak peek:
This dual-concept venue offers distinct experiences that transform throughout the day. In the morning, it’s all about freshly brewed specialty coffee, while at night, the atmosphere shifts to a lively bar scene where artisan cocktails take center stage.
Benny Coffee and Brunch is the brainchild of a trio—EG Bautista, Lance Castillo, and Lanah Uy—who wanted to infuse a bit of personality into the cafe landscape of Quezon City, particularly in areas that lacked specialty coffee shops. They envisioned Benny as your coffee-savvy best friend, casually delivering expertise on coffee while accommodating those who might not be as coffee-obsessed. The vibe here is relaxed yet engaging, making it an ideal space for work and socializing.
“It’s definitely a work-friendly environment; we provide Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets for guests to use,” explains EJ. “We want this to be a second space for not just working but also for collaboration. We host various private events and workshops, from personality and confidence building to unique activities like wreath-making and pottery workshops. Just last weekend, we even hosted a cosplay event, which was a lot of fun. Essentially, we want this space to be adaptable to whatever you need or want it to be,” he adds.
At 6pm Benny opens another door to Chérie Cocktails, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar, transitioning patrons to a more sophisticated affair with craft cocktails. According to the owners, Chérie’s persona is Benny’s well-traveled aunt who knows her cocktails. The charm of Chérie comes alive with its cocktail offerings and a warm atmosphere that contrasts with the morning coffee bustle. This transition from coffee to cocktails is as seamless as it is exciting, giving visitors a playful twist to their evening plans. “After enjoying your coffee, it’s like a reward as you transition into the bar scene,” EJ shares. “We see many clients lingering here from lunchtime until around 4pm or 5pm and when we switch to cocktail service, you’ll notice a natural flow as people move to the bar area,” he adds.
The bar features a dimly lit ambiance with a warm red-toned interior, furnished with bar chairs and intimate tables, making it an ideal setting for romantic dates and group gatherings.
Benny’s menu features all-day brunch-style dishes, each with homemade ingredients designed to complement their craft beverages. Guests can enjoy options like the Hot Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich (PHP395), Truffled Beef Brisket Eggs Benny (PHP395), and Classic Beignets (PHP200).
For drinks, signature creations include refreshing Rise and Shine (PHP250), a fruity blend of orange juice and coffee, and the Kaya Foam (PHP250), a fragrant coconut latte topped with a light pandan foam. Those looking for non-coffee options can enjoy the Brazilian Lemonade (PHP180), a tangy and creamy concoction made with limes and condensed milk.
Over at Chérie, guests can enjoy a selection of drinks, including Grappa Sour (PHP420), a refreshing sour twist made with Italian grape-based pomace brandy. For a seasonal treat, try the Cherie (PHP450), a blend of gin, mezcal, Maraschino Liqueur, wine, pandan water, Campari, and thyme. Those with a sweet tooth can order the Halo Halo (PHP450), a dessert cocktail combining rum, banana-infused vodka, lime juice, pandan muscovado langka (jackfruit) cordial, coconut milk, and topped with ube foam and pinipig (flattened rice) dust.
Benny Coffee and Brunch and Chérie Cocktails are located on the ground floor of the JSO Building at 210 Katipunan Ave, Project 4, Blue Ridge, Quezon City. The café welcomes guests from Monday to Thursday, 9am to 9pm, and Friday to Sunday, 9am to 10pm, while the bar is open from Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, 6pm to 12am, and Friday to Saturday, 6pm to 2am. Follow them on Instagram at @bennycoffeeandbrunch and @cheriecocktails
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