Alibi Bar / Club (Rasuna Said)

Alibi bar/club replaces Jackrabbit, which was buzzing a few years ago but failed to find its crowd (to know why, read the review I wrote about it here).

The team behind Alibi combines the owners of some of the most popular clubs in Jakarta (X2/Domain, Embassy (already closed)). It is a rather beautiful venue, impressive with a dark vibe and high ceiling. The bar is long, with sofas and tables occupying all the way to the DJ, which is slightly elevated from the crowd. It should be a nice venue for special DJs performance, much more intimate than X2 in particular.

The sound system is brand-new and top quality: same new speakers than in Stadium. Excellent sound delivery, that's Indonesia's at its best.

Music that night was Vintage Rn'B/Hip Hop from the 90s, which seems to be the new fashion with the mature crowd (30-40). It brings something different from the usual dance/house music played in clubs with a younger crowd. Unfortunately, there were more waiters than clients the night we went there - even though it was a Saturday night. That was a pity.

Staff was extremely kind overall. Food was good and not so expensive: The Club Sandwich@70K for instance. Local crowd only. Sophisticated, and mature as mentioned before: above 30yrs old. I suspect that the crowd that night were acquaintances of the owners though.

Overall:
Major turn-off: The place was empty and had no party vibe at all. I hope Alibi won't meet with the same fate as its predecessor, but if they do not improve the marketings and events, I don't see how they could survive very long... I see that they had a few good DJs coming since they opened and I think they need to keep them coming until the place is established...With a solid group behind it, I'm confident they will succeed.

Contact details:

Alibi Bar and Club
Cyber 2 Tower (BTPN) Jalan HR. Rasuna Said Kav. X-5 No. 13
Phone number: 082138620093 or +62-21 2902 1357
Blackberry: 29F10EF
https://twitter.com/ALIBI_Jakarta
https://www.facebook.com/AlibiJakarta

Opened until 4am from Wednesday to Saturday night.

Exodus Club Jakarta

Exodus Nightclub is probably the hottest opening of a nightlife venue in Jakarta this year. It is a replacement of Kampus, which had to close a couple years ago, and it is owned and managed by the Stadium group (behind Stadium, Malioboro, Sumo Spa). They are not really into the whole family-friendly thing if you know what I mean...

As in Kampus, the Exodus club combines the undergroundness of Stadium with the respectability of a location in South Jakarta. In the crowd, I think it will be popular with younger people 20-25 and with some expats as well. Probably similar crowd with X2, but more dark and mostly electro.

Exodus is located on 3 floors, and also comprises a restaurant and a lounge with live music. The live music section should attract some local bands and should be interesting. From the restaurant, no need to have too high expectations... Have a dinner there only if you don't have other options...

Contact details:

Exodus 567
Club/Dining/Lounge
Kuningan City Mall 567 Floors
Jalan Prof Dr. Satrio Kav 18
South Jakarta 12940

Phone number: +62 21 3005 6285/6/7
HP: +62 858 11 567 567
BB PIN: 2AB45D77

Twitter: Exodus Jakarta
Facebook: Exodus Nightlife Jakarta

Otel Lobby (Kuningan)

I visited Otel Lobby just before Ramadhan, and was quite disappointed by the place. This lounge/restaurant was opened by a famous Indonesian socialite, Gaby Bakrie, the wife of one of the brothers of Aburizal Bakrie. As such, it is popular with Jakarta's richest.

We ordered 3 burgers (I wish we had tried more dishes but that's all that we wanted...) which were OK but the meat was rare, with blood dripping all over our hands when we were eating. My two carnivore friends had no problems with that, but I thought it was disgusting and could not finish.

The music was loud and terrible: Lady Gaga, Rihanna, David Guetta... The same you would get in X2 or Red Square, even though it was 7pm, in a restaurant supposed to be stylish.

The atmosphere of the place was dull, very un-happening. It was crowded, but the tables are so far from each other that it doesn't feel lively.

Overall: I will not return to Otel Lobby because even though it is expensive and pretentious, it fails to deliver on the basics. Just after our food was finished, we actually moved to nearby Bluegrass to have a drink.

 

Otel Lobby Jakarta

Bakrie Tower Annex Building
Jalan Epicentrum Tengah
South Gate Entrance
Kuningan, South Jakarta

Phone number: +6221-299-41324

Twitter: http://twitter.com/otellobby
Email: dissa@otellobby.com
Website: http://otellobby.com

Opening Hours
Everyday from 11am to 12pm (until 2am on weekends)

Bluegrass Grill & Bar

Bluegrass Bar & Grill is located next to Epicentrum Mall, off Rasuna Said street. A good place to meet other expats, it became popular quite rapidly after opening and it still is. The food is American: Steaks, ribs, burgers, wings, nachos, etc... Nothing very original and it is on the expensive side (similar with other venues like Union, Loewy, etc..). Surprisingly, I realized that there wasn't such a big offer in Jakarta for this type of food for those who expect a stylish design and decent quality. Along with the 24-meter bar, I think this is what explains part of the success of Bluegrass. 

On the minus side, the service could be greatly improved, and in particular the friendliness of staff.

Overall: I recommend a visit once in a while for a casual, after-work eat.

Bluegrass Bar & Grill
Kompleks Rasuna Epicentrum
Jalan HR Rasuna Said

Jl. Epicentrum Tengah
Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan
Phone number: +62-21 2994 1660

Opening Hours:
Everyday from 11am to 2am.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluegrassjkt

Twitter: Blue Grass Jakarta

PEPeNERO (Jakarta and Bali)

PEPeNERO is a chain of Italian restaurants in Bali and Jakarta. They are almost copies of the Trattoria restaurants, so you can read my review about it also.

I visited the PEPeNERO in Menara Karya, during lunchtime, and it was packed with both locals and expats. If you come with a group of people, I think you should always book in advance.

The menu is large, written in Italian and English. Prices for a starter is around Rp50,000++, for main dish around Rp80,000++, and for a pizza around Rp50,000++. 

I went for one of their 40 pizzas, all with thin crust. It tasted great for the price, and so far I haven't found better value pizza in Jakarta (ex-aequo with Trattoria). The service is very fast, professional and friendly.

Overall: Recommended if you are looking for good-value European food in Jakarta. PEPeNERO is not a fine-dining restaurant, but it is adequate for dates, business lunches, celebration, etc.. There is a non smoking area as well.

PEPeNERO Pondok Indah
Plaza Pondok Indah 2, Blok BA 25 - 26
Jl. Metro Pondok Indah (near Citibank), Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 750 0959

PEPeNERO Sudirman
The Energy Building, Mezzanine Level
Jl. Jend Sudirman Lot 11A, Kawasan SCBD, Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 5296 4006

PEPeNERO Rasuna Said
Menara Karya, Ground Floor
Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said, Block X-5 Kav.1-2, Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 5794 4727

Website: http://pepenerobali.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pepenerobali

Twitter: http://twitter.com/pepenerobali

Imperium Club Karaoke (Ex-Kampus)

Imperium Club is the new name of Kampus club. The management and the name changed, but so far inside it is the same.

For now, the place doesn't need a new review so you can read the old here: Review Kampus Club Jakarta. If I feel there are some important changes in the club, I will write about it.

Our temporary recommendation (based on Kampus):

Opening hours: Everyday, from 1PM to 6AM

Imperium Club & Karaoke Jakarta
Menara Imperium on floors 35, 36, 37
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav.1
Jakarta Selatan 12980, Indonesia

Phone number: +62-21 837 86015
Email: imperiumjakarta@ymail.com

Facebook: Imperium Club
Blackberry Pin : 22852C39
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/imperiumjakarta 

E' Corner (Epicentrum Walk)

E' Corner is a restaurant and bar in Epicentrum Walk, with an interior design themed around the Earth and the 5 elements - wind, fire, water, etc... As always with themed restaurants, expect to pay a little extra for the atmosphere, even though the food remains average.

Opening Hours:
Weekday: 11am to 12am
Weekend: 11am to 2pm

E' Corner
Epicentrum Walk, GF, Komplek Rasuna Epicentrum
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said
Jakarta Selatan
Indonesia, 12960

Email: ecorner@bestandbrightestcorp.com
Phone number: +6221 2994 1444 / 1555

Twitter: /ecornerjkt
Website: E'Corner Jakarta
The photos come from the restaurant's facebook group here.

Decanter Wine Lounge Kuningan

Decanter is an upscale wine house and restaurant, popular with both expats and locals. Intimate interior design, quite comfortable and calm, Decanter is a good place to discover in Jakarta, close to the city center.

Not a cheap place to eat & drink but worth it. You may find useful information about Decanter's events, staff and news on their website: www.decanterjakarta.com. You may also want to check their facebook fanpage (from which the photos were taken): Decanter Wine Lounge & Restaurant.
Live music (easy listening/jazz) every Thursday and Friday nights.

Decanter Jakarta
Plaza Kuningan
Menara Utara. Ground Floor
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. C11-14

Tel: +62-21 529 63888

Open from 11am to 2pm and from 4pm to 2am (3am on weekends)

Al-Tahrir (Egyptian Restaurant)

Al-Tahrir is a Middle-Eastern/Egyptian restaurant located in Pasar Festival, on Jalan Rasuna Said. Intended as a meeting point for the Egyptian community in Jakarta, it is named after Tahrir square in Cairo. The most interesting is that it is supposed to stay open 24-hour (see 24-hour restaurants in Jakarta), one of the only venue to do so in the area.

Concerning the food, it is rather cheap, but what I had tasted average. The Chicken Shawarma (Rp30,000) was made in the Egyptian way, with only tomatoes, peppers and the meat. I usually prefer when there are more ingredients (onions, white sauce, garlic, herbs, etc...), hence my disappointment. I also tried the Mixed Grilled Meat (Rp110,000), which is quite big for one person. The cooking was fine, particularly the sauce and the spices, but the ingredients used were probably not the best quality. There are no miracles, you get what you pay for.

Chicken Shawarma (Rp30,000++)

Mixed Grilled Meat (Rp110,000++)

Overall: I didn't sample enough dishes to give a definitive opinion about Al-Tahrir, but for sure, it is not the place where you will enjoy the best Middle Eastern food in Jakarta. Yet, the owner and staff are so friendly that this restaurant is still a venue I would recommend for a light meal or to hang-out. Apart from the main room, you also have an outdoor terrace, perfect for a drink (no alcohol served) or for shisha.

Operating Hours:

Open 24-Hour, everyday (Since it just opened, they may change that so call them before to make sure)

Al Tahrir (near Taman Rasuna)

Egyptian and Middle Eastern Restaurant Jakarta

Pasar Festival Blok LG 02A

Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav C-22

Jakarta 12920

Phone number: +62-21 5263 187

Aperitivo Restaurant and Lounge

An Italian restaurant and lounge, Aperitivo isn't bad, but compared to the competition, it is slightly under average.

5 years ago, it could have been a hit, but now, there are so many similar restaurants in Jakarta that you cannot hope to be successful in the upscale segment without a perfect design and decent food.

Concerning the food, I only had a margherita pizza, and it was enough to notice the mozzarella used was not top-quality, and the dough probably not freshly made. I enjoyed it, but if I had to compare, Trattoria or PEPeNERO are better in this price range.

Margherita Pizza (around Rp55K)

The design is actually the worst thing about Aperitivo. You can always get away with mediocre food in Jakarta as long as your restaurant looks cool. But here, starting with the logo to the furniture, it all looks amateurish at best. It is too bad because there was a great potential, in this location, with the large windows and the high ceiling. When I compare with Luna Negra, Ocha and Bella, Opera Blanc or Pesto (all of them serving authentic Italian pizzas), Aperitivo comes last without any hesitation.

Overall: Aperitivo has its positive points: It is laid-back and friendly, and the prices remain reasonable. The problem is that if they want to grab a share of the upmarket crowd, I don't see how they could be successful with their current concept. For me, the only way they can make it work is by lowering their prices and position themselves as a mid-range restaurant, or by renewing their design to make it look more spectacular.

Opening hours:

Monday to friday from 7am to 2am
Saturday and Sunday 10.30am to 2am

Aperitivo Restaurant and Lounge
Atrium Mulia, Ground Floor
Jalan HR Rasuna Said Kav. 10-11, Jakarta

Phone number: +62-21 5289 2304
Fax: +62-21 5289 2305
Email: hendrik@foodtainment-concepts.com

Facebook: Aperitivo
Website: http://www.aperitivo-jakarta.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Aperitivo_Jkt

Aphrodite (Club Rasuna, near Pasar Festival, Jl Rasuna Said)

Aphrodite is a bar and restaurant located not very far from the Taman Rasuna tower. As such, it is a meeting point for many of the expats living in the area, and you'll almost always find it crowded.

The menu is quite long, with mainly pub food. It is pretty decent and though more expensive than average, good value.

Many customers come to Aphrodite to watch sports: English Premier League, F1, Cricket, etc.. You can check the schedule here: Sports Schedule Bar Aphrodite. Personally, since I'm not a fan of anything, all these plasma screens tend to bother me. And it's even worse when no sport is on because they will put Fashion TV, making it very difficult to stay focus talking to your average-looking friends.

The best point about Aphrodite is that it is a popular hangout for some Indonesian girls as well, the kind you could meet in Red Square (looking for a foreigner, but not a pro). Thursday and Saturday is ladies' night, and the best night to visit if you are looking to party. Girls get free drinks from 8PM to 1AM. On most nights, you have a live band playing pop and rock songs.

You can check their website here: Aphrodite Jakarta and also their facebook: Aphrodite Group and Aphrodite Bar and Restaurant.

Opening Hours:

From Monday to Thursday: 6:00 am - 2:00 am
From Friday to Saturday: 6:00 am to 3:00 am
Sunday: 6:00 am to 12:30 am

Contact details:

Aphrodite Restaurant and Bar Jakarta

Club Rasuna - Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav 22 Jakarta 12920

Phone: +62 21 527 3307

Fax: +62 21 526 3265 

E-mail: contact@aphroditebar.com

The Cellar - Four Seasons Hotel

Wine Lounges are among the trendiest night spots in Jakarta at the moment. Dozens of them have opened in the past two years, which is quite a surprise considering we are in a muslim country. Patrons in The Cellar are actually mostly business travellers and expats who come to enjoy a cozy, quiet lounge with a vast wine collection. Compared to other wine lounges in Jakarta, The Cellar has an internationally recognized sommelier that will guide you in your wine selection, but it is more expensive and exclusive.

Other wine lounges in Jakarta: Vin+, Magnum, Cork&Screw, Maroon.

The Cellar in Four Seasons Hotel
Lobby Level
Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said
Jakarta 12920
Indonesia

Tel: +62-21 252-3456
Fax: +62-21 252-4480

Open from 10am to midnight.

Photo credit: Toni Wahid - http://mypotret.wordpress.com/

Cork & Screw Restaurant and Bar (Wisma Kodel, Rasuna Said)

Cork & Screw is one of the most popular lounges and restaurants in Jakarta. There are currently two locations in the city, one in Wisma Kodel, and a smaller one in Plaza Indonesia.

Though their food is very average for the price, they are trendy places to have a drink, in particular wines. They have a large collection of bottles coming from Vin+ shops, most of them around Rp300k/400k. That's about twice as expensive as in Europe but unfortunately, this is the norm in Jakarta.

Overall, I do not recommend Cork & Screw for eating, but you can share a bottle of wine with a few friends.  It is quite busy so you may also want to book your table.

For infos about the menus, prices and wine selection, you can check their website: http://www.corknscrew.biz/. Also on facebook: C&S.

Contact details:
Cork & Screw Jakarta Wisma Kodel
Wisma Kodel, Ground floor, Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said Kav B4
Open from 11h30am until late.
Phone number: +62-21 5290 2030
Fax: +62-21 5290 2031

Cork & Screw Plaza Indonesia:
1st Floor, Unit 127 AD, Jl. MH.Thamrin, Kav 28/30
open from 10am until late.
Phone number: +62-21 31996659
Fax: +62-21 31996658

Similar places: Vin+, Magnum, Social House, Domain.

Gaudi (Gran Melia Jakarta)

Gaudi is the club in Gran Melia Hotel. It has a Las Vegas style entertainment dinner called Mister Moonlight every Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm, starting December 9th. It consists of a band playing classic tunes by artists such as Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley or Frank Sinatra.

For more infos & reservation, please call (62 21) 526 8080.

Update March 2010: The show Mister Moonlight has moved to Burgundy in Grand Hyatt. Not many reasons to come to Gaudi anymore, except if you are a guest of the hotel.

Gaudi Gran Melia Jakarta
Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. X - O, Kuningan
Jakarta 12950 Indonesia
Kuningan

JackRabbit Bar and Restaurant

Owned by Andrew Santoso and Dany Setiawan (behind Cork & Screw, Loewy and X2), JackRabbit is a bar and restaurant opened in December 2010 in the Cyber 2 Building. It is targeting rich Indonesians and expatriates with a different atmosphere for lunch and for dinner. During lunch, they serve some fast food dishes (or at least easy to prepare) in a bistro-type atmosphere. At night, JackRabbit is more like a lounge, with louder music and many customers coming only for cocktails. It reminds me of a few existing places in Jakarta, in particular Bibliotheque.

I have tried this place only for lunch and I was very disappointed. I was with three friends, so we had three dishes, and here are our griefs:

- The "steak-frites" (Rp265,000 with tax):
The french fries were not well-cooked and the beef not very tender.

- The Vietnamese-style sandwich (Rp90,000 with tax):
Not bad, but in Cali Deli you can have a similar sandwich for half the price. The potato chips served as an accompanying dish were not crispy.

- The Spaghtetti Arrabiatta (Rp90,000 with tax): Overall taste not great.

Conclusion: I recommend you to avoid Jackrabbit Jakarta for lunch. They serve mediocre food at outrageous prices and I hope they will change something about it soon. So far this restaurant feels like a tourist (or expat) trap.

Concerning the design, it is elegant, but surely not worth paying such a premium on food items.

For the evenings, I know they organize parties/DJ events but I still have to check it. It is probably worth the try and I'll update this review soon with more information. For the schedule, you may want to look at their twitter account: http://twitter.com/JackRabbitJKT or their facebook group or page.

Update July 2011: I went to Jackrabbit on a Wednesday night for a drink and it was much more nicer than during the day. Here is a picture of the bar:

Opening hours:

Sunday to Tuesday: 11am to 01am
Wednesday to Saturday: 11 am to 02am
Happy Hours: 4pm to 8pm

Jackrabbit Jakarta
Cyber 2 Tower
Jl HR Rasuna Said Blok X5 No 13
Telephone: +62-21 2902 1357

Fax: +62-21 2902 1612

Website: http://www.jackrabbitjakarta.com/