Meta Description: Discover why Yardstick Coffee is ranked among the world’s best coffee shops. Explore its specialty beans, philosophy, branches, and how it measures up.
In a world where coffee has sadly become a commodity for many—a mere caffeine kick to jolt you awake before the morning commute—there are a few rare establishments that remind you what the fuss is all about. Yardstick Coffee is that reminder. More than just a place to grab a quick latte, Yardstick has positioned itself as the veritable benchmark for specialty coffee in the Philippines. The name itself is a mission statement: a “yardstick” is a standard by which other things are measured, and this roaster and cafe collective has done exactly that, raising the bar for quality, ethics, and community engagement since its inception in 2013 https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.html.
Walking into a Yardstick Coffee, particularly their flagship Esteban branch in Makati, you feel it immediately. This isn’t just about the aesthetics, though the minimalist, industrial-chic design is certainly pleasing to the eye. It is about the atmosphere of intent. You see it in the way the baristas move with precision around the La Marzocco machines, in the quiet focus of customers typing away on their laptops, and in the curated selection of beans from origin countries like Ethiopia and Nicaragua https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWkhttps://store.yardstickcoffee.com/blogs/journal/beyond-the-brew-navigating-the-essence-of-specialty-coffee. It’s a space designed for people who take their coffee seriously, but without the pretension that often accompanies such expertise. Whether you are a seasoned cupper who can pick out notes of stone fruit and molasses, or someone who just knows they want a damn good cup to start their day, Yardstick Coffee welcomes you with open arms and a perfectly pulled espresso https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4.
The Philosophy Behind the Name
To truly understand Yardstick Coffee, you have to look beyond the brew and into the mindset of its founders. Andre Chanco, along with his business partners Jessica Lee and Kevin Tang, didn’t set out simply to open another cafe. When they started the company in 2013, their vision was far more ambitious: they wanted to change how the Philippine business landscape operates, proving that you can be profitable while remaining ethical and community-focused https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.htmlhttps://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/drinks/andre-chanco-yardstick-coffee-growth?utm_source=tatlerasia.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PH_DIN_JEANPAULMANUUD_FULL20250225.
The name “Yardstick Coffee” was chosen to reflect their bold ambition to set a new standard for the local coffee industry https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.html. Before Yardstick, the Philippine coffee scene was largely dominated by international chains offering consistency and comfort, but rarely the nuanced, terroir-driven experience of third-wave coffee. Chanco, who previously roasted for PPP Coffee in Singapore, saw an opportunity to introduce Filipinos to what coffee could truly taste like https://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/drinks/andre-chanco-yardstick-coffee-growth?utm_source=tatlerasia.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PH_DIN_JEANPAULMANUUD_FULL20250225. Initially, they imported beans from Colombia and Ethiopia to showcase the diversity of flavor profiles available—not because foreign is better, but because exposure to choice elevates the entire market https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.html. Today, that philosophy has come full circle, with Yardstick now sourcing a significant portion of their beans locally, paying farmers premium prices to encourage better farming practices and ensure a sustainable future for Philippine coffee https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.htmlhttps://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/drinks/andre-chanco-yardstick-coffee-growth?utm_source=tatlerasia.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PH_DIN_JEANPAULMANUUD_FULL20250225.
Quality and Sourcing: The Journey from Farm to Cup
What separates Yardstick Coffee from your average cafe is its unwavering commitment to the “specialty” in specialty coffee. Specialty coffee isn’t just a marketing term; it’s a grade and a philosophy. It represents a commitment to excellence, focusing on distinct flavors derived from meticulous farming practices, specific growing regions, and careful bean selection https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/blogs/journal/beyond-the-brew-navigating-the-essence-of-specialty-coffee.
The Single Origin Experience
Yardstick Coffee takes pride in offering a rotating cast of single-origin beans that tell a story. For instance, their offerings have included beans from the Doi Pangkhon region in Chiang Rai, Thailand. This particular coffee, a blend of Catuai, Typica, and local Thai varieties, undergoes a Kenya-Style Washed process, resulting in a symphony of Nutmeg, Sesame, and Molasses notes https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/blogs/journal/beyond-the-brew-navigating-the-essence-of-specialty-coffee. Then there is the exclusive “Secret Stash” line—limited-release coffees that are not your everyday brew, but rather a treat for the senses https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4. One such offering, the Finca Mierisch – Ethiosar from Matagalpa, Nicaragua, is a hybrid of Ethiopian Rume Sudan and Sarchimor, bringing genetic diversity and rich notes of Black Tea, Dark Chocolate, and Molasses to your cup https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/blogs/journal/beyond-the-brew-navigating-the-essence-of-specialty-coffee. These are not just hot beverages; they are edible biographies of the land they came from.
The Golden Ticket Blend
If you are new to Yardstick Coffee and don’t know where to start, the answer is almost always the Golden Ticket. This is their best-selling blend, and for good reason. With tasting notes of Dark Chocolate, Mandarin Orange, and Toffee, it is designed to be incredibly versatile https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4. It pairs perfectly with milk, making it an ideal choice for a flat white or a cappuccino, but it stands just as strong on its own as an espresso. It’s the kind of coffee that makes you understand why people get excited about beans. They also offer a detailed brew guide for Golden Ticket on their store, usually aiming for a 1:2 ratio (e.g., 18g dose to 36g extraction) within 28-32 seconds for espresso—a perfect recipe for those trying to replicate the cafe experience at home https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4.
The Yardstick Coffee Experience: More Than Just Coffee
Walking into a Yardstick Coffee branch is an experience in itself. Unlike the cookie-cutter uniformity of many global chains, each Yardstick location has its own personality while adhering to a core set of design principles: express what they do, help customers escape reality, and be better than the last shop they built https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.html.
The Esteban Branch: A Home Away From Home
The Esteban branch in Makati is often described as a haven for freelancers, students, and remote workers. Tucked away on a quiet street, the space is sprawling, offering a variety of seating options. You can choose a spot at the bar to watch the baristas work their magic, a cozy corner for intimate conversation, or a large group table for collaborative work https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWk. It is common to see people grading papers, sketching, or simply people-watching as the afternoon rain pours outside https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.html. It’s a place that feels lived-in and loved, described by one patron as a spot that looks like an art class, refreshing childhood memories of creativity https://www.anotsopopularkid.com/2018/07/yardstick-cafe-coffee-waffles-makati.html. It’s worth noting, however, that the popularity of Yardstick Coffee means these spaces are almost always packed. Finding a seat can be a challenge, but loyal patrons will tell you that the coffee is absolutely worth the hunt https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWk.
SM Aura: The Cinema Outpost
In contrast to the sprawling workspace vibe of Esteban, the SM Aura branch is a tiny, easily-missed kiosk that packs a massive punch https://www.top-rated.online/cities/Taguig/place/p/18141456/Yardstick+Coffee+%7C+SM+Aura. Located near the cinemas, this outpost is designed for takeout, though there are a few tables for those waiting for their movie to start. What makes this branch special is its playful, cinema-themed menu. Drinks like the “Spielberg Special,” “Clockwork Orange,” and the “Demon Slayer” (a uniquely good concoction) show the creative side of Yardstick Coffee https://www.top-rated.online/cities/Taguig/place/p/18141456/Yardstick+Coffee+%7C+SM+Aura. The Popcorn Latte served here is a fan favorite—a delightful surprise that manages to taste like a movie theater treat without being overwhelmingly sweet https://www.top-rated.online/cities/Taguig/place/p/18141456/Yardstick+Coffee+%7C+SM+Aura. It proves that even in a small format, Yardstick can deliver an exceptional and memorable product.
Cultivating Community: Yardstick Coffee and Career Growth
Perhaps the most admirable aspect of Yardstick Coffee is how it treats its people. In an industry where barista positions are often viewed as transient or temporary, Yardstick has built a genuine career path. They live by their C.A.F.E. values (Customer-centric, Always on fire, Focused, and Einstein approach to problem-solving) https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.html. This isn’t just corporate jargon; it is a framework for growth. The barista making your pour-over today could very well be the HR manager or sales lead of tomorrow.
To facilitate this, they run an internal program known as Yardstick Coffee —basically a coffee university. They offer training to anyone who wants to learn, from brewing basics to the intricacies of roasting https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.html. This commitment to education extends beyond their employees to the public. They have historically offered certified courses under the Specialty Yardstick Coffee Association, and while the delivery of education has evolved to become more accessible via digital content, the mission remains the same: to make the entire Philippine coffee scene better by sharing knowledge. https://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/drinks/andre-chanco-yardstick-coffee-growth?utm_source=tatlerasia.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PH_DIN_JEANPAULMANUUD_FULL20250225. By investing in their staff and their community, Yardstick Coffee is proving that hospitality comes first. As Andre Chanco noted, it’s about building a company where people want to work, whether they stay for decades or use it as a stepping stone to greater things abroad https://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/drinks/andre-chanco-yardstick-coffee-growth?utm_source=tatlerasia.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PH_DIN_JEANPAULMANUUD_FULL20250225.
The B2B Side: Standard Supply Studios
You might be surprised to learn that for a long time, the retail cafes you visit were only a small part of the Yardstick Coffee story. From the very beginning, the company was designed to be wholesale and B2B-first https://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/drinks/andre-chanco-yardstick-coffee-growth?utm_source=tatlerasia.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PH_DIN_JEANPAULMANUUD_FULL20250225. This strategic move allowed them to scale impactfully. By supplying coffee and equipment to other restaurants, hotels, and cafes, they could influence the quality of coffee served across the country, not just under their own roof.
This aspect of the business grew so substantially that it eventually split into its own entity: Standard Supply Studios. They are the official distributors for top-tier espresso machine brands in the Philippines, including the Italian legends La Marzocco and Rocket Espresso https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4https://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/drinks/andre-chanco-yardstick-coffee-growth?utm_source=tatlerasia.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PH_DIN_JEANPAULMANUUD_FULL20250225. So, if you visit a trendy new restaurant and notice they are pulling shots on a beautiful La Marzocco, there is a good chance Yardstick (through Standard Supply) facilitated that. They also run the “Orange Label” program, a white-label service that allows partner establishments to serve Yardstick Coffee-roasted coffee under their own branding https://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/drinks/andre-chanco-yardstick-coffee-growth?utm_source=tatlerasia.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PH_DIN_JEANPAULMANUUD_FULL20250225. This holistic support—providing the beans, the gear, and the training—is what makes them an indispensable pillar of the Philippine coffee industry.
A Comparison: Yardstick Coffee vs. The Competition
To truly appreciate the Yardstick Coffee standard, it helps to see how they stack up against other players in the Metro Manila coffee scene. While taste is subjective, there are objective measures of quality, atmosphere, and community involvement that set them apart.
| Bean Philosophy | Single-origin & signature blends; roasted in-house for maximum sweetness https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWkhttps://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4. | Consistent blends designed for large-scale distribution; often darker roasts. | Varies widely; many focus on specific origins or brewing methods. |
| Ambiance | Minimalist, industrial-chic with varied seating; designed for focus and community. Can be bustling https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWk. | Standardized, familiar, and comfortable; designed for broad appeal and high turnover. | Often niche; some are warmer and more communal, others are sleek and sharp like Yardstick https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWk. |
| Signature Offerings | Creative signatures like Popcorn Latte, Feel-Good Latte, and cinema-themed drinks at SM Aura https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWkhttps://www.top-rated.online/cities/Taguig/place/p/18141456/Yardstick+Coffee+%7C+SM+Aura. | Classic flavored lattes (Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut). | Unique offerings like “Yardshake” (a thick, bold chocolate blend) https://www.anotsopopularkid.com/2018/07/yardstick-cafe-coffee-waffles-makati.html. |
| Food Pairings | World-class waffles (Salted Caramel, Butterscotch), donuts, and sandwiches https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWkhttps://www.anotsopopularkid.com/2018/07/yardstick-cafe-coffee-waffles-makati.html. | Mass-produced pastries and sandwiches. | Often limited; Yardstick benefits from proximity to spots like Your Local https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWk. |
| Community Impact | Runs Y.A.R.D. education program, hosts Philippine AeroPress Championships, pays premium for local beans https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.htmlhttps://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/drinks/andre-chanco-yardstick-coffee-growth?utm_source=tatlerasia.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PH_DIN_JEANPAULMANUUD_FULL20250225. | Global charity initiatives, but less localized grassroots engagement. | Many are involved in the community, but Yardstick’s scale of education is notable. |
| Work-From-Cafe Vibe | Conducive for work (sockets available), but no WiFi is provided to encourage “mobile data” usage or turnover? https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4. | Free WiFi is a staple; encourages longer stays. | Mixed; some like Commune and Restock are more interaction-friendly, while Yardstick is more for solitary focus https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWk. |
The Brew: How to Make Yardstick at Home
You don’t have to live in Makati to enjoy Yardstick Coffee. They offer an extensive online store and subscription service, ensuring that fresh beans land on your doorstep, whether you are in Metro Manila or a provincial area https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4. For those looking to replicate the cafe magic at home, here is a pro-tip: Yardstick suggests that their coffee peaks 2 to 4 weeks within the roast date, and brews best up to 60 days from that date https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4. Freshness is key.
If you have a V60 at home, you can follow a recipe featured in The Coffeevine guide for brewing Yardstick. This particular recipe uses 15g of coffee ground medium-fine, with water heated to 94°C https://thecoffeevine.com/blog/august-brew-guide-recipes-from-our-roasters-brewing-tips/#content.
- 0:00 – Bloom: Start your timer and pour 45g of water. Let the coffee bloom (degas) for 35 seconds.
- 0:45 – First Pour: Add another 55g of water in a circular motion.
- 1:20 – Second Pour: Add another 55g of water.
- 1:55 – Final Pour: Add the final 75g of water. For this last pour, the temperature drops slightly to 88°C, which helps to control extraction and avoid bitterness.
- Finish: Let the water drain completely. Total brew time should be around 2:30 to 3:00 minutes. Enjoy.
This attention to detail—right down to adjusting the temperature mid-brew—shows the level of thought that goes into their product. They want you to succeed, whether you are a professional barista or a home brewer on a Sunday morning.
Why It’s One of the World’s Best
In 2024, Yardstick Coffee was ranked 18th in the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.html. For a Filipino coffee company to beat out thousands of establishments from traditionally “coffee-crazed” nations is no small feat. This recognition isn’t just about the taste of the coffee, though that is certainly a factor. It is about the complete ecosystem.
It’s about a place that feels like a “Michelin-starred coffee shop,” where the service is impeccable. The food (like the flambéed banana butterscotch waffle) is as thoughtfully prepared as the espresso https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.htmlhttps://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWk. It’s a place where the baristas are “cuties” but also incredibly knowledgeable, capable of walking you through a tasting menu of pour-overs https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWk. As one academic and regular put it, “Yardstick actually walks the walk. It is proving that you can make money, but at the same time not being terrible to your employees, suppliers, and community” https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.html. In a capitalist world, that ethical stance is refreshing, and it resonates with a generation of consumers who care about where their money goes.
Conclusion
Yardstick Coffee is more than just a pitstop for caffeine; it is a destination and a movement. From its humble beginnings with a vision to import world-class beans, it has grown into a multifaceted business that roasts, educates, supplies, and serves. Whether you are drawn in by the promise of a perfectly executed Flat White, the allure of a unique “Secret Stash” single-origin, or the simple comfort of a salted caramel waffle on a rainy afternoon, Yardstick delivers an experience that lives up to its name.
It sets the benchmark not just for coffee quality, but for how a business should interact with its community. By investing in farmers, training baristas, and creating beautiful, functional spaces, they have raised the bar for everyone. So, the next time you find yourself in Makati or Taguig, skip the usual chain and make the pilgrimage to Yardstick. Order a Feel-Good Latte, stake out a spot, and understand why, for so many, coffee is their love language https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.html.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yardstick Coffee known for?
Yardstick Coffee is known for being a pioneer of the third-wave coffee movement in the Philippines. They are recognized for their high-quality, freshly roasted specialty coffees (like the Golden Ticket blend), their commitment to ethical sourcing (including paying premium prices to local Filipino farmers), and their world-class cafe design. They were also ranked 18th in the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops https://manilastandard.net/business/314657199/how-yardstick-coffee-raised-the-bar-for-philippine-business-culture.htmlhttps://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWkhttps://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4.
Does Yardstick Coffee offer WiFi?
Interestingly, Yardstick Coffee does not offer free WiFi in its branches. They have sockets available for charging devices, but customers are expected to use their own mobile data or portable WiFi connections https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4. This policy encourages a specific kind of atmosphere, though the exact reasoning (whether to increase turnover or reduce costs) is often debated by patrons https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWkhttps://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4.
Are Yardstick coffee capsules compatible with Nespresso machines?
Yes, Yardstick offers coffee capsules that are compatible with original Nespresso machines. They have specific lines, such as the Nicaragua Natural, which come in boxes of 10 and are designed to work with machines like the Essenza Mini, Inissia, and Pixie https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4https://drinkmorning.co.nz/collections/yardstick-coffee/products/nicaragua-natural-yardstick-coffee-capsules.
How can I buy Yardstick coffee beans?
You can purchase Yardstick coffee beans either in person at any of their cafe branches or through their online store at store.yardstickcoffee.com. They offer nationwide shipping within the Philippines, as well as subscription services (like the Golden Ticket or Legazpi subscriptions) that deliver fresh beans to your door monthly and even save you up to 15% https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/pages/faq?shpxid=cc0e77e2-f728-451e-bdbb-eb1071c0ead4.
What food does Yardstick serve?
While they are primarily a coffee destination, Yardstick is famous for its waffles. Options like the Salted Caramel Waffle and the Butterscotch Waffle (which comes with flambéed bananas and vanilla ice cream) are highly recommended https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWkhttps://www.anotsopopularkid.com/2018/07/yardstick-cafe-coffee-waffles-makati.html. They also serve sandwiches, donuts, and other pastries, making it a great spot for breakfast or a light meal https://www.postcard.inc/places/yardstick-coffee-makati-rYF0m0zhmWk.
