Calling all bookworms! Other than the library or your bedroom, there is a fresh hangout spot made just for you. The doors are open to welcome you to Book and Borders, co-owned by Kapuso actor Ben Alves.
Lucky for those who frequent Tomas Morato, Books and Borders is located along the long strip of restaurants. There may be a dozen or more cafes around the area, but Book & Borders stands tall as the most unique for its library-like ambiance. Mad about books? The cafe gives emphasis to the importance of reading as you sip and dine.
READ, SIP & DINE – three valuable words that define what to expect inside the vibrant and cozy cafe. Hold your horses and read up first before scrolling down to see the photos. 🙂 Ha! Got you there!
 Self-confessed bookworm Ben Alves has a big heart to reinvigorate the spirit of reading in this modern day society. As a university student in Guam, he spent most of his free time in the serene library. Rather than going elsewhere, he chooses the library as his second home. In their library, food and beverages were allowed. No need to step out to grab a cup of coffee since the library could be the venue for that. To emulate his experience in Guam, his dream was to set-up his own cafe where books are the main attraction. Dreams do come true for him. It was timely that he met business partners who had the same mindset as he did.
You have my support to push books to the mainstream. Just like Ben, I’m an advocate of reading books. I can’t last a day without having a date and cup of tea with my bedside book.
 As we have noticed, our millenial generation relies on the power of internet as a source of knowledge and entertainment. Is there a space left for books? Ask your friend whose eyes are busy watching youtube videos or surfing the internet. Even in reading blogs, I’ve heard that most people browse through and judge the article by its photos. Books and Borders offers a unique coffee shop experience that’s worth every person’s time, no matter how young or old you are.

The Food:

Doughnuts (Php 60/each)
Rate: 4/5
While leaning your back on a soft couch and reading Miriam Santiago’s book, let Book and Borders’ flavored Doughnuts get in the way for being tasty, chewy yet not exceedingly sweet. The soft bread pushes forward every flavor’s potential to be likened by customers. So far, my top choices are Pistachio and Tiramisu.
Red Velvet Cake (Php 150)
Rate: 4/5
Cheers to you red velvet followers! I’m sure this Red Velvet Cake calls your attention. Layers of dramatic red cake sandwiching cream cheese that is quite alluring.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake
Rate: 5/5
Rich, moist and chocolatey dessert finds it match with coffee beside it. So far, Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is a hit at Book and Borders. Try it for yourself!
Eggiest Pie (Php 70)
Rate: 4/5
Time to time, I long for egg pie. Finding this variety, Eggiest Pie, inside the cafe rescues people like me who gets attacked by random egg pie cravings. (Call me weird or matakaw. I guess I’m both!)
Cafe Latte (Php 135)
Rate: 4/5
Iced Mocha (Php 150)
Rate: 5/5
Ice cold drinks at Books and Borders is without a doubt genius! This Iced Mocha for example contains ice cubes that are 100% milk. I repeat, ice cubes made out of 100% milk! My golly! That’s perfect for people who don’t plan on finishing their glasses right away. Unlike other iced beverages, the longer it sits, the watery it tastes. Here, the longer it sits, the better it actually tastes. Secretly but obviously, Book and Borders wants you to stay longer with a glass of iced drinks on your table while reading your book.
Salted Hot Chocolate (Php 125)
Rate: 5/5
 Another winning drink that’s perfect for any food on the table, Salted Hot Chocolate. Oooohh, so yummy! Without any exaggerations, the gentle balance of saltiness and sweetness are perfected in this little glass cup. This is the drink that sealed my love for Book and Borders.
Fried Tuyo with Kesong Puti Pasta (Php 195)
Rate: 5/5
 According to Ben, Fried Tuyo with Kesong Puti Pasta is his ultimate comfort food at Book and Borders. For a taste test, I tried it to experience that hype from him. I agree with Ben, the well-seasoned sauce with al dente pasta goes smoothly together. Not to mention, it’s a bit spicy, which made me appreciate the pasta more.
Adobo Flakes with Garlic Rice & Egg (Php 195)
Rate: 4/5
All-day breakfast meals are available from 7am to 2am. That’s a pretty long run to feed every customer’s hunger for breakfast food. Adobo Flakes with Garlic Rice & Egg is one of the best options you have while reading your newspaper. Shredded and deep-fried to attain the needed crunchy texture.

The Ambiance:

Book and Borders is a like a home for coffee and book enthusiasts. My senses were drawn to the peaceful and relaxing setting – vibrant colors and cushiony couches. Nothing unpretentious where you can reach your arms for a book, sit down and unwind.
As you READ, SIP & DINE, you could also find your way socializing with your fellow bookworms, especially if you sit at one of the long communal tables. Although if you don’t plan on talking to anyone but interacting with your book alone, that’s possible. Like a library, you can even place a bookmark in case you weren’t able to finish it on that day. For more details about that, you can always approach anyone from the servers or baristas.
The large space is also a good venue for events and special occasions.
When you’re inside Book and Borders, this is probably your question in mind – “What book to read next?”
With co-owners Ben Alves and Nancy Go
What do you think of Book and Borders Cafe?
Share with me your thoughts! 🙂
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Pray, Eat and Love.
Cheers,
The Food Scout
Location: 281 Tomas Morato Ave., Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Operating Hours: 7:00AM-2:00AM
Contact: (+632) 375-1213
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bookandborderscafe
Budget: PHP300++
Rate:

Food 8/10
Ambiance 10/10
Service 9/10
Cost 8/10
Overall 8.75/10