speakeasy – Jellybeans in the City

#FindTheVault: Greenhills’ Prohibition-Era Secret Bar

Ever fancied yourself as a modern-day Gatsby, unlocking the door to a hidden world of glamour and mystery? If the thought of a clandestine rendezvous tickles your fancy, then Vault, the secret bar at Tittos Latin BBQ & Brew in Greenhills, should be right up your alley. Here’s the lowdown on how to step into this hidden gem and lose yourself in a bygone era of elegance and excitement.

The Adventure Begins

Behind the lively facade of Tittos Latin BBQ & Brew lies a secret that only the keenest eyes can uncover. Tittos isn’t just your average dining spot; it’s the gateway to a thrilling adventure. Imagine dining on sumptuous Latin dishes, with whispers hinting at something more—something hidden.

Curiosity piqued? Good. The first clue is the unassuming teal-colored door. Finding Vault is like embarking on a treasure hunt. Ask the staff for directions, and you’ll be guided through the secret passage. The thrill of stepping through that door is just the beginning.

Stepping Back in Time

As you step through the unassuming door, you’re transported from the bustling Latin American restaurant to a clandestine speakeasy straight out of the Roaring Twenties. Vault isn’t just a bar; it’s a portal to another era. The moment you enter, the ambiance shifts. The dim lighting, leather seating, and granite tables exude the essence of a bygone era.

It’s as if you’ve been whisked away to the days of Prohibition, where only the worthy few could gain entry to such exclusive haunts. The carefully curated decor, reminiscent of clandestine watering holes of yesteryears, sets the perfect stage for your night of intrigue and indulgence.

Savoring the Experience

No visit to Vault is complete without indulging in their tantalizing bar chow. Here’s a sampling of what your taste buds can look forward to:

Truffle Parmesan Fries (Php320). House-made fries seasoned with a special spice mix and drizzled with truffle oil, topped with a generous sprinkling of parmesan snow and served with a side of creamy aioli sauce.

Skewers. Enjoy smokey and flavorful bite-sized pieces of grilled Angus beef (Php160/stick), succulent pork (Php70), and tender chicken mojo (Php80).

El Toro (Php350). Indulge in crispy puff pastry filled with rich cheese crema, topped with caramelized onions and shreds of savory beef barbacoa.

Nacho El Gigante (Php395 for 3-5pax | Php710 for 6-8pax). Perfect for sharing, these crispy tortilla chips are piled high with beef barbacoa shreds, fresh tomato salsa, spicy jalapeno peppers, chimichurri salsa, melted cheeses, and a drizzle of Mexican crema sauce.

Crispy Pork Sisig (Php350). Delight in crispy pork mask sautéed with onions in a special sisig sauce, finished with a perfectly cooked egg on top.

Four Cheese Pizzadilla (Php340). A delightful fusion of pizza and quesadilla made with flour tortillas stuffed with melted cheese and sweet caramelized onions.

Of course, what’s a speakeasy without expertly crafted cocktails? Vault’s beverage selection is the perfect line-up of libations for your lively time at the bar. Take these, for example:

Tequila Shots. Enjoy shot glasses of Jose Cuervo Gold at Php180/shot glass. On Fridays, enjoy 5 shots for Php599.

The Social Scene

Vault isn’t just about great food and drinks; it’s about exclusivity and community. Imagine mingling with fellow adventurers, sharing the thrill of discovery, and becoming part of an elite circle. Keep an eye out for Vault’s promos and events that add an extra layer of excitement to your visit.

Don’t be shy—share your Vault experience on social media and let the world know about this hidden treasure. Just remember to tag them using #FindTheVault. After all, a secret this good deserves to be shared with those worthy of it.

So, are you ready to unlock the Vault and step into a world of hidden treasures and bygone elegance? The adventure awaits. With its perfect blend of mystery, nostalgia, and high-quality offerings, Vault is not just a bar—it’s an experience. It’s an exclusive escape into the glamour of the past, right in the heart of Greenhills.

So let yourself in on this secret and enter that teal-colored door.

Vault is located inside Tittos Latin BBQ & Brew at Ground Floor, O Square 2, Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 5pm to 1am. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 917 8848867.

Know more about its menu, events and offers by visiting its website or following Vault on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this establishment. Food and drinks were served at no cost to the attendees in exchange for honest feedback.

Check out my previous post about Vault:

A Night of Excellent Chows and Laughter Unlocked at Vault, Greenhills

Ever fancied being part of a clandestine rendezvous, sipping exquisite cocktails in a prohibition-era inspired speakeasy? Look no further than Vault, the secret bar attached to Tittos Latin BBQ & Brew in Greenhills.

So why don’t we unravel this hidden gem?

A Well-Kept Secret

Step into the shadows and venture into Vault, a well-guarded secret kept only for the worthy few. Passing through the metal door transports you into a world reminiscent of the prohibition era with its air exclusivity and excitement, enticing you to delve deeper into this covert adventure.

Clearly, Vault isn’t your run-of-the-mill bar; it’s a journey back in time. The ambiance exudes the essence of a bygone era, featuring leather seating and granite tables that transport you to the days of the Roaring Twenties. This carefully curated decor, reminiscent of clandestine watering holes of yesteryears, sets the perfect stage for your exclusive night out.

The Perfect Pairing: Bar Chow and Drinks

No visit to Vault is complete without indulging in their tantalizing bar chow.

Crispy Onions (Php250). Crunch meets flavor in this delightful appetizer. Imagine deep-fried, thinly sliced onions tossed in a secret spice mix, served with a creamy Mexican crema sauce.

Truffle Parmesan Fries (Php275). House-made fries that have been transformed into a gourmet delight. Tossed in a tantalizing spice mix and showered with truffle parmesan snow, these fries are accompanied by a luscious aioli sauce.

Crispy Pork Sisig (P305). Crispy Pork Sisig at Vault is a crispy masterpiece—pork mask, onions, and egg sautéed in a special sisig sauce.

Grilled Angus Skewers (Php150/stick). Juicy Angus cubes marinated in a delectable barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection.

Of course, no clandestine rendezvous is complete without the perfect libations. Vault proudly presents a beverage selection that complements the mystique of its ambiance. Apart from its signature cocktails and a wide array of liquors, you can cross-order beverages from their sister-restaurant, Tittos, ensuring that your glass is never empty.

Laughter in the Vault: Writers Block Comedy Show

Adding to the allure of Vault is its recent collaboration with Comedy Manila, a production house pioneering the comedy revolution in the Philippines.

The Writers Block Stand-Up Showcase held last Thursday was an evening of laughter with the country’s top and up-and-coming stand-up comedians and comedy writers.

Be a Part of the Vault Experience

Want to get in the Vault? Keep an eye out for promos and events that add an extra layer of excitement to your clandestine visit. Don’t be shy—share your Vault experience on social media and let the world know about this hidden treasure. Just remember to tag them using #FindTheVault.

Unlock the Vault. Discover the secret. #FindTheVault.

Know more about its menu, events and offers by visiting its website or following Vault on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this establishment. Food and drinks were served at no cost to the attendees in exchange for honest feedback.

Alibi, Tomas Morato

No need to wrack your brain for an excuse to have a night out with friends at the end of the work week at this newest bar in Tomas Morato.

Tucked discreetly in the basement of a converted house along Scout Delgado Street in the Tomas Morato area, Alibi is reason enough to chill out with your crew as you enjoy your favorite cocktail and bar chow.

But just in case you need to justify your night out for the Third Inquisition when you get home, you might want to mention how irresistible these are:

One: Tasty bar chow for a serious case of the munchies.

Chase away your hunger with these bar chows:

Tuna Sashimi and Salmon Sashimi (Php275 each).

Salpicao (Php250). Cubes of hanger steak sauteed in roasted garlic and served with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes.

Country-Style Fried Chicken (Php200), Juicy pieces of chicken tenders, breaded and deep-fried to a golden brown and served with gravy.

Baby Back Ribs (Php250). Succulent grilled pork ribs coated in barbecue sauce and served with a tangy coleslaw on the side.

Alibi Fries (Php190). Deep-fried thick-cut fries served with cheese and katsu sauces and topped with bonito flakes.

Mini Sausage (Php150). Sausages cut in bite-size pieces.

Pork Sisig (Php250). The classic Pinoy appetizer made of minced pork pieces sauteed in calamansi, onions and chilis.

Oyster Sisig (Php290). Alibi’s fresh take on the staple dish using oysters in the place or pork. Wow! (More on Alibi’s oyster offerings later.)

Two: Exciting cocktails to try.

Drink to a well-deserved weekend break with Alibi’s signature concoctions.

Lychee Mojito (Php145). Made with lychee, mint leaves and rum.

Tomato Quila (Php145). Made with tomatoes, pear juice and Jinro Grapefruit Soju.

Hello Kiwi (Php145). Made with kiwi, aloe vera, absinthe and soda.

Yakuroto Vodka (Php165). Made with cherry, peach vodka and Yakult.

Three: An oyster bar. ‘Nuff said!

Fresh Aklan oysters, whether plain, topped with Miso Bechamel or Pesto sauce, yours for Php50 apiece.

Who wouldn’t want to take a decadent taste of the sea with these glorious Philippine oysters?

So, go ahead. Take a long-awaited breather for the weekend. Hang out with your friends. You’ve already got your Alibi.

Alibi is located at 115 Scout Delgado Street, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City, open Thursdays to Saturdays, from 7pm to 3am.

Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Hideaway Haven at INT.Bar, Cubao

What can you find behind the red velvet curtain? A whole new world, apparently. A place where you can escape the city’s hustle and bustle and hide away for a while.

INT.Bar, similar to all speakeasies, is not easy to find. In fact, I almost walked past it had I not stopped and asked for directions from a person standing right in front of it!

If you’re wondering why a bar would go to such great lengths to be so unobtrusive, it’s because of the speakeasy’s history with the Prohibition era in the US. With the ban on the sale and consumption of liquor, enterprising business owners began operating illicit clubs where they can sell bootlegged liquor. Such clubs are usually fronted by a more wholesome establishment such as a grocery store to deflect attention from the authorities and prevent the police from barging in. The term speakeasy was believed to have originated from 1880s saloon owner Kate Hester who would often tell her rowdy patrons to “speak easy” to escape the attention of the police.

Today, speakeasies still operate, but as retro-style bars that also retain the covertness of their predecessors. INT.Bar, for example, harkens to a steampunk aesthetic, with low-lighting that frames the industrial decor and vintage furnishings, accessible once you get behind the mundane-looking photo booth.

Together with friends and fellow foodies, I attended a meetup here. That night, fueled by great food and great drinks, the mood was light and naughty jokes and irreverent banter abound from our group.

When you get around to ordering your cocktails, you will find that the menu gives you hints on what to expect from your drinks in terms of sweetness, bitterness, acidity, strength, aroma, smokiness and savoriness. This is quite helpful to those who are new to drinking (like me!), have very set preferences or are in for an adventure.

The Negroni (Php300) is an iconic Italian cocktail made of Tanqueray gin, martini rosso vermouth and Campari garnished with an orange peel. It’s named after Count Camilo Negroni who was believed to have invented the drink when he asked his bartender to strengthen his Americano cocktail by adding gin instead of soda water.

Paradise Lost (Php450) is sweet yet packs a punch, being made of Marker’s Mark Bourbon, fine Pere Preaux Calvados, Golden Falernum and cinnamon syrups, lemon and meringue.

The Sazerac (Php450) is the New Orleans version of the whiskey cocktail that also packs a punch being made with absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, Carlos I Solera brandy, Rittenhouse Rye whiskey and dark rum.

Eternal Sunshine (Php300) has a slightly sweeter taste being made with a cacao nib tequila infusion, Aperol spritz, chocolate bitters, pineapple, agave nectar and lime.

There Will Be Blood (Php600). Don’t be expecting violence, just a lot of buzz from this drink made with Laphroaig 10 year old Scotch whiskey, yellow chartreuse, Aperol spritz and lemon.

Sipping on Cigarettes After Sex (Php350) does call to mind dark deeds in dark places, with its smoky aroma and decadent feel. Served with great fanfare, the drink unveiled amidst smoke once the dome cover is taken off, it’s made with Lapsang Souchong infusion, Laphroaig 10 year old Scotch whiskey, honey, egg whites and rosemary smoke.

The bar chow served proved to be quite tasty as well; most had a mild spiciness that would spur you to drink more.

Hummus (Php200). Try dipping some dehydrated tortillas into this thick paste of roasted sesame seeds and garlic confit, and see if you can stop yourself from going for more.

The Trio Tacos (Php300) gives you three different takes on soft tacos: pulled pork, chicken and mushrooms. Pico de Gallo, roasted bell peppers, sriracha and lime-cilantro crema give this dish a wild Latin feel.

Spiced Cheese Penne (Php250) gives you a sauce of sausage and bacon mixed with Pico de Gallo and micro basil coating firm penne pasta noodles.

Get yourself some Potato Halves (Php150) baked and served with mozzarella and Mornay sauce.

Cured Salmon (Php320) served over mango caviar and cucumber mixed in lemon-terrago mayo spread over some crunchy toast. Yum!

Good food, great drinks, awesome company in a secret hideaway. All the makings of an epic good time among friends at INT.Bar.

INT.Bar is located at Cubao Expo, General Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, open Tuesdays to Sundays from 5pm to 1am. For table reservations, call +63 917 8069991.

And here’s some more good news: Did you know you can buy 2 drinks and get the same 2 drinks for free at INT.Bar through Zomato Gold? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a Blogger Event held in this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.