Oarhouse is one of Manila's best-kept secrets -- Sunday Philippine Daily Inquirer

'Manila's 8 Best-kept Secrets', Philippine Sunday Inquirer front page, June 24, 2007

Don't say we didn't warn you, but for the regulars and the new generation of visitors to the Oarhouse for the last three years, it's really not been so much of a secret as to how much we've called this place 'OUR HOUSE' for the great encounters, conversations, events, and the company of just plain unassuming but interesting folk -- known or unknown. The list is too long to name the names, but let's just say you'll have to come over and just hang. Take the load off your feet, order that first ice cold beer of the day from Wilson the bartender, and relax. And leave all your baggage (emotional-egotistical-psychological and physical) at the door. Truth only needs a small space, people, and we're nowhere near the size of Greenbelt.

it's just a pub in Malate with decent food. ;-)

cheers,

ben

In today's Sunday Inquirer Magazine - The City's Eight Best Kept Secrets, June 24, 2007

Manila's finest places and where to find them

at no. 5 -- Best Secret Bar -- Oarhouse

Opened in 1978 by retired U.S. navyman Chuck Monroe, it is perhaps one of the last old school bars left in the rapidly changing Malate landscape. Now owned by a former regular, Nonoy Tan, the Oarhouse still lives up to its promise of serving warm food and cold beer to a new, much younger clientele. On any given night, you could catch a photo exhibit (it is a photojournalist hangout), schmooze with actors from the Cultural Center, or chat up a Peace Corps Volunteer. Wilson, a Malate bartender from the days of Blue Cafe on Nakpil, is more than ready to share a friendly word, or mix a deadly Margarita. Leave the diet at home too. Their Pork Wiener Schnitzel and Balbacua (bone marrow stew) are definitely worth the trip downtown.

-- Carlos Celdran