Calling all cocktail lovers: Has FOOGU Bar fallen from grace?
qponx
2026-01-24
Once a top speakeasy recommendation, has FOOGU Bar lost its magic? This review explores a recent visit, weighing the pros and cons. While the stunning vintage vibe and delicious signature cocktails still impress, the experience is now hampered by loud music, a very smoky atmosphere, and inconsistent classic cocktails. With steep prices and strict rules, this article questions if the stylish spot is still worth the hype and the hit to your wallet. Is it a hit or a miss?
To be honest, every time a friend comes to Jakarta and asks me for a Speakeasy recommendation, FOOGU Bar used to be one of my no-brainer recommendations. After all, it's under the Ismaya Group, has a high score of 4.8 stars on Google, and sounds like it can't go wrong. But when I went again recently, something felt a bit off... Did my rose-colored glasses shatter? 🤔
Vibe is on point, but the details are a turn-off
The ambiance still has that same vibe, vintage and exquisite, with dim lighting paired with velvet sofas, creating a top-notch atmosphere for photos, perfect for a date or to Nongkrong with the girls. But! The music is getting really loud, you basically have to shout to have a conversation 🗣️. Also, smoking is allowed everywhere, so it gets really smoky, which isn't very friendly for us non-smoking girls.[1]
Let's talk about the drinks and food. This time, I specifically ordered the Rosé Cocktail[2] which I used to love, a sweet drink with a yogurt base, and the taste was still very pleasant. The Fig Signature Cocktail[3] my friend ordered was also on point, brandy paired with a warm cheese foam, the layers of flavor were Mantap. For snacks, the Cauliflower Wings[4] are also a must-order, who would have thought fried cauliflower could be this delicious!
But... here's the problem. The classic cocktails we ordered later, like the Negroni, were a huge disappointment. The body was very thin, it felt watered down[5], completely lacking the flavor it should have. Anjay! The inconsistency in quality is just too much. I heard it's because their talented bartender left?[6] Not sure if it's true, but the experience was definitely not as good as before.
Hurts the Wallet, Lots of Rules
To be fair, the prices here have never been cheap, a cocktail is around 200k. There's also a minimum charge for sofa seats on weekends, which can easily be one or two million rupiah[7]. I can only say, it's truly the Ismaya style: lots of rules and a painful wallet. Oh, by the way, even the bottled water the staff serves you is chargeable[8], don't be naive and think it's free.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls/Save Money 📝
- You must make a reservation! Especially on weekends, walking in is basically impossible. If you want a bar seat, you can try your luck by going early.[9]
- Pay attention to the Dress Code! Guys, wear long pants. You'll be turned away at the door for wearing slippers or sandals.[10]
- If you're sensitive to smoke, go early. Before 10:30 PM, it's less crowded and less smoky. The later it gets, the more it resembles a"fairyland" of smoke.[11]
- Order wisely! If you're going for good drinks, I suggest sticking to proven signatures like the Rosé or Fig. Be cautious when ordering classics
- Retro-chic vibes, top photo ops for dates or girls' Nongkrong.
- Must-order: Rosé Cocktail (yogurt base) and Fig Signature Cocktail (brandy, cheese foam, Mantap!). [1][2]
- Prepare to be amazed: Cauliflower Wings are mind-blowing fried cauliflower, a must-order snack! [3]
Similar Articles
4.9 on Google, but I wanted to blacklist it? My advice for this viral Jakarta Sambal spot…
A viral Jakarta sambal spot, Penyetan Cok, boasts a 4.9 Google rating and over 20 types of sambal, but is it worth the hype? This review shares a mixed experience at the South Jakarta eatery. While the sambal variety is a major draw for chili lovers, some dishes like the fried noodles fell flat. Discover an honest take on this popular restaurant, including which dishes to try, which to avoid, and tips for getting the best value.
The best part of this IDR 850k/person French meal in Jakarta was the free bread?
Is Le Quartier's IDR 850k French meal in Jakarta worth the splurge? This spot wins on ambiance with its stunning, photogenic setting perfect for photos. However, the food quality is a gamble. While the signature steak can be a letdown, the free bread and Angel Hair Pasta are surprisingly fantastic. This review breaks down the hits and misses, helping you decide if you should go for the vibe or the food, and how to order smart.
100k for parking, but this Bakmi is under 50k? Jakarta's SCBD is so surreal
Discover Kedai Mie Tjap 1000 Tahun, a surprisingly affordable noodle spot in Jakarta's notoriously expensive SCBD. While parking might cost a fortune, a delicious bowl of their signature Mie Ayam Chilli Oil is under 50k! This popular joint serves up chewy, handmade noodles and is a hit with local office workers. The article shares tips on what to order, what to avoid, and a crucial hack to save on parking fees, making it a must-try for a budget-friendly meal.
Burger King can be a disaster? This Jakarta branch shattered my worldview.
Think all Burger King branches are the same? Think again. This review of the Kuningan City, Jakarta location reveals a shockingly bad experience. Expect shrunken portions, bland food with a metallic taste, and abysmal service. The article also warns of hidden taxes and surprise charges for takeaway bags, painting a picture of a fast-food nightmare. The only potential bright spot is the cheap sundae, but this piece strongly advises diners to steer clear of everything else.