Jakarta, like many other metropolises in Asia, is in love with the game of pool. A great thing is that it is popular with both expats and locals so it will also be a great way to meet Indonesians. The most popular venues are equipped with the latest equipment and charge competitive prices (around Rp. 50,000 per hour).
The number of nightspots featuring pool tables is very large, ranging from a single table in a Jalan Jaksa bar to some huge pool halls. You will notice that some pool halls feel just like nightclubs, with really loud music played by a resident DJ or even live bands. In other places, you may be able to choose an accompanying lady that will play with you and entertain you, just like another girl might do in a karaoke joint.
Even though gambling is strictly prohibited in Indonesia, local people will often spice up the game by making bets. There is a game that involves cards which is pretty fun to play but cost me a lot of money… Be careful because Indonesians are really good at it.
Here is a list of some of the most popular venues for playing pool in Jakarta. You can click on the name of the pool place to see my review and get more details. I will update this listing on a regular basis, don't hesitate to send me the names of other billiard venues if you think they should be listed here.
Masters Sports Bar
A great place to play pool in Central Jakarta (Mega Kuninan). They have 5 tournament-size billard tables that are free to use for customers of the bar. A few teams from the Jakarta Pool League train here as well and you can rent a locker to keep your cues.
See my complete review here: Masters Sports Bar - Bellagio
Masters Sports Bar
See my complete review here: Masters Sports Bar - Bellagio
Dungeon Pool Lounge - at Fez
Dungeon Pool Lounge is a part of the Fez Expat Bar and Restaurant. It is the best place in Kemang for playing billiard.
Jl. Kemang Raya No.78B
Bangka, Jakarta
More information: Dungeon Kemang
Aphrodite
This famous expat/sports bar near Jalan Rasuna Said is owned by the same people behind the Dungeon.
Club Rasuna
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav
More information: Aphrodite Jakarta
There are more expat bars or sports pub with pool tables, for instance Frank's Bar, Molly Malone, Eastern Promise, Murphy's and Satu Lagi. Alternatively, you can try more Indonesian venues such as:
In eX Plaza Indonesia
1st Floor
Jl. MH Thamrin Kav. 28-30
Phone number: +62-21 315 7227
Fax: +62-21 3199 0207
In Q Billiard Senayan City - Crystal Lagoon Area B2 Floor
Jl. Asia Africa 19 (Senci)
Phone number: +62-21 7278 1608
Fax: +62-21 7278 1602
They also recently opened in the Breeze in BSD, Tangerang. See more information here: Q Billiard Jakarta.
Gedung Sarinah Lt. 2
Jl.MH Thamrin No. 11 - Jakarta Pusat
Telp.021 - 39832047 Fax. 021 - 39832048
afterhour@afterhour.co.id
And the Afterhour in Lebak Bulus:
Annex Building, Poins Square
Lebak Bulus
South Jakarta
Phone: +6221 75909116
There are also newer branches in Sunter and PIK.
Went to Jaksa Pool last night, a large, air-con place, opposite Memories Cafe, and can certainly recommend it....it's cool, comfortable, with big sofa and arm-charis, and even has a band playing in the far corner from the bar. Lots of tables, mainly polite Young Indonesians enjoying their games, and you can buy big pitchers of cold beer. Not terribly dear, in line with the whole street's moderate pricing.
ReplyDeleteI even gave it a mention on my blog, Ross's Right Angle, so impressed was I!