Psst... Looking for the best cocktails and nightcaps in town? We'll let you in on a little secret. Here are our go-to "hidden" bars in Jakarta, with secret speakeasy concept for a fancy night-out in town!
One of the best things to do in a big, metropolitan city like Jakarta is experiencing the nightlife. But there are days when you just want an intimate bar to nab a nightcap after a romantic dinner at the city’s best restaurants, or you’re a cocktail connoisseur who’s on the hunt for the town’s best watering holes… We hear ya. We’ve hopped and sipped through some of the best bars in Jakarta, with mysterious speakeasy vibes, fab music and carefully-crafted cocktails courtesy of award-winning mixologists. But psst… it’s our little secret!
THE BEST BARS IN JAKARTA – SPEAKEASY VIBES AND AWESOME COCKTAILS
1. A/A Bar
Created by the Ismaya Group, a leading hospitality team in Indonesia, A/A Bar is a charming speakeasy in Jakarta where mysterious allure meets lively neighbourhood vibes. Maybe it’s the unique vintage-style interior, the superb service or the passionate mixologists, expats, locals and travellers from across the city seem to keep coming back for more. As for the cocktails, the bar experts love to use herbs, spices, flowers and fruits to give you a one-of-a-kind taste in each of their signature cocktails. Cheers to that!
A/A Bar, Jl Gunawarman No. 79, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, p. +62 859 2158 2888; Open Mon – Thu from 5pm, Fri & Sat from 6pm.
2. Loewy
Loewy is a casual 1940s inspired bistro by day, serving up family friendly roasts, steaks and all the comfort food the kids will love. But night time is when this vibrant venue becomes a buzzing bar, slinging the stiffest drinks in town. One of the top 50 bars in Asia in 2018, the 15-metre long bar is where you can prop up and watch as the skillful fast hands go to work and craft classic as well as unique concoctions. For the classy gentlemen, you can choose from the city’s largest selection of single malt whisky or the barrel-aged cocktails. The adventurous ones can take their pick on the classics given a unique twist, like the Unusual G&T using marshmallow-infused gin and a hint of cumin, or all of the weird and wonderful signatures like the Japanese-inspired Umami with sake, chilli-infused mango liqueur, katsuobushi dry vermouth and avocado, or the savoury Bawang Goreng with sesame-infused vodka, asparagus, honey, ginger and shallot tonic (yep, you read it right!).
Loewy at Oakwood Premier Cozmo, Jl Lingkar Mega Kuningan E4.2 No. 1, South Jakarta, p. +62 21 2554 2378 / +62 819 9183 5088; Open daily.
3. Nautilus Bar
A fancy speakeasy in a luxurious resort, Nautilus is an intimate bar inspired by the 16th century spice trades and seafaring tradition in Indonesia. Think the flavours of the archipelago stirred and shaken into each of the signature cocktails. Our faves are the Pros And Cons with a kick of black peppercorn, the Sandalwood-infused Aegri Somnia and the Nutmeg Daiquiri. Pair it all up with a few easy bites, like the Balinese snails with sweet, spicy and sour sauce, the five-spice chicken with BBQ sauce and the vegetarian spring rolls.
Nautilus Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta, Capital Place, Jl Jend. Gatot Subroto Kav 18, Kuningan, p. +62 21 2277 1888; Open daily from 5pm.
4. Barong Bar
Follow the musky scent of cigar smoke to Barong, Fairmont Jakarta’s suave whiskey bar that boasts an excellent selection for bonafide aficionados, no matter whether you prefer your whiskey neat or in a cocktail. This gentlemen’s drinking den is not a secret, but its intimate surroundings evoke speakeasy vibes. With masculine leather couches and dimly lit interiors, this is one heck of a sophisticated man cave.
Barong Bar at Fairmont Jakarta, Jl Asia Afrika No. 8, South Jakarta, p. +62 21 2970 3333 / +62 815 915 9247, e. [email protected]; Open daily from 6pm.
5. Pantja
Pantja, AKA “five”, combines the five things the bar is passionate about: delectable food, cool drinks, awesome music, warm hospitality and contemporary designs. Step into this industrial haven and you’re greeted with the warmest smiles and an elegant bar taking centre stage. As you graze through the farm-to-table dishes made with seasonal ingredients, be sure to take a few sips of the bar’s signature cocktails like the Curry Leaf Daisy – tequila with a hint of curry leaf, habanero and togarashi. Or the classic with a twist, like the Kalamansi Negroni and the Tiki Collins. Or better yet, go all out with the Jungle Bird Clarified punch bowl, featuring dark rum, pineapple, Campari, whey, Pantja Falernum, and lime juice, perfect for sharing! The creative menu has even earned the bar a spot in 2023 list of “Asia’s Top 50 Bars”.
Pantja, Jl Senopati No. 37, Senayan, South Jakarta, p. +62 21 521 3010 / +62 811 868 3010, e. [email protected]; Open daily from 11am.
6. The Cocktail Club
One of Asia’s Top 50 Bars in 2023, The Cocktail Club is a charming bar run by a team of mixology connoisseurs. Each of the talented barmen specially curates a menu of their signature cocktails, showcasing their individual style and expertise. Just try our faves: Ujung Pandan made with pandan liqueur and housemade coconut syrup, the savoury Surf & Turf Martini with a hint of lobster bisque, or the Drama Queen with spiced rosella syrup and housemade lavender liqueur. Or the Smoky Godfather for the classics at heart.
The Cocktail Club, Jl Senopati No. 39, Senayan, South Jakarta, p. +62 813 1888 2068; Open Mon – Sat from 5pm.
7. Csaba at The Gunawarman
Sofia at The Gunawarman is one of our favourite plush spots to grab a cocktail, but have you ever noticed the roped off stairs leading towards Csaba? The exclusively members-only downstairs lounge is a cosy and elegant old world dream, with dark leather couches, private rooms and even secret karaoke! Csaba may be one of the classiest joints in town, but is not open to just anybody. If you want the full VIP treatment, members and hotel room guests have access to just about anything from premium spirits to private shopping.
Csaba at The Gunawarman, Jl Gunawarman No. 3, Senopati, South Jakarta