Hideaway is aptly named, it’s not easy to find. It is situated mid-way down an alley off the highway, but other than the wall mural above, there is no signage. So, unless you just happened to look in the alley as you passed by you’d never even know there was a bar located here.
I’m sure most patrons of the bar discovered the place by word-of-mouth and perhaps more than any other drinking establishment in town, it has a neighborhood pub feel about it. Think Cheers.
I’m far from a regular here, in large part because Hideaway is 2,344 steps away from my house. I pass by so many other places along the way that I rarely make it this far down the highway. Oh, and as a side note, as I do these bar reviews I’ll be doing furthest/closest alternations, eventually finishing somewhere in the middle. Bet you can’t wait for that!
Alright, as mentioned above, the bar was sold last week to a long-time bar manager from Angeles City named Griff. He wasn’t there last night when I was, so I haven’t met him yet. No idea what changes, if any, he has in mind from the Dive In concept. Despite my limited past patronage, I was recognized by one of the customers, Wayne, the fiance of my ex-crush, Jessa. He seems to be a really nice guy and I’m happy for her. Jessa was actually the reason for most of my past visits to this bar. The only current employee I know there now is Ken (a female), but she was leaving just as I arrived.
Let’s go inside, shall we?
So, a neighborhood pub where all the regulars know each other. Good music playing and the customers can request whatever songs they want to hear. Drinking companions are available if you so desire, and the lady drinks are comparatively inexpensive at 150 pesos. A cutie named Rose eventually came and sat down next to me, but I was already preparing to leave. My beer was also fairly priced at 70 pesos.
There is really nothing not to like about Hideaway. Since I didn’t know anyone other than Wayne across the bar, I wasn’t really engaged in the “regulars” banter taking place. Drank my two beers, listened to the music, missed Jessa, then called the bartender over to pay my tab. I handed him a 500 peso note for a 140 peso bill and he didn’t have change. Apparently, no one else in the bar did either. I saw him send one of the gals out with a 1000 peso bill, but she returned a couple of minutes without change. Then the bartender left the bar while I sat there waiting. And waiting.
The bartender eventually returned with my change and apologized for the delay, explaining that everyone had been paying with large bills. Okay, it happens. I’m sure I’ll find my way back to Hideaway at some point in the future.
Hey, I just had a thought. I ought to start ranking the bars in my order of personal preference as I do these reviews. Why not? Here’s where we are thus far:
- Queen Victoria
- Hideaway
- Redz Pub
So the bar’s name is Hideaway, but judging by the signage, the name really ought to be Sports Bar.
That writing on the wall hasn’t changed since the Dive In days. I guess Dive In purported to be a sports bar, which is loosely defined as having a pool table, darts, and a television for the “big game”. It will be interesting to see if the new owner does a better job promoting the bar’s actual Hideaway name.
I am liking the bar crawl reviews and also your rankings of them.
Thanks!!
I don’t know Mccrarey. That alleyway looks pretty dodgy. Now I spent my fair share of time in alleyways in Anjung-Ri back in the eighties but I never once was worried about getting knocked over the head. I think the PI is a different animal. Maybe I’m wrong. Peace Out!
Well, I think that Alley is okay…it runs between the National highway and the beach…not a bad neighborhood…
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