Neighborhood Fave Polilya Is Back to Claim a New Space in Poblacion

Polilya
5767 Ebro, Poblacion, Makati City
Mondays to Saturdays, 5:30 p.m. onwards

(SPOT.ph) Nothing stays the same. It's a hard truth especially felt when walking through an old neighborhood you knew well at one point in your life. Take Poblacion for example; a late night stroll along its streets will remind you of days gone by, what with all the changes it went through—and all the new shops that opened up recently. But wait, somewhere past Commune's corner shop and across Khao Khai's little nook, is that familiar neon pink sign, a sight that immediately tells you, yup, Poblacion, even with all the changes, is still Poblacion. Long story short, folks: Polilya is back.

Also read: 10 Places to Stay in Poblacion, Makati City for Every Budget

What to know about the new Polilya in Poblacion

One of the most well-known hangout spots in the Makati hub, Polilya was a hub for artists, late-night partiers, and was the go-to for a good time in general. Their closing in July of 2020 was a huge marker that things would never be the same—or so we thought. A new Polilya has opened up a stone's throw away from their old location, this time at 5767 Ebro Street. 

You can't miss the bright pink sign screaming "Polilya" into Poblacion's narrow streets. A step inside the now one-level affair will bring you straight back to your memories. Couch-and-tables, bars-and-stools, a varied mix of furniture, and, of course, a massive mural asking if you know what you want. No, we still don't either, don't worry. Most of the furniture and eclectic art pieces found in the space are from the OG spot, Ian Paradies, co-founder of Dark Wing, the company behind Polilya, tells the media during a preview night. "Kanto cool" is the vibe they were aiming for, and we dare say they got it. 

So the new spot is a clear rebirth of the OG, a sentiment that carries over to their revamped menu. Oh yes, along with a cool new space, they've also got a new slew of dishes and drinks. All this works to push forward their idea of recreating the classics; of taking something familiar, like say the old Polilya, and giving it a new twist. In practice, it's all the cool new drinks available while still having the good ol' Engkanto beer front and center on their new bar.

What's new at Poblacion's  Polilya 2.0?

Bar head Jeric "Esse" Magsino knows how to keep things fun. And it's not just the alcohol we're talking about either, it's the creative takes on classic cocktails that they have. There's the Boozy Barney (P325): ube cream, vodka, pandan syrup, and lemon juice for a lush hit you won't feel until you stand up. Don't say we didn't warn you. This drink, while vibrantly purple, has more of a smooth undertone of ube that even non-lovers of the crop would appreciate. 

Don't miss out on the Bubuyog Bliss (P260) which is sweet happiness in a chonky little glass, much like a cute bubuyog indeed. Vodka, wildflower honey, pineapple, and lemon juice meet up in a buzzy concoction that is just the right amount of sweet to get things going. 

And the bar chow alone is enough reason to try out the night-life once more. They've got Filipino fare in new takes courtesy of Luis de Terry. The fun bites of Maple-Chipotle Fire-Roasted Cob (P85) take your fave street staple up a different but no less enjoyable path. The corn is exactly what it sounds like, and translates on the taste buds very well.

The Ultimate Nachos (P325) welcomes you home the way only a trusted friend could. Cheese and meat sauces, sour cream, grated cheddar, pico de gallo salsa, red beans, jalapeno, and slices of avocado strewn all over a hefty serving of tortilla chips; a mix of flavors and textures that's real good when you're sober, and damn good when you're not so sober. Then there's the Patis-Calamansi Wings (P175), which definitely aren't your mother's Pinoy fried chicken. The familiar flavors of patis and calamansi come together not just as a marinade, but as a sticky sweet and addicting glaze on these crisp wings. 

So while nothing ever truly remains the same, we thank our stars there are a few things you can count on. Through all the changes that happened in the past two, three years alone, we can now finally return to Polilya in good ol' Poblacion.