Supernormal: A café and curated design market in San Juan that’s anything but ordinary
New cafés are popping up everywhere—and while we love the energy, the scene is getting a little crowded. Supernormal, a recent addition to the San Juan neighborhood, proudly stands apart. As its founders put it, the concept is rooted in the idea of the unconventional.
“Supernormal means not your typical, not conforming. Our tagline ‘NOTHING WEIRD HERE’ was meant to be a cheeky thing, given the unique space and menu," Deane Cruz, one of its founders, told PhilSTAR L!fe.
"We thought of it as our name because it captures what we want to deliver. From our drinks, to our food, the space, every aspect was considered to create an experience with playful and unexpected twists on things," she added.
Inside, visitors will be treated to a nostalgic, comfort-forward experience anchored on familiar flavors and playful references to childhood treats. Signature drinks take cues from early memories—like the White Rabbit and Twin Popsies—reimagined as playful, modern café offerings.
The food menu follows the same direction, leaning heavily on comfort fare with Asian-leaning, nostalgia-driven flavors that feel both familiar and comforting, with items like Superchiki Sando, Tapayaki Don, and Dandan Nachos.
The owners describe it as a place meant to spur inspiration and creativity, where every visit offers something a little different.
"It’s a place to keep coming back to, and every visit will have you discovering something new: whether that’s in our menu, our changing selection of design goods, or even in our space that continues to evolve," Deane added.
Aside from coffee and food, Supernormal also extends into a curated retail space featuring design-forward goods from both local and international creatives.
The market brings together a mix of thoughtfully selected items—from design pieces sourced around the world, to zines by artists from Tokyo and Indonesia, and artworks from Bangkok and Singapore. More recently, Deane shared they have also introduced a line of riso-printed products created in collaboration with Serious Studio, the team’s own design agency. The space continues to grow through ongoing collaborations with creatives, with plenty more projects on the horizon.
Deane acknowledges that there are many other popular cafés in the scene, and they’re glad to be part of a community where everyone is consistently raising the standard.
"For us, it comes down to the blend of what we offer: signatures and design goods you won’t quite find anywhere else, each one thoughtfully considered. Just as much, our team is driven to bring real warmth to every visit. Even a few months in, we already have regulars who keep coming back, and that kind of loyalty means the world to us," she added.
Beyond the coffee experience, Supernormal hopes guests walk away feeling inspired and uplifted.
"With everything happening in the world, sometimes all you need is a little treat—a little cup of coffee, a matcha, a snack to be give you a bit of glimmer in your day. We hope to be able to provide those glimmers for people in our neighborhood and hopefully to more places soon," she added.
Supernormal San Juan is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every Monday to Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. every Friday to Sunday. Last call at the bar is 11:40 p.m., while the kitchen's last call is 11:30 p.m.
It is located on the second floor of Wilson Park Square in San Juan City. Paid parking is available in the building.