Queen’s Head, the best looking new bar in Kemang
The southern neighborhood of Kemang has been many things since it’s beginning as a swanky suburb. At overlapping times in its history it’s been Jakarta’s hipster haven, the premier conclave for wealthy expats with families and the home to the city’s hottest parties. And for as long as we can remember, it’s also been a trying traffic spot. The ‘hood has been in a bit of lull of late, but a new crop of exciting restaurants, bars and cafes will have you convinced to battle the macet to get here.
Sunday Brunch
Kemang is known for its brunch offerings and every Sunday morning – but not too early – you can see bleary-eyed party monsters, perky health nuts still in their workout kits and young families complete with babies and dogs all elbow-to-elbow-to-elbow at café tables across the neighborhood. Stalwart Koi is a solid pick with a classic brunch menu with one of the best Bloody Marys in town, try it standard or spicy.
The cozy Antipodean Coffee, tucked away at the end of Jalan Kemang Selatan 1, has a more laid-back atmosphere and serves up delicious coffee and delicious fresh breakfast and light meal offerings. Along the same street is the even cozier but very chic Authentique. Started by French expat Sophie, you know that their croissants and baguettes will be on point. You can also order something heartier like a fantastic croque monsieur. If it’s too crowded at Authentique, head over to Jalan Kemang 1, where its sister establishment Sophie Authentique has a bit more breathing room.
For something a bit heartier, the new Baconerie is curing and cooking up its own bacon, sausage and ham. And if that wasn’t enough, there is also a wide variety of baked goods, including cinnamon rolls, scones and muffins, to round out your meal.
Eat
Even if you’re not the mimosa-and-eggs-Benedict type, Kemang can still set your salivary glands a flutter. It’s an international smorgasbord here and in addition to variety, these particular restaurants are also known for their quality.
Mama Rosy
If you’re looking to impress a date, Italian eatery Mama Rosy, located in a traditional Balinese-style home that used to serve as an art museum, will definitely set a romantic mood. The food here is also traditional, coming from beloved family recipes, and much of it made from scratch, including the pasta.
Another Italian specialty that Kemang excels at is pizza! Some of the city’s best can be found here at Pizza Barboni (which also makes a formidable burger we hear) and at the new NYC Pizza. Barboni serves up thin, wood-fired pizzas, while NYC’s is more American-style, meaning thicker and chewier crusts. They even sell pizza by the slice!
French cuisine is also done justice on the southside. Founded by two French expats, Café Gitane has accumulated a loyal following thanks to their authentic food (don’t miss out on their roast chicken!) served in an unfussy space.
For rich and satisfying comfort food, Spanky’s Ribs & Martinis whips up dead-on Western favorites, including pulled-pork sandwiches, mac and cheese, crispy pork belly, and of course, baby back ribs. The signature martinis don’t hold up quite as well as the food menu, but Spanky’s does have awesome deals and promos on their drinks to make up for that.
End on a sweet note by swinging into LIN Artisan Ice Cream for a scoop made-to-order. Yes, you read that correctly, LIN use liquid nitrogen to instantly create your ice cream flavor of choice.
Chill
Komunal 88
Take a load off and enjoy a midday pick-up-me-up at one of Kemang’s welcoming cafes. New kid on the block Komunal 88 is airy, sleek and boasts an impressive menu of fresh and seasonal dishes. It’s the perfect place to work from or to catch up with friends over a meal.
On the other end of the spectrum, Dia.lo.gue Artspace cafe is well known as one of the most unique spaces in town for a cuppa, thanks to the rotating art exhibits and kooky giftshop in the front of the space.
Drink
The party has moved away from Kemang and into the Senopati and SCBD area, or has it? A new crop of bars and lounges is drawing Jakarta’s hippest back.
Looks can be deceiving so you would be forgiven for thinking that the brand-new Queen’s Head is an unassuming joint. But if you find yourself there on a late night, you’ll also find a spacious sumptously decorated bar and club.
If your idea of a perfect night out is a bit more low-key, Kemang has tons of great places for that too. The original Beer Garden is located on Jalan Benda and has a relaxed yet fun vibe, plus a healthy selection of brews. Other beer gardens in the ‘hood include Bremer Beer Garden on Jalan Kemang 1 and Beer Brother on Jalan Taman Kemang. Bremer’s garden is the perfect setting for great conversation, while Beer Brother is a popular spot usually buzzing with a younger crowd.
There are spots in Kemang that straddle the two worlds. Unpretentious and friendly, Treehouse has upped the comfort factor with a newly expanded upstairs patio seating area. It’s the perfect place to cool your heels during one of the bar’s popular DJ dance party nights, which draws out Jakarta’s best hipsters, scenesters and everyone else in between. Around the corner, FJ on 7 at the Colony building is gaining a reputation for their Sunday day parties. Its rooftop patio is the perfect place to do some day drinking and kicking back before the work week starts again.
