Did you know that the original branch of Max’s Restaurant in Quezon City also has a secret watering hole where you can enjoy coffee and pastries during the day? Ruby's is a speakeasy-slash-cafe tucked inside the first-ever branch of Max’s in Scout Tuazon that pays tribute to Ruby Trota, the niece of Maximo Gimenez, who Max’s Restaurant is named after.
For Filipino families, Max’s Restaurant needs no introduction. This institution, which has been around for almost 80 years, is a household name for its classic, tender, juicy, and crispy chicken.
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While there are branches of Max’s everywhere in the country, the original branch, established shortly after World War II, still stands in a quiet street in Quezon City, as “The House That Fried Chicken Built.”
In 1945, Maximo Gimenez transformed the ground floor of his home on South F Street (now Scout Tuazon) in Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City into a bar and cafe for American soldiers.
While Max’s Restaurant is well-loved for its family-style Filipino comfort food, it's not exactly known as a go-to coffee spot or bar. The flagship branch recently refreshed its interiors to highlight the greenery outside and added a new space for guests to enjoy coffee by day and cocktails at night.
The nostalgic bar and cafe pays homage to Ruby, who managed the kitchen and created the iconic fried chicken recipe that became an instant hit among regular patrons and remains popular with generations of Filipino families.
The intimate 12-seater bar launched in 2024ddd is a brand-new space hidden behind the historic restaurant. The entrance bears a small sign declaring it: “a nice place for nice people,” which pretty much sums up the vibe.
The space feels homey, warm, inviting, and lived-in, with interiors that look elegant and timeless. The space makes use of textured concrete, brick flooring, and paneled Narra wood, making it feel warm and organic. Rounded window panels and vintage chandeliers add an elegant touch.
There’s a large black-and-white photograph on the wall, an oil portrait of Ruby by the bar, and other vintage memorabilia from Max’s early years. Copies of Monocle Magazine and coffee table books lying around invite patrons to lounge longer.
While Ruby’s was conceptualized as a cocktail lounge that serves signature alcoholic drinks in the evenings, coffee lovers have a reason to visit during the day. Early risers (or those who require coffee after a heavy lunch) can enjoy a cup of Yardstick Coffee made with the finest Arabica beans and fresh bread right in the same compound as Max’s.
You can pick items from Max’s Corner bakery like pan de sal, ensaymada, caramel bars, and other baked goods made fresh daily to enjoy at Ruby's.
Max’s collaboration with specialty coffee supplier Yardstick offers a few coffee varieties, including Double Espresso, Iced Americano, Iced Latte, Spanish Latte, Mocha and Cappucino, which come in either hot or iced varieties, with an option to switch to Oatmilk.
Before it was redesigned into a bar, the cozy lounge used to be the receiving area for guests making reservations at Max’s Groups Concepts. Now, the bar can still serve as a quiet space for guests to discuss reservations for functions and events. The Scout Tuazon compound houses multiple function halls, which are frequently booked for weddings, baptisms, and corporate events.
While the main restaurant can get noisy with regular customers, Ruby’s offers a more secluded spot for guests to discuss event details with managers over coffee and light snacks.
Ruby’s is a nostalgic spot for catch-up sessions with family, dates and weekend coffee runs for anyone looking for an alternative to mall dining.
Since Max’s Restaurant and adjacent Pancake House have a dedicated parking area, diners don’t have to worry about parking challenges which can be a problem with smaller cafes in other foodie neighborhoods. It's a good option for those who frequent the Morato area for car-free Sundays.
Unlike Max’s, which has more than 170 branches across the country and abroad, Ruby’s can only be found in their flagship Scout branch. So if you’re looking for a good dose of nostalgia with your coffee in Quezon City, with family-friendly familiar comfort food nearby, Ruby’s is definitely worth seeking out.
Ruby’s is located within Max’s Scout Tuazon Branch at 21 Scout Tuason St. Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City. Ruby’s is open from 7:00 am to 3.30 pm daily (for coffee and pastries) with the bar open exclusively from 5:00 pm to 12:00am.
