The province of Bulacan is home to many great things, from heritage and religious sites to the heroes who shaped our country’s history, to even the world’s largest indoor arena. But a recent discovery on one of our many trips to the north is that Bulacan is also home to several quaint and “’grammable” coffee shops.
We visited three to check out the vibes, the views, and, of course, the coffee.
Sirius Espresso
Jasper St., Rocka Village 2, Tabang, Plaridel, Bulacan
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays
Tucked inside a quiet subdivision, Sirius Espresso makes for a perfect escape from the dreariness of a long day on the road. The two-story cafe has beautiful seating areas both indoors and outdoors, and offers a variety of food and drink options.
For something refreshing in this heat, go for the Sirius iced tea. Those with a sweet tooth but a hankering for caffeine can go for Sirius’ take on a caramel macchiato, which they call the caramello (you can also have it iced!).
They also have a selection of desserts, pastries, and filling meals. For something more substantial, go for the bacon and egg, which has a hefty mound of rice topped with a perfectly cooked sunny side up, served with strips of crispy bacon and a side of greens. There’s also the rustic grilled cheese, a take on the classic sandwich. For something sweet, go for the soft and delicate mango mille crepe.
They also bake their bread fresh every day, and you can buy sourdough loaves, too.
Calixto Cafe
Violeta St., Guiguinto, Bulacan
1 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily
If you’re looking to take a break after plant shopping at the garden capital of Guiguinto, Bulacan, head over to Calixto Cafe. The clean, minimalist space is also accentuated with pockets of greenery, making it a nice cool space to chill in.
They have an extensive menu of food and drinks, from the classic Spanish latte, to the more trendy toasted marshmallow latte. They also have non-caffeinated options, like fizzy fruit-based drinks perfect for the summer.
Calixto Cafe opens at 1 p.m. and operates late into the night, so there are also several filling food options that are good for either a late lunch or dinner. Expect a variety of cafe food like truffle and mushroom pasta, or rice dishes paired with various meats such as sausages or chicken.
Concrete Coffee
Plaridel Bypass Road, Guiguinto, Bulacan
9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily
Concrete Coffee is one of the most unexpected coffee shops to find. It sits in a corner along the Plaridel Bypass Road, where mostly trucking and logistics hubs and industrial materials manufacturers are located. (Kaya siguro “Concrete”?!)
This quaint coffee shop is an oasis on this side of the bypass. Stone walls surround the coffee shop to hide the busy highway view, which also boosts the cafe’s industrial aesthetic. Inside, the walls are decorated with posters akin to floor plans and architectural drawings.
Concrete Coffee’s menu is short and straightforward. You can order basic espresso-based drinks like a cappuccino or latte, or enjoy pour-over or drip coffee.
[READ: 5 classic coffee brewers, explained via fnbreport.ph]