With 2023 coming fast, here are five food and beverage venues for releasing pent-up pandemic blues and going to town!

A new year comes with new experiences and places to explore, including new venues for hanging out with friends and colleagues for after-work drinks and weekend get-togethers. Jakarta’s cafes, bars and other nightlife spots have dusted themselves off from the pandemic restrictions, ready to once again serve guests looking to party or to simply unwind.

AM Lounge by Ambrosia

Jl. Daksa I No. 20, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta

WhatsApp: +6287888800766

The newcomer of the Senopati bar scene might beguile nearby residents and so-called Seno party people with its niche take on the speakeasy concept that, from the outside, could be easily mistaken for another private residence. Step inside, though, and it’s a whole new world.

AM Lounge by Ambrosia has been making waves, often inviting guest bartenders who just happen to be some of the industry’s rising stars, as well as booking hell-raising DJs like Remy Irwan, Riri and Fenton. The bar's ability to throw the most fabulous party in town was proven by its Halloween party in October, which was inspired by the horror film KKN di Desa Penari.

The bar even has a daily schedule of what kind of party theme its patrons can expect. Time to dance like nobody, but remember, the DJ is watching you.

Attica Jakarta

Bellagio Boutique Mall, Jl. Mega Kuningan Barat No.3, East Kuningan, South Jakarta WhatsApp: +628119995751

Easy shots: Patrons of Attica Jakarta can have a meal, drink, watch soccer tournaments and play billiards throughout the night. (Instagram/Attica Jakarta @atticajakartaofficial) (Instagram/Attica Jakarta @atticajakartaofficial)

Looking for a new after-work base camp for eating, drinking, watching soccer or playing pool? Attica Jakarta in Mega Kuningan could top the list.

Nestled in the Bellagio Boutique Mall away from the rowdy energy of the “Seno party” crowd, Attica Jakarta exudes an ambiance that is more introverted and masculine. Play pool for free while nursing a glass of Hendrick's Gin & Tonic or the signature Pink Berry Cocktail.

Its sporty theme aside, Attica Jakarta is a place to watch on its musical front, with popular acts like Ungu and Andre Hehanusa having performed here in the past. It’s also available for private banquets and parties, but if the Bellagio is a bit farther than a stone’s throw, it has a second branch in the Blok M area.

The Front Room

Jl. Suryo No. 23, Senopati, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta

Phone: +62 (021) 7201566

WhatsApp: +6281382511168

Bittersweet night: Jakarta's sweet tooth might be interested in The Front Room's desserts which include the bar's classic panna cotta with Madagascar vanilla beans. (Instagram/The Front Room @thefrontroom.id) (Instagram/The Front Room @thefrontroom.id)

The Front Room opened in January 2020, just before the coronavirus descended on the world, but it recently caught wider notice when it introduced Latin Night.

The event offers salsa lessons to anyone wanting to try out their dance moves, Latin style, in an interior that exudes comfort, just like its menu of homey, comforting dishes like Butternut Squash Soup and Soft-Shell Crab. It also offers niche foods like orecchiette, a type of pasta from southern Italy.

The full-service boutique restaurant and bar is suited for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening with a glass of Old-Fashioned Martini, a true take on the classic beverage. Meanwhile, the bar has lychee-infused beers for the more adventurous.

Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in Green Banana Dessert and Iced Pandan Jelly amid the elegance of The Front Room, topped off with the hot, smoky delight of genmaicha (green tea with roasted brown rice). And its classic panna cotta with Madagascar vanilla beans, paired with chocolate martini, would make for a delectable end to a Valentine's Day dinner in a couple of months.

Hakuren by Chef Masayuki Tatemukai

Jl. Senopati No. 17, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta

WhatsApp: +628118556665

Since its soft opening in March, Hakuren by Chef Masayuki Tatemukai has been rising on Jakarta's fine dining map as a sushi bar to watch.

Though sushi bars and other Japanese dining establishments might seem to be a dime a dozen in the capital, Hakuren stands out for its air-flown ingredients, directly from Tokyo’s world-famous Toyosu Market.

Hokkaido-born chef Tatemukai has 40 years of preparing glistening slices of fresh fish and shellfish. His Chirashi Don and Horse Mackerel Sushi are a must-try for first-timers, and the restaurant is halal, so foodies of all palates can enjoy the chef’s masterful creations.

Leon Goldstein

Jl. Wijaya I No. 25, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta

Phone: +62 (021) 7221188

Online bookings: Chope

The bar-and-bistro made an indelible first impression in July, when Maliq & D'Essentials jazzed up its soft opening, hosted by actor-presenter Gading Marten.

That’s one way to immediately elevate Leon Goldstein to the top of the list of go-to spots for enjoying fine cocktails and soothing lounge music. Contemporary acts like The Soulful Band and Rewind and swanky DJs like Jeremy Jay have also graced Leon Goldstein’s deck.

The bar has also become known among the hip and urban South Jakartan crowd for its Back In The Days throwback dance parties. But it’s not all partying, and The Basement offers a quiet corner for guests in the mood for a more private one-on-one outing.

Leon Goldstein’s signature cocktail, Midnight Hour, is a fancy and refreshing nightcap mash-up, and it also serves snacks for guests who get a craving for late-night munchies.