High Times Above the City by the Bay at Diamond Hotel's Bar 27

Nights out in the old city by the bay gets a much needed new vibe...

...it's high time old Manila welcomes a new, and probably even the highest and coolest nightspot this part of the city. And things are definitely looking up at Diamond Hotel's Bar 27.

As the name implies, Bar 27 (L) is located at the 27th floor of Diamond Hotel Philippines, updated and transformed with a sleek and sophisticated modern vibe matched by impeccable service. At the reception, your experience at Bar 27 begins with the warm and welcoming smiles from the friendly staff (R)...

...and if you come at the right moment, you  may even catch that legendary Manila Bay sunset. Simply pick your spot with a view of the bay, and sit back. The usual metro traffic below, and everything else, seems like a world away high above Bar 27. It's the perfect spot for a round or two and a sunset.

Formerly the Sky Lounge, Bar 27 is definitely a level up. The classic yet modern plush chairs, the vibrantly colored carpets, and panoramic glass windows combine for an elegant night out in old Manila, followed by its exquisite cuisine capped by its handcrafted signature cocktails. Start with Bar 27's light and tasty appetizers like the Prosciutto and Melon (P 250), with Parma ham, sweet melon, crunchy grissini breadsticks, and mint. The sweet and salty notes of the melon and Parma ham complement each other in a seamless blend, but there's more...

Bar 27's Gambas al Ajillo (P 725), plump shrimps topped with garlic, chili and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil is another elegantly plated dish...

...with its succulent briny notes punctuated by the nutty hints of garlic and intense flavors of the chili perfectly rounded out by the extra virgin olive oil. And the head's where all the flavors are, so pick one up and gently suck in the richness. 

Complete the vibe with a round of Bar 27's inventive signature cocktails (P 420 net), including (clockwise from top left) the wittingly named Whiskey Business, a smooth blend of bourbon, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and egg white; the Read Between the Gin, a soothing cocktail with Pimms #1, lemon, lime, mint, cucumber, orange and clear soda; the Friendly Fire, a light and easy cocktail with gin, Triple Sec, and Lime Juice; the Cool As A Cucumber, a minty cocktail with rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves; and the colorful Manila Bay Sunrise, with tequila, orange juice, and Grenadine syrup. Bar 27 offers, you guessed it, twenty-seven signature cocktails with playful names like Never Mind...Her, Fly Me To The Malt, Sexy In The City, No Gin, No Glory, Casual Ex, Shot Gun Wedding, and Go Drunk, You're Home. Bar 27 categorizes all their cocktails under distinct headings like Chill, Upbeat, and Party, so depending on your mood, Bar 27's got the right cocktail for you. It's also a good reason to plan a second and a third or more return trips to Bar 27 to try all twenty-seven cocktails. Now that sounds like a plan, twenty-seven cocktails at Bar 27 in one night...

In between rounds of cocktails, go for some pork love with Bar 27's Chef's Tasting-Jamon Experience (P 895), a sumptuous platter with Iberico Bellota, San Daniele Parma Ham, Serrano Ham, dried fruits and assorted nuts that's great for sharing.

Also ideal for sharing is Bar 27's Open Face Petite Bocadillos (P 580), tasty open-faced sandwiches with San Daniele Parma Prosciutto, Chorizo Iberico, and Calabrese Salami.

And just in time with another round of signature cocktails, Bar 27's Bruschetta 3 (P 260), tasty bites with fresh and juicy tomatoes, sardines, bocconcini, balsamic and basil, keeps you in the groove.

Make it a mini-feast with Bar 27's Salsiccia (P 390), with the bold and sharp flavors of chorizo layered with the rich notes of red wine, tomatoes, and garlic. After a few bites of the chorizo, you'll have to resist the urge to ask for some garlic rice and go for another cocktail instead...

Pair your next round of cocktails with Bar 27's Croquetas (P 345), soft croquettes with a crisp outer layer filled with premium Iberico and tender chunks of chicken served with saffron aioli; and the cheesy Lentil (P 280) with green lentils, Gorgonzola cheese, and fresh basil.

Let Peter (L) and his team of mixologists (R) recommend your next round of cocktails, and soon your mood will level up from chill, to upbeat, and eventually, party. And there's no place like Bar 27 to go through chill, upbeat, and party all in one spot high above the old city by the bay.

And if you've been kind to Peter and his team of mixologists, he might even offer you an off-the-menu secret dish, like the Crispy Deep-Fried Anchovies or Dilis, served with a spicy chili vinegar dip, just what you need for another round of serious cocktails.

At Bar 27, guests can enjoy live band performances with J-Project (L) and DJs each night so you won't skip a beat. And when you're about to reach party mode, you'll need a little help from Bar 27's A. K. B27 (R), a cool spin on the flaming B-52 with Kahlua, Bailey's Cream, and Grand Marnier.

...or simply chill with another refreshing Read Between The Gin.

For me, I'll always go back to my Old-Fashioned with Bar 27's aptly named Johnny Be Good and remain upbeat all night long, with Johnnie Walker Whisky, sugar cubes, Angostura Bitters, and soda water garnished with an orange peel. Experience something new in the old city by the bay. Good times. High times...twenty-seven floors up at Bar 27.

Bar 27 is located at the 27th Floor of Diamond Hotel, Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila, or call (632) 528-3000 or (632) 305-3000 for inquiries.

Dude for Food is now on Facebook and Instagram, check out the FB Page and IG Feed for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and "Follow" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB and IG widgets on the right sidebar.