Singing love songs under rock posters—I love and hate this underground bar in Jakarta

Step into a hidden underground dive bar in Jakarta that's raw, wild, and straight out of a movie. Tucked away in an unremarkable basement, this spot trades fancy decor for sticker-covered walls, dim lighting, and deafening music. It’s a smoky, chaotic experience that gets packed like a can of sardines on weekends. This article explores the love-hate appeal of this unapologetically unrefined gem, a place you won't easily forget—for better or for worse.

To be honest, finding the entrance on Gunawarman almost got me completely lost. An unremarkable basement, who would've thought that pushing open the door would reveal another world? There's no fancy decor, just dim lighting, mottled walls covered in stickers, and deafening music. Anjay, isn't this just like one of those cool and wild dive bars from American teen movies?[1]

A Smoky Can of Sardines

Don't expect any kind of refined experience here. The place is tiny, and after 10 PM on weekends, it gets packed like a can of sardines[2]. The air is thick with the smell of smoke and hormones. As a non-smoker, I felt like I was being marinated in it; the first thing I did when I got home was wash my hair[3].

But strangely, the atmosphere is just so electric! The walls are covered with posters of David Bowie and the Ramones, so I thought it was going to be a hardcore rock night. But then the DJ completely switched gears and started playing Kahitna's love songs[4]... The whole crowd instantly went from rock fans to KTV superstars, singing along at the top of their lungs. The feeling was so schizophrenic yet so addictive! The drink selection is pretty good, and I especially recommend trying their various cheap shots[5]. Just Nongkrong with friends, and the vibe is maxed out. 🍻

Roast It First, Then Love It

OK, as usual, let's start with the downsides.

First, it's not exactly cheap. It is Jaksel, after all. A bottle of Bintang beer costs 115,000 Rupiah[6], which will hurt your wallet a bit. Second, there are a few too many rules. Everyone has to order one drink upon entry, and your own water bottle will be "held" by the front desk. You also have to go to the bar and wait in a long line to order[7], which makes the experience just so-so.

Most importantly, if you're an introvert or hate the smell of smoke, this place might not be your cup of tea.

My Personal Guide to Having Fun

Even with all the complaints, I can't help but want to go back! If you want to have the best time, save this guide:

📍 DUCK DOWN BAR, Jl. Gunawarman No.61, Jaksel

Pick the right day: Thursdays are karaoke nights with a full-crowd singalong[5]. It's super stress-relieving and a must-go! Wednesdays are matchmaking nights, so my single girls can go and try their luck. 😉
Be aware of the minimum spend: There might be a minimum charge during peak hours on weekends, like 1 million Rupiah per table on a Friday night[8]. It's best to call ahead and ask to avoid disappointment.
Travel light: Don't bring too much stuff, because the place is really crowded. Also, don't wear your most expensive white clothes, unless you want them to become a smoke-infused limited edition.
Let loose and have fun: The essence of this place is to Chill and be "wild." Don't be uptight, just vibe with the music. After all, the lighting is so dim no one can see anyone clearly. Mantap!