For the Young and the Young-at-Heart: A 90s Meets 70s Inspired Restaurant Vibe at 1821 Cafe
1821 Cafe,
as a name, might seem a little historically referenced. Perhaps after an important year in time, or maybe a famous ancestor’s birth year. But then again, it simply denotes the café owner’s desire since college (at 18-21 years old, as a scholar and working student), to give back to the community by hiring employees aged 18 to 21. And so it came to pass…
But don’t be fooled; everyone is welcome here regardless of age, including your pet. Just make sure your fur babies are wearing diapers. The café is a neighborhood establishment, as the majority of the local food outlets in this area of Gil Fernando and its street inlets are residences that have been turned into restaurants, bistros, cafes, and so on.
Concept and Inspiration:
A coffee shop. Without the prominent signage outside and within, the establishment radiates a residential vibe. The area is quite spacious. When you walk in, you can immediately tell it was originally a garage, but it has now been converted into an al fresco place for the café’s guests who like to remain outside, and it is ideally suited for smokers.
The owners thought that a café should feel like home—warm, inviting, and full of comforting flavors. A place to work with good Wi-Fi, plugs, and coffee. Put in unique specialty lattes, matcha blends, fruit drinks, some sweet and whimsical croffles, hearty all-day breakfast platters, and creamy to assertive pasta meals to go with your cup. 1821 Cafe makes every visit exceptional, whether you’re working, meeting friends, or taking a break.
Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:
The interior feels Gen-Z-inspired with a hint of the 1970s. The owners’ styles definitely vary. Industrial lighting, warm wooden tables, fresh foliage, and even a touch of music with vinyl albums on display. It’s intended to seem both homely and stylish, the type of place where you can relax with good coffee, nice conversation, or just some alone time.
Resto Format:
Dine-in, Delivery (via 3rd party courier)
Quirk:
Despite the café’s Gen-Z vibe, the place offers an old-school working vinyl player that can play the LPs displayed on the café’s rough and ready (more so, makeshift-looking design) hanging cabinet. From the ’90s, Taylor Swift, to the ’70s, The Carpenters, it’s up to you!♥
Newly installed, 1821 Café’s brand-new function rooms.
- Where: 28 J.P. Laurel Sr. cor. Mt. Everest Sts, Marikina City, Philippines
- Contact: hello@1821ph.com
- Typical spend: Drink: P120 – 195; Food: P100 – P290
Specialties
- Breakfast Matcha, Sea Salt Latte, New York Cookies, Banana Bread, Truffle pasta, Cabanatuan Longganisa (See to appreciate)
Check other options from their Resto Menu…