Port Bar: Manila’s newest watering hole offers pub favorites, brews, and live music

Hilton Manila recently relaunched Port Bar as the city’s go-to spot for live musical entertainment and sports viewing with an extensive beverage selection. A former multi-functional venue, Port Bar now reopens as the newest watering hole poised to be a favorite among hotel patrons, sports fans, and many more. The launch event was headed by Hilton Manila General Manager John Lucas, together with Director of Operations Iulai Sau, Commercial Director Joanne Gomez, and Executive Chef Ryan Hong.

“We want to provide our patrons with an alternative, casual dining experience at Port Bar where they can simply unwind, share drinks, and indulge in sumptuous meals with friends and family,” says John Lucas, Hilton Manila’s general manager. “This was more like a cocktail lounge prior to our closure back in 2020. So when we reopened, we didn’t just want to do something of the same. We really want a little bit more relaxed, and something that’s probably a bit more unique to Manila.”

Aside from the comfort the bar exudes with its interiors, the culinary offerings by Chef Ryan Hong, Hilton Manila’s new executive chef, also bring warmth to guests looking for delectable dishes. In his repertoire for Port Bar, the menu highlights include Soft Shell Crab Sliders, The Signature Port Cheeseburger, Rustic Paddle Sourdough Pizza, and Tamnavulin Whiskey Aged Ribeye Steak, to name a few.

With over 15 years of culinary experience in Australia and Asia, and the recipient of several accolades like “Hotel Chef of the Year 2015” and finalist for “Chef of the Year 2016” in both Tourism Accommodation Australia and the Hotel Management Magazine, Chef Ryan aims to elevate Hilton Manila’s gourmet favorites at Port Bar, as well as the hotel’s other dining destinations including Kusina Sea Kitchens, Hua Yuan Brasserie Chinoise, and Madison.

The chef notes: “I am excited to be part of Hilton Manila and share my knowledge of the kitchen and hospitality industry with the team. I look forward to treating our guests to dishes that they have come to love at our restaurants, while also introducing new and fresh flavors.”

While catching the latest sports matches or just unwinding after a hard day at work, enjoy a round of Port Bar’s signature cocktails like The Port (Fundador Light, homemade spice syrup, fresh lemon juice, and ginger ale), Tug of War (Olmeca Tequila Reposado, Laphroaig Whiskey, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, and orange bitters), Love Punch (Tamnavulin, lime juice, Prosecco reduction syrup, and ginger ale), and Wild Major (bourbon, lemon juice, chocolate gourmet, chocolate bitters, and egg white).

“The whole concept is all about having a nice stylish place to sit in the afternoon with live music, and just relax. It’s just an opportunity to put your feet up and have a bit of international flavor,” John ends.

Together with its 10-seater bar counter, Port Bar comfortably seats 50 guests with social distancing. It has a pool table, two flat screen TVs, and an ice cold draft beer area. Hilton Manila strictly observes health and safety protocols with its own CleanStay initiative and holds the Department of Tourism’s Safety Seal.