I endured a 200k beer in Jakarta for a god-tier mixologist
qponx
2026-01-24
Don't let the shockingly expensive beer at The Back Room scare you away. Tucked inside Jakarta's Pullman Hotel, this chic bar offers a quiet, elegant vibe perfect for conversation. The true star is the master mixologist, Teguh, who crafts incredible bespoke cocktails based on your personal taste. For a truly special experience, skip the beer menu and let this hidden gem's expert create a drink just for you. It’s a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts.
Friends, you feel me?! At a bar in a five-star hotel in downtown Jakarta, I was almost scared off by a beer that cost nearly 200,000 Indonesian Rupiah[1]! How is it more expensive than in Australia? My inner monologue at the time was: Is this place crazy or what... But thank goodness I didn't leave, or else I would have missed out on one of the best places to Nongkrong in all of Jakarta.
Don't be scared off by the prices, there's a hidden master here
Seriously, the vibe at The Back Room, a bar inside the Pullman Hotel, is incredibly chill. Unlike those wild places in SCBD that are so loud your head hurts, this place is especially quiet and chic. The dim lighting and velvet sofas make it perfect for having a serious chat with clients or your besties[2].
But the biggest surprise of all is the mixologist here. I have to give a special shout-out to Mas Teguh[3]! He's basically a walking cocktail encyclopedia. You can totally skip the menu and just tell him what flavors you like (sweet, sour, high or low alcohol content), and he'll conjure up a bespoke cocktail just for you[4]. Watching his smooth, fluid movements is a treat in itself, and the final product is Mantap! It's full of complex layers, with a new discovery in every sip. Now that's the real joy of drinking cocktails!
Okay, some real talk (the complaints)
While the cocktails are king-level, the beer here is... hard to put into words. Forget the outrageous prices, I ordered a Sapporo, and when I wanted a refill, the waiter came over with an apologetic look and said, “Sorry Kak, no stock.” Anjay! I just had to laugh. A bar in a five-star hotel has a bunch of beers on the menu, but the fridge is empty?[5] That management is a bit lame.
A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls & The Right Way to Enjoy It
So, let me sum up my hard-earned lessons for you girls:
- Beer lovers, enter with caution: If you're coming for the beer, I suggest you think twice, or at least make sure to ask about the price and stock before ordering.
- Cocktail heads, go straight for it: Don't hesitate, just grab a seat at the bar, find Mas Teguh, and let him surprise you. That's the real essence of this place[6]!
- Choose the right time: It's very quiet on weekday afternoons, making it perfect for business meetings that require a peaceful environment. It gets a bit livelier on weekends, but overall, it still maintains an elegant vibe.
- Skip 200k IDR pricey beer [1]; real draw: cocktails by the walking cocktail encyclopedia [2]!
- No menu! Tell him your taste, he'll craft your special cocktail [3], each sip a revelation!
- 5-star Jakarta hideaway: a quiet and chic [4] bar. Dim lights, velvet sofas, amazing vibe, perfect escape.
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