Eying all the action at Mata Bar<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): On the lookout for a little after-hours fun
\nsmack in the middle of the CBD? Then you may find it in Mata Bar,
\nwhich can be something for everyone, depending on what time you
\nvisit.<\/p>\n
Location: Located on the 16th floor of Wisma Metropolitan II,
\nJl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 31, this bar is relatively easy to find.
\nIt is also quite easy to find a taxi since it is located on one
\nof Jakarta's main streets. Be prepared to phone for a cab before
\nyou leave, though, especially during this never-ending rainy
\nseason as it is a two-minute walk to the main road from the
\nlobby. You wouldn't want to be doing that in the pouring rain, as
\nin the case of this writer, would you?<\/p>\n
Hours: Apparently, Mata Bar also houses a restaurant that is
\nopen every weekday from 6 a.m. through 4 p.m. that serves
\nbreakfast and \"lunch express\", as they like to call it. And if
\nyou suddenly have the craving to enjoy a little drink, the bar is
\nactually open during those times and it does not close until 2
\na.m. On Saturdays, opening hours are from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Happy
\nhour is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Sundays, the whole place is
\nclosed.<\/p>\n
What its got: A fully stocked bar offering a choice of your
\nfavorite spirits, as well as domestic and imported beers. The
\nquite-friendly bartenders will also mix up a variety of cocktails
\nranging from the mild to the strong, but don't expect something
\ntoo strong as they seem to be a bit light on the booze.<\/p>\n
When you are able to grab a table to yourself, there is also a
\nfull menu, ranging from appetizers, salads and sandwiches to main
\ncourses and desserts.<\/p>\n
Bill, please: The prices are still in the normal range for
\nmajor bars in Jakarta. Soft drinks, OJ and local beer cost Rp
\n25,000, Southern Comfort, Kahlua and the like run to Rp 40,000,
\nwhile the cocktails range from Rp 35,000 to Rp 90,000. As for the
\nfood, appetizers to snack on run from about Rp 15,000 to Rp
\n20,000 while the club sandwich and hamburgers are about Rp
\n25,000. They also serve steaks and other more substantial meals
\nat price from Rp 50,000 to Rp,70,000.<\/p>\n
Here's looking at you: Set in a L-shaped room, Mata Bar's
\ndesign is better than your regular hangar-like club look. The
\nfirst view as you walk through the entrance is a dance floor,
\nwhich covers about a quarter of the whole area, and, of course,
\nthe DJ table.<\/p>\n
Contradicting its name, the place looks more like a club. The
\nbar itself is relatively small and laid out in a semicircle
\nsporting the usual high chairs. At the other end there is yet
\nanother dance floor, which is a near replica of the other. It has
\na little more room to maneuver, however, because most people
\nusually prefer to hang out on the dance floor that is nearer the
\nentrance and the bar.<\/p>\n
If you are looking for a place to sit, you can find some seats
\njust opposite the bar, but don't expect anything too cozy. The
\nseats are a little too low and if you sink in them too deep you
\ncan forget altogether about rising gracefully to your feet as
\nyour favorite song starts playing.<\/p>\n
There are also two TV sets that play MTV all night, but sadly
\nyou will not be able to watch them comfortably from the how-low-
\ncan-you-go seats and the awkward viewing angle.<\/p>\n
So, what's your sign: Looking for new friends or just someone
\nnew to chat with? You haven't come to the wrong place, even
\nthough before its peak hours, which start pretty late, at around
\n1 a.m., the place reminds you of the closing credits from the
\nsitcom Cheers. And the music is pretty easy-listening so you
\ndon't have to scream to be heard.<\/p>\n
Odds and Ends: For those of you who are into R&B or Top-40
\nmusic, this is the place to go. But if you want to people-watch
\nor to dance the night away along with all the other party people,
\nbetter come around 1 a.m. Before that the atmosphere is not so
\n\"discoey\", especially before 11 p.m. when it feels like a private
\nparty where all the invitees suddenly had somewhere else to go.
\nAround that time there is even a waiter who struts around in a
\nponcho offering free shots of tequila (maybe that's why before 11
\np.m. women can get in free of the Rp 35,000 cover charge).<\/p>\n
Even during the so-called \"peak hours\" you are still able to
\ndance freely without having to worry about bumping into someone
\nor stepping on someone else's toes.<\/p>\n
The cover charge applies only on weekends and during special
\nevents. There is a ladies night every Wednesday, when disco divas
\nget in for free and guzzle free drinks from 11 p.m. to midnight.<\/p>\n
Last call: When it first opened in March two years ago, it was
\nconsidered one of the most popular bars in the capital.
\nUnfortunately, with competition from the recently opened Retro at
\nthe Crown Plaza Hotel and Lava Lounge at Taman Ria Senayan, it's
\nstarting to lose its customers. Which is a shame because overall,
\nit has the potential to be a happening bar\/club. Then again,
\nmaybe it's better this way -- at least you don't have to struggle
\nthrough a swarm of humanity, regardless of how beautiful they
\nare, just to get to the bar. (Monique Natalia)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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