Food
As a freshman, you may be excited to venture out and discover what lies beyond Ateneo—but with so many food options along Katipunan, it can be a struggle to decide where to go. Luckily, there are several places for different needs: Whether you’re going alone or with friends to have fun, get to work, or grab a bite! Take this quiz to find out which spots are fit for your next hangout:
Graphic by Andy Granda
Photo by Kelly Veneracion
Shakey’s
291 Katipunan Ave. corner Rosa Alvero St.
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
A classic pizzeria, Shakey’s never fails to fill stomachs. The casual joint offers comforting familiarity with its classic offerings of pizza and chicken—making it most suitable for groups who want to share food and catch up with friends. On a late night, students can also rely on Shakey’s 24-hour service. While it can get noisy, it’s still possible to conduct group meetings and do work: Just plug into the few sockets near the couches, make use of the round-the-clock Wi-Fi, then type away.
Photo by Kelly Veneracion
Chubby Chicken
Ground Floor Xavier Residence, 41 Esteban Abada corner Rosa Alvero St.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Monday to Wednesday); 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM (Thursday to Saturday); 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM (Sunday)
Chubby Chicken is known for its cheap yet filling food selection. Aside from the signature soy-glazed chicken, its menu boasts pasta, burgers, and rice meals. Though it may seem less spacious than other restaurants, the venue actually extends to a second corridor, making the narrow entryway a façade. The interior is simple, but welcoming thanks to a corkboard filled with funny post-it notes. Chubby Chicken is a great place to chat, finish homework, or take a break while satisfying your hunger.
Photo by Janine Torre
Ella and the Blackbird
88 Esteban Abada St.
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
This charming café behind Regis Center is ideal for kicking back in comfort. Fair warning: Ella has no Wi-Fi and offers only one set of sockets. But if you’re ready to disconnect, you can order food and enjoy the quiet ambiance. With smaller portions, the dishes aren’t suitable for sharing, but the menu remains diverse with all-day breakfast, soup, and salad. There are also crepes and cakes to complement its selection of drinks. Truly a hidden gem, Ella and the Blackbird is a much-needed oasis.
Photo by Mark Anastacio
The Lib
40 Esteban Abada St.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Monday to Saturday); Closed on Sundays
The Lib is a cozy café perfect for some peace of mind. Its furniture and decor have a clean, minimalist look—lending itself to some alone time or intimate one-on-one conversations. One of this café’s most unique offerings is its smoothie bowls in either Banana Mango or Strawberry Beets—perfect for a healthy snack. If you’re craving savory food, The Lib offers salads, sandwiches, and rice bowls, too. Given the modern ambiance and varied selections, The Lib is fit for staying productive in comfort.
