Lost my phone for a cheap drink: Camden Bar, was it really worth it?
qponx
2026-01-25
Camden Bar in Cikini lures crowds with its legendary cheap drinks and buzzing atmosphere, but is it a good time or a total trap? This review spills the details on the popular Jakarta hotspot. While you can score budget-friendly cocktails, the article warns of abysmal food, chaotic service, and a serious risk of theft. Before you go for the cheap booze, read this to see if the experience is worth the gamble and learn how to protect your belongings.
When it comes to Nongkrong in Jakarta, who hasn't heard of the famous Camden Bar in Cikini? Every time you pass by, it's buzzing with noise and packed with local young people. The main draw is that it's super affordable, and they really get the vibe going!
Honestly, the drink prices here are really competitive for downtown Jakarta, and they even have happy hour promos[1] on weekdays, which is basically heaven for drinkers. But amidst all this noise and alcohol lies Jakarta's biggest trap... Seriously anjay.
You're here for the drinks, but the food is a 'blind box'
If you're just coming for the drinks, then it's all good. That hyped-up signature cocktail, the Predator[2], really packs a punch. It's strong, the color is photogenic, and it's great for an IG story pic. But, whatever you do, don't have any unrealistic expectations for the food here!
The burger I ordered had a patty that was mushy like mashed potatoes[3], and my friend's pasta was on another level—it was like noodle soup[4]. I was just speechless. If you absolutely have to order something to fill your stomach, their tofu snack[5] and Pizza[6] are relatively safe bets; they won't make you want to flip the table on the spot.
The environment is also hard to put into words. The indoor area is basically a giant smoke bomb scene 🌫️. No amount of air conditioning can fight the smell of smoke, and the music is so loud you basically have to shout to talk to your friends. The outdoor garden area lets you breathe and is a bit quieter, but the price you pay is... a 300-round battle with mosquitoes 🦟.
Don't just Chill, watch out for 'five-finger discounts'
Okay, here comes the most important part, and the reason I absolutely had to write this post—the security issue!
I'm not just trying to scare you. A quick search online will show you that news about several phones being stolen in one night is no joke[7]. Even the valet parking is risky. A friend left their car with the valet, and when they came back, the stuff in their glove compartment was gone[8]. The most infuriating part is that when things go wrong, the management basically washes their hands of it, with a 'not my problem' attitude. Trying to see the security footage is harder than climbing to heaven.
The service also matches the chaotic management. The waiters all have sour faces, and it's normal to call for them forever and get no response[9]. It feels less like you're a paying customer and more like you're there to collect a debt. Their slogan is"Come as strangers, leave as friends," but I think it's more like"Come as a customer, leave as a sucker."
A Life-Saving Guide to Avoiding This Trap (Save this now!)
If you're stubborn and absolutely insist on going, you'd better remember this hard-earned advice:
Overall, if you're just looking for a place to get high on the cheapest drinks possible and you couldn't care less about service, ambiance, or the potential risk to your belongings, then this place might be okay for you. But if you have even the slightest standards for your experience, I'd advise you to think twice. Mantap drink prices paired with Anjay management, that combination... you be the judge. 🤷♀️
- 1. Watch your bag! Watch your phone! Keep your valuables on your person. When it's crowded, never leave your phone on the table. Don't give thieves any opportunity!
- 2. If you want to chat, go early. I recommend arriving before 9 PM[10] to snag a quieter spot outside. The later it gets, the more crowded and wild the atmosphere becomes.
- 3. Check your bill carefully when you pay! Overcharging you for a few extra drinks is standard practice here[11]. Don't get ripped off by not paying attention.
- 4. Don't drive! Don't drive! Don't drive! Parking spots are pitifully scarce, and the street parking attendants aren't reliable[12]. Taking a ride-hailing service is the most hassle-free option.
- Downtown Jakarta boasts killer drink prices, plus weekday happy hour promo [1] – get wasted for less!
- Their viral signature Predator [2] is potent, vibrant, and totally insta-worthy!
- Don't just Chill! This place is a trap: stolen phones, valet parking mishaps [3] are common, and management just shrugs!
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