Far from Bali’s windswept beaches, Lombok’s deep blue waters, and Sumba’s untouched shores lies Java, home to Indonesia’s vibrant capital, Jakarta. While it may not feature on traditional tourist itineraries, the city over the past five years has undergone a hospitality revolution.
Senopati: The Heart of Jakarta’s Indonesian Nightlife
With the rise of new restaurants, cocktail bars, and clubs, the city now boasts a nightlife scene that rivals the best in Southeast Asia. Thanks to the city’s warm, social vibe, locals love to unwind with a drink — be it a smooth whisky or the traditional arak, an Indonesian spirit with deep cultural roots. Young professionals, entrepreneurs, and music lovers flock to Jakarta’s luxurious city-center clubs and laidback hotspots in trendy neighborhoods like Senopati.
Located just steps away from the SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District), in this bustling hub workers converge after hours to shake off the day. With its vibrant streets lined with boutique stores, showrooms, and a stellar mix of dining and mixology options, Senopati has become the beating heart of Jakarta’s nightlife.
Modernhaus, Mixology and Design
One standout is Modernhaus, a cocktail bar that seamlessly blends architectural flair with cutting-edge mixology. The space is anchored by a long, custom-designed open bar that mimics a kitchen island. Guests can pull up a seat and watch the bartenders in action or lounge on plush armchairs and sofas, creating a cozy, living-room atmosphere. Through sleek ribbon windows, the twinkling lights of Jakarta’s skyscrapers provide a stunning backdrop.
The bar’s name pays homage to mid-century modern design and plays on the Indonesian word haus, meaning “thirsty,” while the drink menu embraces the principles of modern architecture by bringing nature indoors, with recipes highlighting roots, fruits, and flowers.
Jakarta’s Nightlife at Bottom Parlour
A short stroll from Modernhaus brings you to Bottom Parlour, a saloon dedicated to whisky, which opened earlier this October. Featuring over 500 labels, the bar caters to enthusiasts who can enjoy their favorite spirit neat or in innovative signature cocktails like the Pistacchio Sour — a blend of bourbon, gin, bitters, lemon, and pistacchio. Classic drinks like the Penicillin and quick-serve options like draft Old Fashioneds and Whisky Highballs ensure there’s something for every palate.
Pierre and The Cocktail Club: French Cuisine Meets High Mixology
For those craving French cuisine, Pierre in Senopati is the go-to spot. The butter-laden menu transports diners to Paris with dishes like escargot, a decadent cheese soufflé, and Dover sole dressed with classic “Grenoble” sauce. For dessert, flambéed Crêpes Suzette are prepared tableside with a flourish of orange liqueur. After dinner, head upstairs to The Cocktail Club, ranked 12th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. This high-mixology haven is a dimly lit sanctuary adorned with leather armchairs and dark-green velvet booths surrounding a showstopping bar. The bottle selection is a collector’s dream, featuring rare single malts and special bottlings. The Miso Miss You is the must have of the drink list: a bold mix of Japanese whisky, umeshu, and vermouth.
Best cocktail bars in Jakarta, Cosmo Pony
However, the latest hotspot for great drinks in Jakarta has emerged at Cosmo Pony, inside the Grand Hyatt Jakarta. Brought to life by the Jigger & Pony Group in partnership with Union Group, this chic venue is helmed by General Manager Silvio Daniele and Bar Manager Marsya Soemantri.
Designed by Agatha Carolina of Bitte Design Studio, the space is divided into two elegant rooms, each with its own bar counter. The inaugural menu, Rising City, captures Jakarta’s energy and innovation, drawing inspiration from Umberto Boccioni’s Futurist painting The City Rises. Must-try drinks include the Tequila Cosmo, a modern twist on a “Sex and the City” classic, and the Ugly Bananas, which transforms overly ripe black bananas — usually discarded — into an unexpectedly delicious concoction.
For something sparkling, the Champagne Papi combines French bubbles with tequila, guava, and passion fruit. To toast the night away with glasses raised high and a cheerful angkat! (cheers), Cosmo Pony is set to be one of Jakarta’s most talked-about spots in the months to come.
This article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers magazine. Order your copy here
