Apartment 1B Transforms into a Full Bar in Its Second BGC Outlet

Apartment 1B x Elias
6th Floor Arthaland Century Pacific Tower,
4th Avenue corner 30th Street, Taguig
Open Monday to Saturday 

(SPOT.ph) Since opening its doors in Salcedo Village in 2006, Apartment 1B has been known for serving delicious comfort food with top-rate service in a warm, homey setting. Almost two decades in and a few outlets later, it’s letting in a bit of a party vibe into the mix—which is what loyal fans can expect in the restaurant’s second branch in BGC.

Located at the 6th Floor of the Arthaland Century Pacific Tower in Taguig, right on the corner of 4th Avenue and 30th Street, this Apartment 1B lives its usual cafe life from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving classics like the Grilled Pork Chops, Meatloaf, All Day Breakfast, Mango BBQ Chicken, Herb-Crusted Salmon, and everything else everyone loves from their menu. And then come 3 p.m. it transforms into a full bar, staying this way up to midnight.

Extending the hours, welcoming Elias

“The idea came to me when the Arthaland project was awarded to us in January 2024,” says Nikko Roa, Corporate Executive Chef of the Apartment 1B group. “It was originally intended as an events space that also functions as a café during lunchtime. I thought—why not maximize the space and extend the hours?”

The branch is partnering with popular and award-winning craft beer brand Elias Wicked Ales and Spirits for this new venture. And for the grand opening weekend—slated for April 24, 25 and 26—there will be an open mic night (on the 24th), a rockeoke night (on the 25th), and a DJ night featuring 90s and Y2K dance music (on the 26th). Here, Elias concoctions will be served with a branch-exclusive array of best-with-beer food.

“Yes, it’s essentially a food and drinks pairing—but more than that, it’s about creating a unique vibe for this branch,” says Chef Nikko. “It’s different from our other locations because here, we’re not just serving Apartment 1B’s signature comfort food—we’re also introducing nibbles and bar chow that pair perfectly with Elias’ handcrafted beers.”

Chef Nikko and his team have created a short but focused menu specifically designed for matching, “allowing guests to fully appreciate both the food and the beer. Good food plus good beer equals good vibes.” Asked to give an idea what people can expect, the former Executive Chef of the Manila Polo Club mentioned Scorched Corn Casserole (corn, cheese, jalapeños), Chorizo Hummus, Angus Meatballs with Blue Cheese, Beef Belly Salpicao, and Tokwa, Belly, at Bulaklak.

Good food, great booze, fun crowd

It seems like it’s going to be an opening weekend not to be missed. Even the U.S. based Elias founder Raoul Masangcay wanted to be in town to celebrate. “It’s going to be a blast—definitely something you won’t forget. Good food, great booze, and a fun crowd,” promises Chef Nikko who adds that working with the Elias team is an absolute pleasure.

“They’re incredibly passionate about their craft—especially when it comes to beer—and that passion really shows in the way they collaborate. They brought so much creativity and energy to the table, but they were also very grounded and open-minded, which made the process feel seamless and collaborative from day one.”

To hear the Corporate Executive Chef say it, working with a drinks partner and going into bar service seems to be a natural addition to the Apartment 1B brand. “What’s exciting is that while this partnership introduces something fresh and unique for our Arthaland branch, it still fits naturally within the DNA of Apartment 1B,” says Chef Nikko. “All of our branches—Salcedo, The Henry Manila, The Henry Laiya, Arya Residences in BGC, and now Arthaland—are very much alive, active, and being promoted together as part of one brand story. Each one brings something distinct to the table. With this Elias collaboration, we’re not moving in a different direction—we’re expanding the experience. We want our guests to see that Apartment 1B isn’t just about comfort food anymore. It can also be a place to unwind, discover great local craft beer, and enjoy elevated bar fare. Elias shares that same mindset—creating experiences that feel thoughtful, genuine, and proudly local. It’s a great match, and we’re excited to grow together.”

The Apartment 1B x Elias Opening Weekend is happening April 24, 25 and 26. All events start at 6 p.m. They’re also offering a 20% discount on all bar chow and nibbles, plus a P999 unlimited beer on tap promo. Follow their Instagram here.