Bar Story

Hidden behind a giant Game Boy on the 2nd floor of CKB Centre, Tomas Morato is Take Me Back, a low-lit ‘90s and 2000s-themed speakeasy where millennials and older Gen Zs can stumble upon fragments of their childhood at every corner. Here, the atmosphere leans into nostalgia, with walls decked with beloved characters from shows, cartoons, and movies that defined the iconic era.

Located near the heart of Quezon City’s nightlife, this speakeasy offers the perfect hideout for chill nights out with friends, vibes that will bring you back to the good old days, and a menu that’s inspired by all the things we loved about our youth.

Vibe and Venue

With a gentle push of the Game Boy door — after catching the cute Mario gameplay on screen, of course — you step into a low-lit hallway where a glowing title card welcomes you. Turn your head, and you’ll find walls lined with posters of some of the most iconic movies from the ‘90s and 2000s, instantly pulling you back in time.

Out in the back is a more private area, with walls decorated with some of our favorite vintage board games like Monopoly and Operation, and neon lights of the titles that defined the generation.

Sit down on one of the booths, and a cute little light bulb illuminates your table. It’s not quite as hush-hush as you’d expect from other speakeasies, but with the DJ spinning all those nostalgic beats throughout the night, you and your friends will surely have a night to remember.

How Much are the Food and Drinks

The cocktails and boosts (get that pun?) are priced from P350 to P500, ranging from their classics to signatures. They also have some bar chow, priced from P295 to P495, with much to choose from depending on what you’re feeling.

What Food and Drinks Did We Get

Having just celebrated their first anniversary, Take Me Back has rolled out a fresh signature menu.

Dubbed Vol. 2, it’s cleverly styled like a roulette — perfect for indecisive nights when you’d rather let fate take the wheel and choose your drink. We got to sample eight of their new cocktails, each one playfully inspired by the games and shows that shaped our childhood.

We sampled the new menu alongside four of Take Me Back’s best-selling bar chow: Wagyu Salpicao, Fish and Chips, Gambas al Ajillo, and Chicken Barbecue. 

For their bar chow, what we enjoyed the most (proof not included, but we cleaned the plate) was the Wagyu Salpicao — juicy, flavorful, and bursting with umami flavor that we Filipinos love. It manages a familiar and comforting flavor without finding itself in boring territory.

The Gambas al Ajillo had that spicy and tangy kick, which will surely contrast well against a sweet cocktail like Jungle Juicy or Hey Babe. Like the Wagyu Salpicao, the Gambas flavor isn't surprising, but it stays true to its bar chow purpose: filling, satisfying, and let's be honest, enough to stave off the effects of the alcohol.

Up next were the Fish and Chips. Light on the mouth and cooked just right, this one will shock you with how fast it disappears. Easy to grab and bite in between sips, we hardly noticed our borderline gluttonous pace until we realized we were reaching for an empty plate. While the chips could've had a bit more salt, the umami bomb sisig dip made up for the missing flavor.

Lastly, the Chicken Barbecue boasted a grilled and smoky flavor that just bursts in the mouth with every bite. More often than not, we find chicken barbecues doused in marinade to make up for the dryness of the meat. But TMB delivers otherwise, renewing our fondness for chicken barbecue.

Hey Babe!

1800 Silver, Pierre Ferrand, Yuzu, Cherry, Singha Soda, Coconut Air

Juicy, fruity, and kissed with a breeze of coconut air, this tequila-based cocktail is just like a tropical track you’ve put on repeat — equal parts sweet and daring. The coconut foam instantly lifts your senses, before the tequila, yuzu, and soda come together effortlessly to form a bright, citrus flavor profile. Soon, the drink turns sweet with a mild cherry flavor that contrasts with the Pierre Ferrand that ultimately grounds the cocktail.

It’s the kind of drink that feels like those carefree summers with friends, where long drives are pumped up with the loud stereo, and where everything is coming together to make you feel like you’re the main character in your own early 2000s teen romcom.

Bullet With Butterfly Wings

Martell VS, Buffalo Trace, Mathilde Pear, Spices, Pumpkin, Lemon

Just like the Smashing Pumpkins classic, this cocktail leans into citrus brightness with a moody depth hidden underneath. The Martel VS cognac's fruity profile meshed well with the Mathilde Pear, lemon, and the sweet vanilla, caramel notes from the Buffalo Trace. Although the bourbon's spice notes lent the much-needed depth that rounded out the drink.

The candied orange garnish also sweetened each sip, but you can honestly go without it! It’s tall, dark, elegant, and a tad bit rebellious.

Jungle Juicy

Citadelle Original, Amaro Montenegro, Passionfruit, Muscat

Dry at the finish, but quite tart upfront, this cocktail is just like those juice boxes and tetra packs we always had tucked into our baon (thanks, Mom!). With its bright, citrusy, spicy, and aromatic notes, the Citadelle Gin is the perfect base for a lot of cocktails. It can carry the sweet and fruity profile of the Amaro Montenegro, as well as the fruity Muscat and Passionfruit. But it also complements the spice from the Amaro Montenegro, making all of these notes shine while still retaining a familiar, fruity flavor.

Think of it like a grown-up version of the childhood classic, while still sharing the same vibe of eating lunch with friends at school benches. It’s sweet nostalgia with spicy heart and a buzz.

Wansapanatym

Citadelle Original, Basil, Green Olives, Sampaguita, Luxardo Bitter

If you thought that the title was a nod to the fantasy anthology series on ABS-CBN, it’s not. This herbal, basil-forward sip was inspired by the 1999 movie with Christopher de Leon, Shaina Magdayao, and Angel Aquino, reimagined through an adult lens.

This drink instantly transports you to the forest, but instead of finding yourself in its dark corners, it takes you to its fresh meadows, where basil plants and sampaguita flowers grow under olive trees. Strictly speaking, ecology-wise, this visual may not make much sense. But trust us, this drink had us in that imaginary forest, and we were content to bathe in the greenery.

Botanical in every sense of the word and quite crisp, it finishes dry but leaves a bit of magic that lingers on the tongue after the credits start to roll.

Umbrella Corp

Citadelle Rouge, Giffard Elderflower, Midori, Mancino Bianco

The strongest of the Vol. 2 lineup, this Midori-powered mix is adult candy made by a mad scientist. First off, unlike the original Citadelle gin, the Rouge variant is sweeter and tart with its mix of berries. Paired with the sweet, fruity, and dare we say, powerful melon flavor of the Midori, delicately floral Giffard Elderflower, and bittersweet Mancino Bianco, what you'll get is a sweet but potent cocktail that doesn't hold back.

Just like the Resident Evil universe it was inspired by, it’s the kind of drink you’d order when you want the night to take an unexpected turn — with your T-virus and antidote — in just one package. Quite theatrical in presentation, too.

QC Slammer

Floral and unashamedly girly, this drink is just as sweet as any kind of candy. Think Candy Corner — a mainstay in early-2000s mall dates with friends, family, or with that special someone — paired with lip gloss, and all that youthful glam.

This drink is a delightful companion to a night out with friends, one that’s sweet, but not cavity-inducing sweetness. As for its ingredients, it's a drink that is still under wraps, but this up-and-coming drink is worth a try for those who love their cocktail on the sweeter side.

Bazooka

Benchmark Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Aperol, Mancino Rosso Vermouth, Giffard Banane du Bresil, Muscat Wine

Since we’ve mentioned “adult candy” twice on this list, this tipple is the one that embodies it the most. This one goes ham on the candy nostalgia, with edible paper flair and spirit-forward mettle that refuses to play it safely.

Its ingredients are a mouthful, and so is the drink. The smooth but robust bourbon wastes no time in letting you know its strength. The rest of the ingredients boast notes that could easily contradict one another, such as the bittersweet and citrusy Aperol, woody Mancino Rosso, tropical Giffard Banane du Bresil, and the sweet Muscat. But their curious mix results in a heady, potent drink that is not for the faint of heart.

Think of it as a childhood favorite arcade game turned into bold, grown-up luxury: playful, loud, and oh so impossible to ignore. One sip of this and you’re already sure of the night ahead, depending on what you’re looking forward to the most.

Iskrambol

We just have to say it: this one is just an after-school merienda favorite, with a boozy twist. It’s creamy, sweet, and a little messy in the best possible way.

This cocktail is a faithful nod to the beloved pink street treats we all had when we were younger. It does have a kick towards the end, though. But it’s not too strong a kick to get you knocked out, that’s for sure.

For more information, visit Take Me Back on their Facebook and Instagram.

Location: 2/F, CKB Centre, 203 Tomas Morato Ave, Diliman, Quezon City

Opening Hours: Daily, from 5 PM to 2 AM

Keen for another round? Check out our other Delish Sips reviews here.