The district of Poblacion is best known for its trendy bars and nightlife spots for pub crawls. But it can also be a good area to go on coffee runs with friends or get some work done if you need a change of scenery before sundown while in Makati City.
Annex House, a coffee shop by day and bar by night hidden inside a post-war Filipino ancestral home, is worth seeking out. With its early opening hours and cozy vibe, it’s an ideal spot for casual meet-ups with friends or if you need a coffee fix while catching up on remote work. More than just a coffee shop and bar, Annex House is a creative playground and social club that reflects the evolving cultural and heritage district of Makati.
The two-story compound has a family room with a bar, sunroom, garden, coffee shop, boutique and design studio. You can browse for locally-made clothing, vintage finds, and local books at their boutique shop before or after sipping on quality brews. The unique space also houses a design studio and a leather workshop, open by appointment. While it's peaceful during the day, the place gets buzzing with DJ sets and music at night.
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Pin Annex House on Google Maps, as the entrance is easy to miss and there’s no signage outside. Just walk along Don Pedro Street and look out for an unassuming white gate with grungy galvanized sheets and wooden carabao horns, and you’re in the right spot. Ring the doorbell and wait to be let in.
As you enter, you’re greeted with an enclosed garage/garden courtyard with wooden tables in the al fresco area. The greenery adds to the peaceful vibe of the place and with the gate always closed, it's an easy escape from the busy street, while still keeping you close to the action at night.
The interiors of Annex House reflect the dynamic landscape of Makati, with contemporary touches and eclectic decor blending with the wooden walls and furniture of the old house. The space immediately feels homey, comfortable, and lived in. Sipping on a cup of coffee here feels more like hanging out in a friend’s creative studio compared to typical mall-based coffee shops.
Annex House serves unique coffee creations inspired by popular Filipino desserts, making it a great choice for international tourists looking for local flavors or anyone who wants to enjoy something distinctly Pinoy with a twist.
Signature drinks include Ube Latte, Leche Flan Latte and Biko Latte (priced at P200 each). The Ube Latte stands out with its bright purple color and sweet and nutty flavor. The Biko Latte, inspired by a Filipino sweet rice cake made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar, feels familiar and comforting. The Leche Flan Latte is creamy and milky, just like the popular creme caramel dessert it’s named after.
Aside from the signature coffee, Annex House also offers other classic options, like Black, White, Mocha and Cold Brew Coffee and ranging from P140 to P240, with options to swap regular dairy for oat milk.
You can pair your coffee with baked pastries, including Cinnamon Rolls, cookies and croissants. For something salty, try the Asin Tibuok Salted Popcorn (P100), which makes use of that rare Filipino artisanal sea salt made in a clay mould that looks like a dinosaur egg, traditionally handmade in Bohol.
Their menu carries a few interesting bar snacks that use local ingredients including Margherita pizza with Kesong Puti, Dynamite with siling haba, and Potato Salad with Crispy Chicken Skin.
Annex House is a work-friendly cafe as well, as evidenced by the number of people on laptops during my visits. If you want to get work done, you’ll want to station yourself at the counter area by the window where the sockets are located.
While the bar and family room on the second floor open towards the evening with live music and can get packed at night, you can check out the space during the day when it’s nice and empty. With its distinctive ambiance and hip location in the heart of Poblacion, Annex House Manila offers a unique day-to-night experience for coffee enthusiasts. It’s definitely worth adding to your list of cafes to visit.
Admittedly, street parking (especially for cars) in the area can be a bit challenging, especially during peak hours, as most bars and cafes don’t have designated parking. While street parking is available along some streets, I recommend taking a ride-share to get to and from Poblacion. If you need a secure spot to park, check out our parking guide to Poblacion and then walk to the cafe.
The house is gated, so those with bikes could probably park their bikes safely in here. I also spotted a cool red Vespa parked inside the garage during one visit.
Annex House is located at 5683 Don Pedro Street, Makati, Metro Manila. Cafe & Shop: Tuesday to Sunday from 7am to 9pm. Bar and Family Room: Tuesday to Sunday 6pm to 2:30 am. Studio: By Appointment.
