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Jakpost Nightlife: Mexican-inspired hot spots
Mexican-inspired culinary delights, fun cocktails and upbeat Latin music could just be the right recipe for a fun night out in Jakarta.
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Amigos in Kemang Club Villas, South Jakarta, offers Tex-Mex (Texan and Mexican) cuisine, a fusion of Mexican and American flavors served inside its uniquely decorated interior featuring Mexican-themed murals and colorful decor. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)
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ometimes a quesadilla, a glass of margarita and some vibrant Latin music are all you need to spice up a dull day. These places around Jakarta are ready to serve Mexican-inspired culinary delights and cocktails treat to spoil your palate.
Amigos, Kemang Club Villas
Amigos was one of the first restaurants in Indonesia to serve Latin-inspired dishes. First established in Central Jakarta in 1979 by Ron Mullers, Amigos moved and opened its doors in Kemang Club Villas, South Jakarta, two years later and remains a local favorite to this day.
The menu offers Tex-Mex (Texan and Mexican) cuisine, a fusion of Mexican and American flavors served inside its uniquely decorated interior featuring Mexican-themed hand-painted murals and colorful decor.
The establishment also prides itself as being a long-standing music hub, where the Amigos stage welcomes various musicians across different genres regularly throughout the week.
Where: Kemang Club Villas Apartemen, Jl. Kemang Selatan I, Bangka, Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta 12730
Crowd: With different themes and music offered daily, the crowd at Amigos varies greatly. Being a restaurant first and foremost, Amigos is open to people of all ages and serves alcoholic beverage to legal-aged patrons. Sunday is Family Day, when children below the age of 10 can eat for free.
Things can turn wild, however, on Monday after hours, when the Monday Madness theme slashes the price of alcoholic drinks by half (except for wine).
Most evenings, Amigos welcomes a crowd of professionals after work, and on Fridays, opens up the floor for salsa dancing.
Music: Latin music, including typical salsa and familiar Mexican beats, is played most of the day. In the evenings, the bar welcomes performing musicians or hosts open-mic night.
On the house: Amigos serves a delightful plate of quesadilla, a soft tortilla filled with cheese. The nachos grande plate is a perfect entrée to share among a group or over drinks while chatting and catching up with friends.
Amigos puts a special emphasis on quality meals with quality assurance officer Sumit Sharma overseeing preparations of its menu.
"We focus first on good food," Sharma said.
Another favorite is the grilled bean burrito, which includes meat, cheese and veggies.
Many of the dishes are also available with a choice of vegetarian, chicken or beef fillings.
The bar also serves a giant margarita drink to spice up any night.
Dress code: Casual
Quirks: Amigos has different themes every day and also regularly organizes events. Make sure to check out its Instagram account for the latest schedule.
Spend: Approximately Rp 500,000 (US$ 34.66) for two people, including alcoholic beverages.
Read also: Jakpost Nightlife: Wine hangouts
Hacienda Mexican Bar and Grill, Plaza Senayan Arcadia
Hacienda is an upscale Mexican restaurant and bar located inside Plaza Senayan Arcadia. With a plush setting, warm-toned decor and unique brick wall interiors, Hacienda offers an eclectic atmosphere to enjoy authentic Mexican delights.
Where: Plaza Senayan Arcadia X-105, South Jakarta 10270
Crowd: Professionals in their 20s-40s
Music: Latin
On the house: The restaurant offers an extensive list of hearty Mexican dishes, including the traditional and staple favorites of tasty burritos, richly-flavored chimichangas and crispy tacos.
Additionally, Hacienda also offers a wide range of meat dishes, steak varieties and seafood platters. For lighter options, there are also Mexican-inspired soups and salads, such as the taco salad, which is a dish of mixed veggies served on a bowl of crispy taco.
A rich choice of cocktails is also available, many of the signature drinks include tequila-based mixes. The Gulf of Hacienda cocktail, for example, includes Sauza Gold Tequila, Bols Blue Curacao, orange and pineapple juice.
Dress code: Smart casual.
Quirks: Hacienda is renowned for its food and beverage offerings, as the restaurant serves an extensive list of unique and authentic Mexican flavors, so make sure to look through the entire menu before making your choice.
Spend: Approximately Rp 400,000 per person, including one alcoholic beverage.
Read also: Jakpost nightlife: Rooftop Bars
Super Loco, Pacific Place
Located inside Pacific Place in Jakarta's SCBD, Super Loco is a contemporary Mexican restaurant and bar. The kitchen offers a more laid-back concept and a diverse menu, including fusion-style brunch dishes, as well as various street foods and desserts.
Where: Pacific Place, Ground Floor Unit G-05D, East Lobby, South Jakarta 12190
Crowd: Young adults and office crowd of 22 to 45 years old.
Music: Mexican music, Latin sound and hip hop.
On the house: The restaurant prides itself on serving a modern take on Mexican dishes, inspired by street food in Mexico. The tacos are available in various fillings, such as Baja, which consist of crispy fried fish, chili mango salsa, mint, white cabbage and chipotle mayo, as well as Carnitas, which features slow-cooked pork belly, jicama and cilantro mayo.
The signature drinks include the classic Margarita and the Sexy Sangria.
Dress code: Smart casual.
Quirks: Super Loco has a unique menu that also serves fusion-style brunch dishes, such as the fried rice Nasi Mexigoreng and Breakfast Burrito, which includes chicken, beans, rice, egg, kangkung (morning glory) and sambal (chili paste) mayo.
Spend: Approximately Rp 250,000 per person.
Read also: Jakpost Nightlife: Asian-inspired bars
Gonzo's Tex Mex Grill & Margarita Bar, Lotte Shopping Avenue
Gonzo's Tex Mex Grill & Margarita Bar is a Mexican-inspired restaurant that also serves alcoholic beverages. Located inside Lotte Shopping Avenue in South Jakarta, the restaurant draws a more casual and family-friendly crowd.
Where: Lotte Shopping Avenue, LG floor, Karet Kuningan, South Jakarta 12940
Crowd: Office crowd on weekdays and families on weekend. The restaurant does not open until late.
Music: Mexican music.
On the house: Gonzo's sets apart its tacos and other typical staples with filling options of barbacoa rojas (shredded beef), sirloan steak, spicy carne or a vegetarian option of roasted butternut squash.
One of its popular drinks is the El Classico Nectar de Agave, which is a mix of tequila, orange, lime and golden syrup.
Dress code: Casual.
Quirks: Gonzo's offers buy-one-get-one lunch deals every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as all day buy-one-get-one margarita deals on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Spend: Approximately Rp 150,000 per person. (kes)
