Cebu bars guide and nightlife
Silver Dollar promises a fun night out for all
Cebu has the most lively and eclectic bar scene outside Manila and offers something to suit every night owl. It has a reputation for racy go go bars but offers so much more besides. There are numerous large scale disco clubs, expat-friendly sports lounges and trendy designer watering holes.
In cosmopolitan Cebu City, you can easily stagger from one place to the next from early evening until dawn in districts such as Mango Square and Ayala which feature wall to wall neon lights and pounding dance music. There is a good mix of places here including plenty of bikini bars and cheesy karaoke lounges. In general these areas are well policed and safe for lone females.
Live music is a big thing in downtown Cebu City and there are dozens of venues showcasing local jazz, blues, rock and latin bands of varying quality. Even the larger dance clubs have early evening live music at least a couple of nights a week, so tourists can party in Cebu whenever they turn up in town.
More family friendly entertainment comes courtesy of the many show bars in touristy Mactan offering dinner and dance shows with all the spectacle of a night out in Las Vegas. See our recommended late night bars and clubs below for an unforgettable night Cebuano style.
Recommended Cebu bars and nightlife venues
Blue Zydeco Bayou
An authentic slice of New Orleans in the tropics. This homely Creole Jazz and Blues bar is regularly voted a top night out for expats and visiting tourists. There is a soundtrack of blues, jazz and zydeco music and you can shoot pool or indulge in animated chat with a large regular clientele of older expats. Serves up cheap imported beers and an excellent menu of Cajun classics such as Jambalaya and Gumbo. (CrossRoads Mall, Banilad Road, Cebu City, Tel: +63 (0)32 233 3432, Open 14:00 to 01:00)
Jazz n Bluz
This is a slick resto-bar which is perfectly summed up by its name. It has a bright neon lit art deco facade, contrasting with a dimly lit smoky interior reminiscent of a 1950’s New York jazz lounge. It has an excellent roster of live bands each night and late night dancing for serious lovers of jazz, soul and blues.
JnB serves up classic American burgers, ribs and steaks until late. A chilled out, sophisticated atmosphere with flexible closing times. (27 F. Cabahug St., Ayala Access Rd. Mabolo. Tel: +63(32) 232-2698, Open Monday – Saturday 18:00 to 02:00)
Silver Dollar Bar
This huge neon lit place is one of Cebu’s most popular girly bars but also a popular haunt for groups and couples of all ages looking to simply dance the night away. It has a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere with cheap happy hours until 21:00, pool competitions and tasteful bikini floor shows. A good no hassle fun night out for all. (455 Jones Avenue, Fuente Osmeña Cebu City, Tel: +63 32 2542311, Open daily 11:00 to 03:00)
Club Vudu
One of the hippest places in town, Vudu attracts a stylish urbane crowd and has the most eclectic music policy around. Packed out at weekends, you can enjoy soul and hip hop nights, live indie bands and raucous karaoke competitions throughout the week. A friendly and unpretentious party vibe with a booming sound system and dazzling laser show. Free entrance before midnight. (Crossroads Mall, Banilad, Cebu City, Tel: +63 32 420 7070 Open 18:00 to 04:00)
Sports Exchange
The pick of the sports bars in Cebu of which there are dozens, the Sports Exchange has a lively ambience round the clock with wall to wall plasma TVs. It has great bar food, pool tables and a friendly ‘local pub’ atmosphere where you can enjoy the company of a bar girl or just chill out with a few beers with a group of friends. Usually has a good mix of western expats and passing tourists. (3rd Floor Mango Square Mall, Mango Ave, Cebu, Tel: +63 32 412 6446, Open daily 12:00 to 04:00)
