This is my updated list of the best bars in Jakarta (2024).
I wrote mostly about the most established venues that have existed for several years and are consistently crowded. I also focused mostly on South and Central Jakarta.
At the end of the article, I've added some of the newest bars as well as some that are located in North and West Jakarta.
Please leave a comment if I forgot one!
For more information about where to party in Jakarta, you can also read:
Best Nightclubs in Jakarta
Jakarta Nightlife Guide
Best Beer Garden and Beer Houses in Jakarta
Best Expat Bars in Jakarta
Best Nightclubs in Jakarta
Jakarta Nightlife Guide
Best Beer Garden and Beer Houses in Jakarta
Best Expat Bars in Jakarta
Best Bars in Jakarta
These are the best bars in Jakarta. They are not ranked in a particular order: I don't think there is one that is better than the others as they each target a different crowd.
LiveHouse Kelapa Gading (Sponsored)
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LiveHouse, which is part of the HW group, has just opened a new branch in Kelapa Gading (after the success of the one in Kemang). It has a fun and fresh concept which is very popular among young Indonesians. Basically, there is a live band or singer every night, and the public is invited to sing along. Most of the song are Top 40 hits, in English and in Indonesian, so everyone will know the lyrics. There is also a giant screen behind the stage where people can post updates and chat directly from their phones. After the live music and between breaks, a DJ will mix mostly EDM and pop tunes.
It is quite affordable compared to the competition, and there are interesting promos every night (free cocktails for ladies before 12pm on Thursday, 30k shots on Monday and Wednesday, etc.) Check their IG @livehouse.kelapagading for the updated list of events.
Basque is not the most impressive or the most beautiful bar in Jakarta, but it is one of the most happening at the moment.
This is especially true on Friday and Saturday when the dance floor gets so packed you can barely move a finger. On those days, there is a first-drink-charge of about IDR 200,000 if you come after midnight.
Many customers are foreigners, either expats or tourists, and there are also a fair amount of Indonesian girls. Many are just office girls who want to have fun, but there are some "professional girlfriends" as well (the kind you would meet on the dating site Seeking.com).
The music is usually a mix of famous pop, rock and hip-hop songs.
On weekdays, from Sunday to Thursday, it is much quieter. Then, the focus is on the restaurant, which serves Spanish food from the Basque region, and Tapas. It's still fine for a drink, but don't expect a party vibe.
This is especially true on Friday and Saturday when the dance floor gets so packed you can barely move a finger. On those days, there is a first-drink-charge of about IDR 200,000 if you come after midnight.
Many customers are foreigners, either expats or tourists, and there are also a fair amount of Indonesian girls. Many are just office girls who want to have fun, but there are some "professional girlfriends" as well (the kind you would meet on the dating site Seeking.com).
The music is usually a mix of famous pop, rock and hip-hop songs.
On weekdays, from Sunday to Thursday, it is much quieter. Then, the focus is on the restaurant, which serves Spanish food from the Basque region, and Tapas. It's still fine for a drink, but don't expect a party vibe.
Opened in early 2017, Léon is a serious competitor to Basque, but it attracts mostly rich Indonesians instead of foreigners. It actually consists of two venues:
- The main one: A massive square room with a high ceiling, a long bar and a garden, is open to anyone (as long as you dress properly) day or night, for dinner or drinks.
- The second one, the Social Room, is a more intimate speakeasy bar with its own weekly schedule. They have a nicer selection of premium cocktails and spirits, and the music is better (live jazz, techno DJs, etc).
To enjoy Léon, it is much better to book a table ahead and to buy a few bottles.
- The main one: A massive square room with a high ceiling, a long bar and a garden, is open to anyone (as long as you dress properly) day or night, for dinner or drinks.
- The second one, the Social Room, is a more intimate speakeasy bar with its own weekly schedule. They have a nicer selection of premium cocktails and spirits, and the music is better (live jazz, techno DJs, etc).
To enjoy Léon, it is much better to book a table ahead and to buy a few bottles.
Henshin (Rasuna Said)
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This rooftop bar on top of the Westin Hotel is one of the most expensive in the city, but also one of the classiest. Superb atmosphere and view, with a fantastic service. Not too crowded, probably because of the price.
SKYE (Jalan Sudirman)
The most famous rooftop in Jakarta. The view is not as good as in Cloud but the atmosphere is less "corporate/expat" and more relaxed. A must for tourists. Strict dress code in evenings: No shorts or sandals.
Cloud Lounge (Thamrin)
Another rooftop near SKYE in the Plaza Building (Plaza Indonesia). It is conveniently located in the heart of the city and it offers fantastic views of Jakarta by day or by night. One of my favorite bars in Jakarta.
Lucy in the Sky started as a laid-back, unpretentious open-air café. Today it is a hip bar, rather expensive, attracting all the cool kids in the capital. Recommended if you are a 20-25 years-old hipster. Entrance fee of IDR 150,000 on weekends.
The best thing about Lucy is that it is walking distance to many other bars and nightclubs in Jakarta. If you are new to the city and you don't really know how to get around, you could start here then check other venues nearby such as H Club, Zoo, Swillhouse, Billions, etc.
In the past few years, they have added a location in Cikini and in Spark Mall (Senayan).
Loewy (Mega Kuningan)
Walking distance from Basque, Loewy is not new but it is still happening. It is a great place to eat casual French food and to hang out any day of the week. If you are alone in Jakarta, the bar area is an easy place to socialize, especially with foreigners living in Mega Kuningan.
Caspar (Sudirman)
The Spanish restaurant Caspar is one of the favorite party spots of foreigners living in Jakarta (along with Basque). This means you will also find a whole range of Indonesian girls interested in dating them. It gets really busy only on weekends as its main room turns into a dance floor. DJs usually play techno but they can also have live bands.
It has a whisky and cigar bar in its mezzanine, as well as an outdoor terrace.
Cafe Cali (Sudirman)
This new rooftop bar is on the 32nd floor of the Orient Hotel. It is located in the same building as Caspar. During the day, it works as a pool club and restaurant with a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. In the evening, it can be more or less crowded depending on their events. Sometimes quite empty (except at sunset time), sometimes very busy. So make sure to check their Instagram before going.
The entrance fee during the day is IDR 200,000 with one drink included (and pool towels). At night, it can be up to IDR 300,000.
Slowly becoming one of the oldest bars in Jakarta, EP is a hangout for the expat crowd in Kemang. Very large with several rooms (restaurant, sports bar, pool tables, beer garden with live music), it manages to be busy every night.
If you just arrived in Jakarta and you want to meet some fellow expats, this is a good place to start.
From the same group, you can also check their sister properties, all part of the Bugil's Group: Cazbar (Mega Kuningan), Double Doors (Puri Indah), De Hooi (Pondok Indah), and De Burse (SCBD). They all have a similar crowd, vibe and menu.
Black Pond Tavern (Senayan)
This Deep South-themed bar is located inside a wooden cabin in the Maj (Senayan Golf Club). Quite unexpected for Jakarta and worth trying for those looking to experience something different.
Chao Chao (SCBD)
This rooftop bar on top of the Alila Hotel SCBD replaced Hakkasan after it closed in 2020. It is an expensive place with only a tiny bar area. Most customers are required to book sofas (2,5M of minimum spend for 4 people). The view is ok but not exceptional. Good electronic music.
Some people prefer BATS, some people prefer CJs. Both are quite similar if not identical: They are 5-star hotel bars with imported live bands and a crowd of husbands having fun away from home. Recommended for older visitors/businessmen who are not too comfortable exploring the city. Both are very pricey. Beware as they both have many working girls inside.
Social House (Grand Indonesia)
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There are 3 Cork & Screw in Jakarta, but the only one I've been to recently is the Pacific Place's branch. This wine lounge and restaurant is possibly the busiest nightlife spot in the whole mall. Most customers are wealthy Indonesian-Chinese in large groups. You can also buy wine bottles.
Social House (Grand Indonesia)
The restaurant and bar Social House is not a really exceptional place, but it has such a strategic location within Grand Indonesia that I often end up there by convenience. Average food but a wide selection of drinks and wine. It is normally crowded every day. Nice view of Bundaran Hotel Indonesia.
Cork & Screw
Cork & Screw Country Club is different from the others as it is located outdoors in the Senayan Golf Course. It is more like a day club with sun loungers, a garden and a swimming pool.
There are now almost 10 locations in Jakarta apart from the original branch: In PIK Avenue, in Pondok Indah Mall and in Mall Kelapa Gading 3. I have only been to the one in Senayan.
Helen's Epicentrum (Jalan Rasuna Said)
Crowded live music bar with dim lighting. Popular with young Indonesians, so the bands will usually play many Indonesian pop songs. There is a location in Epicentrum (near Jalan Rasuna Said) and one in Gunawarman Street (near Senopati).
Duck Down Bar (Senopati)
A small bar tucked inside the basement of a building in Senopati. It is very packed, full of smoke and noisy, but the clients seem to love it even more because of that. Easy to meet people. Live bands play famous rock and pop songs.
Camden is very popular and busy almost any day of the week. They have an outside beer garden and an indoor area (very packed and full of smoke). Cheap prices, perfect for students or backpackers.
Paulaner Brauhaus (Grand Indonesia)
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The famous German restaurant is just above Social House in Grand Indonesia Mall. Live music every night and the famous Paulaner beer on tap.
Bluegrass (Rasuna Said)
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Popular steakhouse with a long bar. Quite many foreigners as it is centrally located near Epicentrum mall.
Beer Garden
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A group of affordable beer gardens with 3 locations in Jakarta: Radio Dalam, Hublife (Taman Anggrek) and SCBD. Usually, they are happening every night with a live singer or band.
Bluegrass (Rasuna Said)
Beer Garden
Queen's Head (Kemang)
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One of the best venues in Kemang to have drinks on weekends. Beautiful design, delicious food and a mature crowd.
Liquid Exchange (Rasuna Said)
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The closest bar from the Taman Rasuna apartment complex (at least 18 towers), it is generally busy all week long. Indoor and outdoor area. Nothing special but good enough for an affordable drink while watching sports or listening to live music.
Liquid Exchange (Rasuna Said)
Halfway (Puri Indah)
From the same owner behind Camden, this is another student bar with very cheap prices (IDR 25,000 for a beer during happy hour from 5 PM to 8 PM). Cheerful, yet messy, atmosphere. Located in Puri Indah.
Melly's Garden (Central Jakarta)
Vin +
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A group of wine lounges with three locations in Kemang, Senayan and Central Park. It never gets crazy but it is fine for sharing a few bottles of wine with a group of friends.
Burgundy (Plaza Indonesia)
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The Burgundy bar in the Hyatt Hotel (Plaza Indonesia) is generally quiet, but I really enjoy it simply to look at the view of Thamrin/Sudirman. Live low-key music.
Motion Blue (Senayan)
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Jazz bar featuring different artists every week. Entrance fee around IDR 150,000 inclusive of one drink. Check their Facebook for the updated event schedule.
Shamrock (Tebet)
One of the few bars in the area of Tebet/East Jakarta. Outdoor garden with an indoor pub. Affordable prices and a nice, student crowd. Live music or DJs on weekends. It's quite similar to Camden Cikini.
Tipsy Monkey (PIK)
One of the busiest bars in Pantai Indah Kapuk. Good selection of beers and soju. Not so pricey. They usually have live music (Indonesian and English pop/rock) followed by a DJ (EDM, top 40, RnB).
While in PIK, you can also visit Black Owl and Gold Tiger.
Brotherhood of Gunawarman (Senopati)
Usually just called Brotherhood, it is a grill restaurant during the day, but turns into a busy bar/club at night. One of the most popular places to hangout in Senopati at the moment. Live music before midnight, then DJ.
Pantja (Senopati)
Pantja was opened by two expatriates, one who was a chef for Nobu restaurants and is now heading the kitchen, while the other one is responsible for the bar. Prices are quite high so you can expect to spend at least a million rupiah if you dine and drink there. It is one of two bars in Jakarta, along with the Cocktail Club, that have been listed in the list of Asia's best bars.
Both places are actually not that crowded and they can be a bit boring. Still, I recommend visiting if you are looking for better-than-average cocktails and an exclusive vibe.
Phoenix Gastro Bar (PIK)
If you follow many Jakartans on social media, you've probably seen a few selfies or stories taken from Phoenix Gastro Bar. Opened by the HW Group (H Club, Atlas Bali), this restaurant/bar is built on several floors in a style that resembles the interior of the Titanic (think about the scene with the staircase). If you come after 6 PM, you have a minimum charge of IDR 1,5M to get a sofa (for 6-8 persons). Live jazz/pop every day until 10PM, followed by a DJ until 2AM.
If you think a bar should be included here, please drop me a comment and I will visit the place (if I haven't done it already).