Bar Kotak, situated on the second floor of the Bimasena building at The Dharmawangsa Jakarta, offers a distinct atmosphere reminiscent of a personal living room. This Nusantara-themed bar focuses on a laid-back, intimate setting where creativity and playfulness shine through. Bar Kotak embodies the values of harmony, stability, balance and structure, creating a harmonious environment for patrons to enjoy premium spirits, expertly crafted cocktails and smooth jazz.
The establishment shares its floor with Shikaku, a traditional-modern Japanese restaurant. Taking its name from the Japanese word for square – carrying the same theme as Bar Kotak -. Shikaku delights guests with freshly-sliced sushi, grilled skewers and comforting bowls of udon, all enjoyed within a minimalist design defined by black walls and wooden fixtures. The consistent square motif, seen in both establishments, signifies a unified design philosophy. Bar Kotak contrasts its sibling with a more relaxed décor, designed by Sidarta and Sandjaja Studio. High-brow art books, chic table lamps and intriguing artwork, including a portrait of President Soekarno, create a space that appeals to both younger and older clientele.
Signature cocktails such as the Arjuna, with its spicy amaretto blend, and the Tokyo Club, a sophisticated mix of jasmine tea-infused scotch and ginger-honey syrup, reflect the bar’s approach to simple yet refined drink creations. Another house favourite is Dara, a Scotch whisky-based cocktail that takes its inspiration from the urban birds flying all over the city’s green areas. The bar recently added Sayan Squash as well, a signature of its Bali counterpart, the idyllic and iconic Sayan House.
Beyond its role as a cigar bar, Bar Kotak fosters an inclusive atmosphere where young professionals unwind after work, and groups of friends gather for a casual evening. Especially on Only Vinyl Tuesdays, when the bar holds listening session as guest selectors and curated records set the mood. The commitment to genuine, heartfelt service, known as Indotenashi, ensures that every visit to Bar Kotak is not just an evening out, but an experience to be cherished.
TOP 3
- Dara
- 1997
- Sayan Squash
Exquisite Taste Volume 44
Bar Kotak
Graha Bimasena
Jalan Dharmawangsa Raya
Jakarta 12160, Indonesia
T: (+62) 81326622100
