8 Food And Beverage Businesses Owned By Musicians You Need To Check Out — James Reid, Chito Miranda, And More

Over the years, many musicians have ventured out into starting their own businesses — many of them restaurants and bars. With the hunt ongoing for new spots to visit in Metro Manila, these food and beverage spots are some of the perfect place to enjoy a hearty meal or meet with friends over drinks.

Whether it’s speakeasy bars like Big Fuzz or Mono by Phono to good old Filipino food like Alamat or Flying House, you may be surprised to find out that some of the best hang out spots in the Metro are also owned by legendary and respected musicians.

With that, check out our list of eight restaurants and bars owned by Filipino musicians like James Reid, Chito Miranda, 8 Toleran, and more.

Big Fuzz

Welcome to Big Fuzz — the latest speakeasy bar venture owned by Jim Bacarro and Kyle Quismundo of Cheats and Ali Sangalang (best known for Linya Linya). This intimate bar is tucked away in Creekside Mall in Makati and has stirred up the favor of connoisseurs for their impeccable drinks. Aside from the drinks, they boast of a large record collection, and if you’re lucky you can hear them play everything from the Spice Girls to Television. Learn more about Big Fuzz here.

Crazy Katsu

In case you didn’t know, Crazy Katsu is actually co-owned by Shinji Tanaka and Taken by Cars drummer Bryan Kong. Tanaka also owns Kodoma Studios, where bands like Sandwich, Moonstar88, Imago, Flying Ipis, and more have recorded songs with him. He is also the drummer for Gaijin and Squid 9. In addition to the two of them, Mike Dizon of Sandwich and Pedicab co-owns the BF Paranaque branch. Learn more about Crazy Katsu here.

Alamat, Japonesa, Peruana, West 32

James Reid has established his penchant for running businesses, and the slew of ventures under Notorious Concepts are no exception. The food and business group have a number of food and drink businesses in the Makati area like Alamat, Japonesa, Peruana, and West 32. They also own HQ, which is one of the most prominent Poblacion spots today. If you’re looking for a gastronomic adventure in the heart of the city’s business district, check out Notorious Concepts’ offerings here.

Crazy Ramen

Crazy Ramen is Crazy Katsu’s ‘ramen brother,’ and while Tanaka still owns the brand, Raymund Marasigan co-owns Crazy Ramen’s branch in Marikina City. Check out the song they made together as Squid 9 for Crazy Ramen’s gomoku ramen here.

Mang Jose Lechon at Inasal

Catch the real-life Ordertakers at Chito Miranda’s Mang Jose Lechon at Inasal in Tagaytay. The restaurant is known for their, well, lechon and inasal offerings. They also serve mami, various desserts, and pizzas under their “picha pie” menu — a reference to the Parokya ni Edgar song of the same name. Check out more details about Mang Jose Lechon at Inasal here.

Sabong Fried Chicken

If you find yourself in La Union this summer, make sure to stop by Sabong Fried Chicken, which is owned by SOS (formerly She’s Only Sixteen) bassist Anjo Silvoza. They serve various fried chicken meals and are perfect to enjoy with a beer by the beach. Find out more details about Sabong Fried Chicken via their Instagram here.

Flying House

If you’re looking for good old comfort food, Flying House on Malingap Street is the perfect place to go to. The restaurant is owned by 8 Toleran, best known for his work as part of Queso, Franco, and Armalite. Their menu is filled with hearty meals like sisig, steak, pares salpicao, roast chicken, and more. Learn more about Flying House here.

Mono by Phono

Looking to chill out on a weekend? Mono by Phono is one of the hottest hole-in-the-wall speakeasy bars in the Metro right now. Aside from enjoying a drink or two, the Makati-based venue hosts vinyl dj sets and intimate performances from different acts in the underground. Mono by Phono is owned by Ean Mayor of UDD and Conrad Javier of Fables and July XIV. Follow Mono by Phono on Instagram for news on their next events.