Why The Den in Escolta Is the Perfect Breather from Manila’s Chaos

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Escolta isn’t a place I get to visit often, but whenever I do, it always feels like a treat. On this trip, I carved out a little solo brunch date inside the First United Building. It’s more than just an architectural landmark; it preserves Manila’s history while housing independent brands and creative spaces that keep the area alive and relevant. 

Inside Hub: Make Lab, I slipped into The Den — a low-lit, industrial-style coffee shop lined with shelves of books. The kind of place where the smell of coffee fills the room and makes you want to stay awhile. If you’ve ever navigated the busy, chaotic streets of Binondo, you’ll understand how comforting it feels to find a pocket of calm like this.

Grilled Cheese (P295)
Grilled cheese on sourdough bread loaf slices. Served with Tomato Ragu dip.
The sourdough was golden and crisp on the outside, yet still soft inside. And yes — there was that glorious cheese pull. They used a mix of cheeses (including cream cheese 👀), making it extra gooey and rich. The tangy tomato ragu on the side tied everything together perfectly.

Berg's (P185)
Espresso, Coconut Milk Blend, Muscuvado Syrup. (I asked for less milk and ice)
Served iced with a coconut milk twist. I was expecting the coconut to stand out more, but it leaned towards a smooth, sweet latte instead. The quality beans definitely showed, though — a good cup overall, even if it felt a little safe for my usual taste in coffee.

Whether you’re in Escolta for the history, the indie brands, or just in search of good coffee, The Den is worth a visit. Manila has so many gems like this — what’s your go-to spot in the city?


PS Did you know you can go to Escolta via Pasig Ferry? I tried it, and you can read all about it here. 



📍 The Den
Inside HUB Make Lab
First United Building, 413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila City 



Let's connect! The blog finally has it's own Facebook Page and you can also find me on Instagram.

Share This Story

Tags:
Rica of Ang Kaladkarin

You Might Also Like

0 comments

Add me on Facebook