MAKATI CITY — Perched on the rooftop of I’M Hotel along Makati Avenue, Antidote has carved out a distinct identity in Poblacion’s crowded dining scene by treating its beverage program and kitchen with equal seriousness. The gastropub takes its name from a medicine used to counteract poison, a wry nod to its promise of relief from the city’s relentless pace. With three open-air decks and a 360-degree view of the metro skyline, it offers a polished alternative to the neighborhood’s more casual drinking spots. What sets Antidote apart, however, is not just the view but the culinary rigor behind its bar and its globally influenced menu.
A Cocktail Program Built With New York Precision
Antidote’s beverage list was developed in collaboration with the chief bartender of Bar Mace in New York City, and the bar holds firm to a no-watered-down-drinks philosophy. The “remedies” menu reads like a curated tasting flight, with each drink priced around PHP380. The Ube Bae infuses Filipino purple yam and coconut into a creamy, vodka-laced sip that drinks like an innocent milkshake until the alcohol arrives. Mr. Domango riffs on Asian milk tea with mango puree, banana liqueur, and tapioca pearls, while Ananas in Pandanus layers pineapple-infused rum with pandan syrup and lime for a tropical profile. For a drier, more savory turn, Leek’n Good mixes gin with sweet vermouth, spiced Filipino vinegar, and roasted leek leaves, delivering a sweet-and-sour arc that rewards slower sipping.
Small Plates Made for Sharing
The kitchen opens with a range of tapas and small plates designed to keep the table engaged between rounds. The Gambas Prawns arrive sizzling in garlic and oil, a reliable order that pairs naturally with the cocktail list. Mozzarella Jalapeño Cigars bring a crisp, creamy bite with a measured kick of heat, while the Smoked Harissa Prawns add charred depth and spice to the seafood selection. Each plate is built for sharing, encouraging diners to linger over conversation rather than rush through a fixed course sequence.
Substantial Mains Worth Staying For
Beyond the small plates, Antidote’s mains menu scales from PHP700 to PHP800 and includes dishes substantial enough to anchor a full meal. The Sourdough Neapolitan House Made Pizza is a signature, with the Midnight Breakfast Pizza layering caramelized ham, sweet pineapple, and a free-range egg over tomato and mozzarella for a savory-sweet balance. The Hangover Burger brings Angus beef, bacon, pickled relish, and cheese to the table, a bold comfort plate that matches the bar’s unfussy approach to flavor. These dishes are classified as mains rather than tapas, and their portions reflect that distinction, making them ideal for guests settling in for a longer evening.
A Rooftop Destination With Substance
Antidote is open daily from 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM, with a smart casual dress code and a jellyfish aquarium that serves as the room’s unmistakable centerpiece. The bar welcomes both hotel guests and walk-ins, though reservations are recommended for weekends and sunset hours. For Makati diners who want more than a view, Antidote delivers a gastronomic experience that treats drinks and food as equal partners. It is a place where the kitchen and the bar speak the same language, and where the city’s chaos is met with something closer to craft.
