A Must-Visit Café Hidden in One of Malate’s Heritage Buildings

Tucked into a corner of the Ramon Magsaysay Center's main floor is a gem you can't miss out on: The Library Café by Gourmet Farms. The little nook occupies a refurbished corner of the center's own room of literary archives—we'll get this out of the way ASAP—which you can't access (as of now), but dang, does it link you up with quality drinks, Manila sunset views, a chance to check out a historic building, and most importantly, even a bit of peace and quiet.

PHOTO BY facebook / the library cafe by gourmet farms

With the same brains behind Silang OG Gourmet Farms backing this café, there's no denying the place is a vibe. It mixes coffee and libraries after all, as well as a bit of history via it's unusual location. Yup, you can check out one of Manila's heritage buildings up close thanks to the café. Now if you're looking for a vibe that hits both library café and Christmas, know that they're dropping a line of drinks especially for the holidays on Tuesday, November 1. As if you needed any more reason to drop by.

PHOTO BY mia rodriguez PHOTO BY mia rodriguez PHOTO BY mia rodriguez

Get into Christmas mode with The Library Café's Special Holiday Drinks

Kiddie parties are what barista Baron Dizon had in mind while creating this special line of drinks. With cups full of warm (or cold) festive cheer and a whole lot of marshmallows, we can say he hit the nail right on the head.

First up on the list is the kid-friendly Choco Mallows Latte, available in hot or cold cuppas. This treat takes the classic mix of steamed or cold milk and chocolate syrup to a higher level with a topping of crushed cookies and marshmallows. The drink itself is smooth and not to sweet, hitting all the right childhood notes, but the torched top gives it textural depth and added flavor.

PHOTO BY mia rodriguez

The White Mallows Latte, meanwhile, is for those looking for a new, more festive way to get in their daily caffeine hit. With espresso, milk, marshallows, and a topping of torched marshmallows and crushed white chocolate cookies, too, it's a childhood dream all grown up.

PHOTO BY mia rodriguez

Now for a caffeine rush all wrapped up in dessert, the Affogato Supreme answers wonderfully. A shot of deep espresso is poured over two scoops of vanilla ice cream, then the glass is crowned with a slice of coffee brownie and a sprinkling of cashew. The vanilla gently takes the edge off the espresso's depth without muddling the coffee-on-coffee combo, making for one heck of a bitter and not-too-sweet treat.

PHOTO BY mia rodriguez

This is a seasonal line of drinks at The Library Café so we say make some time. Find yourself seated at the café's al fresco tables right in front of Roxas Boulevard, watching Manila life pass by while you sip on a treat.

This story originally appeared on Spot.ph.

* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.