Keep this cool spot on your list if you ever need an escape! Hidden along the Cebu Transcentral Highway in Lower Busay, Cebu is the cozy little Crate Cafe, where you can sit back, relax, and take in calming views of the forests below—all while sipping on some excellent coffee.


The café is not the biggest one around—there is a cozy little building where you can order drinks and treats—but it is the al fresco dining area overlooking Cebu City's surrounding forests, with a bit of the city peeking in, that really takes the cake. Located on the outskirts of the bustling city proper, Crate Cafe is a nearby gem you can always run to for a bit of zen.


There is a simple and straightforward menu of drinks you can enjoy: a classic cup of Espresso for P95, or a frothy Cappucino (P120/8 ounces, P130/12 ounces). For those who want it back to the basics, the Americano is at P105 for 8 ounces and P115 for 12 ounces. You can have it iced for P120. Their lattes—Classic, Mocha, White Mocha, and Caramel—are also available hot or iced, starting at P120.
Crate Cafe also offers different baked goods daily, such as brownies and vegan doughnuts, and limited treats like Chocolate Chip Banana Walnut Bread.

Aside from the usual coffee beverages, they also have blended drinks to choose from. We have our eyes on the Banana Coffee Caramel! You can also try the Raspberry White Mocha and S'Mores Mocha. All three blended drink flavors are P155 and come with a shot of espresso so keep it away from the kiddies. For non-caffeineted options, they have Chocolate, either hot (P120) or iced (P135), and smoothies (P155). Just ask what the flavor of the day is.


In case you're planning a short getaway or a simple road trip, the Crate Cafe has adjusted their hours amid quarantine rules. They are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays to Sundays. Traveling by car would be best as the place has ample parking but you can also take a tricycle from the JY Square Mall 15 minutes away. Pro-tip: Plan your trip to the café during the golden hours, or around 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., to catch the best sun-tinged views.
For more information, check out the Crate Cafe Facebook page.
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**This story originally appeared on Spot.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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