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Laid-back pubs to visit in Jakarta
Fancy a drink without trying to impress anyone? Let our list of laid-back pubs in the city guide you tonight.
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Feel like drinking but don't want to dress up? Jakarta has a good selection of unassuming pubs for a casual night out. (Shutterstock/-)
T
here are lots of nice bars and lounges in Jakarta, but sometimes you just want to have a drink and cannot be bothered dressing up to impress anyone.
Don’t know where to go? Our list of laid-back pubs in the city will guide you to your drink tonight.
If you miss a bit of British atmosphere, then Eastern Promise is the place to go. At this pub, opened in 1989, you'll meet a local expat community of regulars joining the monthly pub quiz or enjoying Wednesday Blues Nights. Hang out with your friends at its bar, taste the Indian-British-style food at the restaurant or join the throng watching world sport events on the big screen in the sports and function room. If you like to sip your drink in a relaxed outdoor setting, there’s an area for that too.
Where: Jl. Kemang Raya 5, South Jakarta
What not to miss: Pressure Hour, with free-flowing beer on Friday nights until someone leaves the room
(Read also: The legendary eateries you must visit in Blok M)
Are you a fan of everything that sounds and tastes German? Then you should go to Paulaner Bräuhaus in the Grand Indonesia Shopping Town. Despite being located at the mall, the bar provides an upscale version of relaxed atmosphere. Try a wide selection of German beers and Bavarian specialties and enjoy the view of J-City’s skyscrapers.
Where: Grand Indonesia Shopping Town, 2nd floor – East Mall, Jl. MH. Thamrin No. 1, Central Jakarta
What not to miss: The blonde Weiβbier with a hint of fruity aroma
Feel like just wearing a loose T-shirt and flip flops and have a sip of beer? Head down to Pondok Indah to hang out at De Hooi. Thanks to its laid-back ambiance, this bar is busy with people who don’t want to bother with make-up. You will feel like hanging out in your living room, but in this one there’s live music, a wide choice of drinks, good food and great laughs.
Where: Jl. Metro Duta Raya Blok B4 No. 31, Pondok Indah, South Jakarta
What not to miss: Wednesday night quiz for free alcohol
(Read also: Trend alert: Next generation blue wine)
If you’re looking for more contemporary laid-back, then Queens Head is the place. Its take on claiming to preserve the British tradition and combine it with Jakarta’s modern atmosphere should be appreciated. Don’t go there just for the drinks; join some of the events, brunches and cooking classes as well. Come on Thursday for Ladies Night, but that’s the name of the band, not discounted drinks for ladies.
Where: Jl. Kemang Raya 18C, South Jakarta
What not to miss: Try its signature drink Queens Head Zombie, which takes bitterness to a new level, and the super mojito made using Queens Head’s special recipe for homemade syrup.
If you feel German but don’t want the hassle of finding a parking spot at the mall, then Die Stube is where to go. Its list of German beers is outstanding, so you’ve got a lot to try during every visit. This place is also the best place to watch a football game, especially if you support the German team. The food is great and the interior will make you feel like you’re somewhere in Munich. (kes)
Where: Jl. Kemang Raya 2, South Jakarta
What not to miss: The signature beer, Erdinger, and Germany’s beer fest, Oktoberfest
