Is PANTJA Worth 1 Million IDR Per Person? (A Guide to Ordering & What to Avoid)

Honestly, every time I pass by PANTJA in Senopati, I'd always wonder: how on earth did a bar get this popular, even boasting the title of "Asia's 50 Best Bars"?[1] With a price of 1 million rupiah per person, are you paying for the vibe or the real deal? Today, I'm checking this place out for you girls, to see if it's Mantap or Anjay!

Vibe and Food, Two Different Worlds

The moment you step in, you can feel why this place is suitable for different occasions. The first floor is a non-smoking area where you can see the chefs busy in the open kitchen. The atmosphere is quite chill, perfect for a proper meal and conversation. The second floor is a whole other world, with dim lighting and a bustling bar. There's a DJ on weekends, and the music is so loud you have to shout to be heard—a total Nongkrong sanctuary.[2] But I gotta say, the kitchen ventilation doesn't seem to be that great, so you might leave smelling a bit like cooking fumes. If you mind, be careful about choosing a seat near the kitchen.

Now let's talk about the food. The quality of the drinks is on point, of course, but the food is the real surprise!

👍🏻 Can't-Go-Wrong Series:

🤔 Depends-on-Your-Taste Series:

• PFC (Pantja Fried Chicken)[3]: The skin is unbelievably crispy, while the chicken inside still locks in all the juices. You can choose between spicy or non-spicy. This is a must-order, definitely a safe bet.
• Korean Short Rib[4]: The short rib is stewed until it's super tender and flavorful, with a beautiful caramelized color. Paired with a bowl of hot rice—who understands the joy of carbs + fat!
• Bucatini Pasta[5]: House-made thick spaghetti coated in pork, cheese, and black pepper, with a runny egg yolk in the center to mix in. The texture is silky and rich. But! This one really depends on your preference. I personally think it's good, but friends who prefer lighter flavors might find it a bit too salty and greasy.

To be honest…

Okay, now for the part that makes your wallet bleed. The food tastes great, but the portions are honestly not big, especially the appetizers and burgers—they feel like they're gone in two bites[6]. Ordering like we did, it's easy to spend over 1 million rupiah per person[7]. You really can't have high expectations for value for money here. If you want to get full, you might need to order a few more servings of fried chicken…😂

An Honest-to-Goodness Guide, You're Welcome!

Finally, for the girls who want to check it out, here are the key points. Take notes! ✍️

• Reservations! Reservations! Reservations! You must book in advance if you're going on a weekend, or you'll most likely be left standing at the door.
• Choose your seat based on your needs: If you want a quiet date/meal, choose the non-smoking area on the first floor. If you want to drink and soak in the lively atmosphere, head straight for the second-floor bar area. But be aware, there's a minimum charge on the second floor after 10 PM on weekends.
• Dress Code: Don't dress too casually! Someone was actually stopped for wearing sports shorts[8]. It's a bit ridiculous, but it's better to be aware. Smart Casual is always a safe bet.
• Parking: Parking is very limited, so it's best to just use the valet service. However, besides the 35k service fee, the attendant might hint for a tip, so be prepared.[9]
• Money-saving Tip: If you just want to have a drink and soak in the atmosphere, you can try the cocktail Happy Hour, daily from 4-7 PM![10]