By Romina Tobias

There’s something about its seemingly discreet location that keeps thrill-seeking urbanites on red alert –they are all armed and ready to party in style. Uniquely being the only restaurant-cum-hip club in Mandaluyong City (not exactly gimmick central for veteran clubbers), is E’s bar located at the Mezzanine level of the Edsa Shangri-la Manila. It’s almost like an unkept secret, a not quite underground pub for a chosen few, tucked inside the world-class charm of a hotel – absolutely giving its shindig-craving creatures a true cosmopolitan experience.

Elegantly sleek and modern best describe the gleaming interiors of E’s bar. Employing the unique talents of local artists and designers, the black and white theme, accented with abstract art on its suspended walls, symbiotically come together to create the perfect setting for an ultra hip crowd.

The place is quite small and narrow, creating an intimate yet still trendy bar. It can be divided into four parts. The bar is at one end then there’s the life of the party at the center, taken over by the indispensable dance floor pulsating with the electrifying beats from top deejays. Tall transparent tables surround the area and a stretch of plush couches with black and white striped pillows and mini-dining tables line up against the wall with wispy window coverings.

Outside is the gem of E’s bar – a patio that resembles a posh New York apartment rooftop with fountains, foliage, a lounge area with mini cabanas, cocktail tables and couches, and the view of surrounding cities.

Sumptuous food extends the bar’s whimsy into the partygoer’s experience. Palates are taken for a wild ride with the tastiest bar snacks such as barbecued shell platter of prawns, lobster and pancetta wrapped scallops served with wasabi mayo. Bar staples like chips and dip, calamari, or chicken wings are pimped out to gourmet perfection. The treats include: tortilla roll with salami, mozzarella and chili dip, spicy chicken nachos with sour cream and avocado dip, crispy soft shell crab with soya mansi, tartar and sweet chili sauce, and generous servings of crispy calamari with garlic aioli and lemon.

Doses of booze are a must. E’s offers traditional cocktails mixed in style by award-winning bartender, Erwin Uñigo. A few sips of a Mai Tai, Mimosa, Dry Martini, Margarita, Screwdriver, Whisky Sour, or the ever-so-sexy Cosmopolitan, is already a party in a glass. For those opting to withdraw from alcohol, mocktails are just as scrumptious. Enjoy the cool mix of fruit juices with the Krungtep Punch (Apple, Orange, Passion fruit, Ginger Ale), Pussy Foot (Orange, Lemon, and Grenadine), or Shangri-la’s Virgin Punch (Peach, Pineapple, Orange, Calamansi, Grenadine).    

Having hosted the concert after-party for R&B sensation Ne-Yo, E’s is definitely a hot and happening nightspot that must be in any partying night owl’s itinerary. E’s bar will definitely fan the flames in this burgeoning hipster town. Cheers to fabulous nights at E’s!

E’s bar opens daily at 5 pm. For inquiries or reservations, click to go to E’s Bar ad profile here in 88DB.