Grand Hyatt's New Bar: Pricey, Pretty... Is That All?

With the renowned name of Jigger & Pony, combined with the management of the Union Group, located in the Grand Hyatt Jakarta… With such a stacked lineup, I admit my expectations were sky-high before I came. After all, with a combo like that, who wouldn't be intrigued?

As soon as you walk in, the ambiance is truly impeccable. Modern yet comfortable decor, lighting adjusted just right, and the Jakarta night view right outside the window. Whether it's for a date night or to nongkrong with the girls, the vibe is just perfect. And the ventilation system is seriously good; you can't even smell much smoke next to the smoking area. Have to give a thumbs up for that 👍.

Cocktails, a pleasant surprise or a nasty shock?

The menu is designed like a magazine, very stylish. I first went for a drink with a cool name, the Nuclear Midori Sour[1]. The taste was really refreshing, perfect for me needing to 'recharge' after work. My friend's Lobi Lobi Club[2] was super photogenic, all pink and delicate. It's made with a lokal Indonesian fruit called lobilobi, with a sweet and sour taste, very unique. We also tried the Ugly Banana[3]. The name is kinda ugly-cute, but the taste was unexpected. It's not the banana flavor you'd think, but a very refreshing citrus note. Quite interesting.

OK, let's get real

Alright, enough with the praise, time to complain. Girls, hold on to your wallets! A single cocktail, including tax and service charge, comes to 240,000 Rupiah[3] 💸. At this price, my expectations for the drink are naturally high. But to be honest, some of the drinks were... hard to describe. A drink I tried later felt a bit watery, the flavor wasn't prominent enough[4], and it didn't feel worth the price. Anjay!

Also, don't get your hopes up for the food; it's very average. I suggest coming after you've eaten, and just treat this as a place to drink and chill[1]. As for the service, although my experience was okay this time, I've heard a lot of frustrating stories about reservations and seating arrangements[5]. It seems a bit chaotic during peak hours.

The Blogger's Heart-to-Heart Guide 📝

So, is this place actually worth visiting? My advice is: Yes, but you have to go at the right time and order the right things.

Overall, it's a place to get all dressed up, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. As for the drinks, some are good, but you might also hit a dud. Just go with an open mind.

• Reserve! Reserve! Reserve! Important things must be said three times. Definitely don't just walk-in, especially on weekends. Otherwise, you might wait forever and still not get a seat[6].
• Clubbing vibes vs. quiet chat? If you want to have a proper conversation with friends, make sure to arrive before 10 PM. After 10, the music gets super loud[3], and you'll basically have to shout. It's more suitable for partying and having a blast.
• Don't come here to fill your stomach: To reiterate, this is a place for drinks. If you want a good meal, sort that out elsewhere first, then come here for the second round. That's the right way to do it.
• For those who hate the smell of smoke, don't worry: They have a separate non-smoking area, and the ventilation system is powerful[7], so you don't have to worry about becoming a "human vacuum cleaner" at all.