In a quiet corner of Wilson Street in San Juan, there’s a very special place called Sa’min, which means “belonging to us”. It’s not just a bar — it’s a friendly space where everyone, no matter who they are, can feel welcome and safe.
It all started with Jenell San Antonio, a 34-year-old proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a big supporter of women. She always dreamed of owning her own bar. When she was younger, she loved visiting popular places like BGC, Poblacion, and even bars in San Juan. Now, she made her dream come true — she opened Sa’min in July 2024!
What makes Sa’min super cool? Most of the people who work there — from the servers to the bartender (called a mixologist) to the designer who made the place look awesome — are women or LGBTQIA+. Jenell wanted to show that a queer woman like her can shine and succeed, even in the bar world, which is usually run by men.
But wait, it gets better!
🍹 Filipino Cocktails That’ll Surprise You!
Sa’min’s drinks are not ordinary — they’re full of Filipino flavor and creativity! They have something called the “Mythical Five”, a set of their most magical cocktails:
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Tinola ni Leticia – Yep, it’s a drink that tastes like Tinola, the warm chicken soup we love! This cocktail has the smell and flavor of lemongrass, just like the real dish!
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Tama Rin – This one is sour and sweet because of tamarind (sampalok). It’s so tasty, one writer said they drank it like juice!
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Skrambol – Remember the sweet pink ice treat called scramble you get from street vendors? This drink looks just like that — cute, colorful, and fun. It’s a good starter drink for beginners!
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X.O. – This drink tastes a bit like rum and coke, but it has a coffee-flavored jelly on a stick, just like the local X.O. coffee candy. It’s smooth and exciting!
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S.U.H.A. – If you like pomelo (suha), this is for you. Fruity and refreshing, it’s one of the bar’s bestsellers!
Of course, they also serve classic drinks like Margaritas, Amaretto Sour, Whiskey Sour, and more. And if you’re hungry, you can order food from nearby restaurants like Flossom, Tripods, and Oista — they’ll bring it straight to your table!
🏳️🌈 More Than Just a Bar — It’s a Safe Community Space
Sa’min is not just about drinks. Jenell made sure it’s a place where people can also learn and connect. They’ve hosted:
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Journaling workshops
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Flower arrangement classes
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Private parties like birthdays and bachelorette events
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And even hangouts organized for people who want to meet offline
Jenell says her biggest goal is to make Sa’min a place where everyone feels welcome and where new friendships can grow.
🕙 When Can You Visit?
If you want to check out this amazing place, here’s when they’re open:
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Tuesdays to Thursdays: 10 AM to 12 midnight
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Fridays and Saturdays: 10 AM to 2 AM (a bit longer for party time!)
So, whether you’re curious to try a Tinola cocktail or looking for a warm and welcoming space to chill and chat, Sa’min might just be your new favorite spot in San Juan.
