Best Bars in Mimaropa: Coastal Cocktails, Hidden Terraces, And Island Nightlife You Should Hit Next

Piece of Sky El Nido - Rooftop-style views and laid back cocktails

Piece of Sky El Nido sits just off the main tourist drag, but it feels like a secret balcony over the town. With a 4.7 rating from more than 500 reviews and steady recent feedback, it is trending because travelers keep calling it their favorite “last drink of the night” spot.

Think twinkling town lights, limestone silhouettes in the distance, and a soundtrack that lets you talk without shouting. Cocktails lean tropical but not overly sweet, and the staff is happy to tweak classics if you want something lighter or stronger.

Why it is trending now

• Consistent high ratings plus a growing trickle of new reviews
• Rooftop-style vantage point that shows up beautifully in photos
• Relaxed seating that encourages lingering instead of bar hopping

Best for

• Golden hour drinks before or after island hopping
• Small groups who want conversation-friendly music
• Couples looking for a low key, romantic last stop

Tips

• Arrive before sunset to grab rail seating with a view.
• Ask about any off menu mixes; bartenders sometimes riff on local fruits in season.

Barton Bistro - Lively resto-bar energy in El Nido

Barton Bistro is technically a restaurant, but the bar scene is what keeps it packed late. With more than 1,400 reviews and a strong 4.6 rating, it is trending because it has become a reliable “meet everyone here first” hub in El Nido.

The vibe is energetic without tipping into full club mode. Expect a mix of backpackers, dive crews, and locals grabbing drinks after work. There is a wide beer selection, simple but solid cocktails, and hearty bar food if you need a base before a late night.

Why it is trending now

• High volume of reviews shows it is a staple stop for new visitors
• Word of mouth as the social starting point before bar hopping
• Central location in town makes it easy to find and re-find

Best for

• Groups who want a lively but approachable scene
• Travelers looking to meet other people to share tours or boats
• Casual drinkers who want food and drinks in one place

Tips

• Go early evening if you want a table without waiting.
• If you are bar hopping, use Barton Bistro as your “rally point” so no one gets lost.

Resto Veranda - Sunset drinks with a view in Puerto Princesa

Resto Veranda in Puerto Princesa blends restaurant comfort with bar worthy views. With a 4.3 rating and a steady stream of reviews, it is trending for travelers who want a calmer, seafront alternative to busier city bars.

The draw here is the open air veranda looking toward the water. Order a cold beer or a simple cocktail and watch the sky change colors while boats move in and out of the bay. The menu leans Filipino and seafood, so it works well if you want dinner and drinks in one stop.

Why it is trending now

• View heavy photos on social media are attracting new visitors
• Balanced crowd of locals and tourists keeps it authentic
• Reliable service and a relaxed pace compared with downtown spots

Best for

• Early evening drinks with a view
• Families or mixed groups where some want a meal, others just drinks
• Travelers easing into Palawan after a flight into Puerto Princesa

Tips

• Time your visit around sunset for the best veranda experience.
• Ask for outdoor seating when you arrive, even if you have a reservation.

Tamarind Restaurant - Chill cocktails in a garden setting

Tamarind Restaurant might sound purely like a dining spot, but its drinks and ambiance make it a low key bar option, especially for those who prefer conversation over crowds. With a 4.6 rating and nearly 300 reviews, it is trending because people discover it for food, then return specifically for the relaxed, leafy vibe.

The space often features warm lighting, garden touches, and a quieter soundscape than many street front bars. Cocktails are straightforward but well executed, and there is usually a good selection of local beers and fresh juices for non drinkers.

Why it is trending now

• Reviewers praise the calm atmosphere in contrast to noisier strips
• Good crossover spot for both dinner and unhurried drinks
• Ideal for travelers who want a “grown up” night out

Best for

• Date nights and small group catch ups
• Travelers who want a mellow first night in town
• Mixed groups with both drinkers and non drinkers

Tips

• Reserve if you are coming at peak dinner time, then linger for drinks.
• If you like sour profiles, ask for tamarind inspired cocktails when available.

Badjao Seafront Restaurant - Iconic stilt house with bar worthy views

Badjao Seafront Restaurant is one of Puerto Princesa’s most photographed dining spots, built on stilts over the water with mangroves all around. With more than 1,300 reviews and a 4.4 rating, it is trending as a must visit for travelers who want a “wow” setting for sunset drinks.

While it is primarily known for seafood, many visitors treat it like a destination bar before or after exploring the city. Order a cold beer, a simple mixed drink, or a fresh coconut and soak in the panoramic views of the bay and mangrove forest.

Why it is trending now

• Dramatic setting that looks great in photos and videos
• Longstanding favorite that still attracts new visitors every season
• Seafront atmosphere that feels like an escape from the city center

Best for

• Pre dinner drinks with a view
• First timers in Puerto Princesa who want a “signature” experience
• Groups who want to combine sightseeing with a relaxed drink

Tips

• Aim for late afternoon to catch the changing light over the water.
• Bring a light cover in case the sea breeze gets cool after dark.

Making the most of Mimaropa’s bar scene

Mimaropa’s best bar experiences are tied to its landscapes rooftop terraces in El Nido, verandas over Puerto Princesa Bay, and garden style restos that double as mellow bars. Instead of chasing only big name nightlife, use MapsBuddy to spot trending spots with rising reviews and local buzz.

Save these places to your MapsBuddy list, watch how ratings shift while you travel, and you will keep finding bars and resto-bars that feel ahead of the mainstream, not behind it.