Here are InClover’s thoughts on some of the most interesting bars at which to spend your downtime.
Nautilus Bar at The Four Seasons Jakarta
Located in the Lobby area, Nautilus takes you to a different place altogether. Taking inspiration from the saga of Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the interior and menu are reminiscent of the 19th century in which the story took place. The entrance to the Nautilus Bar is The Library, a Victorian style sitting area filled with old books and maps and a great way to set up the mood for the stylish bar. Love letters for the great tale of 20,000 Leagues don’t stop there, with story-inspired cocktails that better encapsulate the vivid world of Jules Verne using sustainable ingredients and layered with modern mixology techniques and premium spirits. One of the tribute cocktails is called Captain Nemo #1 which has vermouth infused with oyster shell and orange bitters then stirred with vodka. Other thematic cocktails include Mobilis in Mobili, The Black River, and Aegri Somnia to mention a few. The dandy drinking lounge also features delightful bites such as Chipsy Dippy Do (spicy Cajun potato chips with cheese fondue), Pacific Falls (ocean salmon fish cakes with Javanese curry sauce) and swing-electro music combined with thematic mood lighting to accompany sippers savouring their selection of favourite drinks.
The Bar at Park Hyatt Jakarta
The newly opened Park Hyatt Jakarta is the home of The Bar. A drinking lounge set on level 23, the bar offers Jakarta’s skyline view towards Tugu Tani and the north-eastern part of Jakarta’s skyline. The Bar is a brand personality bar, so if you liked it in The Bar Park Hyatt Tokyo, chances are you will have a great time spending your downtime here as well. Offering house specialty cocktails and mocktails such as Sangaree (Bourbon, wine reduction, fresh lemon juice, Angostura Bitters) or Applegrass (Green apple juice, lemongrass juice, lemon juice, mint leaves, mint syrup, ginger ale). The Bar’s circular, island bar is a niche spot from which to witness the bartender in action and even the surrounding sitting areas are furnished with comfortable seats and discreet lighting to rest your weary body and soul after a day of staring at the monitor or dealing with tiring encounters on the street and at the workplace.
Kita Bar at Park Hyatt Jakarta
Set atop the hotel building on level 36, underneath the sky, you can find Kita Bar. Providing both outdoor and indoor spaces as well as near 270o of Jakarta skyline view, Kita Bar boasts influences from Japanese culture. Izakaya-influenced small plates such as Chicken Karaage and Yakitori (grilled chicken on a skewer) are devised to accompany drinks such as A Ni Me (butterfly pea infused rum, lime, cherry marmalade, green tea syrup and coconut oil) or a line-up of Japanese whiskey, shochu and liqueurs. The bar offers a more youthful tone than its masculine sibling downstairs and features Live DJ Sessions on selected days.
Churchill Cigar Bar at Hotel Borobudur Jakarta
Inspired by how the illustrious former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom lived his life, this bar houses an impressive collection of Cuban cigars alongside alcoholic beverages and cocktails. Relaunched in the midst of the pandemic, the Churchill Cigar Bar expands into the Churchill Frontier balcony area, allowing an outdoor experience while still sheltered from the elements. Guests can choose from an impressive liquid menu inspired by the British Bulldog himself such as a collection of single malt and Scotch whiskies, cognacs, or even Free Flow Beer packages in selected hours. The cigar bar also allows guests to order the hotel’s special (almost historic I dare say) Oxtail Soup as well as a selection of eats such as Italian Trilogy Bruschetta, Churchill Sliders, and Meat Here @ Churchill Borobudur. Churchill Cigar Bar boasts period inspired decoration and furniture and guests who enjoy masculine stuff will find oak-coloured interiors, billiards, and big screen LED TVs displaying sports all the time.
Riva Grill Bar and Terrace at Hotel Wyndham Casablanca
Riva is a household name in Jakarta’s steak world, and what is best to accompany a red meat straight from the bone? Yes, great alcoholic drinks. Signature cocktails such as Riva Sangria (red wine, vodka, mint jelly, strawberries, lemons, and berries) and Fruity Chardonnay (white wine, vodka, melon liqueur and apple syrup) are savvy companions for house specials such as the 2kg Dry-Aged Riva Tomahawk and Riva’s most-wanted Australian Wagyu Beef grills. Perfect for business, a romantic dinner, or just a few drinks with friends, for lunch time Riva provides a daily healthy lifestyle set menu cooked with the best organic ingredients on the market.
Monomono Now Bar at Gaia Hotel Bandung
Located on the hills of Setiabudi, Bandung, The Gaia Hotel Bandung introduces Monomono, serving an eclectic Japanese-Peruvian menu called Nikkei cuisine alongside Argentinian grills as well as affording comfortable social opportunities over a wide selection of wine, liquor, and expertly concocted cocktails. The Classico Ceviche makes for the perfect opening dish with its refreshing lightness with raw fish dressed in citrus juices of lime and yuzu and served in Leche de Tigre or Tiger’s Milk. Monomono’s drinking counterpart, Monomono Now Bar can be found on the second floor. A perfect spot to chill with friends and family while enjoying refreshing drinks and the evening breeze, guests can taste flavours from different regions across the world including Sake of You. There is Asiathique for fans of bitter and dry cocktails, Mojang Priangan for a smoother and sweeter sip, Bloody Maria as their signature cocktail, and Blueberry Gin Fizz as a treat for the eyes.
Akasa 360 Rooftop Bar at Pullman Grand Central Bandung
With a great view of the mountain range surrounding Bandung, the Akasa 360 Rooftop Bar sits on the 17th floor of the Pullman Tower and is a hate-to-miss-it experience when Jakartan’s visit their most beloved vacation city. Best enjoyed after dusk to laze in the cool mountain breeze, Akasa serves local and imported spirits, vodka, rum, liqueurs, craft beers and signature cocktails such as Virgin Paloma and Lemon Lime Bitters. Either shared with friends, business partners or by yourself, moments spent in Akasa 360 will be moments you will want to repeat.
