No St. Regis hotel in any urban setting would be complete without a handsome jazz bar, and Jakarta’s delivers the goods. Inside the dimly lit space, a tall Lasvit chandelier behind the central bar takes its cues from the pipes of a sax and trombone; an intricate mural by artist Eddy Susanto riffs off Javanese art, Indonesian music history, and the local love of jazz.

While top-tier French vintages await in the wine vault and exclusive whiskies beckon at the Malt Room, the Manhattan-inspired cocktails made with local ingredients are the real star. Passion fruit and cilantro lend their character to the herbaceous Calle Catorce, a savory blend of Mediterranean gin, fino sherry, basil, lemon, and olive brine. Served as a free-flow bar snack, homemade rempeyek (crunchy Javanese rice-flour and peanut crackers) also garnish the dangerously drinkable Batavia Mary, which hits all the right notes. This inventive take on the Bloody Mary uses arak and more than 20 spices, herbs, and aromatics—including fried shallots—to achieve a complex flavor profile with a spicy and vinegary kick.

In the mood for something sweet and strong? A War Time Break, presented in a chilled porcelain teacup with floral motifs, is an eggnog-like cocktail featuring Marie Regal biscuit–washed gin and butterscotch cream. Settle in for some bites (the tender yakitori, wagyu sliders, and prawn-and-chicken spring rolls with sweet chili sauce are all good options) as you soak up the soulful music from Rapture Band, which performs Mondays to Saturdays. Arrive late. —James Louie

stregisjakarta.com
+62 21 5094 8893
The St. Regis Jakarta, Rajawali Place, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. B/4, Setiabudi, Jakarta, Indonesia

The St. Regis Bar Jakarta: Handsome Jazz

Jakarta Nightlife

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