I debated whether to include Palm Tree in this series of reviews, but in the end, I decided it does qualify as a bar. I used to visit here semi-regularly, but for reasons unrelated to the bar, I stopped coming. Alright, a guy I know who worked there got fucked by management and as a result, I chose not to continue to be a patron of Palm Tree. Last night was the first time in months I’d been there. Stayed for one beer and left. No plans to return. But to be clear, there is nothing wrong with the bar itself. In fact, it is usually a nice place to hang out.
Palm Tree seems popular with the European expat crowd, perhaps because of the sports on TV. I used to see the German Hashers in there quite frequently, and the former manager was an Englishman.
Service is generally good. The waitresses are strictly waitresses. Food is available and usually nicely done. My beer last night was 85 pesos, which is on the high end. So, as noted above, I don’t come here for personal reasons, but the bar itself is normally quite enjoyable.
Accordingly, I am going to rank Palm Tree without regard for my non-bar issues.
- It Doesn’t Matter
- Alley Cats
- Adam’s
- Blue Butterfly
- Out Back Billabong
- Dynamite Dick’s
- Palm Tree
- Hideaway
- Rosies
- Queen Victoria
- Annex
- MacArthur’s
- Redz Pub
- Whiskey Girl
Seems like a pretty nice place. I’m a little biased. I’ve always liked a bar/hotel combo. when i was at the HUMP i always enjoyed heading up to Yongsan for some R&R and staying at the Dragon Hill Lodge. Yeah, I would venture into Itaewon and get a good buzz going but I would always end up back at the DHL bar (Bentley’s). a few more drinks, then on the elevator and up to my room. Kinda like a security blanket. Peace Out!
Ah, the DHL/Bentley’s combo. Been there, done that. I actually stayed at Palm Tree once as a tourist but never did the bar there until I moved here.
Does the circularity of the bar change the ambiance in any way?
Kev, hadn’t really thought about it. I guess it does in the sense that you can see the folks sitting across from you, but this bar is so large you can’t really speak to them. It’s different from most places, so that’s nice in and of itself.
I was reminded of King Arthur’s round table and the Knight who built it. You’ve probably heard of him–Sir Cumference. (sorry)
Interesting that there is a German Hash group in your little burg also. I kind of figured yours was the only game in town.
Do you mix with them at all, or are the two groups pretty separate?
Yeah, my bad, Brian. I meant it as the German Hashers who are members of the Subic Bay Hash. We have several German members, but only one group. Sorry for the confusion.
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