Comfort food. Those decadent, rich, cheesy, fried, and gooey dishes remind us of home, school years, or mom. What really makes a particular dish comforting is that it should not veer far from tradition. This exactly is how Skull and Bones in U.P. Town Center prepares its food and drinks.
Items on the menu are quite hearty, the kind that provides a little warmth. If you’re looking for a place in Diliman, Quezon City to hang out with friends, this is the place to be. Complete with “university club” ambiance, Skull and Bones PH exudes a sense of nostalgia that will bring people back to the days when life was simple.
Review of Skull and Bones PH (U.P. Town Center, Diliman, Quezon City)
Ambiance: β β β β β
The modern setup operates cafeteria-style, making meals quick and easy. Skull and Bones PH’s environment is done up with blue and white theme filled all over with rustic-chic decor composed of university memorabilia: framed pictures on the wall, club rules, locker, trophies, sports paraphernalia, posters, and other campus items. There’s also wi-fi available, so if you’re a student on the lookout for a place to finish your homework or study for an upcoming exam, there’s little room for disappointment here.
Service: β β β β β
Fueled by a high-energy dining scene, staffs were quick and efficient in serving food and handling requests. They’re knowledgeable on the menu and friendly in providing recommendations.
Food: β β β β β
Is there a better way to start our comfort food adventure in Skull and Bones than with a big, sticky plate ofΒ Curly Cheese Fries (PhP 220)? We think not, especially when these deep-fried fries were covered in melted cheese sauce that’s rich and creamy.
Not a fan of cheese? No problem. Curly Fries (PhP 110) may just rival its “cheesy” version but it’s another comfort food favorite that will have your taste buds screaming for more. It’s plain and simple but very satisfying as a snack. Just don’t mind the calories!
Next, we had the Trailer Park Mac and Cheese (PhP 290) which was warm and bubbly, topped with crispy pieces of biscuits and pasta finished with gooey cheese melting down the sides of the bowl. If you are feeling sick, don’t have an appetite, or just hungry, this bowl can put the pep right back in your step. I thought it’s too salty though so drinking a tall glass of water afterwards is a must.
I was quite surprised to learn that Skull and Bones also offers soothing bowls of ramen apart from the usual American comfort food. One particular variant I liked was the Spicy Beef Dorm Room Ramen (PhP 200). The mami noodles were cooked with a dash of Asian-inspired broth and juicy beef that exceeded my demand for quality. Its spice level is not for the meek! Slurp. π
For an iconic “breakfast food,” a can’t-miss option for vegetarians must be the Popeye Burrito (PhP 330) made with brown rice, black beans, spinach, pico de gallo, sour cream, mozzarella, and Monterrey Jack cheese in a whole wheat tortilla. Wholesome and filling with the proper amount of chewiness, it was the best veggie tortilla I have ever had. Even carnivores would love it.
The Shrimp Pineapple Salsa Burrito (PhP 490), on the other hand, was served as a perfectly-balanced execution of Spanish rice, beans, garlic shrimp, pineapple corn salsa, sour cream, mozzarella, and Monterrey Jack cheese. A gently crisp crust on the surface of the homemade tortilla came out as a fine bonus.
Completely comforting in its own right, the Nachos with Pulled Pork (PhP 380) would be a good option to satisfy your craving for heart-clogging pleasures. π As with other regular nachos, the chips went soggy when left for over 5-10 minutes, but showered with creamy cheese sauce, you won’t mind digging it with your fingers (it was troublesome for me to use the fork). The portion was huge so you’ll do a lot better sharing this with a friend or two.
While there are countless versions of massive burgers and hotdogs around Metro Manila, this joint takes these two prime stars on the menu seriously. Loaded with meaty ingredients, the Pitbull (PhP 300) was made with a beef and pork frankfurter, Swiss cheese, smoked ham, chopped pickles and onions, sliced jalapenos, and garlic lemon aioli. Whoa! The griddle-pressed brioche bun also had a serious snap and looked great with just a streak of mustard.
The Super Mario (PhP 300) was fierce and tasted slightly spicy. Topped with finely chopped fried and breaded homemade chicken sausage, the hotdog was covered with even layers of sauteed peppers and onions, extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of chili flakes, mozzarella, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley to ensure a uniform bite. Nestled on a brioche bun, the Super Mario is way better than anything you may remember from your grade-school cafeteria. It’s freaking tasty!
At this point, my stomach was already full. I thought I could no longer eat more, but the burger specialties have yet to come out. Oh no, haha. After pausing a bit to take pictures, the tasting must go on…
The Blue Palasky Burger (PhP 340) is definitely not for the timid eater. Huge in beefy,Β get-the-adrenaline-pumping flavor, this burger was generouslyΒ toppedΒ with blue cheese on a brioche bun lined with blue cheese spread. The sweet caramelized onion relish did a good job in balancing out the richness of the meat and blue cheese and releasing enough moisture to de-glaze the browned bits of the beef patty.
The Dirty South (PhP 280) was also quite a stunner. It’s made with fried chicken patty battered in rice krispies, topped with shredded red cabbages that tasted both tart and sweet. Imported honey on the burger stood out as strong and sweet and a wonderful addition forming the honey-glazed chicken taste.
There’s no roadmap on how to eat the Macgruber-ger (PhP 320), but I suppose that anyone who cares about poise like me would use spoon, fork, and maybe a knife. π Topped with a towering stack of fried noodles, this complex burger was made with Monterrey Jack cheese, sesame sauteed mushrooms, pico de gallo, spring onion, and blue cheese spread. The blend of ingredients had a sparkling effervescence, and each slice was deliciously creamy, because of the different kinds of cheese mixed in.
The Grilled Cheese Burger (PhP 320) looked like a regular sandwich, but it’s anything but regular. Packed with cheese and beefy goodness, this burger/sandwich was grilled with fresh sliced tomatoes, roasted tomato salsa, and pan-seared butter. Majority of the punch took off from the cheese though. There’s something about the gamy richness of grilled cheese that’s impossible to dislike. Hence, armed with a big appetite, even ardent beef burger purists may once in a while take this to consideration.
Skull and Bones serves a long list of beverages ranging from juices and soda to beers and cool alcohol drinks. We tried the Gummi Bear (PhP 160/glass, PhP 640/pitcher) as it looked most appealing with cute Gummi bears hooked on a stick. The alcoholic taste was not “in-your-face” strong but was just refreshing. What overpowered was the sweet taste of Gummi Bears which was a little weird in drink form.
Price for Value: β β β ββ
Combining relaxing old-school ambiance and outstanding university comfort food, Skull and Bones is a great restaurant in U.P. Town Center that serves dishes whose portions are good for sharing. Tastes were pretty decent, going well beyond the holy trinity of burgers, burritos, and hotdogs. Prices are not dirt-cheap but reasonable. A visit can be more than just a meal; itβs an experience.
Thanks to Boss Spanky for the invite! π
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I love the name of this food place as it is truly unique! It seems like the perfect place to catch up with friends! The foods sounds and look delicious and I especially like the Spicy Beef Dorm Room Ramen too!
That was my best pick, actually! π I know you would also love it. It’s not topped with caviar or something grand but it’s perfectly executed ramen in a comfortable portion for a good value.
Yohooooo! Skull and bones is a chill place like no other… We could play drinking games over and over again.. Till the wee hours of the nigt and that’s okay… I love it since it is pretty near my place… Next time around im bringing my bro here
Haha next time we can get to appreciate the “hidden room” at the back near the toilet. I wonder how it is to play games there.
What an awesome concept for a restaurant! I would have absolutely loved this atmosphere when I was in college, or even today. I wouldn’t even know where to begin with the menu, though, everything looks beyond delicious π
This restaurant does not only cater to university students in the area but to all visitors who drop by. The tastes of the food are distinctly different but you’ll know they’re all to give comfort. π Just be careful not to be in a food coma!
I can easily see how this would become a hotspot for the locals, especially the college students. My daughter practically lived on ramein noodles while she was in college. She would probably enjoy Spicy Beef Dorm Room Ramen.
It all looks delicious to me! I’d like to try that Blue Palasky Burger!
You can tell your daughter to bookmark and save the location of this restaurant. There are far too many restaurants in UP Town Center that will be opening soon. π
Oh my goodness! Every dish looks so tasty I got hungry reading your post. That “Dirty South” sandwich really intrigues me. It sounds and looks like one I would really enjoy.
It has an intriguing name! The Dirty South is the one item I would order if I’m looking for something decent to fill my stomach very quickly. π Yes, you will enjoy it, too!
All of it I want all of it. I love a good cheese fries with some bacon on top. The nachos are looking great too I am such a foodie which is why I will never loose this weight.
Haha I can feel your excitement from here. π It’s always harder to lose weight and find the discipline to be more careful in food choices when you’re one. But hey, you can have one to two cheat days a week and regard the others for a strict and healthy diet.
I really love the interiors of this restaurant! It may not be unique for some but for people like me (who lives in the south) who don’t see these kind, it’s something new.
I love the Mac & Cheese! I’m just wondering why was it salty?
Maybe it’s because of too much cheese. π You’ll have to try it so you can dissect the flavors more, hehe. Yup, the ambiance speaks for the restaurant’s image and appeal: casual and just fun.
Wuah! you are really good in food photography.. I’m almost drooling haha! jk! ^^ I love the places It looks so comfortable.. ^^ is water free there? Lol ^^
Thanks, Glorie! I appreciate that compliment which I rarely receive. Haha. Yes, service water is for free.
Just to be frank, I love the dishes but I can’t bear with the price. Seem over-priced.
For students, I guess the prices may be steep. However, for earning individuals who want to go out and have some privacy while enjoying heavy and rich comfort food, this is a good place to stay. I’m thinking that you’re also paying here for the “lingering hours” and not only for the food. π
I love the set up…it’s like at any moment cheerleaders and basketball players will come over and will start to sing and dance much like in Glee hehe.. anyway, these are great comfort foods.. and I think I’ll go for that Super Mario and Blue Palasky Burger
thanks for sharing
Yup, I can imagine that. Nice! Those two choices will satisfy your appetite. You’re welcome and I hope you enjoy your meal at Skull and Bones. π
Oh wow! Nice to have another addition to so many good restaurants along the area. The food all looked delicious! Definitely visiting this place soon!
Angelo
Yup, this was one of my first restaurant visits in UP Town Center. For those residing near Diliman, this can be their new go-to place as it’s conveniently located. Skull and Bones has a huge menu and there’s enough seating even for bigger groups as tables can be arranged.
I like the cafe teria setup and it’s perfect for the area since UP, Miriam and Ateneo is in the area.
Yes, I can expect more people here after a few months. Word-of-mouth or verbal recommendations travel and “snowball” fast. π
So much cheeeeeeeese! This definitely made me plan where we’ll eat this weekend.:)
I sense a cheese lover here! π Go for the cheese fries.
That decor is so much fun. I was immediately drawn in by the tables and the “what are you having today” sign!! That is so much fun. The menu looks pretty incredible. Those are some unique dishes that I’ve never seen before. YUM!
Yeah, the menu on top behind the counter lists a more complete set of options than the printed one that the staffs pass around. I was also drawn first by that large sign when we enter. π
The Macgruber-ger and Grilled Cheese Burger look like some perfect ‘after club’ grub to me! I will have to check this place out!
Those two are great treats to reward yourself after a long day of work. π
I am intrigued by the name of the place….and their food looked interesting as well π
It’s all about finding a niche – something that’s unique, yet still caters to a certain crowd. Skull and Bones has a fun play starting with its name and you’ll know more about it when you try the food. π
They nailed a unique name! I was thinking like a horror or something strange. In fairness you delivered a good review. I appreciate their decor too, especially their food.
Thanks, Earl. π Right, Skull and Bones sounds like something scary, dangerous, or deadly. It took some explanations for me to understand the real concept haha.
I like to try that Macgruber-ger without losing my poise. That might prove to be a real challenge which I am willing to try to have a taste of those cheese mixes you mentioned.
Haha good luck with that. π Better use the fork and knife. Don’t forget the napkin on your lap.
The name of the place is quite intriguing, I thought its a museum of skulls and bones. He he he…anyway, what I like about the place is that it is very relaxing and the foods are perfectly presented.
Haha pwede. When you see the decorations inside then you’ll get to realize how the restaurant name connects with the concept. π Skull and Bones isn’t a vegetarian-friendly place though.
I like the name of the restaurant Sis. I never been to Quezon City yet when I still live in the Philippines. The food looks delish especially the noodles.
You’ll be surprised how the area has been developed since you last visited. π So many restaurants for foodies to explore!
Awesome! I really have to go to this place when I visit Diliman. Your post made me so hungry even if I just ate dinner a while ago. π
These are really attention-grabbing food you will have to try next time. π Mahirap na kumain ulit kapag busog hehe.
I also like the name of skull and bones. It has a good recall.
Yup, for those who like to be in the “cool group,” Skull and Bones is a good hangout place.
Napaka-weird ng name but the resto set-uo is just fine.Pang students talaga ang dating. As I say, dapat babaan nila ang price ng items nila so as to attract more parokyanos.
Haha I quite agree. This is one of the restaurants which I would not frequently visit. Once in a while taste-testing is okay, just to know that there exists a restaurant I give my approval to when it comes to food tastes naman. π
Awesome concept for a restaurant, and the ambiance is perfect for a college student or visiting parents. The comfort food is just what is needed when away from home, and for those long days of studying.
The room is a bit dim especially at the back, but it’s still a good place to study and talk with friends. π
When I read the title Skull and Bones, I thought the resto is for hard rockers but upon reading the post I learned it’s another cool ‘tambayan’ for students within the area. Nice brand.
Haha pwede. I would be willing to try it again.
I would love to try the Macgruber-ger and the Grilled Cheeseburger. They both look so yummy that I can’t resist.
Those two were so big and heavy. Good luck eating them alone in one sitting. π
My mouth is watering when I saw that Curly Cheese Fries. I wish that they will have a branch here in the South soon.
They might think of expanding to other locations when this first branch becomes a huge hit. π
Hmmm looks just like the kind of place i’d love to visit! I love their decor and ambience, especially that locker! So cool! The food seems quite attractive to me too, although i am not the biggest fan of burgers, i’d love to try them out (although i would definitely have to share!)