Some of the best Katipunan and Maginhawa coffee shops to try
Whether it's a full library on campus, noisy roommates that don’t care that you’re working or a change of scenery, it's always good to have a backup place where you can settle down and focus. If you’re frequently in the Katipunan-Maginhawa area, you’re going to need this list of the best coffee shops where you can spend long hours writing papers. And for those who can’t live without the internet—don’t worry, we fully disclose whether or not the café has free wifi!
Almusal Cafe
Located at The Pop Up, Katipunan
Sunday to Thursday (9am to 4pm)
Friday to Saturday (9am to 2am)
With its indoor and al fresco dining areas, Almusal Cafe at the Pop Up is perfect for both working and brunching with your friends in between classes. With its spacious and aesthetic interior, you can sip on your coffee with a view. Although their meals are on the pricier side for a full-time student on a budget, their P180 latte and snacks are definitely enough to keep you going.
If you’re looking for a place to do your Zoom meetings and classes, this might not be the best place since they don’t offer free wifi, but it shouldn’t be a problem if you don’t mind using your own data! And if you’re working here late at night on the weekends and need a breather, you can always check out the rest of the Pop Up scene.
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Coffee Theory Roasters
Located at 88 Esteban Abada
Monday to Sunday (9am to 6pm)
This small café is perfect for both solo and small group study sessions. Their easy bites and P150 Iced Mocha are perfect after walking around Katipunan. If you’re looking to try something different from the usual iced coffees, order a pour over—you’ll be exposed to flavors you never would have dreamt of. And a plus side is that Coffee Theory Roasters also has free wifi for an hour when you order from them!
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Sweetbread Cafe + Bakery
Located at Esteban Abada cor Rosa Alvero, Loyola Heights
Tuesday to Sunday (9am to 8pm)
Sweetbread Cafe is one of the best new finds in Katipunan, having opened during the pandemic. They aren’t kidding when they say their food is delicious, and it’s definitely worth the price! Their P160 Iced Spanish Latte and P160 Iced Matcha Latte, on the sweet side, will keep you focused to accomplish your to-do list for the day. Their bright and clean shop aesthetics make a space that's very conducive to studying. Oh, and they have wifi too!
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Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery
Located at U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Ave
Monday to Sunday (10am to 10pm)
Fat Seed Cafe, open way before the pandemic, has dominated the coffee scene in the area— and it never gets old. Although their meals are great when you want to splurge a bit more (especially after that hellish exam), you’ll find appetizers to keep your energy levels at a high while grinding out. Another win for those who badly need to accomplish online tasks—there’s wifi.
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De’Ja Brew
Located at 118 Matahimik Street
Sunday (7am to 9pm)
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday (7am to 11pm)
Tuesday, Friday, Saturday (7am to 2am)
De’Ja Brew, one of our favorite recent discoveries, ticks all boxes! This cafe has friendly baristas, and they give the best recommendations. Their signature drinks, priced at P180, are to die for. They have something for all preferences—but definitely try their Banana Marble. If you’re a little more adventurous, try the Portuguese Mazagran. If you miss the early-pandemic Dalgona Coffee, they have that, too!
They have an outdoor area for hanging out and a second floor, which is great for when you’re in study mode. And yes, they have wifi, too! They’re also open until 2AM on the weekends (Fridays and Saturdays), so stop by for a drink or two.
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Chapter Coffee Roastery & Cafe
Located at 143 Maginhawa Street
Monday to Sunday (9am to 9pm)
Chapter Coffee is a café that will make you feel like the main character while you tick off each box on your to-do list while sipping sensational, classic coffee. They have a well-lit second floor with a few solo tables and several others that are good for sharing, so you can choose if you’d rather focus alone or have a group discussion with friends. Like all great study places, they have wifi.
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Are there any other Katipunan or Maginhawa coffee shops you love, but weren’t mentioned in the list? Let us know what we should try next! With the new normal, let’s continue to support our local establishments while following safety protocols.
Words Julia Makalintal
Art Matthew Ian Fetalver
