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Written by: Andrea Ebdane and Gaby Nuñez
Art by: Meg Mendoza
Ah, Katipunan. Home sweet home. This bustling avenue boasts two of the country’s top universities, along with its students’ vibrant college lives – which are, of course, chock-full of adventures all around its sprawling streets.
But what’s home to a bright-eyed crowd of college students also houses some of the best-kept gems in the restaurant scene. Ask any Katip native and they’ll have a go-to recommendation at the ready – but have you ever wondered where to begin? Read on to discover two must-try restos for your next Katipunan food trip.
NoDoze Coffee Lounge
First stop, NoDoze Coffee Lounge! Tucked away on the far side of Katipunan Avenue lies this hidden gem on the second floor of the YDG Building, just a quick ten-minute drive away from the UP Diliman campus. It’s perfect for lounging, studying, or just hanging out with friends – the twist? This café turns into a vibey bar every Friday and Saturday night, serving the finest bar chow, sangria, and cocktails.
Once you step in, you’re greeted with a cozy interior that’s begging to be posted on your Instagram story. You’ll notice that it’s a small space, but a charming one for that very reason – plus, something about the assortment of furniture, light installations, and lush houseplants makes NoDoze feel comfortable and intimate, and you’re sure to feel right at home.
Of course, guests should absolutely try NoDoze’s diverse array of handcrafted drinks. Our favorite? The rich, creamy Iced Sea Salt Latte (P185/18 oz), which hits all the right notes of sweet, strong, and salty – topped with NoDoze’s signature cream, fine sea salt, and a dash of crushed graham. This bestselling menu item is also the personal favorite of NoDoze’s co-owner Bernice Dacara, who recommends having the drink with oat milk (add P30) for a more enhanced, full-bodied flavor. Bernice also shared that their coffee beans differ depending on their local roaster, but they usually work with 100% Arabica and single origin beans, ensuring their beverages’ top quality.
Another standout was the Oreo Croffle (P110). Crisp, warm, and buttery all at once, this cross between a croissant and a waffle is sure to be your next favorite comfort food – and no joke, it’s a game-changer. It's rich and decadent in your mouth, especially with the generous dollop of cream, sprinkling of crushed oreos, and white chocolate drizzle. Trust us when we say that each bite of the flaky croffle is more addictive than the last – true enough, we haven’t stopped thinking about it in days.
Are the cozy ambiance and top-tier menu items not enough to convince you? Come by and hang out with Nimbus, NoDoze’s resident puppy! He’s there every Monday to Thursday – and he’s an absolute joyous white ball of fluff. It’s hard not to fall in love with this little doggo, who gets the zoomies quickly and has a penchant for playing with your shoelaces. Plus, he’s the absolute sweetest when it comes to NoDoze’s guests, so make sure to befriend him when you drop by!
You can visit NoDoze Coffee Lounge at 219 YDG Building, Katipunan Avenue or order their menu items via GrabFood.
Café: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Bar: Friday and Saturday, 8:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Four Leg Pop Up Katipunan
Second stop, Four Leg! The next restaurant on the list is located in Pop Up, one of the well-known spots for Katipunan nightlife. Right after you enter this popular drinking spot, you’ll be able to spot Four Leg immediately to your left. Although this joint is known for its colorful drinks menu, their food is definitely something you shouldn’t miss out on! From bar chow, rice meals, and burgers, they’ll certainly be able to satisfy your food cravings.
Four Leg’s diverse food menu takes classic meals to the next level with their own interesting twists. For those looking for something to snack on while relaxing with friends after a tiring day, check out their Bull Fries (P198), topped with buffalo sauce and bleu cheese for that delicious sweet-spicy-tangy combination. Their Chicken Wings (starting at P298/6 pieces) has something in store for everyone, with both classic flavors like Classic Buffalo and Salt & Pepper, and more unique flavors like Salted Egg and Sisig.
If you’re looking for something a little heavier, you can turn to the extensive flame-grilled burger options they have to offer. For chicken lovers, we personally recommend their Chicken Floss Burger (P288), which is also one of their bestsellers. This hefty burger consists of a crispy chicken fillet sandwiched between two soft brioche buns and topped with sauce and chicken floss. Other crowd favorites include the Bacon Cheese Burger (P318) and Umami Mushroom Burger (P288).
Quality ingredients, mouthwatering food, and great ambience—you definitely won’t regret spending your evening here. Visit Four Leg at Pop Up Katipunan for your next meal or inuman snack!
Open Monday to Sunday, 12:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Wanna taste the flavors of Katipunan yourself? Head on over to CRAFT: Next Stop Katip!, happening this Friday, June 30 from 8:00-11:00 PM. Kickstart your food trip with us and get to know Katipunan’s best-kept secrets on the restaurant scene. The P250 entrance fee is inclusive of free flowing drinks and food samplers from both NoDoze and Four Leg, so make sure to bring your barkada!
RSVP here: bit.ly/NextStopKatip. Walk-ins are also welcome!