Prohibition is a restaurant, bar and speakeasy lounge located in Senayan Arcadia, just next to Plaza Senayan. It was opened by some of of the people behind Black Cat, Hacienda, Red Square and Boutique KTV. As the name suggests, the whole venue has a 1920s' prohibition theme from the interior design to the staff uniforms and the menu.
The Restaurant: Chicago-Style Chop House
Prohibition specializes in broiled meats, a cooking method similar to grilling. These include chicken, salmon, pork, mamb, and imported US beef. The prices range from just over Rp100,000 to Rp400,000 for the 200-g prime rib-eye steak. If you come with a small group, it's a good idea to share their 600-g "gangster" meat platter for just over Rp1M.
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| Gangster Meat Platter |
If you are on a budget, they also serve a variety of pasta dishes for less than Rp100,000. You can see the full menu here: Menu Prohibition Jakarta.
The Bar and the Secret Speakeasy Lounge
I visited Prohibition a few months ago but it is only recently that I've discovered about their secret room, hidden behind the bar. You can see the access from this video I took:
They were actually the first ones to initiate the trend of speakeasies in Jakarta, later followed by places like Monty's, Lola, Proof and Hemingway. Prohibition is the one with the best design, ambience and music.
If you are a jazz enthusiast, I recommend you to visit on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday for live music with a different band every night.
The current schedule includes some of the top jazz artists in Indonesia: Ahmad Ananda and Friends, Donny Joesran and Swing Machine, Barry Likumahuwa Quarted, Taufan Goenarso Quintet or Abe Simpson & Friends. Check their facebook page for the latest events: Live Band Prohibition.
The atmosphere in the the speakeasy is dim-lighted and intimate. It's a great place for a small gathering with friends or for a date (especially if you have a dinner in the restaurant before). It is also walking distance from X2 and Domain nightclubs.
If you need a sofa or a table, you must buy at least a bottle during weekdays. On weekends, you have a minimum spend between Rp2,500,000 and Rp5,000,000. They also have private rooms for karaokes, meetings or private party with a minimum charge of Rp10,000,000.
Their drink menu is very complete with a long list of cocktails and premium alcohol. While the prices are slightly more expensive than average, the drinks served are pretty heavy in alcohol unlike other bars in Jakarta. Also, I liked the concept of their 250 ml bootleg bottles as it saves you from buying a whole bottle if you just plan on having a short night out. It also makes it easier to try a few samples of different spirits. Finally, they have a cigar menu (you can check it as well on their website).
Prohibition Chop House, Speakeasy Bar and Live Jazz
Plaza Senayan Arcadia, Jalan New Delhi No 9,
Jakarta, Indonesia
Phone number: 021 57901295
Email: info@prohibition.asia
Website: http://www.prohibition.asia/
Facebook: Prohibition Jakarta
Instagram: Prohibition Speakeasy Bar
Twitter: twitter.com/prohibitionasia
Opening Hours:
From Monday to Saturday from 5pm to 2am
Live band from 8pm to midnight