Kapitolyo has no shortage of cafes, and 1C Coffee has been the cyclist’s go-to since 2022. When I first started bike commuting, this was one of the cafes I regularly visited with friends outside of Makati, and while I was out of commission between 2023 and 2024, I found myself coming back regularly since the start of the year.

1C Coffee Kapitolyo is a homey cafe that doesn’t push on fancy interiors; it’s casually charming, and yet charmingly casual. It focuses on coffee and community, providing guests a safe space to be after a ride around town. In all honesty, it exudes the community-friendly atmosphere of Kapitolyo as a whole.

What I love about 1C is that even if I’m having coffee on my own, I end up bumping into someone I know or making a new acquaintance. The coffee makes the company even more engaging, this everyday act more memorable.

And they also have a cafe cat named Michelle. So there’s that.

On the flipside, though, they have limited seating. When it gets crowded, you’re forced to sit outside (which I don’t really mind) or find another cafe to hang out in. Does it ruin the experience? Not necessarily, but if you do want to stay awhile, it could be a deal-breaker for you. So keep that in mind.

How to Get to 1C Coffee

1C is located along San Francisco St. in Kapitolyo, Pasig, and it’s pretty easy to get there when biking.

If you’re coming from the Shaw/Estancia area, enter W Capitol Drive and once you see a small pedestrian crossing, (safely) dismount from your bike and cross towards your left. Enter San Rafael St. and make a right at Sta. Rosa, then left at San Francisco.

If you’re coming from the Brixton/Fairlane side of Kapitolyo, make your way to E Capitol Drive then make a left at Sta Rosa (you can counterflow; you’re on a bike) and make a right at San Francisco.

Bike Parking Situation

There’s more than enough space for several bikes at 1C Coffee. With two bike racks on each side of their porch, a whole peloton of bike commuters can safely park while ordering coffee inside. Just be sure to lock your front tire onto the bar–I heard there was a theft back in the day, so you can never be too careful.

Interesting Selection Across the Board

From the bestselling Sea Salt Honey to my personal favorite, Matcha Peach-ooh, 1C Coffee Kapitolyo offers an excellent selection of coffee and non-coffee drinks. Even their Americano is superb. My only gripe is that their meals aren’t always available at the time I want (before 9am, after doing laps around Car-Free Ayala), so I get a little hangry while waiting.

It does get full in the morning, with all the runners and cyclists coming from their pre-breakfast training, so do come in early if you want to get a seat. And please be patient with the 1C team if they take a while with your orders. Enjoy the chismis while you wait first.

Nonetheless, for a neighborhood cafe with a standout menu, their pricing is fair enough.

They also have branches in Adidas Two Parkade in BGC and Elektric Avenue in Promenade, Greenhills if you can’t make it to Kapitolyo. Don’t forget to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates!

For cyclists, runners, and coffee lovers alike, 1C is a pit stop that’s worth making space on your route.

About Best By Bike

Best By Bike is a blog series dedicated to discovering bike-friendly cafés and restaurants around Metro Manila.

If you own or manage a bike-friendly café or restaurant and want to be featured, I’d love to hear from you! Submit your establishment for a feature.