Where to Nongkrong late-night in Jakarta? Forget SCBD, this Korean Bar is the real answer.
qponx
2026-01-24
Tired of the usual SCBD scene for a late-night hangout? Discover ILLUA in Menteng, a hidden gem offering two vibes in one. The first floor is a quiet Korean restaurant, while the second floor transforms into a lively Itaewon-style soju bar with a DJ and live band. With its K-drama atmosphere and hearty, shareable dishes like Tuna Kimchi Jiggae, it’s the perfect spot for a fun, energetic night out with friends instead of a quiet chat.
Every time 10 PM rolls around,"Where should we go to chill?" becomes the million-dollar question in Jakarta. Don't want to go to the same old SCBD, and you're looking for a place to grab some warm food and have a few drinks? Anjay! I finally dug up this hidden gem in Menteng.
This place, ILLUA, is really something else. The first floor is a proper Korean restaurant, for a quiet meal. Push open the door to the second floor, and the whole vibe changes. You're instantly transported to a Soju Bar in Itaewon. The live music and DJ are super hype, and the atmosphere is turned up to the max. This setup of dining downstairs and partying upstairs really gets us young people!
An Immersive K-Drama Night
The soju bar on the second floor is like a K-drama come to life. Dim lighting, flashing neon signs, and the air is filled with the aroma of soju and delicious food. The people here are all so well-dressed, with tons of handsome guys and beautiful girls. It feels like a romantic scene could unfold at any moment.
The food doesn't disappoint at all, unlike some bars where the food is expensive and terrible. You have to order their Tuna Kimchi Jiggae[1]! They're super generous with the tuna, which is all broken up in the soup. Every spoonful is rich with ingredients, and it's perfect with rice. If you find it a bit rich, get a refreshing order of Korean cold buckwheat noodles, Bibim Naengmyeon[2]. The noodles are chewy and bouncy, the sauce is slightly sweet, and it's fantastic for cutting through the richness. Plus, the portions are huge. One main dish is enough for two or three people to share[3], so the value for money is really good.
The Editor's Honest Take (Quietly Complaining)
OK, as usual, let's get real. The 'vibe team' here really goes all out. After 9:30 PM, there's a Live Band and DJ[4], and the music is extremely loud. It's basically impossible to have a quiet chat, so it's more suitable for coming with friends to party. Also, the food is generally good, but if you're asking if it's mind-blowing... not really. For example, the tuna gimbap (75k)[5] is pretty standard, a safe bet.
A Foolproof Guide, You're Welcome!
Finally, for the girls who are planning to check this place out, I've put together a few useful tips:
- 🚗 Parking: Parking spots are super tight on weekends. I recommend just using the valet service[6]. It saves you time and trouble.
- ⏰ Timing: If you want to listen to music and dance, come after 9:30 PM. If you just want a quiet meal, head to the first-floor restaurant area earlier.
- 📋 Ordering: Order food at the first-floor restaurant and drinks at the second-floor bar[7]. Don't get them mixed up!
- 💁 Service: I have to give a special shout-out to the waiters and waitresses here. They're super friendly[8] and also quick and efficient. The whole experience was Mantap
- Hot new Jakarta spot! Eat downstairs, dance upstairs vibe: 1F Korean, 2F Itaewon Soju Bar with live DJs![1]
- Tuna Kimchi Jiggae[2] is a must! Generous tuna, rich broth, great with rice. Feeds 2-3 people[3].
- Full K-drama night vibes! Dim neon, good-looking crowd – romance sparks anytime.
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