I grew up in a family of dog lovers. We currently own a shih tzu named Stanley, a dachshund named Mojo, and an aspin (Philippine street dog) named Cho. I jumped in excitement when I found out that a piece of heaven here on earth a.k.a. dog cafe finally opened in Manila!
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Dog Zone
What better way to spend your ARFternoon than with a man’s best friend! Head to the Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe for a cup of coffee and adorable companions! It is separated between two (2) zones: Humans Only and Dogs. The Humans Only Zone is where you can dine/ wait for your turn to enter the dog zone. On the other hand, the Dog Zone is where you can interact with the dogs while sipping a drink for only P180.
Humans only
They have a variety of dog breeds you can play with such as Golden Retriever, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Siberian Husky, Labrador Retriever, Chinese Sharpei, Irish Setter, Beagle, Yorkshire Terrier, Chiweenie, Pug, Poodle, Maltese, Basset Hound, and Dalmatian. 
Below are a few reasons why the Barkin’ Buddies make the best, well, buddies:
1. They comfortably sleep on your lap.
Milo, Yorkshire Terrier
2. One word: GIGIL!
Skye, Siberian Husky
Robin, Golden Retriever
Fiona, Chinese Sharpei
Psyche, Beagle
3. They are hilarious without knowing it.
Marley and Robin, Golden Retrievers
4. They may be tired but they still effortlessly make the customers smile.
Martha, Irish Setter
5. They make it difficult to leave. 😦
Bye for now Booster, my fave Barkin’ Buddy. (Lhasa Apso)
Create memories by following the cafe guide:
(c) Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe Official Facebook Page
Please abide by the rules upon entering the Dog Zone:
(c) Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe Official Facebook Page
The Verdict: 
It is better to be dogzoned than to be friendzoned!
- Dog residents: 5
I can attest that it is safe to approach and pet the dog residents. Aside from the dogs being adorable, they are also well-behaved and playful.
- Milk Tea: 4
I ordered a Wintermelon Milk Tea as my inclusive drink and it was surprisingly good. However, I was having too much fun interacting with the dogs that I forgot I even had a drink to consume.
- Service: 3.5
The crew was accommodating but I did not like the way they were forcing the dogs to take a photo with the customers.
- Ambiance: 3.5
The cafe is a first-come, first-served basis so it could get a bit crowded as they limit the number of persons allowed per time duration at the Dog Zone.
- Price: 4
Personally, P180 is worth it given the alloted time, the inclusive drink, new furry canine friends, and an unforgettable experience.
How to get there:
(c) Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe Official Facebook Page
Disembark at the LRT Katipunan Station. Walk toward Katipunan Ave. Southbound. Ride a tricycle near Ministop and ask the driver to take you to J&R Concon Centre beside Shakey’s at Rosa Alvero St.
Operating Hours:
Everyday except Tuesdays: 12nn to 9pm
For more info, visit their site here.
For updates, join them on facebook, twitter, and instagram.
Iris in Wanderland 