On April 17, 2026, in Quezon City, 2B Cocktail Bar officially opened at 61 Scout Rallos corner Scout Tobias, Barangay Laging Handa, with the Lao siblings—Dhenzell Lao and Shaydell Lao—together with creative partner Ella Lee and bar manager Nico Adolfo, unveiling a speakeasy concept built around comfort, memory, and experimental cocktail craftsmanship.
The moment of arrival already sets a different tone compared to typical nightlife spaces in Metro Manila. Instead of loud entrances or flashy signage, the bar presents itself with quiet confidence, almost hidden in plain sight. Inside, the atmosphere shifts immediately—soft lighting, warm textures, and closely arranged seating create an environment that feels more like stepping into a lived-in home than entering a commercial establishment. The space does not demand attention; it gently holds it.
The concept behind 2B is rooted in a simple but layered philosophy: “Familiar / Not Familiar.” This idea shapes every drink on the menu, beginning with something recognizable—flavors tied to childhood, comfort food, or cultural memory—then gradually transforming them through unexpected ingredients and techniques. The result is a drinking experience that feels emotionally grounded yet intellectually surprising, where each sip carries both recognition and discovery.
One of the most striking cocktails on the menu combines apple and parmesan with white rum, vanilla ice cream, sour apple liqueur, hazelnut, Granny Smith apple, lime, and milk clarification. At first taste, it leans toward sweetness and nostalgia, reminiscent of dessert-like familiarity, before evolving into sharper, more structured notes that linger. Another signature creation, the corn and miso cocktail, blends reposado tequila, corn, butter, miso, agave, and aromatic bitters, offering a savory, layered profile that challenges expectations of what a cocktail can be.
Beyond the drinks, the identity of 2B is shaped by the distinct backgrounds of its founders. Dhenzell Lao brings a global perspective informed by years of travel and exposure to diverse bar cultures, influencing the overall hospitality direction. Shaydell Lao, trained at Le Cordon Bleu, leads the culinary approach, ensuring that the food program complements the same balance of familiarity and innovation found in the cocktails. Ella Lee contributes a Korean-Filipino perspective shaped by time spent in Seoul, where modern drinking culture often blends tradition with experimentation, adding another cultural layer to the space’s creative direction.
At the bar, Nico Adolfo leads the beverage program with experience spanning both cocktail and coffee environments, including work with The Spirits Library and Yardstick Coffee. His approach reflects a careful balance of precision and curiosity, treating each drink as a study in flavor development rather than a fixed formula. This duality also hints at what lies ahead for 2B, with plans to eventually expand into a daytime coffee concept while preserving its core identity as an intimate cocktail space.
What stands out most in the experience is not just the menu but the atmosphere that surrounds it. Conversations feel unhurried, seating encourages closeness without crowding, and every detail—from lighting to plating—reinforces the idea of intentional hospitality. Rather than positioning itself as a typical nightlife destination, 2B leans into the feeling of being hosted in a personal space where drinks are crafted with thought and served with care.
As Quezon City welcomes this new addition to its growing cocktail scene, 2B establishes a quieter, more reflective approach to speakeasy culture—one that values emotional familiarity as much as technical craft. The experience is not designed to overwhelm but to unfold gradually, inviting guests to slow down, engage with flavor, and rediscover comfort in unexpected forms. (with reports from Justin Dinglasan)
