If you love coffee and have a furry companion, Barista & Paws is the perfect place for you. Newly opened inside SMX Convention Center, this unique spot combines a café, pet grooming salon, and hotel—a much-needed convenience for pet owners attending events or exploring nearby attractions like IKEA Manila, SM By The Bay, and SM Mall of Asia.
A Business Built by Pet Lovers
Barista & Paws is owned by a couple who are passionate about pets. When I visited, I met the husband, who was personally managing the café. He shared that they have eight dogs at home, and the inspiration for this place came from their own experiences—whenever they took their pets for grooming, they struggled to find a comfortable place to wait. They often ended up wandering around malls for hours.
So, they decided to create a space where pet parents can relax, enjoy coffee, and watch their pets being groomed through transparent walls. His wife wasn’t around that day, but he mentioned exciting plans, including a pet-friendly menu and resident “Bark-Ristas”—their well-behaved dogs who will soon be greeting customers and fellow pets.
Freshly Roasted Coffee, Sourced Straight from Farmers
Barista Coffee, the brand behind the café, has seven branches across Manila and Mindanao:
SM Megamall
Trinoma
Veterans Hospital
Golf Course
Berkley SMDC (in front of Ateneo)
Marawi, Mindanao
What sets their coffee apart?
They buy raw green beans straight from farmers, not from cooperatives. Their beans come from Robusta (Batanes), Arabica (Sagada), Benguet, and Excelsa coffee varieties. They roast their own beans, ensuring that every cup is as fresh as possible.
Pet Grooming and Hotel Services
Their pet hotel and grooming services operate during business hours, starting at 9 AM, following SMX Convention Center’s schedule. While overnight stays aren’t available, it’s a convenient option for pet parents who need a safe place for their pets while they attend events inside SMX specifically or go shopping to IKEA, SM MOA or stroll at SM By The Bay.
Their grooming team includes senior professionals with 5 to 7 years of experience, assisted by two apprentices. You don’t have to leave the café to check on your pet—you can watch everything through transparent walls while sipping your coffee.
Pet-Friendly Menu: Affordable Meals & Puppuccinos
Barista & Paws is also introducing a pet-friendly menu, featuring meals and puppuccinos for only ₱100-₱150. Now, your pets can enjoy a treat while you do! The menu is still being conceptualized as of the moment but will be offered soon.
VIP Card with Exclusive Perks
They also offer a VIP Card, which comes with perks like a free drink every time your pet gets groomed. Ten percent discount is also automatic to card members for all grooming, boarding and coffee products of Barista & Paws. Currently, it is on sale. I suggest grab this opportunity while it is on discounted price.
The Convenience of Pet Hotels, Grooming Shops & Cafés Near SMX
Traditional pet grooming shops often lack a proper waiting area, and pet owners typically cannot see how their pets are being groomed. As a result, many find themselves wandering around a mall or sitting in a café just to pass the time. However, pet grooming shops have been evolving, with many now doubling as pet cafés and even pet hotels.
This shift has been a game-changer, offering pet owners the convenience of staying in one place while their pets are groomed. Instead of having to leave and find a waiting spot, they can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy a good cup of coffee or a meal—all while watching their pets being groomed through a clear glass wall. This level of convenience is something many never realized they needed, and it’s a concept that more businesses are beginning to embrace.
For those looking for a pet-friendly café near SMX, a pet grooming shop at SMX Convention Center, or a pet hotel near Mall of Asia, Barista & Paws is a must-visit. It serves as a one-stop destination where pet owners can provide the best care for their furry companions while enjoying great coffee in a relaxing atmosphere.
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