Manila’s iconic Ermita district has a new sound – and it’s taking off. Hangar 18, the newest music bar and bistro in the city, officially opened on September 20, 2025, and has already reignited the live music culture that once defined the area.

Opening night featured a six-band line-up – Save The Prophet, LVNA, Deadbeat Surfers, Bandito, Wabash, and F4E – and a lively crowd enjoying ₱18 beer promos that kept the energy high and the venue packed.
Since then Hangar 18 has seen performances from Stephen Lu, The Dandimites, Heavy Tones, Shuffle Union, Dott Seki & The Seeds of Lights, The Cyche, and an EP launch by Sunday Mercado.

Located on the ground floor of the historic Casa Tesoro Building on Mabini Street, and previously the home of Dakota Cabin Cafe Bar & Bistro, Hangar 18 is an elegant fusion of nostalgia and modern creativity. Its aviation-inspired interiors – including cockpit-style copper seats, silver Art Deco lighting, and a mirrored bar running half the room’s length – make it one of the most photogenic and atmospheric venues in Manila.

“We wanted to bring back the lure of the old Ermita indie music scene, but with a modern twist,” said Helen Atanacio, one of the owners of Hangar 18. “Dakota Cabin had its loyal crowd, and we didn’t want to lose that. Instead, we built on it – keeping the warmth and familiarity, and retaining the bar and kitchen staff team, while creating a fresh space where live music, good food, and conversation thrive.”

The menu pays homage to Tacio’s Bar & Bistro and Dakota Cabin, combining crowd favorites with new bistro dishes at reasonable prices – making it perfect for both dinner and late-night sessions.
The venue’s name, Hangar 18, is a layered nod to aviation and mystery – a salute to the Dakota planes of its predecessor, to the legendary Area 51’s Hangar 18, and to Megadeth’s iconic song of the same name.

Housed within the Casa Tesoro Building, one of Ermita’s oldest Art Deco structures (built in 1901), Hangar 18 shares the address with an art gallery and business offices, contributing to a growing creative renaissance in the area.

Hangar 18 Bar & Bistro is open daily from 4 PM till late, featuring a rotating line-up of bands, acoustic nights, and themed events that celebrate Manila’s vibrant music culture.