There's no place like home

Awhile back, I wrote a column about saying goodbye to my favorite place in Manila — my second home, in other words — and how I would miss it while it transitioned from one place to another. I am talking, of course, about Capone’s Bar and Bistro which I frequented at an alarming rate when it was at Valero Street in Salcedo Village. It was a long, never-ending party that spanned roughly five years culminating in Capone’s Valero closing its doors in an amazing rocking party that had patrons dancing and singing until the sun came up (literally). And then, as happy partygoers headed home and watched the amazing staff close up, they couldn’t help but feel — in a way — homeless.

I was one of them. As I have mentioned many times, Capone’s is more than just a regular bar to people. It’s a second home. That’s what makes it so appealing. You have fun, you enjoy delicious food and drinks, you listen to great music, you feel comfortable, and before you know it you are back almost every day and know the entire staff by name. I have likened it (several times) to my own personal Cheers – where everybody knows your name – and I know for a fact that a lot of other people felt the same way. So it was sad to say goodbye on its final night, even though we knew it was only a matter of time before its doors would open again.

In the time that Capone’s was moving to its new home, those of us who frequented it kind of drifted from place to place, never really feeling the same “at home” feeling that came with incredibly fun late nights of music, adobo flakes, and good conversation. I, in particular, didn’t feel quite the same level of comfort anywhere else. Capone’s just has an amazing way of making you feel welcome and, unlike in other places, it isn’t long before you make friends with everyone there. In fact, I have met some of the most interesting people I know at Capone’s and over the years have grown closer and closer to them. As a matter of fact, many of them are some of my best friends now.

So, we all waited for Capone’s to open again, knowing that it would only be a matter of time before the best place for great music, great food, and great conversation would once again be our nightly destination. And, sure enough, early last December (and just in time to celebrate the holidays), we got our wish. Capone’s Bar and Bistro finally opened the doors of its new home on the second floor of A. Venue, inviting back — or should I say inviting home — all the young, crazy, funky and fun characters that inhabit the popular watering hole.

It was an incredible feat and quite an accomplishment. Indeed, as December drew nearer and work was still being done on the site, it didn’t seem possible that the bar would open in time for the holidays, but through around-the-clock efforts from Capone’s Main Man Jay Server and Architect Pandy Lichauco and Jay Pabalan and team, the beautiful exteriors and interiors of the bar were done in just a month — right on time for the slated December opening night.

And what an amazing opening night it was. Called a “Secret Dry Run” night, Mr. Brightside himself proves once again that he is still an undisputed Nightlife Giant throwing an Opening/Welcome Home party like only he can. It was an incredibly fun all-night event to welcome back all the Capone’s regulars and friends and introduce them to the new bar while road-testing everything from the tables and chairs, the sound system, the bar, and the bathrooms. Everything went off without a hitch. And the best part? All the amazing staff was back as well, so it really felt, in many ways, like going home.

Indeed, those of us who’ve been waiting for our favorite bar to reopen finally have a nightly destination once again. It’s everything the old Capone’s was and more and you can look forward to the same excellent menu, the same stellar service, the same great live musical acts, and the same comfortable, fun and welcoming ambience. Every night there is something to look forward to at Capone’s so anytime you feel like going out you can rest assured there will be something there to entertain you from the many awesome musical acts like NATF, Overtone, Blush, and several others as well as amazing DJs and awesome jam sessions, you will definitely always have fun, sing and dance the night away.

So, to all my favorite Capone’s regulars and to all the amazing and interesting people I have yet to meet, if you are looking for a fun bar with delicious food, incredible live music and awesome company, look no further than the second floor of A. Venue on Makati Ave. to Capone’s where you will always be welcome and where you will always feel at home. See you there! 

Capone’s Bar and Bistro is located on the second floor of A. Venue Events Hall on Makati Avenue.