E-Plaza Club, Karaoke, Resto (Semarang)
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Jakarta100bars
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Entertainment Plaza or E-Plaza or EP is one of the best venues for nightlife in Semarang. It is modern and exclusive, similar to Babyface and Liquid . E-Plaza is a one-stop entertainment complex with several outlets: a live music lounge/nightclub, a karaoke called 7KTV, a cinema and a restaurant. It is conveniently located on Simpang Lima, in the city center, and all taxis will know how to take you there. Beware the entrance is a bit dodgy.
Liquid is one of the best nightclubs in Semarang. It is located in the city center, next to Happy Puppy karaoke and therefore quite easy to visit. Most of the crowd is masculine but you also have a few girls who seemed normal (they are accompanying other guys though). The music is EDM, hip hop or house, with special events almost weekly. Events are usually guest DJs from Jakarta, sexy dancers, live bands or singers.
Spiegel is one of the best cafés/bars/bistros to visit in Semarang if you are a tourist looking for a European/Colonial atmosphere. It is housed in a recently renovated Dutch building in the middle of the old town. You also have a rooftop with a nice view of Semarang. It is perfect for a drink/cocktail after visiting the city. I didn't tried the food. From what I was told the Chef is Scottish. They serve comfort food (pizza, burgers, sandwiches) and Mexican dishes.
A to Z Bar is one of the trendiest hangout venues in Semarang at the moment. It is on the hills of Southern Semarang, with a good view on the city. They serve all the most famous Western dishes with prices similar to what you would pay in Jakarta. For a 2 course meal without drinks, the final bill should be around Rp200,000 (more if you take beef). They have a wide choice of spirits, beers and wines, currently unmatched in Semarang. It is a great spot to bring a date you would want to impress.
The Tavern is one of the most Westernized restaurants/bars in Semarang. Contrary to what the name might indicate, it isn't an old-style expat bar but a modern venue catering mostly to rich locals. On weekends, they might have DJs or live bands playing quite loud music. If you are used to eating good Western food, you'll probably be disappointed in the Tavern. My recommendation is to go there for a drink only and to enjoy the view from their "Malbec" rooftop bar. Overall : Trendy hangout spot in Semarang. Rather expensive. New and clean. Good view. The Tavern "GastroPub" and Malbec Rooftop Bar Semarang Jalan Rinjani no 1 - Semarang 50232 Phone number: 024-8503099 Email: mail@tavern.id
A friend recommended me to visit On On Pub in Semarang, which he described as one of the happenings nightspots in the city with Sakapatat. I must not have been very lucky because it was almost empty when I was there, on a Saturday night at midnight. Maybe it was too late... Maybe they aren't as popular as they used to be... The place seemed ok if you are hoping to talk to a few foreigners while having a western meal and a beer. You have quiet music and if you are lucky, you may find a group of girls alone.
Sakapatat is a cool beer garden located in South Semarang next to Fave Hotel Diponegoro. From all the bars and pubs I have been to in the city, this one was my favourite because of the easy-going and young atmosphere. The service is a bit slow and the food average, but it didn't bother me so much. It's a beer garden after all... The prices are rather low, between Rp30k net and Rp100k net for a meal and Rp33k net for a draught beer (Bintang). They also serve several imported beers. You can check their full menu on their website below.