Amid the row of trendy bars and bustling restaurants in Poblacion, Commune is a café-bar that is quietly tucked away in the corner of Polaris and Durban in Makati. With its gourmet coffee and tasty grub, it's the perfect place to settle down and recuperate after a wild night.
Commune is the brainchild of Rosario Juan, born out of her love for coffee and conversations. The owner prides the café as a community hub where you can forge real-life connections and create meaningful exchanges. Whether you're looking for a quick cup along your morning commute, a place to ease the afternoon work slump, or an excuse to drink at happy hour—Commune is your refuge.
When you walk into the hip café, the place really makes you feel at ease from the second you pop in. It's a two-story building with al fresco seating on the second floor, donned in minimalist and contemporary interiors. The large glass windows bring in the warm sun, allowing you to bask in the light on their plentiful seatings. Lined up on their shelves are an abundance of eclectic and quirky décor, mixed with their own merchandise and locally grown coffee beans.
If it's your first time visiting Commune, you might miss out on the small Pride flag that sits on their counter. The café is more than a Coffee University and a place to get your caffeine fix, this café is also an appointed safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community. It will gladly welcome anyone and everyone from different communities!
But the coffee is the important thing here, and it sure doesn't disappoint. Their menu consists of handcrafted espresso-based drinks, hand-poured brews, and iced coffee to satisfy your need for caffeine exactly the way you want. If you're already a coffee aficionado, try out their 'Commune Blend' (P120 for 8oz, P150 for 12oz) which you can also enjoy brewed if you prefer a darker roast. Not into coffee? Try out their 'Commune Iced Tea House Blend' (P115 for 8oz, P125 for 12oz).
You can also snack on pasta dishes, sandwiches, and other yummy Pinoy-style comfort food while catching up with your friends or getting some work done. On the other hand, if you're only looking to nibble on some light snacks, they also serve tusok-tusok (P185), spam fries (P248), nachos (P150), and french fries (P130). For those curious about what else they could offer, check out their menu here!
Sometimes, Commune will even close down its second floor to hold their special classes—dubbed as the Coffee University. These classes are aimed at those aspiring to acquire a new skill or simply trying to learn more about coffee. The Coffee University is hosted by the Philippine Coffee Board and Commune themselves, held regularly in the café so you're sure to secure a slot if you wish to enroll.
They have a bunch of courses for you to choose from, covering introductory classes like 'Basic Barista' to more intensive workshops such as 'Advanced Latte Art.' If you don't have time to drop by Commune, you may opt for their online classes instead. Just be on the lookout for updates on their website!
Overall, Commune is a place that always feels like home. You're always welcomed with a cup of joe waiting for your arrival. It's *definitely* a place worth going to for its chill, relaxing ambiance and good coffee, so be sure to drop by Commune on your next café crawl!
Check out Commune at 36 Polaris, Makati, Metro Manila.