Cartel

Cartel is the newest addition to the speakeasy bars that have been popping up around Jakarta recently. Opened just last week, the casual bar that specialized in locally brewed craft beer and crafted cocktails is hidden on the second floor of the building next to their sister restaurant Mookata at SCBD Park Lot 7C.

After walking up the flight of stairs (or take the elevator if you choose to), you’ll be greeted by wall to wall shelves that display various products that one would find in a vintage neighborhood grocery store. Push the middle shelves under the ‘Cartel’ sign and that’s how you enter the unassuming bar.

First thing that you’ll see when entering the space is the bright green and yellow neon sign of two hands, each holding a cocktail and beer glass on the wall. The cool breeze of the air-con will give you an instant escape from the hot weather outside (which is very welcomed considering how hot Jakarta’s weather is these days).

The bar is actually more spacious than what I imagined it to be. There are three seating areas—the main dining area, the bar seating and the three more private sections on one side of the space.

At Cartel, their line of four signature cocktails is called ‘The Protagonists’ which are the Velvetea Tarik, Pisco Mangoshu, Royal Boulevardier, and SCBD Breeze. I got to try a couple of their cocktails as well as their beer selections.

Velvetea Tarik (170k) • Mocktail Variant (120k) | 9.5/10

Vodka, Black Tea, Caramel
Strength : ○○○
Taste Profile : Sweet, Creamy, Nostalgic

A unique blend of Vodka, Black Tea, and Caramel in a cocktail inspired by teh tarik. This enchanting elixir combines the rich flavors of caramel and bold black tea, elevated by the smooth touch of Vodka.

The first drink I tried was their Velvetea Tarik. Ordered the mocktail version of this drink since it’s one of the menu that has a mocktail option. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting anything when ordering this but after my first sip, I was mind blown. If you’re a longtime reader of this blog, you probably know how much I like milk tea and this drink is probably one of the best milk tea I’ve ever had in Jakarta.

First off, it’s not too sweet. The amount of sweetness from the milk, caramel and and brûléed foam on top was just right. The black tea is really fragrant and the combination of all these elements certainly reminiscent of teh tarik, but not quite the same. They definitely put their own spin to it, making this drink pretty unique. If you’re a fan of milk tea or teh tarik or sweeter cocktail, would definitely recommend this menu to try. (I was actually debating to order a second glass but decided against it since there were other drinks and food that I wanted to try. If it weren’t for that, I’d probably order that second glass because it was that good.)

Royal Boulevardier (190k) | 8/10

Royal Special Edition, Bitter Liqueur, Sweet Vermouth Clip USD 100 Aromatic Spray Garnish.
Strength : ○○○○○
Taste Profile : Spirit-Forward, Oaky, Clean

The classic Boulevardier is elevated to a regal experience with the use of a premium Royal Special Edition whisky, meticulously aged in sherry oak casks, imparting rich, complex flavors. This distinguished spirit is expertly blended with a robust bitter liqueur and sweet vermouth, creating a harmonious balance of bitter and sweet notes. As a finishing touch, a USD 100 note is used as a luxurious garnish, accompanied by an aromatic spray, enhancing the olfactory allure of this sophisticated libation.

Very smooth and fragrant, but slightly on the bitter side for my personal preference. My friend liked this one though since she prefer less sweet and more bitter cocktail.

SCBD Breeze (170k) • Mocktail Variant (120k) | 7.5/10

Gin, Jamu, Citrus, Prosecco, Mint
Strength : ○○
Taste Profile : Refreshing, Bubbly, Tart

Inspired by the vibrant SCBD Park in Jakarta, the SCBD Breeze captures the essence of this dynamic urban oasis. This refreshing drink features a base of crisp gin, infused with the earthy and herbal notes of Jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal tonic. Fresh citrus adds a zesty brightness, while a splash of prosecco provides effervescence and a touch of elegance. Garnished with a sprig of mint, this cocktail is a perfect blend of local tradition and modern sophistication, mirroring the park's blend of natural beauty and contemporary flair.

Taste profile just like what the menu describe. Refreshing, sweet, and sour all at the same time. The herbal note isn’t too strong and the citrus note definitely shines more.

Luwak Negroni (190K) | 8/10

Gin, Luwak infused Bitter Liqueur, Coffee
Strength: ○○○○
Taste Profile: Spirit-Forward, Clean, Nostalgic

Strong coffee luwak taste, very smooth and more on the sweeter flavor profile. If you drink coffee, you probably will enjoy this drink.

For their locally brewed craft beers, they have home brews, seasonal brews as well as new brews every Friday so you can ask the bartender for the availability of their brews.

Cartel Tasting Flight (110k)

Created to help you decide what you love the most, our tasting flight consists of 3 types of beer in a smaller portion.

I personally am not a beer drinker and not very well-versed on the subject, but it was interesting tasting their home brewed beer.

Instead of following the trend on just serving drinks at the bar, Cartel provided a selection of food menu that you can order along with your drinks, sparing you the hassle of looking or ordering food from somewhere else. They have a pretty good selection of Asian, Western and Indonesian menus for you to choose from. And the portion of the food is pretty reasonable compared to their prices.

Korean Fried Mandu Platter (88K)

Spam Fries (75k)

Popcorn Chicken with Salted Egg Sauce

Nasi Goreng Kampung Mewah (105k)

King Prawn Aglio Olio Pasta (105k)

Green Chili Honey Buntut Bakar (155k)

During my visit, the service was pretty good. The staff were also very friendly and quick to act when we call them to ask for something. The ambience of this place is pretty relaxing (but the music’s pretty loud, just like any other bar I guess) and I kind of like how there’s enough space between the tables so the place doesn’t feel too cramped. I can see this place to be a good spot to wind down with friends or even co-workers after a busy day at work.

One thing to note, parking at SCBD Park is valet and self-drive valet only which costs 100k. If you don’t want to do valet, other parking option is available at Lot 17 across from Lot 7C.

 

Cartel SCBD

Address: Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav 52-53, SCBD Park Lot 7C Level 2, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta 12190, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 822 5888 7326
Hours: Sun-Thrs 11:30 am-11 pm | Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 12 am

Instagram: @cartelscbd

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Barcadia

Hidden inside an unassuming building near Bundaran HI is a secret small library that serves as an entrance to Barcadia, a speakeasy bar at the very heart of Jakarta. Serving classic cocktails as well as innovative mixes inspired by sweet treats and local delicacies, Barcadia offers patrons a sanctuary to escape the busy life in the city.

When you arrived at the building, step into the small library where you can find Barcadia’s house rules hanging on the wall next to the entrance.

House Rules (For Season Two):

1. Keep the Peace

2. Mind Your Manner

3. No Smoking (E-Cigs Only)

4. Respect the Cocktail

5. Love Reading Book

6. Payment is Mandatory

7. Keep This Place Exclusive ;)

This is also the place where you can search for hidden old coins that you can use to exchange for special gifts from the bartender. The coins hidden are limited per day so you might want to come early if you wish to find one.

This week, Barcadia is kicking off their Season 2—The Prohibition Era: Step Into The Twenties. 

“Inspired by the clandestine speakeasies of the 1920s, we’ve crafted an immersive experience that pays homage to the spirit of defiance and indulgence that defined the era.”—Barcardia

As soon as you enter, you’ll be greeted by one (if not more) of Barcadia’s friendly bartenders who’ll quickly get you seated. The space feels like an extension of the library and is decorated with wooden panels, marble tables, leather sofas and bar stools with framed vintage art deco posters hanged on the walls. The warm dim lighting and jazz renditions of pop songs playing in the background create a cozy atmosphere to wind down after a busy day.

This (almost) 5 months old bar has about 25 seatings available inside the space—8 seats at the bar, 4 seats at the two small booths for two on one side of the room, and about 8 seats at the leather sectional sofa with an additional 4 round chairs around the circular marble table.

For their new season, Barcadia is introducing 12 new cocktails menu while keeping 2 (out of the 12) menu from season one. With 14 different unique cocktails on the menu, there are options for everybody to choose from. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can always go with the “Surprise Me” option and the bartender will gladly mix you one.

Season 2 Menu. Courtesy of Barcadia Jakarta.

Tuberose (170k) | 8/10

Naked Malt Whiskey Sedap Malam, Spiked Gum, Absinthe, Peychaud’s Bitters, Aromatic Bitters.
ABV 35,7% • Floral • Spiced • Fragrant

Cheese Cake Factory (200k) | 9/10

Corazon Blanco Tequila Fat-Washed Butter, Blueberry Vanilla Liqueur, Malic Acid, Cream Cheese, Milk Clarified.
ABV 21,5% • Creamy • Toasty • Sweet

Funky Collada (190k) | 7.5/10

Roku Gin Cempedak, Roasted Grated Coconut Cordial, Pina Juice, Milk Clarified.
ABV 14,3% • Fruity • Tropical • Toasty

King of Fruits (200k) | 7.5/10

Jung & Wulff Guyana Rum, Local Leaves, Durian Syrup, Lactic Acid, Foam Agent.
ABV 16,7% • Custardy • Gentle Sweet • Aromatic

Other things that might be worth mentioning, they do serve light bites such as Wonton, French Fries and Shin Ramyun and they welcome outside food and online food delivery. There’s no minimum charge, walk-ins are welcomed and reservation is recommended for guaranteed seating. And if you make it ’til here, say this season’s magic word “Boleh pinjem buku?” to the bartender and they’ll let you mix your own cocktail behind the bar. Also, check out @munchandsnap.jkt’s reel for a special discount (valid until 30 April 2024).

 

Barcadia

Address: Jl. Blora No.10, RT.2/RW.6, Dukuh Atas, Menteng, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10310, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 877-8808-0998
Hours: 6 pm - 2 am

Instagram: @barcadia.id

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