Calling all cocktail lovers: Has FOOGU Bar fallen from grace?
qponx
2026-01-24
Once a top speakeasy recommendation, has FOOGU Bar lost its magic? This review explores a recent visit, weighing the pros and cons. While the stunning vintage vibe and delicious signature cocktails still impress, the experience is now hampered by loud music, a very smoky atmosphere, and inconsistent classic cocktails. With steep prices and strict rules, this article questions if the stylish spot is still worth the hype and the hit to your wallet. Is it a hit or a miss?
To be honest, every time a friend comes to Jakarta and asks me for a Speakeasy recommendation, FOOGU Bar used to be one of my no-brainer recommendations. After all, it's under the Ismaya Group, has a high score of 4.8 stars on Google, and sounds like it can't go wrong. But when I went again recently, something felt a bit off... Did my rose-colored glasses shatter? 🤔
Vibe is on point, but the details are a turn-off
The ambiance still has that same vibe, vintage and exquisite, with dim lighting paired with velvet sofas, creating a top-notch atmosphere for photos, perfect for a date or to Nongkrong with the girls. But! The music is getting really loud, you basically have to shout to have a conversation 🗣️. Also, smoking is allowed everywhere, so it gets really smoky, which isn't very friendly for us non-smoking girls.[1]
Let's talk about the drinks and food. This time, I specifically ordered the Rosé Cocktail[2] which I used to love, a sweet drink with a yogurt base, and the taste was still very pleasant. The Fig Signature Cocktail[3] my friend ordered was also on point, brandy paired with a warm cheese foam, the layers of flavor were Mantap. For snacks, the Cauliflower Wings[4] are also a must-order, who would have thought fried cauliflower could be this delicious!
But... here's the problem. The classic cocktails we ordered later, like the Negroni, were a huge disappointment. The body was very thin, it felt watered down[5], completely lacking the flavor it should have. Anjay! The inconsistency in quality is just too much. I heard it's because their talented bartender left?[6] Not sure if it's true, but the experience was definitely not as good as before.
Hurts the Wallet, Lots of Rules
To be fair, the prices here have never been cheap, a cocktail is around 200k. There's also a minimum charge for sofa seats on weekends, which can easily be one or two million rupiah[7]. I can only say, it's truly the Ismaya style: lots of rules and a painful wallet. Oh, by the way, even the bottled water the staff serves you is chargeable[8], don't be naive and think it's free.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls/Save Money 📝
- You must make a reservation! Especially on weekends, walking in is basically impossible. If you want a bar seat, you can try your luck by going early.[9]
- Pay attention to the Dress Code! Guys, wear long pants. You'll be turned away at the door for wearing slippers or sandals.[10]
- If you're sensitive to smoke, go early. Before 10:30 PM, it's less crowded and less smoky. The later it gets, the more it resembles a"fairyland" of smoke.[11]
- Order wisely! If you're going for good drinks, I suggest sticking to proven signatures like the Rosé or Fig. Be cautious when ordering classics
- Retro-chic vibes, top photo ops for dates or girls' Nongkrong.
- Must-order: Rosé Cocktail (yogurt base) and Fig Signature Cocktail (brandy, cheese foam, Mantap!). [1][2]
- Prepare to be amazed: Cauliflower Wings are mind-blowing fried cauliflower, a must-order snack! [3]
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