CASE #027: Sky Deck Bar Review

If you are looking for great food and a great view at reasonable prices, then Sky Deck Bar and Restaurant is the place for you.

Sky Deck Bar and Restaurant is located on the roof deck of The Bay Leaf Manor Hotel in Intramuros, Manila. You can book a Grab and pin it right into the location of the hotel. You can also opt to commute and board on public utility vehicles that plies the route near Intramuros, Lawton, and Manila City Hall area. The hotel is near the Lyceum of the Philippines, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and Mapua University.

The restaurant bar opens at 5:00 pm. Hubby and I got there a little bit early, so we waited at the lobby for thirty minutes.

Ambiance ★★★★

To access Sky Deck Bar from the lobby of Bay Leaf Manor Hotel, take the elevators going to the penthouse. There are two restaurants housed within the hotel. The first one is, 9 Spoons which is an indoor restaurant at the lower roof deck. Facing the entrance of this restaurant, turn right and you will enter the glass door that will give you access to the plight of stairs going up the upper roof deck level.

Once you reach the top of the stairs, you will be ushered in the al fresco dining experience with a 360-degree view of the city of Manila. I was mesmerized by all of it.

The color theme of the restaurant is a mixture of dark brown and dark orange. The theme contrasts with the green scenery of the Intramuros Golf Course but compliments the romantic orange blaze of the setting sun towards its western side.

Tables are a combination of round and rectangular ones that can accommodate both couples and big groups of diners. There is also a woven couch covered by fluffy orange cushions matched with a low coffee table for a much more casual feel.

If you want those tables fronting the golf course, it would be best to call for reservations. Unfortunately for us, all tables on that part were already reserved so we were placed at a table on the western side facing Binondo, Divisoria, and the Manila North Harbor Pier.

It may not be a very great sight to behold but when the sun set, it redefined everything. It reminded me why I love Manila.

When darkness fell, the staff immediately placed little candle pots wrapped in paper bags. At first, I was worried that those paper bags would burst into flames. One strong sweep of the gusting winds from Manila Bay can fire up those candles. But the staff assured us that it was safe. Later the in the evening those little paper bags turned into little lanterns that add up to the romantic mood.

Food ★★★

We did not order their main courses and best sellers because we still feel full of the sumptuous lunch we had. We just ordered some nachos to munch and some soda as we waited for the sunset.

The nachos were good. They have big servings and the salsa tasted like a house recipe unlike those bottled ones that you can buy from the supermarket. The cheese tasted good too. I loved the combination of the avocado sauce, the cheese, salsa, and ground beef. It took us an hour to finish the first serving.

Late into the night, we ordered a bottle of their in-house red wine and paired it with their cheesiest chimichanga. The wine tasted average. It wasn’t too sweet and wasn’t too bitter. The chimichanga was good too but it had a similar taste with their nachos. They probably used the same ground beef ensemble they used with the nacho. Good thing the cheese paired perfectly with the red wine.

The only downside was that their menu looked too ordinary. They offered Filipino dishes like bagnet, sinigang, kare-kare, and others which you can also readily order from Max’s or Mesa. I was hoping there was something in their menu that would strike a difference. But then again, I wasn’t able to try their full course meal. Maybe the taste was difference.

Service ★★★★★

Service was also excellent. We were graciously welcomed by the staff. The orders were served in a considerable and acceptable amount of time. The staff were prompt in accommodating our needs. They were prompt to put on those little candle lanterns.

Hubby jokingly informed one of the staff that it was my birthday. Minutes later, I was surprised when all the staff sprang out from behind my back singing a birthday song and with a complimentary cake (it’s a small slice of blueberry cheesecake) in hand. I didn’t know they would take the joke seriously. But it seriously was my birthday. And I was truly happy with the song number.

For smokers, you can just request a place in their smoking area which is found on a small loft on top of the roof deck. Quite a good spot as you are higher than any one else and have the unobstructed view of the city down below. I just didn’t know how long your order would take since I didn’t notice any staff stationed on that area.

The smoking area

They accept both cash and credit card payment so you can go in there cashless. Hooray!

Pricing ★★★

For a hotel restaurant, I would say they were averagely priced. I was expecting a much more expensive price list but that was not the case. But again, it will depend on your orders.

I can’t really recommend it for people on a budget. But based on the servings, the service and the view, I would say the price is reasonable enough. You may list it down as an option a romantic date place with your special someone.

However, if food is your main priority in dining out at this place, then may you should consider other hotels that can offer buffet packages at a much lower price minus the view.

Overall Rating: 3.75 ★

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Disclaimer:


All reviews are based on my own experience. My views and opinions may vary from others. If you have a different experience with this place, feel free to let us know through the comments section. The descriptions and prices mentioned are based on what I have actually encountered. It may vary from time to time or in different branches. Again, feel free to comment for updated information.