Hidden in a parking lot and shabby as my grandma's house—why has this Jakarta bar been a hit for 50 years?
Tucked away in a parking lot, this legendary Jakarta bar’s shabby exterior hides a 50-year-old secret. Step inside and get transported to a vibrant, 80s-style rock haven. The atmosphere is unpretentious and electric, with a diverse crowd of locals and expats singing along to classic rock. It’s noisy, crowded, and the very reason this hidden gem has thrived for half a century, offering a uniquely comfortable and nostalgic escape.
Honestly, when I was following the GPS and driving in circles in the parking lot, I almost gave up. This place is so hidden[1]! The entrance is all rundown with a real old-school vibe, and if my friend hadn't dragged me along, I would've thought I was on the wrong movie set. I mean, seriously!
But the moment I pushed the door open, Anjay! I was instantly transported back into an 80s movie. The air was filled with a mix of tobacco, beer, and hormones. It was noisy and crowded, but strangely, not annoying at all. Instead, it felt like slipping on a pair of comfortable old leather shoes, and I instantly relaxed[2]. The whole place was filled with folks over 30, both locals and tons of foreigners. Everyone was screaming along to classic rock with the veteran band on stage, and when they got super hyped, they'd press the "toet toet" little horns on the table[3] to cheer for the band. The vibe was just so Mantap!
I have to mention the drinks. My friend ordered me a special cocktail called "KO"[4]. It looked just like iced tea, but one sip almost sent me to the grave. The kick was insane, so girls, order with caution! Beginners can try the red one, "Jaya Pub WP Special"[5]; it's much friendlier. As for the food, don't have high expectations. They have German, American, and Indonesian dishes, but the taste is... pretty standard[6]. It's okay for filling your stomach.
However, I've got to complain about a few things. The environment is really old, the air conditioning isn't very strong, and it gets stuffy when it's crowded. The restroom is... hard to describe[5]. Germaphobes, enter at your own risk. The most frustrating part is the reservation process! It gets super crowded on weekends, and if you try to call to make a reservation, basically no one picks up[7]. I made a reservation on Instagram, but when I got there, they didn't recognize it at all, saying they only check WhatsApp[8]. That whole process is just ridiculous.
A Jakarta Native's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
- Best Time: Don't go too early! The atmosphere only starts to get fired up after 9 PM[9]. If you go early, you'll just be staring at an empty room.
- Budget: Drink prices are okay, but the food is on the expensive side. I'd recommend preparing at least 100k Indonesian Rupiah per person[5].
- How to Get There: Just set your GPS for Gedung Jaya. The bar is right in the parking lot, don't start questioning everything.
- Who It's For: If you're looking for a place to Nongkrong with friends, listen to some classic live music, and experience the most lokal and most chill nightlife in Jakarta, this place is definitely for you
