Bintana Coffee House is a peaceful hangout spot that is well-known in Cebu's art scene.
Are coffee shops in the Philippines getting too crowded?
This is what a Scottish vlogger expressed when he visited the country in 2023 after noticing multiple customers at a local Starbucks just sitting down on their laptops, treating the cafe like it was a personal working space.
Many Filipinos go to cafes to work remotely, utilizing the free wi-fi while enjoying comfortable seating and a social environment. Unfortunately, as a result, most cafes are usually fully occupied.
Now, coffee lovers find solace in smaller cafes with fewer people. What’s more is that these places tend to offer a more soothing ambiance for dining and productivity.
One example is the famous Bintana Coffee House, located along Elizabeth Pond Street in Camputhaw.
This quaint cafe is tucked in a quiet street near Redemptorist Church, away from major streets and landmarks. It’s mostly known for its cozy and artistic atmosphere.
They offer breakfast dishes, coffee drinks, snacks, and other fresh beverages, all at an affordable price, making it one of the most underrated cafes in Cebu.
ARTISTIC ATMOSPHERE
Once you arrive, you will instantly be greeted by a warm and homey vibe. The colorful paintings definitely add to the modest setup. Even the murals outside the cafe make it stand out among the neighboring residential houses.
The inside has a sort of vintage feel to it because of the display of different knickknacks and the warm lighting. They also have an al fresco dining area.
Inside are sets of wooden tables and chairs where you can eat or enjoy your coffee while reading a book or drawing on your sketch pad.
As you walk around, you will see a bunch of decorative memorabilia, as well as souvenirs you can purchase, like soaps, tuna flakes, and dried flowers.
The al fresco area is surrounded by a lot of plants, some of which are for sale.
Bintana Coffee House is rarely packed with customers, with Facebook reviewers applauding its peaceful ambiance. One user called it a “hidden gem in Cebu” and another said it was “made for people who love peace and quiet!”
Another thing users raved about is their selection of “great food at affordable prices.”
AFFORDABLE AND FILLING MEALS
There is a lot to love about this quaint cafe in Cebu.
A cafe that offers barista-brewed coffee and homemade meals at affordable prices is rare, but Bintana Coffee House is known for just that. Most of their food items cost less than Php 300.
They have pork, chicken, fish, and beef dishes. You can pair these up with other snack items like cheese sticks or thick-cut fries.
Their burger steak is a crowd-favorite, doused in creamy gravy (which is an original recipe), giving you a sense of childhood nostalgia.
One food offering unanimously appreciated by those who have tried it is their pan-grilled buttered sandwiches. Their grilled cheese sandwich is toasted just right, infused with butter for a more palatable flavor.
The snack is so popular that the cafe was highlighted as one of the best places to get a satisfying grilled cheese sandwich in an article by Sunstar Cebu.
They have a vast selection of coffee and tea drinks as well for you to feel refreshed and energized. They use locally grown coffee beans and their tea is carefully processed and infused with lemons and cucumbers.
An article on Sunstar Weekend, as seen from the Bintana Coffee House Facebook Page, mentioned that their Iced Vietnamese Coffee is one of the must-try blends, stating that customers love to pair this with their signature meals.
Their glass of iced tea is also foamy and refreshing, with its mix of flavors perfect for cooling down after a hot day.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS AT BINTANA COFFEE HOUSE
- Flea markets
Bintana Coffee House hosts a monthly two-day flea market, where merchants sell preloved and secondhand items for the entire day.
The cafe is actively looking for merchants for their flea market events, so you might want to join if you have any pre-owned items you want to sell.
- Music acts
The cafe also has mini concerts where local musicians perform live. This is usually a more private event with only a few limited slots for the audience.
Last August, Bintana hosted “Onely”, an intimate concert with Cebuano artists Vincent Eco, Liana Sandiego, Ben Scharlin, and Reanne Borela.
- Art exhibits
Bintana also holds numerous art exhibits wherein a variety of paintings are put on display for guests to admire or purchase.
The “Masidlakon” (which translates to vibrant colors in Cebuano) pop-up art display is currently ongoing at the cafe, featuring artwork depicting the simple life in Cebu by artists like Diane Ortiz, Peter Bruce, Ana Fe Ruiz, and Pia Joy Bohol.
The exhibit will run until November 7, 2024.
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There is a lot to love about Bintana Coffee House, from their delicious homemade meals to their soothing vintage interiors. It is the perfect hangout spot to pass the time or unwind. It is therefore no surprise that many refer to it as possibly the best coffee shop in Cebu City.
HOW TO GET THERE
Exact Location:
181K Elizabeth Pond, Camputhaw, Cebu City
Operating Hours:
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
To commute to Bintana, you can ride any jeep enroute to Mango Avenue. Get off at Puregold (formerly Fooda Saversmart) and walk to the Redemptorist Church. Once you get there, walk towards Queen’s Road where St. Mark’s Hotel is located.
From there, take the road found on the left side of the church. You will find the cafe at the end of the road.
