L.A. Café - Ermita's finest (Bars in Manila)

Member Name: Rob@AC2

Product:	Bars in Manila
Date:	16/10/06 (4974 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Guaranteed companionship & Cheap drinks

Disadvantages: Extremely crowded at times

Ermita is still just a shadow of what it once was prior to Mayor Lim's cleanup in 1993. Still, one bar that should be on everyone's "to do" list is L.A. Café in Ermita.

For those who know the street names, it's located at the NW corner of M.H. Del Pilar and Romero Salas. It's a short walk from most hotels located in Ermita or Malate.

The bar opened in August 1999 and was a hit from the beginning. It never closes and you can get "lucky" even at 09:00 (that's 09:00 am). Drinks are cheap, especially from 08:00 to 20:00. You can buy draught beer by the pitcher or by the mini-keg.

L.A. Café's is a "freelancers' bar" and that is also its main attraction. For the uninitiated, a freelancer is a lady who is officially a customer, but who will also accompany you... outside the bar. (Compensation is expected and can be negotiated beforehand)

While it isn't the only venue to offer this type of entertainment, the sheer number of freelancers is phenomenal. For all tastes... If you can't get it at L.A. Café, you just can't get it!

It offers more. Go upstairs after 21:00 and listen to live bands. They ave recently added special evenings with different attractions. Have a look at www.ermita.com and see for yourself.

If you're drinking beer or local spirits, you will unlikely spend more than 1,000 P. (USD 20) They serve food as well, although I have found most dishes to be iffy after 20:00.

A must see if you're in Ermita. On several evenings, the ground floor bar is SRO, so get there early.

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Summary: A Must see