A night cap at one of the island's famed institutions seemed to the right thing to do. After all, it's a Monday night. That means the Crazy Shot Lady is making the rounds at Two Brown Boys...
The enduring institution continues to rock the island scene despite the temporary closures from the rehabilitation of 2018 and the two-year global pandemic that followed in 2020. More than just your typical bar, Two Brown Boys is Boracay's unique and resilient island vibe personified. Now that's reason enough to raise a toast. And there's no better way to celebrate the proper Two Brown Boys way than with an endless round of straight up libations from the Crazy Shot Lady.
What began as a 40 square meter hole in the wall joint along Bulabog Road eight years ago has become a favorite dive for both tourists and locals alike. And it's easy to see why. A survivor of the island rehabilitation as well as the lingering pandemic, Two Brown Boys is now a respectable 180 square meter bar with two floors that's continuing to rock the island. In true island style, come in as you please and go with the flow.
Husband and wife team Matt and Jo (aka the Crazy Shot Lady) remain some of the island's many colorful personalities unfolding their many stories with each spirited shot at Two Brown Boys. Known for their bar selection along with what they describe as "badass burgers," Matt and Jo are some of the island's true believers and that's immediately felt the minute you enter the revered joint along Bulabog Road.
What's in a name? The bar has meant quite a number of things to different people and loyal patrons. For some, it's pride in their local ethnicity while on the extreme end the bar's second floor has been popular with the LGBTQ++ community. The name Two Brown Boys actually refers to the two sons of Matt and Jo, but the couple takes pleasure in what they call "identity crisis" believing this bar is home for everyone. Come in as you are with no judgement nor pretensions. That seems to be the secret to the longevity of Two Brown Brothers, remaining relevant to a wide base with diverse demographics.
From the laid-back grunge rock playlist on the ground floor to the young, hip vibe with DJs at the second floor, just find your spot...
...and have the bar fix you up with some libation. Two Brown Boys offers the classics from mojitos to margaritas and whiskey sours for that proper island vibe.
And if you're game to try something new, Jo has just what you need. Two Brown Brothers has a wicked bar menu and you'll soon find a cocktail with your name on it in no time.
The Mamaru (P 180) with its blend of coconut rum, white rum, pineapple, Blue Curacao and grenadine is a smooth, sweet and deceptively easy cocktail to start with at Two Brown Boys. But disrespect this innocent looking cocktail and it will bite you back. The sweet finish just makes you drop your guard and lulls you into complacency. Then again, you're in the island and that's the whole point.
Having more than a few cocktails prior to Two Brown Brothers, I wasn't sure what to get. I eventually settle down with the Amaretto Sour (P 170), an equally naughty concoction with Amaretto, simple syrup and calamansi. Light, sweet and easy on the palate punctuated by the vibrant hints of calamansi, you'll soon be chilling and grinning with another round
After a few more rounds, the Crazy Shot Lady enters the bar for a Two Brown Brothers tradition. It's Monday, and at Two Brown Brothers that simply means Crazy Shots Mondays.
The Crazy Shot Lady promptly picks a few bottles here and there and a blur slows down her frenetic pace as she pours the assorted spirits in a shaker...
...and proceeds with the ritual on a bar impressively lined end-to-end with shot glasses. Short of being a Monday night spectacle, Crazy Shots Mondays is almost like a rite of passage for first-time visitors to Two Brown Boys. And for loyal customers both tourists and locals alike, Crazy Shots Mondays is part of the island's free-flowing vibe.
Now pick and call your shot. And welcome to Two Brown Brothers.
The island's diverse and eclectic cast of bars and dining establishments continue to beat with Boracay's very own and distinct rhythm. Through countless challenges, the culinary landscape and bar scene of the island evolves in step with the times. For some, the impact of the quarantine experience has led to temporary and sadly even permanent closure. For others like Two Brown Brothers, the beat goes on. It's inspiring stories like this that keeps us going as we face our own battles in life. Now that deserves another round of shots...
Two Brown Boys is located along Road 1-A, Bulabog, Brgy. Balabag, Boracay. You can also visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/2brownboys/ and IG Feed at https://www.instagram.com/two_brownboys/ for updates or call 036 288 9828 for more information.
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