A Jazz Mecca's Fall from Grace? Checking Out Double Doors, West Jakarta's OG Bar.
qponx
2026-01-24
What's the real deal with Double Doors, West Jakarta's famous Irish bar? This review investigates whether it's still a jazz hotspot or just a rowdy nightlife venue. Explore its three unique floors, from a chill bar for chats to a packed, smoky live music scene and a hidden pool room. While the live band and draft beer get praise, the article also covers the downsides, offering a complete guide to this iconic, evolving Jakarta bar before you visit.
Lately, friends have been asking me to go to Double Doors, that long-standing Irish bar in Puri Indah that's been around for over a decade. To be honest, I was a bit hesitant. There are too many rumors floating around. Some say it used to be the most authentic jazz bar in West Jakarta[1], but now it's become a gathering spot for flirty foreigners; some praise its live band for having an unbeatable atmosphere, while others complain that the service and environment are not as good as they used to be.
Full of questions, I decided to go and check it out for myself.
Three Floors, Three Different Vibes
This place is bigger than I expected, a whole three floors, and the atmosphere on each floor is completely different—it's like a total split personality scene.
The first floor is much quieter, with dim lighting, more like a traditional restaurant and bar. If you're just looking for a place to have a few drinks with friends and have a good conversation, this floor is the perfect choice[2].
The real"battlefield" is on the second floor. The live band is here, and you can forget about finding an empty seat after 9 PM on weekends. The atmosphere is really high-energy, the band really knows how to hype up the crowd, and the whole place singing and dancing together is the norm[3]. But the downsides are also super obvious: the space is small and packed with people, and it's so smoky it stings your eyes. With no open windows, they just blast the AC to cope, which is a major turn-off for people like us who hate secondhand smoke[4].
The biggest surprise is the third floor, which has a hidden pool table. If the second floor is too loud, you can come up here with friends to play a couple of games and change the mood.
- First Floor: A Quiet Corner for Chats
- Second Floor: The Rowdy Live House
- Third Floor: The Hidden Billiards Room
The Drinks Are Good, The Food Is Bar Food
It's a crime to go to a bar and not talk about the drinks. Their Draft Beer[5] deserves a shout-out; the foam is dense, the taste is ice-cold and refreshing, and it's definitely a must-order for repeat customers. Mantap! The cocktails are on point too. The Long Island Iced Tea we ordered was plenty strong, not one of those weak, sugary concoctions.
As for the food, it's decent Bar Food[6]—they have pizza, chicken wings, and fried noodles. Don't have high expectations for gourmet cuisine, but as snacks to go with your drinks, it's perfectly adequate. However, be prepared: when it's crowded, the food service is really slow. We waited almost half an hour for our pizza[7].
Let's Talk Real (Complaint Alert)
Alright, enough with the praise, it's time to complain.
The vibe here is really... hard to put into words. It's not without reason that old fans say it has"lost its flavor." It's no longer that quiet bar purely for listening to music; there's a lot more commercialism and goal-oriented socializing now. The conversation between the older foreign guy and the lokal girl at the table next to me was getting really intense... if you know, you know.
Also, the prices are on the high side, so it's not great value for money compared to similar bars. Hygiene is also a potential issue. I saw a review mentioning that the glasses weren't clean[8], and although I didn't experience this myself, it's something to be mindful of.
【Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls & TL;DR Strategy】
Finally, for the girls who want to go Nongkrong, here are the key takeaways:
- 1. Know what you want! If you just want to chat, stay on the first floor; if you want to dance and listen to music, squeeze onto the second floor; if you want to play pool quietly, head up to the third.
- 2. If you can't stand smoke, don't go to the second floor! I'll say it three times: it's super smoky. Don't say I didn't warn you.
- 3. Adjust your expectations. Don't think of it as a high-class jazz sanctuary anymore. Just treat it as a lively Live Music Bar for drinking, listening to music, and experiencing Jakarta's raw nightlife. You'll probably have a much better time that way.
- 4. Go early! If you want to get a good spot on the second floor on a weekend, make sure to get there early, otherwise you'll be left standing.
- Three vibes! 1st: quiet. 2nd: Livehouse [1]. 3rd: hidden billiard room. Your spot [2].
- Former top jazz bar [3], now 'bule genit' hub? Rumors demand a visit!
- Draft Beer [4]: creamy, icy cold. Long Island Iced Tea potent. No weak stuff!
Similar Articles
Who says Jakarta is just malls? I could Nongkrong all day at this cafe in a rattan gallery
Discover CRAFTOTE, a hidden gem in West Jakarta that’s part café, part rattan gallery. This cozy, home-like spot offers a quiet escape perfect for working or relaxing. Be sure to try the unique Dragon Craft Coffee and crispy Empek-empek Kulit. The main attraction? A stunning collection of high-quality, affordable local handicrafts. It’s a unique place to chill, work, and find beautiful artisanal treasures without breaking the bank.
Who says Halal Cantonese food has no soul? This Jakarta spot changed my mind... halfway.
Craving authentic Halal Cantonese food in Jakarta? Three Uncles in West Jakarta aims to deliver with a retro 90s Hong Kong vibe. This bustling spot gets high praise for its incredible Yang Chow Fried Rice and molten Salted Egg Pao. However, the review offers an honest, mixed take, noting that some other dishes and the milk tea can be underwhelming. It’s a hit-or-miss experience with a fantastic atmosphere, and this article tells you what’s truly worth ordering.
Calling all Middle Eastern Food Lovers! The Kebuli here is amazing, but always double-check your bill
Head to West Jakarta for Kebuli Ijab Qabul, a spot serving seriously delicious Nasi Kebuli. The lamb and chicken are incredibly tender and packed with rich spices, while portions are generous and prices are low. While the food is a must-try, the dining space is very basic, so takeout is a great option. A crucial tip for visitors: always double-check your bill for accuracy before paying to avoid being overcharged
Stop wasting your money on fine dining. This West Jakarta spot is so good it left me speechless.
Discover West Jakarta's hidden gem, Satu Meja, a cozy cafe serving Western food that rivals fine dining. This photogenic spot in Tanjung Duren isn't just for coffee; it's a culinary surprise with standout dishes like a super tender Chicken Steak and rich Truffle Mushroom Pasta. Perfect for working from, it offers great value for its quality. Just note that parking is limited and payments are cashless. Prepare to be wowed by this affordable luxury.