Nestled along the borderlands of Mandaluyong, Tipsy Beans Coffee Shop serves a menu of comforting and familiar fare: coffee and liquor. The concept is creative just like that of Da.U.De. Tea Lounge (where tea is infused in drinks and food). In sheer comparison, Tipsy Beans uses whiskey and white wine to bring out flavors in some of its dishes. Are you ready for a “redefined coffee experience“? Read on for a thirst-quenching review of Tipsy Beans! π
Tipsy Beans Coffee Shop started its course of business in June 2013. While fairly new, it has been attracting many customers which are mostly from Califonia Garden Square, the residences and commercial offices in the vicinity. Last Saturday, G and my sister tagged along with me over lunchΒ for another foodie adventure. Tipsy or sober: Which side are you on?
Review of Tipsy Beans Coffee Shop (Highway Hills, Mandaluyong)
Ambiance: Β β β β β β
A cozy dining room easily reflected by the transparent glass walls greets customers on their way in. Not long after you sit down to a quick meal at Tipsy Beans Coffee Shop, the venue sends out a message. Don’t get me wrong; no words are spoken, but the overall interior theme says a lot.
Each wall is designed with different accents, contributing to a cohesive attractive whole. Quotes about coffee, signages, life lessons, lovers’ keys, freedom board and dangling Instapics make up for the playful and casual vibe of the place.
Instead of candles, vase or flowers as the table’s centerpiece, Tipsy Beans decided to have these two bottles of liquor on top of coffee powder to kick off the meal’s presentation. To me, it’s the coffee shop’s way of saying, “Hey, you came for the coffee and booze in one sip, right?” Might as well start to feel and get at it.
Service:Β β
β
β
β
β
Tipsy Beans Coffee Shop has only a handful of employees, but few does not meanΒ inefficient. Service was fast and staffs were eloquent and friendly. They are the smiling kind but not the overly peppy which is annoying.Β There’s a ratherΒ warm vibe on the attitude.Β It also didn’t take long before I met the owners,Β and they made us feel so comfortable with personal service that you don’t get at many coffee houses these days.Β Yes,Β we feltΒ at “home” right there.
Food:Β β β β β β
The menu is basically divided into “Sober” and “Tipsy” food and drinks categories. You will find several unexpected dishes such as the Drunken Hungarian Sausage (PHp 128), Gin Margherita Penne (PHp 128) and Beer Buttered Fish Fillet (PHp 80). There are also classy ones such as Good Ol’ Chicken Pesto Sandwich (Php 95) and Creamy Carbonara (PHp 118), which likewise are posted as their suggested viands.
With all interesting names on the menu, choosing was hard. We ultimately asked for house recommendations and gravitated first toward theΒ Cheese Steak Bomb (PHp 95). The name promises a bomb of cheese steak, and I expected it to be so. The portion did not turn out to be substantial, and it didn’t seem like “the bomb.” Despite that, I thought the sandwich tasted nice.Β Potato chips on the side somewhat single-handedly transported this dish to a happy place.
Next, we had theΒ Spicy Tuna Pesto (PHp 128)Β which was spiked with pesto herbs, tuna and crushed nuts. The spice did not sing the high notes I had hoped for. The pesto flavor dominated and registered loud and clear. Accompanied with garlic bread, this depth of this pastaΒ dish took a turn for the better. The strands of pasta have been handled with care; they were not too starchy but dense and quite toothsome.Β Each forkful, with a few spins, gathered a winning bite.
Have you ever tried putting sisig as bread pan’s filling? TheseΒ Delectable Sisig Triangles (PHp 75)Β were pleasingly subtle, allowing the real taste of sisig take center stage. I think it’s anΒ exceedingly comforting merienda to have, especially if you’re fond of Filipino food. The crusty bread sopped up the taste just fine as well.
Tipsy Bean’s Bacon Milkshake (PHp 95) is a stunner that may just be alwaysΒ worth your perusal. Imagine bacon and milk mixed together – so unique. You get to taste a smoky flavor of real bacon bits in a milkshake! According to the owner, the bacon bits are pan-fried on their stone-coated frying pan fresh before adding to the milkshake. How cool is that? π
We resorted to choosing two coffee-based drinks. One is the sober variant:Β Oreo Frappuccino (PHp 95). The topping of frappe loses its lusciousness after awhile, as the whipped cream tends to melt down to the table (a bit messy). For that reason, you want to drink it fast. On the other hand, you can still savor the flavor. File this dilemma under “Good Problems to Have.” This drink is beautifully composed withΒ a mini Oreo on top, and the rest of the drink has both coffee and chocolate flavors in tango.
For the tipsy variant, we chose Irish Cream on Coffee Rocks (PHp 80). It tasted most like Bailey’s Irish Coffee, but this alcoholic concoction was made with whisky. I assure you,Β this stuff is inherently delightful; it can please everyone. If you have a sweet tooth, waiting for the coffee rocks to be merged with the smooth cream flavorΒ would be a good idea as sweetness becomes more intense.Β How the mixture of dairy and alcohol happen to be silky remains a puzzle to me.
When I think of the ultimate sensuous desserts, cupcakes just about tops my list. As a great meal-ender, we had theΒ Maltesers Chocolate CupcakeΒ (PHp 55).Β Rich and supple, this Maltese chocolate-laden cupcake envelops the mouth in a way similar to a rich chocolate cake. Note: This is not available on the menu as a regular item, and the cupcake flavors are limited each day in the coffee shop.
Price for Value: β
β
β
β
β
Tipsy Beans has good ambiance, great service and food and drinks that are matched with affordable prices. To top it all off, they offer free wi-fi which is always a bonus for those of us who work on the Internet. So what more could I ask for? The only con is that I don’t live very close, but I’m willing to go out of my way sometimes to get their delicious coffee. π Try it and you’ll love it.
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
The place looks cute and cozy. I’d like to try the Spicy Tuna Pesto and the Oreo Frap. But I don’t think I’ll try the bacon milkshake. It’s just weird.
Haha we also thought it’s weird to combine bacon and milk. The result is pretty interesting and we conclude that it’s a must-try drink! π If you’re feeling adventurous, select this from the menu and be happy about trying something new to your palate.
I think its a place where people want to drink coffee. The place is cozy and in good ambiance. Also the food has an interesting combination. I like to try Maltesers Chocolate Cupcake and Oreo Frappuccino.
Nice choices. With the homey ambiance, one can stay here all day. π
Yummmy food. Roch I am feeling hungry
You know where to go when you come to the Philippines. π
I must confess that I’m not a coffee drinker, because my heart starts racing and it makes me sick, but the place that you’ve presented here looks so lovely and cozy and the food looks delicious, that I would be willing to go and try a Frappuccino, π
Rally
Drinking too much coffee makes the heart palpitate. If you worry about your pulse racing at an abnormal fast rate, then you can have other beverages instead. Take the choco jalopeno, strawberry milkshake or chocolate milk shake. They are sweet as you would expect and are free from coffee’s acidity.
ahhh, this place is so me! Coffeholic here *wave hands*! The bacon milkshake however… scares me quite a lot *LOL*, i’m quite timid when it comes to unusual foods and drinks, you might be able to tell! Am a huge fan of bailey so the Irish cream on coffee rocks made me salivate haha! And the cupcake… ohhh… i’m not big on cakes, but i really love cupcakes!
Haha. The bacon milkshake does not bite! π To me, unusual food are those exotic ones like insects and animals and plants which are otherwise not commonly known as edible. The coffee with Irish cream is super good, I tell you. Also, I never get tired of eating any cake whether it be cupcake or cake. This borderline too-rich-for-kids version of Maltese cupcake can be one of my favorites. The chocolate was so indulging that it’s almost poisonous! π
Coffee Shops are a great place to hang out. The food in your suggestions seems tasty to try. I love Maltesers Chocolate Cupcake and Irish Cream on Coffee Rocks.
Those two will be enough for a light snack. π
waa i like the baileys irish coffee , wanna try this when i take my vacation in june π
Cool. They might even have some promotions by then since it’s their anniversary month. π
The atmosphere looks really nice and cozy and I hate it too when a waitress is too peppy.
The one that looks most appetizing for me is the triangles!! They look really good!!
Sisig triangles already have the adjective “delectable” attached to its name, and it’s a good thing that it’s been proven to be just as what the name suggests. Yummy! π
I love the bright atmosphere this place has! Definitely a bonus when I’m looking for a place to eat. And that food looks yummy!
Of course, the atmosphere counts a lot. In coffee shops, there’s no usual standard setup. Brightness could be anything from super sunny to dim. Regardless, I think tranquility and the coziness of the place are most important.
Love the shots. THey all look delicious to consume. I like to try the coffee and booze. SOunds fun to drink
Thanks! π
That Tuna Pesto looks really spicy,nice place to have dinner.
Hehe it’s not too spicy if my sister could still handle the spiciness. π
I would totally try Maltesers Chocolate Cupcake!
PS: your blog looks awesome π
Thanks! π
Really original blog! We love the layout! and really gorgeous place. nice to meet you!
Un abbraccio,
Eva e Valentina
Thanks, Eva! π
You always dine at good coffee shops and restos. π The ambiance looks relaxing and the interior is very minimalist. I like it. The Tuna Pesto looks yummy!
Yup, I like the setup, too. π Good coffee shops like this is quite hard to find. That’s why we took the almost 2-hour travel to get here and we left full and satisfied.
…HI, Just wanna ask how to go here? thus it near to California Garden Square? any jeepney this place? thank you so much π
Hi Gel. Based on Google Maps, the most convenient is to ride MRT to Boni station and then take a tricycle to Domingo M. Guevarra St. You can also walk from the MRT (estimate duration is 13 minutes to get there). π View the directions here.
Hi rochkirstin π Thank you so much for the info ! Will visit the Coffee Shop Soon π
You’re welcome! Feel free to share your experience/review of food here. π
The place looks really nice, and the food looks good! I might try that place one of these days. π
The drinks are also good. Everything seems like a must-try. π
Ha..ha..coffee and booze for breakfast…I love your words, in describing this cozy place. But it seems the food’s superb in the early morning. Keep it up lady, more reviews to come!
Thanks, Fernando! π
You’re so satisfied or more than satisfied for their service. However this is too subjective. How I wish I could visit this place too so that I could give my personal assessment and review for this shop.
Right. You should experience it yourself as service may vary depending on the time you come and the number of customers they are serving.
Whiskey and Wine looks like really a unique and interesting addition to coffee. It makes me want to try the coffee in this place since the ambiance is also so relaxing.
With that said, I reckon Tipsy Beans is a pretty cool hangout place at three in the afternoon, after the lunch rush and before it picks up again for dinner (“bar” time!).
I also like the positive statements on the wall which makes it a really feel good place.
The quotes are simply put but those that pique one’s mind.
Erika says…
Gah! It looks so cute! Such a nice place to just hangout. Everything is instagram-able hahaha! β₯
I agree. If only I can flood photos on Instagram without annoying anyone, I’ll do just that. π For pictures whose count is more than three though, I prefer posting them via Facebook albums.
Wauw looks like great shop! I would definitely try the ‘Tipsy’ menu π
Naomi, x
Yup, the items there are more unconventional than the rest. π Thanks!
wow! this coffee shop looks great. The food offerings are yummy and affordable for its price π Too bad, I’m very far from Mandaluyong π
We’re far too but sometimes taking a drip to faraway places make you discover more. π
In our city, most coffee shops have dark themes. This one has an effusion of lightness to it from the menu to the decor. I like it. Probably helps with better digestion π
Well, I am not sure how the ambiance or the color of the room helps with digestion. I just know that one will be in a happy mood upon entering a store with good vibes. π
Oh… would have been great to have that spice in the tuna pesto. I like spicy food, sometimes we need that kick when we’re eating instead of plain, familiar taste.
Yeah but it was also good that it’s not that spicy because my sister would not have liked it. π
[…] Tipsy Beans Coffee Shop, we drove to my favorite mall, SM Mall of Asia (MOA), in Pasay City (naks naman) to watch The 5th […]
The place looks cozy and people friendly. I’d like to try it with my hubby. π
Hope you enjoy. π
cool!! The ambience is really nice and the setup looks so comfy. I really love the cupcake too! Makes me want to have desserts right now :3
At this hour, like early in the morning? Haha well yeah, there’s nothing wrong with that and I suppose I also want a cupcake now. π
oooohh.. their price, I guess should be a little higher. lol! It’s because I think the ambience is really good.
Haha maybe when they get really super successful and get more clients, they can upgrade their menu and test the price increases. For now, let’s be happy that they stay that way. π
The place looks so cozy and the food are not that expensive.. Interesting names of the food they served!
Yes! Affordable food and cool names are just two things I always look forward to in a restaurant. Glad they’re both in at Tipsy Beans. π
Wow the place so great…
Nice review sis…
Iβm so curious on you…
How do you made review to the place like this one….
All your words are so informative and so amazing…
This place is good to the people whose had a work in night…
And out in the day…
This place s good for them…
Because the place is looks relaxing…
Xoxo,
Rh0ze | My Online World
http://broken-promises.info
Hehe thanks, Rhoze! I really appreciate your comment. π I just try to be more imaginative and play with words in describing about what I’ve experienced in every restaurant I visit. Tipsy Beans is a good hangout location anytime.
this place is rockin’ i must try those dishes fuse with a little wine … nice concept.
Their dishes show a lot of innovation and that’s very commendable. When you visit the metro, make sure to get your hands on Tipsy Beans’ food. π
The maltesers cupcake sure looks like my type of dessert. I am also craving for the bacon milkshake. It does sound cool as ice.
Haha once you try the bacon milkshake, you may get addicted to it. π
the place is cozy… parang kwarto lang… and we love to eat in our room. i’ll like to eat here for sure. Yahweh bless.
Hehe yup, I could have designed a part of my room this way if only we have a bigger space in the codo. Very relaxing indeed! π
The Place is really Nice & I am always Hungry.
I want to visit if Possible.
Always hungry? Oh that may be a problem haha. Don’t worry, every problem has a solution. π Visit Metro Manila and you’ll encounter many good restaurants to dine in.
WOW! All are delicious! really, If i can I will take a taste of Beans Coffee shop.
Thanks a lot for sharing the information.
You’re welcome! Visit it soon. π