bar1951

bar1951 is at 1951 M. Adriatico Street in Malate, near Remedios Circle. It's named after its address, and it carries on from Penguin Cafe, the old Malate hangout for artists and musicians. Partners Eric Gonzalez and Butch Aldana set it up after the original Penguin closed.

The place has two floors plus a loft. It's worn in and comfortable, with photos and paintings on the walls. Someone is usually performing. Over the years the lineup has covered blues, reggae, acoustic sets and open mic nights, and some nights it's performance art instead of a band.

The drink most people order is the mojito, which is cheap. Beer is cheap too. The food is simple and easy on the wallet, good enough to keep you going through a couple of sets.

The crowd is writers, painters, musicians and the people who like being around them. Students come too, since it's affordable. It's the kind of bar where you end up talking to the next table about a band you've never heard of.

Weekends fill up fastest. Schedules change a lot, so check their Facebook group to see who's playing before you go. Then come early enough to grab a good seat.