From cozy cafes to after class hangout spots, here’s a guide on places to check out along the University Belt.
Related: 6 New Spots To Check Out For The Next Barkada Hangout
University Belt (U-belt) isn’t just a hotspot for college students and commuters rushing through their daily grind—it’s home to an ever-changing and colorful selection of cool hangouts that blend chill vibes, great food, and unique experiences.
Whether you’re looking to unwind after class, meet up with friends, or just enjoy the bustling energy of Manila’s iconic student district, U-belt’s latest cafés and hangout spots have you covered. From a karaoke hole in the wall to Instagram-worthy rooftop cafés, here are student-approved places to hang out in this part of the big city.
CHILL AND THRILL
@iloveprincesz Another tambayan near UST: chill and thrill karaoke! They also have other branches in intramuros and DLSU taft (@CHILL and THRILL Karaoke Hub) #iloveprincesz #chillandthrillkaraoke #ust #thomasian #tomasino #karaokespot #ugc #ugccreator #ugccontentcreator #ugccommunity #ugcphilippines ♬ nhạc nền – Dinocucsuc
Looking for a spot where you can let loose and sing your heart out? Just a few steps away from the Noval gate of the University of Santo Tomas is Chill and Thrill, one of the best karaoke places to flock to in U-belt. The place offers private karaoke rooms with an impressive selection of songs—from the latest hits to classic anthems—perfect for any music lover.
At just P40 per head, you and your barkada can belt out your favorite karaoke picks and de-stress after a hectic day at school. The place is also air-conditioned so no need to worry about sweating buckets while choosing from the karaoke songbook.
Chill and Thrill is located at Padre Noval Street, Sampaloc, Manila.
YOUNIVERSITY SUITES
@quiz_paparazzi food court LA VILLAGE YOUniversity Suites, former Laperal Apartments, C.M. Recto Manila #ubelt #foodtrip ♬ Heaven Is A Place On Earth (Promo 7" Edit) – Belinda Carlisle
If you’re looking for a one-stop destination for dining, entertainment, and relaxation, Youniversity Suites in Recto is where you’ll want to be. Just a stone’s throw from Far Eastern University and University of the East, this four-storey building brings together a mix of dining places, cafés, and entertainment options, creating the perfect hangout spot for students who want to unwind without leaving the area.
With a variety of restaurants offering everything from Filipino comfort food to fast foods to samgyupsal places, as well as cozy cafés, study lounges, and even recreational areas for those looking for fun ways to pass the time, you’ll find everything you need in one place. And did we mention, this building at the heart of Recto is the home of Warehouse Coffee, one of the trendiest cafés in Manila ATM? They also have a Gachapon shop on the ground floor as a bonus.
Youniversity Suites is located at 2118 Recto Avenue, Manila.
CALLE CAFÉ
@senoritanadina Highly recommended Cafe spotted in España Manila☕ best for your coffee dates♥️ @Faustシ 📍 @callecafebydongabriel #aesthetic #coffeelovers #coffeedates #happytummyeveryone ♬ suara asli – hapsari – H🫧
With two locations along U-belt, Calle Café is a relaxed haven for foodies and coffee lovers alike. The aesthetic here is a perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary cool—think brick walls, wooden accents, and lots of plants. Whether you’re stopping by for a caffeine fix or a quick bite, Calle Café offers a variety of local dishes, artisanal coffee, and light snacks that are both affordable and IG-friendly.
Whether you’re a Dapitan baby and enjoy the quieter side of U-belt, or love the España hustle, there’s a Calle Café waiting for you.
Calle Cafe is located at España Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila and 1343 Dapitan Street, Sampaloc, Manila.
CHINGU DACHI CAFÉ
@kofi.addict CHINGU DACHI CAFÉ – a #koreancafe near UST! if you are a #kpop fan you will surely enjoy this place! they have 2 hrs free wifi (for 2 devices) + free use of outlets! aghh so aesthetic! i will surely come back 💜🫰🏻 #coffeetok #manilacoffeeshops #thomasian #wheretoeatmanila #minivlog #collegediaries #cafehopping #foodtok #kdrama #livingalonediaries #dormlife #manilalife #aesthetic #foryou #kpopmerch ♬ Super Shy – NewJeans
For those who crave the tastes and vibes of South Korea, Chingu Dachi Café brings a slice of Seoul to U-belt. Located just a short walk from UST, this cozy Korean café serves up everything from Kimchi Fried Rice to Dalgona Tiramisu.
The café’s minimalist, yet comfy interior is perfect for study sessions or casual hangouts with friends. Don’t forget to try their signature Seoul Pearl Milk Tea and take some snaps at their famous 0.5 photobooth—it’s the kind of place you’ll want to keep coming back to for both the food and the ambiance.
Chingu Daichi Cafe is located at 1655 Don Quijote, corner Piy Margal St, Sampaloc, Manila.
UNO’S STEAKS AND WINE
@luithcrewthe Let’s G sa Steak na Unli 🥩😱🤤 UNO’s STEAK & WINE 📍Espana, Manila #foodvlog #food #unli #unlimited ♬ original sound – Luis
Craving some porterhouse and red wine? Uno’s is well-known among the U-belt student crowd for its delicious yet affordable selection of steak meals and wine choices that can be the perfect way to cap off the week. The interior is stylish, and the menu offers sizzling meals (they have wagyu!) with yummy sides. After dining, you can head up to their bar and indulge in some well-deserved weekend drinks. It’s right along España too, making it easily accessible to Thomasians and Tamaraws.
Uno’s is located at 154 Macaraeg Building, P. Campa Street, España Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila.
BEANBOX
@jegzandlyka Maganda at masarap na Coffee Shop here in Manila Located at G/F St.Agustine Bldg. San Sebastian College, CM. Recto,Quiapo, Manila. They are open Monday to Saturday 9am to 11pm and Sunday 10am to 10pm #BeanboxMNL #coffeelover #titalykaph #teamjegzlyk #Foodvlog #Foodie #WheninManila #TravelVlog ♬ original sound – Jegz & Lyka – Jegz and Lyka
If you’re a fan of lazy after school hangouts, Beanbox in Recto should be on your radar. This hidden gem offers a high quality lax experience. Students who want to work on their never-ending backlogs and savor some hearty meals while doing so can head straight to this joint.
BeanBox offers little nooks and spaces where customers can relax in their own areas. You’ll often see students from FEU, UE, and San Sebastian lounging comfortably, enjoying the place’s relaxing vibe. From schoolworks to movies to midday naps, this Recto spot won’t leave you feeling down.
Beanbox is located at G/F St.Agustine Bldg. San Sebastian College, Recto Avenue, Manila.
ROOF MANILA
@kathrinuhhh 𝐧𝐠𝐥, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐬𝐤𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 🌇 📍Roof Manila, Pacific Skyloft, Lacson Ave. Sampaloc, Manila — Romanticizing this new OVERLOOKING rooftop cafe by day and restobar by night near UST! 🐯 #roofmanila #rooftop #rooftopcafe #cafe #cafeoverlooking #manilaskyline #cityskylines #ubeltcafe #ust #coffeeshops #caferecommendation #mustvisitcafe #overlookingview #phoodie #foodieph ♬ Lowkey By Niki – colèt
Looking for a place that offers more than just good food and drinks? Roof Manila on Lacson serves what you’re seeking. This rooftop café and bar offers panoramic views of Manila’s skyline, perfect for those looking to unwind with a cool breeze and a stunning sunset.
Whether you’re here for a casual dinner or a night out with friends, The Roof’s relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere makes it one of U-belt’s hottest hangouts. Sip on refreshing cocktails, enjoy light bites, and enjoy the view—it’s the ultimate way to chill after a busy day of lectures. No matter which side of the U-belt you are from, this place is worth traveling to.
Roof Manila is located at Pacific Skyloft, Lacson Ave, Sampaloc, Manila.
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