Find out the hot spots to enjoy the Cebu nightlife scene.
As vibrant as the Queen City of the South is during the day, it really comes alive when the sun sets. The city has become a haven for clubs and bars partly because of the recent tourism boom. Indeed the Cebu nightlife scene is thriving. Thanks in large part to the tourists.
While it helps to study which bars to visit ahead of time, there are just days you want to leave your options open (or if you want to visit more than one establishment). Whatever the case may be, here are the hippest and most happening areas in Cebu City at night:
The Crossroads
Located along Gov. M. Cuenco road in Kasambagan, The Crossroads has almost everything from quaint cafes, swanky restaurants and even a functional coworking space. But this retail strip is probably best known for having K1 Family KTV. Filipinos love karaoke, so it’s no surprise that The Crossroads is one of the go-to places for this pastime. But there are also places where you can just wine and dine, like The Attic. The Crossroads is roughly 28 minutes away from MCIA (Mactan-Cebu International Airport). It’s also nearby Ayala Center, so you can easily hail a ride from the mall.
IT Park
This business hub found in Lahug is where you can find most of the major call center or BPO countries in the city. Because most of these businesses also operate during the evenings, business owners thought IT park was a prime location for their businesses. As a result, there are bars and restaurants that operate 24/7. You can find some of these establishments in The Walk (behind TGU Tower), Garden Bloc (e-Bloc 2), and Central Bloc (right in the middle of the park). Some of the bars you can find here include Park Social (the sister bar of The Social in Ayala Center Cebu), The Pyramid (found in Garden Bloc), Music One Family KTV and DVD (in The Walk), and Pipeline (in front of Waterfront). But if you prefer a more laid-back evening, there are several cafes you can lounge in.
Gen. Maxilom Avenue
Your Cebu City nightlife excursion would not be complete without stopping by Gen. Maxilom. Also known locally as Mango Avenue, this is one of the longest streets in Cebu City (starting from Fuente Osmeña until Sergio Osmeña Boulevard). While there are plenty of bars spread throughout the street, most partygoers tend to gather in Mango Square and One Mango. The good thing is these establishments are right across one another, so you can hop from one bar to another by simply walking. That saves you time and money from flagging down another cab. Also, you can easily find a club or bar that best suits your personality. If you prefer to just chill, hangout in Handuraw for some beer and a slice of pizza. If you want to get the latest update on your favorite sport while chugging a pint of beer, head to All-Stars Sports bar; and if you want to belt your heart out with friends, you can either head to Song Hits or Gimik Barkada KTV. Why not visit all these places if you have energy to spare.
Food Strip in SRP Cebu
One of the newest strips in town, this can be found in Talisay, Cebu (which is within the jurisdiction of Cebu province). It may not be as large compared to the other places on this list, but what the Food Strip in SRP Cebu lacks in size makes up for in quality food, drinks, and entertainment. On Friday and Saturday evenings, you can listen to local bands perform live (some of them might even take your requests). As its name implies, food is the star in this strip—which are just as tasty as the food served in the best Cebu restaurants. Here you can savor some of the best local barbecues, such as grilled pork belly, roasted chicken, and even roasted quail. It’s also got a great selection of seafood. But if you are craving some international cuisine, they also serve some carbonara and even Mongolian barbecue. This is a perfect introduction to the southern part of Cebu.
N. Escario Street
This street is probably one of the most underrated places to go at night. It’s mostly known for having some of the hotels in Cebu and is near Capitol Site. But make no mistake, N. Escario Street has plenty to offer. Your first stop ought to be Politics, a restobar (a colloquial term that means a mix between a restaurant and a bar) that serves a fusion of Arabian, Tex-Mex, and Asian cuisine. This is the place to be for people with an adventurous palate. If you just want to have a quiet evening with your friends, stop by 8th Mug. Mostly known as a cafe, this place also serves some refreshing cocktails and mocktails. You can also find plenty of establishments at Axis Entertainment Avenue (located across Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish). All in all, don’t miss out on N. Escario Street.
When you visit any of these areas, your night is set. All you need is some cash to spare and the right company. If you don’t have any friends yet, the locals are friendly enough that you can join in. You won’t be disappointed by the establishments nor the patrons that visit these areas. You can simply focus on having a good time and bask in the Cebu nightlife scene.
The good thing about these places is they are very accessible by public transport, so you can easily visit them (they are also conveniently near to each other). They are also great places to pick Cebu City hotels to stay in. You can take from the high-class variety to the budget-friendly fare. So if you have no idea what place to go for a night out, you can just head to these areas and take your pick from there.
