Basement Cafe

1531 Sta. Maria St, Tondo, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
$$$ Cafe
(148 Reviews)
Price Range ₱200–400

Welcome to Basement Cafe, a charming little nook located at 1531 Sta. Maria St in the heart of Tondo, Manila. As a beloved haven for coffee aficionados and casual diners alike, this cafe has carved out a niche for itself, serving delicious brews and comfort food that draws locals and visitors from all around.

The moment you step into this intimate space, you'll be enveloped by a warm ambiance that invites you to take a moment to savor. Though the seating is limited, this cozy cafe thrives with vibrancy; it's a buzzing hub of conversation and laughter. Customers rave about the inviting charm of Basement Cafe, and its recent popularity has created intriguing energy, especially during peak hours.

One standout feature of their menu is the rich and indulgent Spanish latte. With its smooth, velvety texture and slightly sweet undertones, this drink is undoubtedly a must-try that has left many customers enchanted. Renz De Leon, a satisfied patron, praises this delightful concoction as perfect for quick coffee needs on the go. If you're looking for something hearty to accompany your drink, the chicken alfredo has also earned high recommendations from regulars. Blanca Relucano specifically highlighted its delectable taste, making it a dish that's hard to resist.

Returning visitors like Mariah Ellen D. de Vera-Rallonza express their delight in the consistent quality of the food and drinks over the years. Her shout-out to the iced Spanish latte perfectly encapsulates the refreshing experience you can expect. However, if you wish to avoid the crowds—something that customers like Mariah and pisceanrat have noticed—visiting in the afternoon may be your best bet.

For those with a penchant for something unique, the meatball spaghetti and salted egg wings are delectable choices that have won over many loyal fans, including long-time customer Ligaya Ofreneo (Babsy). Despite its small size—a sentiment echoed in several reviews—the flavors served at Basement Cafe are anything but small. Each dish is crafted to tantalize your taste buds and make every visit memorable.

While some patrons like JP Labajo wish for additions like salads or lighter fare to balance their late-night cravings, the inviting atmosphere and the consistently good service outweigh any minor shortcomings. The slow service may be a challenge at times, but dedication from the staff shines through in the quality of the food served.

In summary, Basement Cafe encapsulates that special feel of comfort, creativity, and community. Its offerings, from the rich coffee to the hearty meals, make it a dawning favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. So whether you’re on a quick coffee run or looking to unwind after a long day, this cafe promises an experience that warms both the heart and stomach. Come discover a hidden gem in Tondo—you might just find it becomes your favorite spot too!

Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Children
Good for kids
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

02:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Tuesday

02:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Wednesday

02:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Thursday

02:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Friday

02:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Saturday

02:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Sunday

02:00 PM - 10:30 PM

148 Reviews
Renz De Leon

16 Sep 2025

The basement coffee was a nice little nook in tondo for your coffee needs on the go. There isn't a place to dine/stay for long but The spanish latte was good.

Horby Ramos

16 Sep 2025

My girlfriend and I went to stumble to this place for our impromptu date, and I didn't expect them to give us a satisfactory

Blanca Relucano

08 Sep 2025

Service was good! Highly recommended food is the chicken alfredo, must try!

LIGAYA OFRENEO (Babsy)

13 Aug 2025

I have eaten here since 2016. I personally love their meatball spaghetti, salted egg wings and okinawa milktea. However, the place is so small and the service is somewhat slow.

Mariah Ellen D. de Vera-Rallonza

20 Jul 2025

My favorite cafe in Tondo. And indeed, the quality of their food is still the same. Coffee is also good (ordered Iced Spanish Latte). Recommend you go in the afternoon to prevent lines because ever since this cafe opened, people are lining up to dine-in. Happy that I was able to go here again after a long time (been residing in the South since end of 2018) with my Husband and cousins.

pisceanrat

30 Jun 2025

Basement is a small and simple cafe. It gives light and makes lively this somewhat dark street. Few days ago we went in this area specifically for this but our elderly companion preferred ulam so we just went to next door Bron Michaels. Then last week we were back here again to dine but they were full of customers, so we just returned the following week. There were other people but at least we were able to get a table now. Family and budget friendly. The drinks are in big cups and for just php 130! I liked the blended black forest and peppermint mocha. But the malt, not so much (too sweet for me). Ordered the tuna pesto for php 215 - my homemade tastes better (well I buy the most expensive pesto jar in the grocery anyway). The pasta is overcooked and there is generous tuna chunks which overpowered the pesto sauce. Can't comment on the spamsilog (has 2 fried eggs) and burger steak as I didn't taste it. They were php 135 each if I remember correctly. Aside from coffee, non coffee cream based and fruit teas, they have pasta, burgers, sandwiches, rice meals, wings. Limited flavor choices, maybe only three kinds for the rice meals. The right store is for dine in, while the left door for take outs. No free wifi. Did not see any toilet. The staff is not rude but it would have been a better cafe experience if they were more welcoming, friendly or magiliw. Operating hours 3pm to 11pm. Overall, they seem to have the right formula that is why patrons keep coming back. Plus there are lucky cats by the door!!!

JP Labajo

29 Jun 2025

Wish they'll add salad on their menu. Meals are too heavy for late night snacking. Drinks are a little bit on the sweet side. We always come here for snacks or just hanging out.

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