Starbucks Dominance
Coffee culture synonymous with Starbucks -- the primary venue for meetings, laptop work, and casual hangouts.
Specialty Coffee Awakening
Third-wave coffee movement arrives; Filipino baristas compete internationally; local roasters like Barista Coffee emerge in Manila.
BGC Coffee Boom
Specialty cafes multiply: Yardstick, % Arabica, Antipodean, and award-winning roasteries establish BGC as specialty coffee hub.
Remote Work Era
COVID accelerates remote work; BGC cafes become de facto coworking spaces. WiFi, seating, and extended hours become as essential as coffee quality.
Frank & Dean Coffee
Frank & Dean Coffee has become a favorite among BGC's remote work community, offering a cozy yet productive atmosphere. Open until 2 AM on weekdays, it's perfect for night owls and deadline chasers. The cafe features reliable WiFi, plenty of power outlets, and comfortable seating arrangements. Their specialty coffee is affordably priced (₱110-₱190), making it accessible for daily work sessions without breaking the bank.
What Makes a Great Remote Work Cafe
Beyond coffee quality, successful remote work cafes excel at infrastructure: reliable, fast WiFi that doesn't drop, abundant power outlets, comfortable seating that supports posture for hours, and a culture that welcomes laptops without time pressure. The best BGC cafes understand that remote workers spend money on multiple coffee sessions across entire workdays -- they're not "table rent" situations, but valued customers. Noise levels matter too: some prefer quiet concentration zones while others thrive in energetic environments with other working professionals.
Remote Work Pro Tips
Peak hours (11 AM - 2 PM) make work nearly impossible at most cafes due to crowds. Try early mornings (7-9 AM) or late afternoons (4-6 PM) for quiet, productive spaces. Many cafes have loyalty programs or affordable daily passes for frequent remote workers.
Yardstick Coffee
A favorite among the BGC remote work community, Yardstick Coffee delivers consistency in both quality and atmosphere. Their Otaku Room location at One Bonifacio High Street features a unique collaboration with atmos Philippines, offering exclusive drinks and coffee cocktails alongside their signature Yardstick blend. The minimalist interior, reliable air conditioning, and friendly staff create an environment where you can settle in for hours of productive work.
% Arabica Manila
The Manila outpost of the famous Kyoto-based chain brings Japanese minimalist aesthetics and world-class coffee to BGC. Their BGC Roastery location near Bonifacio High Street features a see-through roastery that adds an interesting backdrop to your work sessions. While often busy during peak hours, early mornings (opens at 7 AM) and late afternoons offer prime working time. The cafe is open until 10 PM on weekdays and midnight on weekends.
Starbucks Reserve - Central Square
For those who prefer the familiar comfort of Starbucks with an upscale twist, the Reserve location at Central Square delivers. Featuring exclusive small-lot coffees, specialty brewing methods, cocktails, and food pairings, this spacious location offers plenty of seating options across multiple floors. The reliable WiFi and numerous power outlets make it a safe bet for remote work, and the convenient location in the heart of BGC makes it easily accessible.
Caffe Pocofino
Caffe Pocofino stands out as BGC's premier 24-hour work-friendly cafe, making it perfect for those late-night deadline pushes or early morning productivity sessions. This pet-friendly establishment serves Italian heritage coffee alongside a variety of paninis and food options. The spacious layout provides plenty of workspace, and the round-the-clock operation means you're never limited by closing hours. With reliable WiFi and a relaxed atmosphere, it's become a favorite among remote workers who need flexibility in their work schedule.
