New York’s cocktail scene just got a deliciously different addition. June Baby, a new Filipino-American cocktail bar, has officially opened at 197 Second Avenue in the East Village, bringing Filipino flavors, cultural traditions and seriously creative drinks to downtown Manhattan.
Founded by longtime friends and hospitality professionals Roxanne Diaz Bangalan, Darwin Pornel and Ben Rojo, June Baby is more than another neighborhood bar. It’s a celebration of Filipino-American identity, community and the shared experiences that connect the diaspora.
And judging by the cocktail menu, there’s plenty to celebrate.
Calamansi, Ube and a Little Filipino Magic
The drinks menu puts Filipino ingredients front and center, with cocktails that give familiar flavors an exciting new spin.
Highlights include the Calamansi Hi-Ball, the Ube Colada and the Turon-Tado, inspired by turon, the popular Filipino fried banana spring roll dessert.
The result is a cocktail lineup that goes well beyond the usual martini-and-margarita routine. Expect tropical flavors, nostalgic references and plenty of personality in every glass.
Filipino Comfort Food Meets East Village Nightlife
Of course, no proper Filipino gathering would be complete without food.
June Baby serves Filipino-inspired pulutan — the traditional snacks and small plates enjoyed alongside drinks. The menu includes Lumpiang Shanghai and Kanto Fried Chicken Wings, bringing familiar Filipino favorites into a relaxed New York bar setting.
It’s the kind of menu designed for sharing, ordering another round and inevitably deciding that one more plate wouldn’t hurt.
A Bar With a Meaningful Name
June Baby takes its name from June 12, Philippine Independence Day, giving the venue a meaningful connection to Filipino history and heritage.
Located at 197 Second Avenue, the bar is open Tuesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight.
With its combination of Filipino-inspired cocktails, comfort food and neighborhood energy, June Baby is giving the East Village something genuinely distinctive.
Manhattan has plenty of cocktail bars. But one serving an Ube Colada with Lumpiang Shanghai? That’s a reason to raise a glass.
