Looking for a weekend coffee ride destination with a dose of history in Clark, Pampanga? Porch Coffee, a charming cafe housed in a historic American-era barnhouse, is a well-loved pit stop among road trippers and local cyclists.
Located right along the breezy Clark Parade Grounds, this bike- and pet-friendly cafe, launched in September 2023, has been drawing road trippers for its specialty coffee, sandwiches, burgers, and unique vibe.
We got to visit this cozy spot during a recent weekend bike-cation getaway while staying at the newly opened branch of The Henry Glass House Clark, a 40-room boutique hotel. To support neighborhood establishments, complimentary breakfast and coffee are served at the cafe, a few steps from the hotel.
What makes Clark a good destination for cyclists?
Every time I visit Clark in Pampanga, I’m reminded of the sad lack of parks and green spaces in Metro Manila. Clark Freeport Zone is one of the areas relatively near the metro that offers an amazing playground for cyclists with wide open spaces and an extensive, safe bike-lane network for training rides and cycling events.
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If you’ve ever visited Clark in the past, you’re probably familiar with the century-old American-style barn houses along Cardinal Rufino Santos Avenue beside the Clark Parade Grounds. These historic barn houses were originally built by the US military in 1903-1904 and originally served as officers’ quarters when the area was known as Fort Stotsenburg.
The barn houses are known for their tropical architecture, with raised floors and wide verandas. They were constructed using imported Oregon pine.
The historic military facility later became the focal point of the American-era Clark Air Base before it was abandoned following Mount Pinatubo’s eruption. Over the years, the houses have been reused for various purposes, including offices, a City Hall annex, a daycare center, a gym, and even a church.
With Clark’s popularity as a weekend getaway and proximity to the Clark International Airport, many of the iconic structures have been restored and repurposed into vibrant lifestyle cafes and restaurants as part of the area’s cultural district.
Porch Coffee, located in Barn House 2088 along the former “Officer’s Row,” offers guests a relaxing haven to enjoy brews with a view of greenery from the iconic wraparound porch. The cafe maintains the vintage charm of the American-era barn house, retaining the original floors and glass windows for an open, breezy feel.
Vintage commuter bikes are parked right in front of the cafe, which are available to rent for a fee, according to the cafe’s social media page. The cafe’s interiors feel homey and inviting, with pops of color adding a modern touch to the classic vibe.
Signature coffee drinks
Porch Coffee serves a range of beverages, from coffee to iced tea and more. We just had the Brew of the Day (P130) with our breakfast picks, but other bestsellers here include Porch Latte (P200), Porch Mocha (P185), OJ Long Black (P200), Porch Sweet Tea (P120), and Milo Dinosaur (P175).
In addition to unique coffee blends, Porch also offers pastries, all-day breakfast, diner-style classics, and classic espresso-based beverages. For breakfast, they serve classic rice meals like Beef Tapa, Pork Tocino, and Smoked Bangus, starting at P400.
For snacks, signature items include the Patty Melt, Classic Hotdog, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Classic Cheeseburger, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and BLT Sandwich. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy desserts like Yogurt, French Toast, Tres Leches, Banana Pudding, and Queso de Bola Cheesecake in the P150 to P280 range.
Aside from the food and vibe, what makes Porch great for cyclists is the outdoor ambience and secure bike rack on one side of the restaurant. Guests can enjoy coffee, comfort food, and craft beverages while keeping an eye on their rides. The cafe’s large space and outdoor picnic tables makes it a good assembly point for group rides, as well as a good spot for post-ride chow and socials. Those with private vehicles can park in the parking lot next to the Clark Museum, a few steps from the cafe.
With the establishment of the Clark International Airport as an alternative gateway for both domestic and international tourists, and the presence of the Clark International Speedway in the area, the restaurant scene here is thriving. International tourists flying through Clark can get to the area easily via the Clark Loop Bus or via Grab.
While there are many other modern spots and aesthetic cafes scattered around the Freeport Zone, the unique blend of heritage architecture, chill vibes, and relaxing view of greenery at the Porch will definitely appeal to cyclists. Be sure to check it out on your next road trip!
Porch Coffee, Barn House 2088, R.C. Santos Street, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga. Open Monday to Sunday, 7am to 10pm.
