During the Prohibition era in the United States, speakeasies or blind pigs were hidden bars where people could get their hands on some hooch. Many of them were underground, concealed in the back rooms of laundromats, or hidden away behind unmarked doors. Since it was illegal to sell alcohol during this time, it was important to keep these operations as discreet as possible.
But alcohol is now legal and it’s been a long time since the prohibition days. However, speakeasy-style bars are becoming one of the most popular places to drink. They’re also becoming popular in the Philippines and typically serve old-fashioned and carefully curated cocktails with egg whites, floral syrups, and classic garnishes.
Last weekend, I was able to check out one at Solaire Resort and Casino - Baccarat Room & Bar which used to be a closed-off area only for the VIPs and high-stakes Poker players. Now Solaire is opening this new Cigar Bar & Poker Room to guests who prefer a classic, more intimate setting to play and indulge in the world’s finest cigars and selection of drinks.
As of the moment, not many people know about it because, like I said, it was an exclusive place. Don’t worry, this bar is not guarded by any secret password or isn’t exactly hidden; you only have to look for the staircase to find this underground haven below the casinos. They offer one-of-a-kind concoctions, boutique brands of spirits, as well as classic drinks, and craft distillers.
Baccarat Room & Bar is decorated like it’s from the 1920s and purposely themed to emulate the atmosphere of a speakeasy. Go down a classic looking carpeted staircase through a glass door, then a hallway lined with a beautifully-lit glass case display of fine wines and at the far end the glimpse of their bar area. Once inside you’ll get this feeling that you’re transported back in time. I’m telling you, it is straight out of The Boardwalk TV series and Great Gatsby kind of vibe in there.
Baccarat Room & Bar is for those people who are in search of a speakeasy with a dash of culture and sophistication. The place is huge and with a lot of seating area compared to the other speakeasies around the metro. You can find plush lounge chairs everywhere that’ll make you feel like a mafia boss. The music is subtle allowing you and your peers to engage in great intimate conversations. Drink prices are at par with other speakeasies, so don’t get intimidated.
The bar contains both bespoke, vintage and modern liquors, some of the bottles really looks like they are from the early 1900s and looking like collectibles. Even glassware appears as if they were from an era not of this generation and the TV sets are playing black and white vintage silent movies. The bartenders know their craft and the other waiting staff are well-trained with upscale service; and heck, they even dress the part.
Me and my friends got us each a drink and we picked out Cigar Bar’s line of Signature Cocktails:
Check out some of the other secret bars in Manila here: - Shhh... Don't Tell: Some of Manila's Coolest Speakeasy (Hidden) Bars - Solaire Resort & Casino's New Speakeasy: Baccarat Room & Bar - Secret Bar: RM-16 - Secret Bar: ABV - Secret Bar: OTC - Secret Bar: Bank Bar MNL - Secret Bar: The Exit - Secret Bar: Mandalay Whisky and Cigar Bar - Secret Bar: The ODD Seoul - Secret Bar: INT Bar - Varra Restobar - San Juan's New It Place - Secret Bar: Alibi - Secret Bar: Bar by EAST at Lamp Quarters Marikina
Last weekend, I was able to check out one at Solaire Resort and Casino - Baccarat Room & Bar which used to be a closed-off area only for the VIPs and high-stakes Poker players. Now Solaire is opening this new Cigar Bar & Poker Room to guests who prefer a classic, more intimate setting to play and indulge in the world’s finest cigars and selection of drinks.
Baccarat Room & Bar is for those people who are in search of a speakeasy with a dash of culture and sophistication. The place is huge and with a lot of seating area compared to the other speakeasies around the metro. You can find plush lounge chairs everywhere that’ll make you feel like a mafia boss. The music is subtle allowing you and your peers to engage in great intimate conversations. Drink prices are at par with other speakeasies, so don’t get intimidated.
The bar contains both bespoke, vintage and modern liquors, some of the bottles really looks like they are from the early 1900s and looking like collectibles. Even glassware appears as if they were from an era not of this generation and the TV sets are playing black and white vintage silent movies. The bartenders know their craft and the other waiting staff are well-trained with upscale service; and heck, they even dress the part.
Tora Tora - Cigar Bar’s variation of the Aviation drink. Elevate your palate with this iconic sour cocktail of Citadelle Gin, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, fresh sweet and sour and Crème de Violette.
Purple Skies - an ode to a classic New York sour with a premium blend of Michter’s Whiskey, fresh sweet and sour then topped with Malbec red wine.
The Weekend - hard work deserves a good weekender, why not celebrate with this unique old-fashioned twist of Wild Turkey Whiskey, Cointreau, Galliano, apple cider vinegar and house-infused honey cinnamon syrup.
Travelers Negroni - a classic, but here the journey is your destination from a choice of the Italian Hero Citadelle Gin, The American Invader Maker’s Mark Whiskey or the Mexican Amigi Mezcal Los Siete Misterios
Summer Flora - refresh yourself with a fruity and herbal concoction of Boodles Gin, Yellow Chartreuse, Elderflower, strawberry and basil.
Side Car - transport back in first class with a modern classic using Hine Cognac, Cointreau and Housed-infused honey cinnamon syrup.
Barrel Aged Manhattan – experience, excite, and energize your palate with a powerful combination of Michter’s
Mojito - traditional Cuban highball. Traditionally, a mojito is a cocktail that consists of five ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint.
Whiskey Sour - a mixed drink containing whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and optionally, a dash of egg white.
Everyone of us agreed that Baccarat Room & Bar offers extremely tasteful drinks. They are so enjoyable to drink and ones that I haven't tried yet. I simply love that they don't just use ordinary or mainstream liquors and that mostly are whiskey based (which I loooove). If that doesn't make you feel like Michael Corleone, well, I don't know what can! I have to say though that my favorite was the Summer Flora since it is more on the lighter side but still with a punch and the The Weekend for it's smokey and sweet whiskey taste that I prefer. I might try Travelers Negroni with Mexican Amigi Mezcal Los Siete Misterios, because I tried Mezcal before and I was so down for it.
If you want an experience more than just the usual night on the town, this place is a must visit. We super enjoyed our time there. It was so cozy and relaxed that when we surfaced back to the main floor of Solaire Resort and Casino, we felt like we emerged from a different world altogether.
Now you can visit Baccarat Room & Bar even if you’re not going to lay bets, and only just want to enjoy some classic or curated drinks. It’s kitschy, it’s romantic, and the place to bring the friends or that significant other you want to impress.
THE CIGAR BAR & POKER ROOM
Solaire Resort & Casino, Aseana Ave.,
Entertainment City, Parañaque City
Contact Nos: 02 8888888
Solaire Resort & Casino, Aseana Ave.,
Entertainment City, Parañaque City
Contact Nos: 02 8888888
Instagram: instagram.com/solaireresort
For more information, complete menu and restaurant reviews, check out their Zomato profile:
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