The server has more attitude than me? My tip for this viral Senopati bar: only go during Happy Hour to score a deal

A creation of the Union Group, and it also made the 50 Best Discovery list, so I went to Modernhaus with high expectations, but my mood ended up being like a rollercoaster 🎢.

The moment I walked in, I was blown away by the huge long table. The design is truly impeccable, a total Mid-century modern vibe, maxed out on sophistication. It felt a bit like crashing a party for some elite club, with everyone sitting around, and I felt like they were about to start exchanging business secrets any second. The music taste is on point too, at a volume that lets you chill and have a good conversation[1], setting the atmosphere perfectly.

Cocktails: Half Amazing, Half Confusing

The cocktail menu looks super competitive. I first tried their hyped-up signature Kenanga cocktail[2], and the first sip was indeed exquisite and complex. You can taste the layers of lokal spices, Mantap👍. But the other drink my friend ordered was... how should I put it? It felt a bit 'watered down,' the flavors didn't blend well[3], like a beauty who hasn't woken up yet. A bit of a shame.

But the coolest part is that they often invite world-class bartenders for guest shifts, so you can drink creations from the masters of Asia's 50 Best or even the World's 50 Best[4]. Gotta respect that. For this reason alone, it's worth keeping an eye on.

Alright, Let's Talk About the Annoying Stuff…

OK, here comes the juicy part. The service here, well, it's really emmm… some of the staff have this 'I'm too cool for this' vibe[5]. They ignore you when you ask a question, Anjay! I felt like I wasn't a customer, but someone interrupting their Nongkrong. And then there's the legendary strict dress code. Girls, take note, shoes that show your toes will really get you stopped at the door[6]! Also, the 2-hour time limit for tables[7]. Once your time is up, they'll promptly 'ask' you to go stand at the bar, and the experience instantly goes downhill.

A Guide for Jakarta Drinkers to Avoid the Pitfalls

So, is this place actually worth going to? My advice is—Go, but go smart!

• Timing is everything: Your best bet is Happy Hour (6-8pm)! Most cocktails are just 100k each[8]. The value for money skyrockets, and even if you pick a dud, it won't hurt your wallet too much.
• Booking is king: You must! Absolutely! Book in advance! For weekends, you basically have no chance if you don't book two weeks ahead. Otherwise, you'll just be surviving in the cramped space at the bar, constantly being disturbed by staff getting drinks, which is super awkward[7].
• Don't mess up your outfit: Wear your coolest shoes, but definitely no sandals or flip-flops! Don't let the security at the door ruin your Nongkrong mood.
• Mindset is key: Manage your expectations. Treat it as a place to experience top-tier design and atmosphere for a small price, while taking advantage of the Happy Hour deals. Don't have high expectations for the service, and you'll come out on top. 😉
• A little parking tip: If you're driving, there's no parking space, so just use the valet parking. It's about 35k[9].