June Baby Cocktail Bar to Open in East Village
The new Filipino-inspired venue is scheduled to open its doors to the public on October 28, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Cocktails
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June Baby, a new Filipino-inspired cocktail bar, will officially open to the public on October 28, 2026, in New York City's East Village neighborhood. The venue occupies 1,100 square feet at 197 Second Avenue.
Why it matters
The owners created the space to serve as a hub for Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the city. The design and atmosphere are specifically intended to replicate the welcoming environment of a traditional Filipino house party.
The bar spans 1,100 square feet and maintains a maximum capacity of 76 patrons. Menu pricing includes $15 for an ube colada and $18 for a June Baby burger.
The players
Roxanne Diaz Bangalan
She is one of the co-owners of June Baby.
Darwin Pornel
He is one of the co-owners of the new East Village establishment.
Ben Rojo
He is one of the co-owners who helped bring the concept to the East Village.
The details
The establishment features a mahogany bar top repurposed from the space's former tenant, Black Emperor. Architects Camille Esquivel de la Fé and Adela Locsin designed the interior with input from chef-consultants Kevin Cardeñas, Adrian Capellan, and Lem Soriano.
Timeline
The owners launched June Baby as a pop-up series in 2025.
The bar opens to the public on October 28, 2026.
Culture Shift
June Baby exemplifies the trend of hospitality pop-ups successfully transitioning into permanent brick-and-mortar venues within New York City. This shift reflects a wider movement where independent operators test concepts in transient spaces before securing long-term leases.
Residents and visitors can access the space exclusively through walk-ins, as the venue does not accept reservations. The bar operates on a consistent schedule Tuesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight.
The takeaway
June Baby offers a new communal space for those seeking a Filipino-inspired social experience in the East Village. Patrons looking to visit should plan for walk-in availability during the bar's standard evening hours.
Further reading
Discover more about the city's evolving nightlife scene in our guide to New York City Cocktails.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eater NY.
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