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The best cafés to work from in Manila, according to Reddit

The 5 cafés to work from in Manila that people on Reddit named as places they worked from, led by Toby's Estate Coffee Roasters, SM Aura Foodcourt and Pao Cafe. The 5 after them are our own picks, by work score, to make 10.

Ranked by how many Reddit threads name the place as somewhere to work, then by work score. Quoted as written, linked to the thread. One branch per chain.

Aerial view of Manila's skyscrapers and dense residential areas under a clear sky.

  1. Toby's Estate Coffee Roasters

    Café, 3/F

    WI-FI, POWER, Reddit recommended

    , work score 100
    Tobys Estate at SM Aura (sockets + wifi from mall)
    r/CoffeePHDecember 2024

    Hours, amenities and photos for Toby's Estate Coffee Roasters

  2. SM Aura Foodcourt

    Café, 5th floor McKinley Parkway

    WI-FI, Reddit recommended

    , work score 100
    A better place I suggest in SM Aura is the open space right next to Toys R us on the 3rd floor. Thought some days tables may be full. But it's a great and cozy area with free wifi--even has a mini library with a few books.
    r/BGC_TaguigSeptember 2025

    Hours, amenities and photos for SM Aura Foodcourt

  3. Pao Cafe

    Café, G/F

    Reddit recommended

    , work score 80
    Pao Cafe opens until 4am, near The Rise
    r/makatiJuly 2025

    Hours, amenities and photos for Pao Cafe

  4. Assembly Hall

    Café, J. P. Rizal St

    POWER, Reddit recommended

    , work score 70
    For assembly, i tried it once. Okay naman good atmosphere if sanay ka na mag work sa cafe (ako kasi di ako maka focus pag dami dumadaan huhu). May enough outlets. But afaik limited lang hours sa wifi access (not sure if nag bago na).
    r/makatiJuly 2026mixed

    Hours, amenities and photos for Assembly Hall

  5. Seattle's Best Coffee - Market Market

    Café, Fiesta Drop-off

    Reddit recommended

    , work score 50
    Not sure about charger and Wifi but the ones I know that open late: -Seattle's Best Market Market, open until midnight IIRC hut their aircon is often busted.
    r/PhilippinesMarch 2022mixed

    Hours, amenities and photos for Seattle's Best Coffee - Market Market

Our picks

Reddit named 5. These are the next best by work score, one branch per chain.

  1. Bad Cafe

    Café, Legazpi Street

    WI-FI, POWER, Recommended ×3

    , work score 100
    Don't let its name dissuade you—this charming nook along Legazpi Street is a great pick for getting work done
    Tatler AsiaJune 2025

    Hours, amenities and photos for Bad Cafe

  2. Frank & Dean

    Café, Forbes Town Road

    WI-FI, POWER, Recommended ×2

    , work score 100
    Frank & Dean offers free, reliable Wi-Fi and charging outlets for your devices.
    The Beat AsiaMarch 2023

    Hours, amenities and photos for Frank & Dean

  3. Habitual Coffee

    Café, L. P. Leviste Street

    WI-FI, Recommended ×2

    , work score 100
    solo tables can easily be joined for group work, and there's zero pressure to vacate.
    Tatler AsiaJune 2025

    Hours, amenities and photos for Habitual Coffee

  4. Commune Café + Bar + Roastery

    Café, Polaris

    WI-FI, Recommended ×2

    , work score 100
    Beyond its cosy interiors, its outdoor balcony also provides a pretty conducive space for reading and studying.
    TripZilla PhilippinesJanuary 2023

    Hours, amenities and photos for Commune Café + Bar + Roastery

  5. Single Origin - Bonifacio High Street

    Café, C3

    WI-FI, Guide recommended

    , work score 100
    Single Origin is one of the go-to cafés in BGC if you're looking for a fast Wi-Fi connection.
    The Beat AsiaMarch 2023

    Hours, amenities and photos for Single Origin - Bonifacio High Street

Quoted from the Reddit threads linked, which are not ours. If a quote is yours and you would rather it were not here, email us and it comes down.