What is it with nostalgia these days?
I’ve been missing everything about daily life pre-COVID, especially eating out. Who else misses the simple act of dining in at a restaurant and just chilling out with friends over beers at a bar? Part of what makes dining out special is the ambiance of the restaurant, the service, and the company and laughter as you enjoy your meals together with friends and family.
Anyway, this got me thinking of the oldest restaurants and food establishments in the vicinity that I can patronize for delivery/takeout and hopefully revisit when they’re allowed to reopen. It gives me hope to see establishments that remain resilient and have managed to endure through various crises including World War II, fires, typhoons, economic recessions, and currently this global pandemic where the Philippines is facing the world’s longest lockdown.
Here’s a look at some of the oldest and most historic restaurants in Quezon City that are currently still operating in some form.
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Ma Mon Luk (1920)
Ma Mon Luk is a restaurant established by a Chinese immigrant back in 1920 that’s known mainly for serving mami (a noodle soup) and siopao (a steamed bun). Though he started peddling versions of the soup in Binondo and set up a small shop there, the restaurant expanded into other areas including two branches that exist today in Quiapo and Quezon City. The main restaurant next to his family home along Quezon Boulevard corner Banawe Street was established in 1948 and has since served thousands of orders of mami and siopao daily.
With its century-old history, this restaurant is a testament to a different era. The whole look and vibe of the restaurant feels like the Yesteryears, with all the newspaper clippings on the wall, vintage photos and memorabilia.
COVID Note: Dine-in isn’t allowed yet during the MECQ, but Ma Mon Luk is open for takeout & delivery from 9 am to 6 pm daily. Contact number: (02) 7123560
Kamuning Bakery (1939)
Kamuning Bakery is one of the oldest authentic pugon or wood-fire oven bakeries in Metro Manila and the oldest bakery to open in Quezon City. It opened in 1939 by founder Leticia Bonifacio Javier who ran the bakery with her family. In 2013, it was revived and acquired by writer Wilson Lee Flores, who restored the old cafe in March 2015. This homey 81-year old bakeshop offers bread, cakes, and old-style Filipino biscuits done the old-fashioned way. It’s a legacy that has remained open throughout numerous crises like World War II, a neighbor’s fire in 2018, and the ongoing lockdown.
Recommended bestsellers include their Pan de suelo, pan de sal, strawberry cheesecake, egg pie, brazo de Mercedes, Foccacia sticks and breads, ensaymada, biscocho, pianono, pan de España, pan de coco, cinnamon rolls, pan de Rizal, Laburita, pan de ciosa.
COVID Note: Quezon City’s pioneering bakery continues to serve the community, even with the ongoing lockdown. They are open daily including weekends and holidays. They welcome walk-in buyers and online customers who can order by calling, Viber or text. Contact number: 77571120, 83717058, 79199105.
Max’s Restaurant (1945)
Max’s Restaurant was established in 1945, after World War II. Maximo Gimenez, a Stanford-educated teacher, befriended American occupation troops stationed in Quezon City. The soldiers regularly visited Maximo’s nearby home for a drink or two. Later on, the troops insisted that they pay for their drinks which prompted Maximo to open a cafe, where troops could enjoy food and drinks. This became Max’s first restaurant, located at 21 South F Street (now Scout Tuason), Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City.
The chicken became an instant favorite of the GIs, and eventually, the Filipino public. Over the years, Max’s Restaurant’s popularity has grown. While they’re mainly known as “the house that fried chicken built,” they’ve still managed to expand their menu and adapt with the times. Max’s Restaurant currently has over 127 branches in the Philippines and is considered one of the most well-loved family restaurants in the country.
COVID Note: Dine-in isn’t allowed during the MECQ, but you can still enjoy their “Sarap to the bones” chicken meals at home by ordering online or via food delivery apps from many branches nationwide. https://delivery.maxschicken.com/
Rodic’s Diner (1949)
Rodic’s Diner holds a special place in the heart of everyone who studied in UP Diliman as well as QC residents and employees who frequent the area. Established in 1949 under the former name Lola Adang, this humble tapsihan has dished out breakfast favorites like tapsilog, BBQsilog, and Baconsilog for generations.
Originally located in a stall in the UP Shopping Center before it burned down, the tapsihan now has several branches all over Quezon City including 2 in the Maginhawa area: one on the corner of Masaya street near Philcoa and a new branch across the old Bayantel building near Malingap Street.
COVID Note: Rodic’s Diner is open daily for pickup, takeout and delivery from several branches. Contact number: (02) 9217361. You can find also them on food delivery apps like GrabFood.
Little Quiapo (1949)
Originally a small food stall put up by a sorbetero (ice cream vendor) inside the University of the Philippines in 1949, Little Quiapo is an enduring restaurant known for serving the best halo-halo and palabok in town. I always thought this resto originated in Quiapo, but the name is actually just a reference to the bustling Quiapo area. It originally catered to students and residents and came to be known as one of the go-to places of grandparents and parents for reasonably priced, delicious food and a cool spot to go for dates and family get-togethers back in the day.
The 71-year old restaurant eventually found its way to a bigger location in Quezon City along Malakas Street at the back of SSS in East Avenue. Aside from their bestselling halo-halo and palabok, they also serve other Filipino rice meals and family favorites like kare-kare, boneless chicken and shrimp gambas.
COVID Note: Little Quiapo is currently open for takeout and delivery during the MECQ. Store hours for pick-up/walk-in: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm. Delivery: 10am-6pm. Contact numbers: 89214070 / 89291660/ 09177061053
Magnolia Ice Cream House (1960)
Magnolia Dairy Ice Cream was one of the most popular ice cream brands in the Philippines. It started in 1925, but really gained a special place in the hearts of Filipinos when it opened the Magnolia Ice Cream House, an ice cream parlor located in front of its plant in the 1960s. During the 80’s and ’90s, this was one of the most iconic places you could go to for special celebrations or after-school treats. It served the most fun desserts that you only saw on foreign TV shows like Banana Splits, Sundaes, Parfaits, Peach Melba and Ernie and Bert. I remember touring the plant for a school excursion, watching the whole ice cream making process in the factory, and looking forward to drinking Chocolait which was sold in glass bottles.
In 1996, Magnolia was acquired by Nestle and relaunched by the San Miguel Corporation in 2004 as the Nestle Flavor House. When it reopened, the experience and ambiance didn’t match up to the original format and it eventually closed again in 2009. Today, Robinson’s Magnolia Mall and the four-tower Magnolia Residences now stand on the site of the iconic ice cream parlor and plant. You can still find a taste of the old ice cream in a newer and smaller format. A small glass-encased “Magnolia Flavor House” in the mall serves upgraded sundaes, banana splits, and more.
COVID Note: Dine-in at mall-based restaurants are not allowed during the MECQ. You can easily just buy Magnolia ice cream products from major groceries and mini-marts at home. It might be fun trying to make your own sundae or banana split at home.
Tropical Hut (1962)
Tropical Hut is one of the oldest fast food joints in the Philippines. In 1962, this iconic burger joint started as a small coffee shop inside the supermarket of the Que family in Quezon Avenue in Quezon City. While they’ve been overshadowed by foreign-owned burger joints and trendy gourmet burger joints in recent years, you can still find a few branches inside malls and supermarkets nationwide serving all-time Classics Burgers, Hawaiian Glee, Palabok, Spaghetti, Clubhouse Sandwich, Ranchero (egg and beef patty), Halo-Halo and more.
Though there have been a few modern updates, Tropical Hut has mainly stuck with their same tried-and-tested formula in terms of aesthetics and taste. The signature green logo and burgers have not really changed that much with the times. I admit, I never really had a chance to get attached to Tropical Hut since I grew up in Naga City. We have our own homegrown Bigg’s Diner (1983) which imprinted early on and became my standard for burgers. But those who grew up eating Tropical Hut still think of the brand fondly and claim that they can practically taste their long lost childhood when biting into one of their burgers.
COVID Note: There are several branches of Tropical Hut in Quezon City including inside Quezon Memorial Circle and in Cubao. Some branches of Tropical Hut remain open for dine-in, pick up or delivery via GrabFood. Delivery hotline: 755-8000
Jollibee (1978)
Jollibee is the country’s top multinational chain of fast-food restaurants, known for serving crispy fried chicken and burgers and other comfort food. This well-loved brand traces its beginnings to 1975 in Cubao, as an outlet of a Magnolia ice cream parlor opened by Tony Tan Caktiong and his family. To complement the sweet desserts, they started offering hot meals and sandwiches. When the food items became more popular with customers, the family decided to convert the ice cream parlor into a fast-food restaurant, which became the first Jollibee outlet in 1978. Four decades later in April 2018, they had about 1,200 outlets worldwide.
Jollibee is widely considered as one of the most loved Filipino restaurants, and the top choice for kid’s birthdays, celebrations, and special events. Signature products include the Chickenjoy, Yumburger, Jolly Spaghetti, Burger Steak, Jolly Hotdog, Peach Mango Pie, and lots more.
COVID Note: In 2020, Jollibee announced that they had to close 255 of its branches because of financial losses brought by the pandemic. You can still get Jollibee delivery these days via their hotline (#87000), website, and delivery partners (GrabFood, FoodPanda and LalaFood) from other branches that remain open.
Trellis (1980)
For those who live, work, or studied in the Diliman area, Trellis has long been an institution. This no-frills restaurant has been serving homecooked affordable dishes from scratch, including family recipes passed on from several generations since 1980. Before Dencio’s or Gerry’s Grill, this was the original go-to place for authentic sisig.
Established in 1980, this 40-year old restaurant continues to sit quietly on the corner of Matalino Street and Kalayaan, dishing out the same meals like sisig, pork bbq, lechon kawali, and tokwa’t baboy along with ice-cold beer. Trellis’ interiors are very homey and filled with plants and ponds. The restaurant has become a bit run-down over the years, but it’s always a favorite among families and locals who used to go there for special celebrations when there weren’t a lot of other options to eat in the area.
COVID Note: It’s good to know that Trellis is still operating, though they’ve had to transition to take-out service and pickups for now from 10 am to 8 pm because of the MECQ. Business hours: Monday to Sunday 10am to 9pm (last order at 8:30 pm). Alcoholic beverages are only available between 1pm to 5pm during the GCQ.
The 70’s Bistro (1992)
This long-running QC bar is considered a classic in the indie music scene, known for hosting some of the best reggae acts in the country, plus classic Pinoy rock bands that have been around almost since the 1970s, like the Jerks.
The Bohemian watering hole and after work chill-out spot is a favorite of non-government organizations (NGO) workers in the area. While it may only be 28 yrs old, the music, character, and 70s themed vibe of this place make it feel much, much older than it really is. Does anyone remember Beatles night?
COVID NOTE: ’70s Bistro has been closed for gigs since the lockdown was declared in mid-March, but they continue to host online shows and musical events on their Facebook page.
Bellini’s Italian Restaurant (1999)
Since it opened in July 1999, Bellini’s has become one of the institutions in Cubao eXpo (formerly Marikina Shoe Expo), an artistic enclave in Quezon City. The whole community of Cubao X feels like a time capsule, housing an eclectic community of vintage clothing shops, indie art galleries, old memorabilia shops, and other antique and retro finds. This 21-year old restaurant offers a glimpse of Italy in the metro with its classic Italian ambiance, hand-painted walls, and ceilings showcasing Italian scenes.
Bellini’s is known for its al dente pasta and Italian thin crust pizza with a simple tomato and mozzarella base. In its early days, it was considered a well-kept secret and one of the original dining places in Cubao for special occasions when there weren’t a lot of malls and other restos in the area. Iconic scenes from the Filipino movies “One More Chance” (2007) and sequel “A Second Chance” (2015) with Poppy & Basha were filmed in this restaurant.
COVID NOTE: Bellini’s is currently still open for dine-in, takeout & delivery. For inquiries and orders, please message them on Facebook or contact them via Viber 09173168765.
1905 Fred’s Revolucion (2011)
Another favorite in Cubao X and located right next to Bellini’s is Fred’s Revolucion, a neighborhood bar with a Cuban/Communism nostalgia theme. Fred’s Revolucion calls itself a “home for sincere drinkers” and celebrates the legacy of Lolo Fred, born in 1905. While this bar was established in 2011 (making it only 9 years old), drinking here instantly transports you to a different time.
Fred’s Revolucion is one of the most popular drinking joints in Cubao X, attracting mainly artists, photographers, writers, and the hipster crowd. They offer local booze, bar chow, and a few craft beers on tap. Fred’s also has a second branch in Escolta in Manila with the same nostalgic vibe.
COVID Note: Fred’s Revolucion in Cubao X branch hasn’t reopened as of September 2020, but the Escolta branch has resumed takeout and pickup of food.
Restaurants and bars have been hit really hard by COVID and sadly not all will survive. It’s been heartbreaking to read announcements of restaurants permanently closing. Most of these institutions have been around for decades and are well-loved establishments in the community. It would really be a shame to lose them. Please support your local neighborhood businesses while you still can.
