5 Places to Hang out Near UST

The University of Santo Tomas campus, with its impressive architecture and refreshing greenery, can certainly feel like home to any student. Outside, the bustling and colorful streets of Manila can be an exciting place for exploration and adventure. Those new in the University Belt might feel overwhelmed with the abundance of choices for where to eat and hang out. Fear not, however, because we've come up with a starter list of places you need to check out.

From food joints to art spaces, the UST area surely has something to offer. Grab your blockmates the next time you feel like killing time near campus, and check out these establishments:

1. Tex-Mex fix: The Food Truck Manila

1085 P. Noval corner J. Barlin Street, Sampaloc, Manila

The Food Truck Manila has been a hit since joining U Belt's food scene. Students love the look of the three-story food truck-food park hybrid, but what they love even more is the Tex-Mex fusion dishes on offer. Nothing's more rewarding than gorging on tacos, nachos, and wings with your friends after exams.

2. Everything you need: IChill Theater Café

1125 Dos Castillas Street, Sampaloc, Manila

IChill Theater Café is a well-loved spot near the UST campus. The coffee shop and underground theater pretty much has everything you need for any type of hangout. You can ease your grumbling tummy with their affordable food offerings, cool down with their frappes and chillers, play board games, sing your heart out, or watch a movie. Be sure to keep updated on their events, too.

3. Taste of art: Troika Resto and Art Gallery

823 Extremadura St., Brgy. 460 Zone 45, Sampaloc, Manila

If you're into art, Troika Resto and Art Gallery will appeal to you. The casual dining restaurant doubles as a creative space. Aside from getting your food fix, you can also admire the rustic vibe of the place, the various works of art displayed on the walls, and some live musical performances. You might also be given a small canvass and some paint while you wait for your food and drinks to be served.

4. Shop and dine: S.M.Y. Noshery

University Tower II, Galicia St. corner España Blvd., Sampaloc, Manila

S.M.Y. Noshery, a crib cafe, and boutique could be a good choice when you're looking for affordable but Instagrammable meals and wanting some retail therapy. There's an area for IG shops to showcase their cute items, so you might find a thing or two to add to your closet favorites. 

5. Fun and games: Xtreme Hobby Cafe

H. Lacson Avenue corner Espana Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila

Another student-friendly joint near UST campus is Xtreme Hobby Cafe, a haven for avid gamers and buffalo wings fans. Call the whole crew, order some grub, and forget about school stressors as you play your favorite board games. Major sporting events are shown here, too!

We're sure you have more to add to our list. Share your favorite UST hangouts in the comments below!