The main reason for this success is the central location of SCBD, combined with the presence of a high-class mall (Pacific Place), prestigious offices (banks and financial institutions especially), and 5-star hotels (Ritz-Carlton).
Another factor is that all the land in SCBD belongs to the Artha Graha group. This conglomerate is owned by the controversial Tomy Winata who is known to have a keen interest in nightlife. As such, he probably has shares in most of the bars listed below, particularly those located in the Fairgrounds complex (Lucy in the Sky, Fable, etc). Back in the 1980s, this spot was already a huge party destination called Bengkel Night Park, said to be the largest one-stop-entertainment complex in the world. Older expats would tell you that anything was available there, including drugs, prostitution and gambling.
SCBD has cleaned up its act since, and all its bars and clubs now are now respectable businesses (except maybe the Roxy karaoke that still has lady companions).
If you are there for partying, here are my 15 most recommended venues:
Note: For a selection of the best hotels to stay nearby, click here: Best Deals on Hotels in SCBD.
![]()
Another factor is that all the land in SCBD belongs to the Artha Graha group. This conglomerate is owned by the controversial Tomy Winata who is known to have a keen interest in nightlife. As such, he probably has shares in most of the bars listed below, particularly those located in the Fairgrounds complex (Lucy in the Sky, Fable, etc). Back in the 1980s, this spot was already a huge party destination called Bengkel Night Park, said to be the largest one-stop-entertainment complex in the world. Older expats would tell you that anything was available there, including drugs, prostitution and gambling.
SCBD has cleaned up its act since, and all its bars and clubs now are now respectable businesses (except maybe the Roxy karaoke that still has lady companions).
If you are there for partying, here are my 15 most recommended venues:
Note: For a selection of the best hotels to stay nearby, click here: Best Deals on Hotels in SCBD.
Fable
![]()
Part of the All In Group (Mirror Bali, Odysseia), Fable is an upmarket nightclub that targets mainly Indonesian teenagers and young adults. It is packed every weekend and it can be fun if you are in the age group 18-25. Drinks are expensive and the dress code is strict. Commercial EDM and Top 40 music.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fableallin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fableallin/
Lucy in the Sky
A super trendy rooftop bar (now covered with a glass dome for the noise). The clientele is made of young Indonesian hipsters and some expats. Music is less commercial than elsewhere, especially on Sundays (techno). Entrance fee on weekends. Fairly busy even on weekdays.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyintheskyjakarta/
A super trendy rooftop bar (now covered with a glass dome for the noise). The clientele is made of young Indonesian hipsters and some expats. Music is less commercial than elsewhere, especially on Sundays (techno). Entrance fee on weekends. Fairly busy even on weekdays.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyintheskyjakarta/
Beer Garden
 |
| Sundays in Beer Garden SCBD |
An offshoot of the original Beer Garden in Kemang, this open-air lounge is laid-back and friendly. It is also cheaper than the other nearby venues, which makes it popular with a varied crowd from students to middle-class executives. Live bands play there regularly.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beergardenjkt/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beergardenjkt/
Beer Hall
From the same owner as Beer Garden, this is a more upmarket venue, with air-conditioning, comfortable seats, better food and cocktails, and dim lighting. Still new but promising.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beerhall/
Empirica
Empirica is a large nightclub, crowded at 80% with rich Indonesian Chinese partying in groups. Despite this, it is still OK to come by yourself or with just a few friends as there is a very long bar to hang out. Upbeat commercial music. Strict dress code.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empiricajakarta/
The Dutch
This intimate restaurant is a popular meeting point for expats and Chinese Indonesians (they sell pork specialties). Even if you are not eating, you can enjoy some cocktails and beer in a lively atmosphere as they have DJs and live music every day. Part of the Union group.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedutchjakarta/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empiricajakarta/
The Dutch
This intimate restaurant is a popular meeting point for expats and Chinese Indonesians (they sell pork specialties). Even if you are not eating, you can enjoy some cocktails and beer in a lively atmosphere as they have DJs and live music every day. Part of the Union group.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedutchjakarta/
Mr. Fox Bar and Restaurant
![]()
Mr. Fox is part of the Ismaya Group, the largest and most successful entertainment company in Jakarta.
If you are a fan of Ismaya's venues in general, you might be disappointed with Mr. Fox as it does not come with their trademark flashy interior design. Instead, it seems they've tried to create a bar/restaurant for a mature audience, with a focus on quality. Good place for dinner + drinks. Also for bringing a date.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello.mrfox/
If you are a fan of Ismaya's venues in general, you might be disappointed with Mr. Fox as it does not come with their trademark flashy interior design. Instead, it seems they've tried to create a bar/restaurant for a mature audience, with a focus on quality. Good place for dinner + drinks. Also for bringing a date.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello.mrfox/
Cork & Screw
One of two Cork & Screw locations in Jakarta, this Western restaurant houses a wine shop and bar. It is better to come with a group of friends and share a few bottles. Most customers are Indonesian Chinese executives in their late twenties or early thirties. Regular wine tasting events. Part of the Union group.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corknscrew/
Super Loco
![]()
This unassuming, small Mexican restaurant is not a bad place to drink Margaritas and tequila shots early in the night. DJs on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superlocojkt/
De Burse
An expat bar belonging to the Bugil's group (Eastern Promise, Double Doors, De Hooi, etc). Good for lunch or for after-hour drinks. Flirty waitresses. Live music.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deBurse
Chamber
![]()
Chamber is just between Potato Head and Cork & Screw. It is an upmarket bar and lounge with a retro 1930s design. They have a rather large selection of premium spirits and wine (over 500 bottles).
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chamberjkt/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corknscrew/
Dirty Laundry
![]()
This speakeasy bar is located within Bottega Restaurant (access through a secret door). It was surprisingly crowded when I visited it during a weekday. I thought the band was too loud for this kind of place, but maybe that's how Indonesians prefer it.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtylaundryjkt/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtylaundryjkt/
Potato Head
The original Potato Head, opened in 2007 long before the Potato Head Beach Club in Bali. It could certainly use a renovation to stay trendy. Rather expensive prices but its location at the entrance of Pacific Place Mall is excellent. Decent food and cocktails. They have an interesting event about once a month so please check their Facebook page below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/potatoheadjkt/
The original Potato Head, opened in 2007 long before the Potato Head Beach Club in Bali. It could certainly use a renovation to stay trendy. Rather expensive prices but its location at the entrance of Pacific Place Mall is excellent. Decent food and cocktails. They have an interesting event about once a month so please check their Facebook page below.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/potatoheadjkt/
Super Loco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superlocojkt/
De Burse
An expat bar belonging to the Bugil's group (Eastern Promise, Double Doors, De Hooi, etc). Good for lunch or for after-hour drinks. Flirty waitresses. Live music.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deBurse
Chamber
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chamberjkt/
Hard Rock Café
Jakarta’s Hard Rock Café looks pretty impressive from outside, with large bay windows and a modern design. That said, it is not really a happening venue. Most visitors are out-of-towners who don't know where else to go.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardrockcafejakarta/
Artoz
Part of the Amuz group, this whisky and cognac bar features daily live jazz band. Elitist and not very crowded. I'm surprised it hasn't closed down already.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artoz_bar/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardrockcafejakarta/
Artoz
Part of the Amuz group, this whisky and cognac bar features daily live jazz band. Elitist and not very crowded. I'm surprised it hasn't closed down already.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artoz_bar/
Note 1:
In case you are wondering, Level II and Hide & Seek are closed.
Note 2:
New bars and nightclubs keep popping up every few months in SCBD! Please leave a comment below if there is one I haven't mentioned yet...