San Juan has always been known for its mix of neighborhood charm and urban energy, but tucked within it is a cafe that blends both comfort and creativity in one space. A.bode Space Cafe, founded by four friends, Joma Ochoa, Kaki Reyes, Gelo Uy, and JD Tan, offers more than just coffee and food. It was built to serve as a creative sanctuary and gathering place where people can feel at home while enjoying good coffee, art, and community. The cafe is designed as a “third space,” a spot outside of home and work where you can relax, work, or connect with others. Open from Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM, it has become a refreshing alternative to the usual mall coffee shops and an inviting hub for those who want a more personal and creative atmosphere.
Walking inside, guests are greeted with a warm and eclectic interior filled with art and character. The cafe is multi-level, with a prominent wooden staircase and ornate wrought-iron railing that lead the eye upward. White walls double as a gallery featuring colorful paintings and framed works by Filipino artists, all of which are available for sale through their collaboration with Art Circle Gallery. This blend of classic architecture and bohemian sensibility creates an atmosphere that is both comfortable and visually stimulating, making A.bode Space one of the coziest coffee shops in the area. For anyone searching for a cozy coffee shop in San Juan, A.bode Space has quickly become a favorite spot to work, study, or simply spend time with friends and family.
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The Story Behind A.bode Space
In early 2025, four close friends launched A.bode Space with the vision of building a place where people could gather comfortably outside their homes or workplaces. According to Kaki Reyes, Creative Director and one of the founders who curated the space from the ground up, the idea grew naturally. “We were just a group of friends in our twenties who loved hanging out at each other’s homes, sharing music, art, coffee, and long conversations. Those moments felt so natural and meaningful that we thought, Why not create a space that feels just like that? We wanted A.bode to be more than just a café. It’s a third space where people can gather, connect, and create together.”
The name itself reflects this intention. Reyes explained, “We chose the name A.bode because it’s rooted in the idea of home, a place where you feel comfortable and proud to belong. The word ‘space’ reflects what we’re really trying to build: a shared space for the community. Put together, A.bode Space is about creating a home away from home, where people can gather around the things we love most, music, art, and of course, really good coffee.”
More Than Just a Coffee Shop
Unlike many cafes in the area, A.bode Space goes beyond serving drinks and meals. Reyes shared, “What makes A.bode Space different is that we don’t really see ourselves as just a coffee shop. We’re a third space, a cozy, creative hub that just happens to serve really good coffee. Beyond the cafe, we’ve built spaces people can actually rent: a studio designed for photo, video, and content creation, a conference room for brainstorming ideas, and a common area that’s perfect for gatherings, launches, or even jam sessions. These are just a few of the many possibilities which one can rent a space at our home for.”
This multi-functional approach makes A.bode Space an option not only for casual visits but also for those seeking venues that foster collaboration and creativity. It is designed to be flexible, serving the needs of individuals, groups, and communities.
Showcasing Filipino Art
A.bode Space also functions as an art space. Partnering with Art Circle Gallery, the cafe showcases works by talented Filipino artists. Reyes explained, “Many of the pieces displayed at A.bode Space are available for sale, not just for those who appreciate beauty, but also for collectors who curate with purpose. What makes this partnership special is the chance to showcase these artworks in a space that feels like home. Unlike the plain white walls of a traditional gallery, A.bode offers a warm, lived-in setting where people can see how these pieces might look in their own homes.”
The rotating collection highlights different themes, from community and social interaction to more individual expressions. This collaboration not only enriches the cafe’s aesthetic but also supports Filipino artistry in a meaningful way.
The Must-Try Sea Salt Vanilla Latté
Among the drinks, one item stands out as the must-order. Reyes described, “The Sea Salt Vanilla Latté was inspired by the feeling we want people to have at A.bode Space, warm, comforting, and a little uplifting. We wanted a signature drink that feels like home in a cup, something familiar yet unique.”
Beyond this specialty, A.bode offers other favorites. “Aside from our Sea Salt Vanilla Latté, we’d definitely recommend trying our Matcha, especially for non-coffee drinkers. We serve it in different strength levels, so you can customize it exactly the way you like,” Reyes said. On the food side, the cafe serves comforting home-cooked meals such as pasta bolognese, pesto, Full House Fries, Living Room Nachos, Kitchen Burger Steak, and Comfort Fried Chicken.
A Vision for Growth
Looking ahead, Reyes sees A.bode Space evolving with its community. “Moving forward, our goal is to keep A.bode Space alive and thriving by continuing to be a home for communities, whether they’re here for events, shoots, or celebrations. In the next few years, we hope to expand, offering more space, more tools, and more opportunities for people to create, connect, and collaborate. For us, it’s all about growing alongside the community we serve.”
Visit A.bode Space
Located at 2 Don E. Ejercito, Manila, Metro Manila, just a short walk from Dominican College and Santuario del Santo Cristo Parish, A.bode Space is shaping up to be more than a neighborhood coffee shop. It is becoming a creative hub and community space where people can feel at home while exploring new ideas, enjoying art, and sharing good food and drinks.
Stay connected with A.bode Space Cafe by following them on Facebook and on Instagram for updates, events, and new offerings.
If you are looking for a cozy coffee shop in San Juan that offers more than just caffeine, A.bode Space Cafe is open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM. Drop by for a cup of their signature Sea Salt Vanilla Latté, explore Filipino art, and experience a space designed for comfort, creativity, and community.
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