Eying all the action at Mata Bar
JAKARTA (JP): On the lookout for a little after-hours fun smack in the middle of the CBD? Then you may find it in Mata Bar, which can be something for everyone, depending on what time you visit.
Location: Located on the 16th floor of Wisma Metropolitan II, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 31, this bar is relatively easy to find. It is also quite easy to find a taxi since it is located on one of Jakarta's main streets. Be prepared to phone for a cab before you leave, though, especially during this never-ending rainy season as it is a two-minute walk to the main road from the lobby. You wouldn't want to be doing that in the pouring rain, as in the case of this writer, would you?
Hours: Apparently, Mata Bar also houses a restaurant that is open every weekday from 6 a.m. through 4 p.m. that serves breakfast and "lunch express", as they like to call it. And if you suddenly have the craving to enjoy a little drink, the bar is actually open during those times and it does not close until 2 a.m. On Saturdays, opening hours are from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Happy hour is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Sundays, the whole place is closed.
What its got: A fully stocked bar offering a choice of your favorite spirits, as well as domestic and imported beers. The quite-friendly bartenders will also mix up a variety of cocktails ranging from the mild to the strong, but don't expect something too strong as they seem to be a bit light on the booze.
When you are able to grab a table to yourself, there is also a full menu, ranging from appetizers, salads and sandwiches to main courses and desserts.
Bill, please: The prices are still in the normal range for major bars in Jakarta. Soft drinks, OJ and local beer cost Rp 25,000, Southern Comfort, Kahlua and the like run to Rp 40,000, while the cocktails range from Rp 35,000 to Rp 90,000. As for the food, appetizers to snack on run from about Rp 15,000 to Rp 20,000 while the club sandwich and hamburgers are about Rp 25,000. They also serve steaks and other more substantial meals at price from Rp 50,000 to Rp,70,000.
Here's looking at you: Set in a L-shaped room, Mata Bar's design is better than your regular hangar-like club look. The first view as you walk through the entrance is a dance floor, which covers about a quarter of the whole area, and, of course, the DJ table.
Contradicting its name, the place looks more like a club. The bar itself is relatively small and laid out in a semicircle sporting the usual high chairs. At the other end there is yet another dance floor, which is a near replica of the other. It has a little more room to maneuver, however, because most people usually prefer to hang out on the dance floor that is nearer the entrance and the bar.
If you are looking for a place to sit, you can find some seats just opposite the bar, but don't expect anything too cozy. The seats are a little too low and if you sink in them too deep you can forget altogether about rising gracefully to your feet as your favorite song starts playing.
There are also two TV sets that play MTV all night, but sadly you will not be able to watch them comfortably from the how-low- can-you-go seats and the awkward viewing angle.
So, what's your sign: Looking for new friends or just someone new to chat with? You haven't come to the wrong place, even though before its peak hours, which start pretty late, at around 1 a.m., the place reminds you of the closing credits from the sitcom Cheers. And the music is pretty easy-listening so you don't have to scream to be heard.
Odds and Ends: For those of you who are into R&B or Top-40 music, this is the place to go. But if you want to people-watch or to dance the night away along with all the other party people, better come around 1 a.m. Before that the atmosphere is not so "discoey", especially before 11 p.m. when it feels like a private party where all the invitees suddenly had somewhere else to go. Around that time there is even a waiter who struts around in a poncho offering free shots of tequila (maybe that's why before 11 p.m. women can get in free of the Rp 35,000 cover charge).
Even during the so-called "peak hours" you are still able to dance freely without having to worry about bumping into someone or stepping on someone else's toes.
The cover charge applies only on weekends and during special events. There is a ladies night every Wednesday, when disco divas get in for free and guzzle free drinks from 11 p.m. to midnight.
Last call: When it first opened in March two years ago, it was considered one of the most popular bars in the capital. Unfortunately, with competition from the recently opened Retro at the Crown Plaza Hotel and Lava Lounge at Taman Ria Senayan, it's starting to lose its customers. Which is a shame because overall, it has the potential to be a happening bar/club. Then again, maybe it's better this way -- at least you don't have to struggle through a swarm of humanity, regardless of how beautiful they are, just to get to the bar. (Monique Natalia)