The Bee’s Knees of Speak-Easies: Bau Haus 1933 Jakarta
Under ground in Jakarta’s Mega Kuningan lies a modern take on the 1920s speak-easy bar, where dangerous cocktails in addition to a vintage charm await.
Between 1920-1933, America encountered the prohibition era, a time when the manufacture, sale in addition to transportation of alcohol was illegal. During This specific period, bootleg bars existed, often run by organized criminals, where the sale of alcohol took place – in addition to these were known as ‘speak-easies’. The term was born through the practise of speaking softly in such establishments, so as not to alert the authorities of the illegal activities taking place within. The allure of outlawed liquor inspired waves of colourful concoctions from the form of cocktails of which offered glamour in addition to, above all, not bad taste.
Speak-easy themed establishments of which glorify the prohibition days are elusive in Indonesia, however in Jakarta’s business hub of Mega Kuningan, such a place does exist, in addition to of which goes by the name of Bau Haus 1933.
Bau Haus 1933’s location is usually pretty covert; its nondescript wrought iron entrance is usually the only thing of which gives of which away. The stairs lead you down into an underground lair only about 140 metres squared in size, where a vintage in addition to European-feeling speak-easy bar awaits, to while away your evening hours.
The prohibition-styled bar is usually owned in addition to operated by Syah Establishments, a group who owns various additional food in addition to beverage in addition to entertainment outlets including SCBD’s Lucy from the Sky in addition to Fukuro. Above Bau Haus 1933, in addition to also from the East Building in Mega Kuningan, is usually Ling Ling, a casual contemporary Chinese restaurant, too using a vintage twist.
Opened in 2014, Bau Haus is usually German for ‘construction house’. One of the owners is usually a Germanophile in addition to, fond of the clubbing culture of Berlin, decorated This specific gem of a bar with antique in addition to vintage trinkets by Germany. Original church pews create a more private dining-cum-meeting corner; wrought iron stools lined up at the bar create a perfect spot for people-watching; worn brown leather sofas dot the floor for the laid-back types; in addition to all is usually lit by gold art-deco styled chandeliers by Berlin. Home-grown is usually the teak wood bar by Jepara, decorated with European-style engravings. The entire place is usually dimly lit, in addition to if we were ever to encounter a local prohibition era, Bau Haus 1933 would certainly certainly be the least conspicuous place to drink in Jakarta.
Although the speak-easy bar may feel quite masculine, behind the bar lives a feminine touch.
Trisna Albona Mixologist of Bauhaus 1933 & Maison Ling | Dimas Juliarta
Trisna Albona, also known as Miss Bona, is usually the resident mixologist, in addition to is usually responsible for the establishment’s cocktail creations. Having worked as a bartender since 2006, Miss Bona’s flair is usually certainly apparent in her passion in addition to dedication towards her craft.
Haus No. 1 is usually the most sought-after cocktail at Bau Haus 1933. A concoction of ume choya, chocolate bitters in addition to cherry brandy, This specific simple yet unique drink certainly caught our attention. The colour represents Bau Haus 1933 itself – brown, woody, earthy, manly – however, the sweetness adds a feminine touch, as Miss Bona does behind the bar. Served using a large square ice cube in addition to an orange rind sitting on top, This specific understated drink is usually a must-try, especially if you have a sweet tooth.
Another delectable creation of Miss Bona’s is usually the Moscow Mule. This specific vodka-based cocktail is usually a mix of homemade ginger beer, a lime twist, in addition to toasted rosemary leaves. Served in an iced metal mug, This specific drink is usually certainly worth coming back for, in addition to is usually guaranteed to keep you warm during This specific dreary rainy season we’re from the midst of.
A stronger drink is usually the Gibson, a classic gin cocktail similar to a dry martini, however garnished with pickled onions instead. A blend of dry vermouth in addition to gin served in a martini glass, any work worries you may have are sure to disappear when sipping on This specific bad boy.
by left to right: Gibson, Haus no. 1 in addition to Moscow Mule | Courtesy of Dimas Juliarta
If you’re not into cocktails, Bau Haus 1933 serves a vast array of spirits, in addition to Heineken on tap – not to mention Corona, Stella Artois in addition to Erdinger in bottles. If you consider yourself a Scotch whiskey aficionado, their list boasts an array of single malts by Scotland’s high in addition to lowlands. Japanese single malts, Yamazaki, Hakushu in addition to Hakashi are also on the menu.
Above ground, at Ling Ling, the drinks list was also created by Miss Mona. The most creative of the cocktails are Cha Cha Moon in addition to Le Ping Pong Club. Cha Cha Moon takes the biscuit. This specific vodka-based cocktail takes on a form of its own, made of green tea liquor, lemon juice in addition to matcha green tea syrup, topped with gingerbread foam.
Food back down below at Bau Haus 1933 is usually mainly aimed at snacking, however they do serve some Asian mains: duck confit bee-hoon, nasi Bau Haus (nasi campur), laksa, in addition to bulgogi fried rice. Western mains include macaroni in addition to cheese, tacos, fillet mignon, in addition to salmon – all of which are modest portions. Bar snacks include grilled cheese on toast, chips in addition to dips, calamari in addition to crab cakes.
If Mondays get you down, swing by Bau Haus 1933 for ‘F My Monday’ every week. Live soul in addition to R n’ B music performed by Teddy Adhitya in addition to a few cocktails are sure to give you a different outlook on life. Weekends see a younger crowd at Bau Haus 1933. On Friday nights, patrons can enjoy the sounds of deep house music, while on Saturdays, female DJ CNM spins hip hop in addition to r n’ b.
If you work from the Kuningan area, come by after hours in addition to de-stress while soaking up the speak-easy vibe. If you happen to live in Kuningan or Menteng, you’re entitled to a neighbour discount, which is usually also applicable at Ling Ling’s for lunch. Exchange your name card for a further 10 percent discount, Monday to Fridays by 5-10pm.
Bau Haus 1933
East Building
Jl. Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung
Mega Kuningan
Jakarta
Opening times: 4pm ‘til late Monday to Saturday (Sundays closed).
Tel: +62 (021) 2952 7173
Ling Ling
East Building Ground Floor
Jl. Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung
Mega Kuningan
Jakarta
Opening times: 11am – 1am (weekdays), 11am – 2am (weekends)
Tel: +62 (021) 2554 2707
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The Bee’s Knees of Speak-Easies: Bau Haus 1933 Jakarta
The Bee’s Knees of Speak-Easies: Bau Haus 1933 Jakarta