Q Bar keeps on hopping 'til wee hours
JAKARTA (JP): For our latest bacchanalian adventure, we decided to take a trip down memory lane by visiting Jl. Jaksa, one of the old stomping grounds in the halcyon days of the early 1990s.
While cruising down the drag, one of the first changes we noticed was that the former Jaksa International Bar & Restaurant had been succeeded, phoenix-like, by Q Bar. So, on the spur of the moment, we decided to drop in on this stylish and popular newcomer.
Location: Jl. Jaksa is a connecting street that runs between Jl. Kebon Sirih and Jl. Wahid Hasyim in Central Jakarta. This street has long been famous as the backpacker center of Jakarta, and the surrounding streets and alleys are chockablock with losmen (cheap tourist hostels), although there are less now than there were before the economic crisis.
There are also a large number of midrange hotels in the vicinity. Thus, the Jl. Jaksa establishments tend to have a captive clientele in the form of those budget tourists (or travelers as they prefer to call themselves) who are still brave enough to come here. Jl. Jaksa is said to have a bad reputation among Jakartans. However, this is probably more due to latent snobbery and general ignorance of the bar scene than anything else.
Be warned: Q bar does not sport garish beer advertisements or a pub sign on the front, so keep your eyes peeled instead for a long, low, whitewashed wall on the right-hand side, half way along Jl. Jaksa coming from Jl. Kebon Sirih.
Hours: Open daily from 3 p.m until 4 a.m..
What's it got: Just about everything to tickle your whistle and quite a lot to satisfy the ensuing munchies into the bargain. A very well-stocked spirit bar and a wide choice of beers, plus a moderate selection of wines.
There is also an enticing menu and, something of a novelty, a real, wood-fired pizzeria as you enter the bar, where absolutely delectable pizzas are prepared, baked and dished out right in front of your eyes.
Not content with its own pizzeria, Q Bar also boasts another novelty, a hot-dog stand which serves up delicious dogs with mustard, dill and all the fixings for Rp 10,000, a real treat for those suffering from hunger convulsions.
Bill, please: Prices are at the lower, if not the downright lowest, end of the scale, with a large Anker beer going for only Rp 12,000 and a Tiger for Rp 18,000. For the Aussies, a can of Foster's or Victoria Bitter will set you back Rp 25,000. Spirits are also relatively cheap by Jakarta's standards with Johnny Walker Red Label and Jack Daniels priced at Rp 20,000 per shot, while a Johnny Walker Black Label will cost you Rp 25,000. The wide selection of cocktails are all priced at Rp 45,000.
Here's looking at you: Q Bar is a midsized establishment and is basically divided into two distinct sections. The first consists of an outer lounge, laid out with tables to seat four, which serves as a sort of anteroom to the bar proper and is the site of the pizzeria.
It is also home to a somewhat pretentious, imitation Greco- Roman fountain right in front of the entrance, with a small, surrounding pool that is raised ever so slightly above floor level, an obstacle that could prove something of a hazard to the more inebriated patrons.
After this comes the bar itself, a large, well-ventilated and airy watering hole which is jamb packed just about every night of the week, or so we were assured by some regular patrons. On the Saturday night we visited, the bar was absolutely heaving and strictly standing room only. And yet, the friendly waiters seemed to have no difficulty in spotting a thirsty patron and promptly seeing to his order.
Q Bar also boasts a pool table which was drawing a considerable following on the night of our visit. Judging by the number of names on the board, however, one would need to be prepared to wait at least two or three hours to get a game. Probably only worth the trouble for Q Bar's regular pool heads. As for the decor, well, like the fountain in the outer bar, decadent Graeco-Roman would seem to be the prevailing mood. But unless you get there early, you won't be able to see much of the decor anyway given the crowds
Odds and ends: Pricewise, Q-Bar is a lower to midrange establishment that looks a lot snazzier than its drink prices would suggest. Its clientele is a mixed bunch with quite a considerable contingent of regulars, and a continuous and reliable flow of tourists and backpackers. Many of the imbibers are young and raucous European males, often accompanied by local female guests. By 12:30 a.m., on the night of our visit, things were getting decidedly hectic, and we had to speak at the top of our voices to make ourselves heard. Nevertheless, the service remained prompt and friendly throughout. Full marks to Q Bar's staff on that score.
Last call: Sedate is something that Q Bar certainly is not, and neither is it the sort of place to which you would invite a group of Mothers' Union ladies for a Saturday night bridge session. But it is the sort of place you would visit if you are young at heart, enjoy a good night out in a convivial environment and don't mind a bit of a crush. And that, I believe, covers a lot of people. (Bill Blade)