Illustration of people enjoying live music performance
Let go of your stress and enjoy the fun at Jakarta's best restaurants, bars and lounges. Photos courtesy of iStock/NOWJAKARTA

There may not always be a music concert every weekend in the Big Durian, but the city never runs out of options when it comes to entertainment. For those looking to chill after a long day at work, Jakarta offers some great places – restaurants, bars and lounges – where you can escape for a while and enjoy the rhythm. Some provide live music, others excel in the quality of performances. Get ready to get up from your seat and start moving your feet on the ground. The music at these following places always guarantees a great night out.

Hard Rock Café Jakarta

Music is an inseparable element from this establishment. Located at Pacific Place, SCBD, South Jakarta, Hard Rock Café Jakarta offers live music literally all night long, with live music performances almost every night. Much like elsewhere in the world, décor at this international chain restaurant in Jakarta is also adorned with photos and memorabilia of rock star legends. There’s a good variety of music here, showcasing work from both local and international artists, and from different genres – or as they call it, “pitch-perfect live entertainment”.

Hard Rock Café Jakarta

SCBD, Mall Pacific Place, Unit G-05
Jalan Jendral Sudirman No. kav 54-55, Senayan
T: +62 21 5797 3055
IG: @hardrockcafejakarta
FB: @hardrockcafejakarta
www.hardrockcafe.com/location/jakarta/


Lucy in the Sky

If you’re in the mood for an uplifting beat, Lucy in the Sky could be your best choice. Electronic Dance Music (EDM) seems to be the mainstay here with cool performances from local DJs, though it isn’t the only music genre in the house. The venue is popular for its thematic live performances, be it ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s or the latest music. Lucy in the Sky promises party and great music.

Lucy in the Sky

SCBD, Jalan Jendral Sudirman No. 55, Senayan
T: +62 21 515 2308
IG: @lucyintheskyjakarta
FB: @LucyinTheSkyJakarta


The Jaya Pub

Located on the rooftop of Jaya Building, Jalan Thamrin, Central Jakarta, Jaya Pub is the oldest local pub in town. It’s known for nostalgic music atmosphere – the kind of place where you could turn back time and reminisce the past. Most of the time, musicians here perform notable music from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s – blues, jazz and rock. Feel free to go on stage and sing your heart out. This pub guarantees you’ll feel warm and nostalgic with every visit.

The Jaya Pub

Gedung Jaya
Jalan M.H. Thamrin No. Kav. 12, Menteng
T: +62 21 3192 5633


B.A.T.S Shangri-La

Stepping into B.A.T.S is akin to stepping into an underground New York bar with its exposed brick and wood panelling, as well as nightly live entertainment. The place is rustic and warm and serves great food as well – the kind of venue you’d want to go with your friends for a night out. The bar is popular among expatriates and gets even more fun on the weekend. An international house band is always ready to entertain your every meal with a variety of music. B.A.T.S is open from 5 PM to 3 AM.

B.A.T.S

Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta Level 1,
Jalan Jendral Sudirman No. Kav. 1, Central Jakarta 10220
T: +62 21 2922 9999
IG: @shangrilajkt
FB: Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta
E: fbreservation.slj@shangri-la.com
www.shangri-la.com/jakarta/shangrila/dining/bars-lounges/bats/


Tiga Puluh Music Bar + Lounge

As the first runner up of the 2017 Best Restaurant Bar & Café Awards, Tiga Puluh Music Bar + Lounge has a proven track record of quality entertainment. It is by no doubt one of the best venues in Jakarta for live music. Located at Le Meridien Jakarta, Tiga Puluh Music Bar + Lounge displays a minimalist design with urban industrial accent that speaks of a hip atmosphere and a high chill factor. DJs here perform music for the discerning ear. It’s definitely the place to go for sophisticated ambience. Tiga Puluh is opens every day from 6 PM to 3 AM.

Tiga Puluh Music Bar + Lounge

Le Meridien Hotel Jalan Jendral Sudirman Kav. 18 – 20 10 11, RT.10/RW.11, Karet Tengsin, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10250
T: (021) 2513131
IG: @tigapuluh.musicbar
FB: Tiga Puluh Music Bar + Lounge
www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/jktmd-le-meridien-jakarta/

Up in Smoke

Located in the RDTX Tower, Lobby Level, in Kuningan, South Jakarta, Up in Smoke is known for artisanal smoked and grilled meats. Occasionally, they have thematic parties and live music performances. In short, Up in Smoke offers great food, great music – you couldn’t ask for more.

Up in Smoke

Jalan Prof. DR. Satrio No. 6
T: +62 878 5799 2371
IG: @upinsmokejkt
FB: @upinsmokejakarta


Fat Shogun

In case you haven’t heard, Japanese-Peruvian food, better known as Nikkei cuisine, is the latest trend to hit Jakarta. For a taste of that exotic combination, head to none other than Fat Shogun. The experience gets even better as the restaurant also offers live music performances that take on different themes – Beatles Night, Tribute to Republik Cinta, and Diskopantera – as well as performances from house DJs that include Fat Beats, Just a Lil Beat and Let’s Bounce.

Fat Shogun

Menara BTPN, Rooftop Level, Jalan Dr. Ide anak agung Gde Agung, Kav, 5.5 – 5.6 CBD Mega Kuningan
T: +62 811 900 104
IG: @fatshogunjkt
FB: @fatshogunjkt
fatshogun.com/


D’Barons at Ambhara Hotel Jakarta

Located at the Lobby of Ambhara Hotel, D’Barons offers a welcoming English pub-style setting. It’s a great venue to play pool and enjoy live music as well as savour its famous hot stone meat specialties. Music lovers love D’Barons for its Indie Nights, Phunktion Drum N’ Bass Night and Hip Blackout Party.

D’Barons

Jalan Sultan Iskandarsyah Raya No. 1 
T: +62 21 2700 800
www.ambharahotel.com/restaurants/barons-pub/


K22 & Barong Bar at Fairmont Jakarta

Located at Fairmont Hotel, Senayan, South Jakarta, these venues offer culinary cocktails and unique presentations from the house mixologist. The atmosphere is dynamic, chic and stylish, allowing you to completely chill out. Barong Bar offers a more relaxed lounge experience, while K22 lets you discover open-air city views. Special thematic events are often held, offering live music and DJ performances.

K22 & Barong Bar at Fairmont Jakarta

Gelora Bung Karno Complex
Jalan Asia Afrika No.8
T: +62 21 2970 3333
IG: @barongbarjkt, @k22barjkt, @fairmontjakarta
FB: @barongbarjkt@k22bar, @fairmontjakarta
www.fairmont.com/jakarta/


Riva Grill Bar & Terrace at Wyndham Casablanca

Set in an urban landscape that offers casual dining experience, Riva Grill Bar & Terrace promises an exciting time, every time. Come here not only for tasty food, but also entertainment by DJ and weekly live acoustic performances. Some special themes at the establishment have included Spanish Culinary Fiesta, Saint Patrick’s Day and Halloween.

Riva Grill Bar & Terrace

Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta
Jalan Casablanca No. Kav. 18 South Jakarta 12870
T: +62 21 828 2000
IG: @rivagrillnbar
FB: @rivagrillnbar
www.wyndhamcasablancajakarta.com/riva

Rintang Azhar

Rintang Azhar

Rintang is a previous staff writer for NOW! with experience in hard news and lifestyle journalism. He specialises in art, design, culture, fashion, environmental, and urban issues.