Nestled along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo, Kaulayaw Coffee offers not just a cup of coffee but an entire experience. This charming café, with its breathtaking views and unique ambiance, has quickly become a favorite spot for both locals and weekend travelers.
With a core mission of supporting local farmers, the café presents an array of thoughtfully sourced, Filipino-inspired dishes and drinks. Visitors flock here to enjoy the scenic sunset, the lush greenery, and the magical transition of Metro Manila’s skyline from day to night. Here’s what you need to know before planning your visit to this serene haven.
Operating Hours and Best Time to Visit
Kaulayaw Coffee operates with different hours on weekdays and weekends. From Monday to Friday, it welcomes customers from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, it opens earlier at 7:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM. However, it’s wise to check their social media for any sudden changes in operating hours, especially during busy times.
The best time to visit is during late afternoons on weekdays. This time allows you to catch the stunning sunset while avoiding the weekend rush. The view of Metro Manila transitioning from day to night is simply magical. If weekends are your only option, aim for early mornings or just after lunchtime to beat the crowd. Saturday nights come with a special treat—acoustic nights that add to the charming ambiance.
Reservations and Waiting Time
Kaulayaw Coffee currently does not accept reservations, a policy that can make things tricky on busy days. They only accommodate walk-ins, so planning ahead is essential. If visiting on a weekday during off-peak hours like 3 to 5 PM, the wait time for a table is usually short or non-existent.
On weekends, however, expect a long wait. Arriving at 4:30 PM on a Saturday, for instance, could mean a wait time of about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, don’t just fall in line. Approach the staff, get listed, and wait for your name to be called. Also, use this time to check out the menu and restroom.
Child Policy and Seating
As of January 13, Kaulayaw Coffee has a strict no-kids-under-15 policy. They enforce this to ensure everyone’s safety, especially during the pandemic. Parents planning to visit should make alternative arrangements for their young ones.
When it comes to seating, the closer you are to the edge or balcony, the better the view. However, all three levels of the café have open spaces that offer breathtaking vistas. You are free to walk to the edge for a better look regardless of where you sit. Use the waiting time to get listed for a table and explore these viewing areas.
Location and Parking
Kaulayaw Coffee is located at 23 Sumulong Highway in Barangay Santa Cruz, along the Antipolo ridge. The most convenient way to get there is by private car. Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for easy directions. One of the well-known landmarks nearby is Starbucks The Ridge, located on the same side of the highway.
Parking can be a challenge, particularly on weekends. There is a parking lot between Kaulayaw and Starbucks, but slots fill up quickly. You may have to park in front of other establishments or on the roadside. Parking attendants are available and the fee is P50.
Visitors using motorcycles or bicycles will find the location appealing as it is also popular among bikers and riders.
Menu Highlights: Food
The menu at Kaulayaw Coffee is diverse and filled with Filipino-inspired names. Under Kaulayaw Over Rice, options like Marikit (Tocino with Egg over Rice) and Matahum (Longganisa with Egg over Rice) are available, priced between P225 and P280. Main entrees range from Chicken Satay with Fried Egg and Peanut Sauce to Butter Aged Ribeye Steak, priced between P245 and P700. For pasta lovers, dishes like Kalinaw (Aglio e Olio) and Paraluman (Carbonara) are offered, priced between P195 and P250.
If sandwiches are your thing, the menu includes Dalisay (Plain Cheese Tosti with Tomato Dip) and Liwayway (Bacon and Egg Pancake Sandwich), priced between P95 and P150. For sweeter options, try the pancakes like Kundiman (American Pancake) or Sinta (Roti Pancake with Banana), priced between P145 and P190. Toasts such as Marahuyo (Toast with Cashew Butter, Berries, and Chia Seeds with Yogurt and Cream) and Makisig (Eggs on Toast Topped with Beef Tapa, Radish, and Dill) also offer delightful choices.
Menu Highlights: Drinks
Kaulayaw Coffee boasts a rich selection of drinks. Coffee lovers can choose from brewed, hot, iced, and drip options. Local beans like Benguet, Sagada, and Matutum are featured, along with a unique Kaulayaw Exclusive blend. Prices range from P99 to P179. For non-coffee drinkers, tea and choco tablea are available, with options for extra whip cream and various syrups like hazelnut and toffee nut.
For a different kind of refreshment, try their kombucha, available in flavors like Ginger and Lemon, Hibiscus Blueberry, and Mango, priced at P179 per bottle. Local craft beers are also on the menu, with options like Alcalde Pale Ale and Crazy Carabao Pilsner, priced between P148 and P180. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, Italian wines, tequila, and whiskey are available by the bottle. Prices for alcoholic beverages range from P890 to P3,000.
Special Recommendations
Visitors often recommend Kaulayaw Coffee for the outstanding views and unique drink selections. The sunset view of Metro Manila and the lush greenery is breathtaking. Among the drink options, Ginger and Lemon Kombucha and the Kaulayaw special blend coffee are crowd favorites.
However, opinions on the food are mixed. Items like Buffalo Chicken Wings and Barbecue Pork Ribs received lukewarm reviews due to undercooking. Despite this, the overall dining experience is satisfying, especially if your main focus is the view and drinks. Kaulayaw Coffee is a place worth revisiting, particularly for its atmosphere and beverage options.
Kaulayaw Coffee in Antipolo stands out as a unique spot that offers more than just meals and drinks. The breathtaking views, especially at sunset, combined with locally sourced Filipino-inspired dishes, make it a must-visit destination. While the no-reservations policy can lead to long waits, the overall experience often makes it worth it.
Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a craft beer lover, or someone seeking a new hangout spot with a view, Kaulayaw Coffee has something to offer. The ambiance, enhanced by acoustic nights and a picturesque setting, adds to its appeal. Despite some mixed reviews on food items, the drinks and vista generally leave a positive impression.
Thus, Kaulayaw Coffee becomes more than just a café; it becomes a part of the Antipolo experience. Visitors often leave with a sense of satisfaction, vowing to return for another round of scenic relaxation and delightful beverages.
