Holywings' rebrand is just this? HW Livehouse PIK: A flop or a banger?
qponx
2026-01-24
Is the rebranded Holywings, now HW Livehouse PIK, a hit or a miss? This review weighs the pros and cons. The spot scores points for its amazing live band and energetic atmosphere, making it great for drinks with friends. However, prepare for a deafeningly loud sound system, a very smoky room, and largely disappointing food. Get the honest verdict on whether this livehouse is a banger or a flop before you decide to go.
Girls in Jakarta, if you know, you know. Ever since Holywings had a major shake-up and got renamed to all sorts of Dragons, Tigers, and Phoenixes, I've been a bit skeptical. So, last weekend, I went to HW Livehouse in PIK (now called Gold Dragon) with some friends, and how should I put it... my mood was like a roller coaster🎢… The moment I walked in, I was almost knocked out by the deafening sound system and the wall of secondhand smoke that hit me in the face. Anjay! Was this vibe supposed to make me drop dead right there?
To be fair, the place is decorated quite fancy, with hazy lighting and the atmosphere maxed out. It's definitely a good spot to Nongkrong and drink with friends[1]. The live band that night was also amazing, their vocals were on point, and they got the whole crowd hyped up. For that, it's a must-say Mantap![2] But when it comes to the food… I really need to rant. We ordered a few things. Besides the Grilled Pork Belly Skewer (Pork Belly Skewer)[3] and Fried Cassava (Singkong Goreng)[4] which were pretty good—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor—the other dishes like the fried rice were... emmm... very bland. It felt like the chef was having a bad day. Not great value for money[5].
Alright, time for some real talk. The biggest bug of this place is the sound system! Seriously, I'm not exaggerating, it was so loud it was piercing. I felt like my eardrums were about to pack their bags and leave. The bass was also unstable, which was a bit annoying[6]. Then there's the ventilation system. The whole place was shrouded in smoke, like trying to find enlightenment in a mystical, smoke-filled cave. Even a veteran smoker friend of mine said the smoke was stinging his eyes[7]. The service is also hit or miss. The guy at our table was okay, but I heard some people had to wait forever just to get their bill[8].
The Lazy Person's Guide to the Spot
✅ Who should go for it?
❌ Who should run away?
My Tips to Avoid Pitfalls:
So yeah, that's about it. It was an experience with extremely clear pros and cons. Have you guys been? Let's chat in the comments
- Those who just want a place to Chill, drink, and listen to live music with friends.
- Old fans of Holywings who want to see what the new venue looks like.
- "Vibe-setter" types with a very high tolerance for loud volume and secondhand smoke.
- Those who care about sound quality or have sensitive ears.
- People who hate the smell of smoke and prefer fresh air.
- Those looking for a proper, good meal. This might not be the best choice.
- 1. Don't have high expectations for the food: It's fine as bar snacks, but be cautious with the main courses. You can't go wrong ordering the Grilled Pork Belly Skewer and Fried Cassava!
- 2. Choose your seat wisely: Try to sit as far away from the speakers as possible. Protecting your ears is everyone's responsibility.
- 3. Be prepared for the"smoke treatment": Wear clothes you don't mind getting smoky, or just go early to snag a spot in a better-ventilated corner.
- Gold Dragon: hazy, fancy decor and a super lit live band for instant party vibes! [1][2]
- Mains are meh, but the grilled pork belly skewers and fried cassava? Amazing! Crispy-tender, they're perfect with drinks! [3]
- Brace yourself! Expect ear-splitting beats and a smoky, labyrinthine den. It's a sensory blast for 'vibe setters' – not for the faint-hearted! [4][5]
Similar Articles
Aesthetic goals, but loud as a wet market? I'm so done with this all-white cafe in West Jakarta.
Discover Kopi Selamat Pagi, a new all-white, minimalist cafe in West Jakarta that's an Instagrammer's dream. While its aesthetic is a major draw, be warned: the space is incredibly noisy, making it unsuitable for quiet chats or work. The food is a mixed bag, with the signature chicken noodles being a gamble, but the fried banana with cheese is a surprising must-try. This honest review gives you the unfiltered truth on its photo spots, food, and service before you visit.
Sold out in 2 hours & no seats. What's the deal with this Nasi Lemak?
Discover the legendary Nasi Uduk Bu Amah, a hidden gem tucked away in a West Jakarta alley. This spot is famous for its incredibly rich coconut rice, flavorful free-range fried chicken, and a one-of-a-kind sweet and sour peanut sauce. It's takeaway-only and sells out in under two hours, so pre-ordering is a must! Find out if this wildly popular, hard-to-get meal is worth the hype and the hunt before it’s all gone.
Who says West Jakarta is a booze desert? Get an instant 15% off when you buy 6 bottles at this shop
Discover a new wine bar proving West Jakarta is no booze desert! This spot boasts an impressive and well-priced wine selection in a comfortable, stylish setting perfect for a chill night out. While the food isn't the main star, the wine certainly is. The best part? It doubles as a shop, offering a 15% discount when you buy six bottles to take home. It's a must-visit for wine lovers looking for a great deal in the area.
Pork Rice Bowl is Mantap! But why is the signature crispy roast pork rock-hard?
Yoloé in West Jakarta offers a chill, modern vibe perfect for working or hanging out, complete with an indoor smoking area. But be warned: the food is a gamble! While the Tokyo Kakuni Bowl is a tender, flavorful must-try, the signature Crackling Pork Belly is disappointingly rock-hard. This review gives a heads-up on what to order and what to avoid, ensuring you can enjoy the great ambiance without any culinary regrets.