The Back Room Jakarta Review: Colonial Charm Meets Modern Cocktails (But It's Not Actually A Nightclub)

When you walk into The Back Room at Pullman Jakarta Indonesia, you're stepping into something quite different from what you might expect from a traditional nightclub. Located in the heart of Jakarta's Thamrin business district, this sophisticated lounge bar channels the elegance of a colonial-era gentleman's club rather than the high-energy atmosphere of a dance floor. Our team spent five visits over three weeks exploring this upscale watering hole, speaking with over 25 guests during our research, and we discovered a venue that's carving out its own unique niche in Jakarta's competitive nightlife landscape.

Important Note: Before we dive into this review, we need to be completely transparent with you. The Back Room is NOT a nightclub in the traditional sense. There's no DJ booth, no dance floor, no pulsing bass that shakes your chest. This is an upscale lounge and cocktail bar that offers live jazz music on Tuesday evenings, handcrafted drinks, and a refined atmosphere perfect for conversations over cocktails. We're reviewing it using our nightclub framework because it was requested, but many categories simply don't apply to this type of venue. Keep that in mind as you read through our assessment.

Introduction: Getting to The Back Room Jakarta

The Back Room sits on the ground floor of the Pullman Jakarta Indonesia, one of the city's most established five-star hotels in the Thamrin Central Business District. This is Jakarta's beating commercial heart, surrounded by towering office buildings, luxury shopping malls, and the iconic Bundaran HI (Hotel Indonesia Roundabout).

Getting here is straightforward. The hotel is located right on Jalan M.H. Thamrin, one of Jakarta's main arteries, making it accessible from most parts of the city. During our visits, we found that travel times varied dramatically depending on Jakarta's notorious traffic. From South Jakarta areas like Kebayoran Baru, expect 25-40 minutes in moderate traffic, potentially over an hour during rush hour. From Kelapa Gading in North Jakarta, plan for 35-50 minutes.

The real advantage of this location is its proximity to major landmarks. You're literally across the street from Plaza Indonesia and Grand Indonesia shopping malls, a 10-minute walk from the Monas (National Monument), and within easy reach of the nearby MRT station at Bundaran HI.

Where is The Back Room Jakarta? Pullman Jakarta Indonesia Jalan M.H. Thamrin Kav. 59 Gondangdia, Menteng Jakarta Pusat 10350

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Midnight) Live Jazz Music: Every Tuesday, 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Dress Code: Smart casual. While we didn't observe strict enforcement during our visits, this is a five-star hotel establishment. Men should wear collared shirts and closed-toe shoes. Women have more flexibility but keep it classy. During our Tuesday visit, we noticed guests dressed more formally for the jazz evening.

Overall Score: ⭐⭐☆⭐☆☆

2.9 out of 5 stars (49%)

Based on 17 categories evaluated across 5 visits by our review team

Quick Verdict: The Back Room is an excellent upscale lounge bar with impeccable service and quality cocktails, but it fundamentally isn't a nightclub and scores poorly when evaluated against nightclub criteria. If you're looking for a sophisticated spot for business drinks or a quiet evening with friends, it's wonderful. If you're looking to dance, party, or experience nightclub energy, look elsewhere entirely.

What Makes The Back Room Special?

The Back Room positions itself as "the modern and elegant reincarnation of a traditional colonial club," and that description is spot-on. When you step inside, you're enveloped by an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time to Jakarta's Dutch colonial era, but with contemporary comfort and style.

The interior design centers around rich smoked-teak wood paneling that gives the space warmth and gravitas. Deep leather armchairs and plush contemporary seating invite you to sink in and stay awhile. The lighting is deliberately subdued, creating an intimate ambiance that encourages conversation rather than Instagram selfies.

During our Tuesday evening visit, the live jazz trio set up in the corner added a wonderful soundtrack to the evening. The acoustics are designed for this kind of performance, allowing the music to fill the space without overwhelming conversation at your table.

One unique feature we appreciated is the venue's extensive whisky collection. The back bar showcases bottles from around the world, from Scottish single malts to Japanese whiskeys, American bourbons to rare limited editions. For spirit enthusiasts, this is genuinely impressive. The bar also maintains a small cigar humidor for guests who want to pair their drink with a premium cigar in the designated smoking area.

The venue operates more like a hotel lobby bar than a standalone nightlife destination, which makes perfect sense given its location. It's designed for hotel guests who want a nightcap, business professionals wrapping up meetings over drinks, couples enjoying a quiet evening, and small groups of friends catching up in comfortable surroundings.

Our Review Breakdown for The Back Room Jakarta

Our team approached this review with our standard methodology, though we quickly realized we were evaluating a square peg in a round hole. Nevertheless, we committed to a thorough assessment:

We conducted five visits over a three-week period in December 2024 and early January 2025. Our visits included:

• Two weeknight visits (Monday and Wednesday)
• One Tuesday evening to experience the live jazz
• Two weekend visits (Friday and Saturday)
• Visit times ranged from early evening (6:30 PM) to late night (11:00 PM)

Three members of our review team participated, each visiting at least twice. During our time at The Back Room, we spoke with approximately 25-30 other guests, including hotel visitors, local professionals, expat couples, and international tourists. We also engaged extensively with the bar staff and management to understand their concept and offerings.

Pre-Club Advertising ⭐⭐☆☆☆

The Back Room's marketing presence is minimal, which immediately handicapped our assessment in this category. The venue relies almost entirely on foot traffic from hotel guests and the Pullman Jakarta Indonesia's general marketing efforts.

Their Instagram presence exists under the hotel's main account (@pullmanjakartaindo), where The Back Room occasionally features in posts, but there's no dedicated social media identity for the bar. When we searched for information before our first visit, we found limited content, a few posts on the hotel's feed, and mentions in general Jakarta bar round-up articles.

There's no standalone website for The Back Room. If you want information, you need to navigate to the Pullman Jakarta website and dig through their dining and bar section. This makes it difficult for tourists planning their trips to discover this venue unless they're already staying at the hotel.

The venue appears on booking platforms like Chope, which is helpful for reservations, but even there, the listing feels more functional than promotional. We found promotional flyers for special events like Lunar New Year cocktails and Valentine's specials, but these are reactive rather than proactive marketing.

From a pure advertising perspective, if The Back Room were trying to compete with standalone nightlife venues, they'd be in serious trouble. However, as a hotel amenity that also welcomes walk-ins, this low-key approach might be intentional. Still, we believe they're missing opportunities to attract the Jakarta cocktail enthusiast crowd who would genuinely appreciate what they offer.

Rating: 2/5

Location ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Location-wise, The Back Room hits a home run, and this is one category where the venue genuinely excels. Thamrin is Jakarta's premium address, the CBD where business happens and luxury brands cluster.

The immediate surroundings are impressive. Step outside the hotel, and you're facing Plaza Indonesia and Grand Indonesia, two of Jakarta's most upscale shopping destinations. The Dancing Fountain show at Bundaran HI is a short walk away. The MRT station provides easy access for those using public transport, a genuine convenience in traffic-choked Jakarta.

For international visitors staying in nearby hotels (The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Hyatt, Shangri-La), The Back Room is an easy 5-10 minute Grab ride. The area feels safe at night, with plenty of security, well-lit streets, and constant activity even after dark.

The only downside is parking, which can be challenging during peak hours. The hotel has valet service and parking facilities, but during our Friday evening visit, we waited about 15 minutes to retrieve our car. For ride-share users, pickup and drop-off at the hotel entrance is seamless.

One team member who visited from South Jakarta mentioned the journey took 65 minutes on a Thursday evening due to traffic, which is the reality of Jakarta life. However, you can't fault the venue's location itself, which is genuinely premium and central.

Rating: 5/5

Booking Process and Seating Options ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Booking at The Back Room is straightforward but not particularly sophisticated. During our research phase, we tested three booking methods:

Via Chope: The easiest method. The platform shows available time slots, allows you to specify party size, and confirms immediately. We used this for our Tuesday jazz night visit and received confirmation within minutes, followed by a WhatsApp reminder the day before.

Via WhatsApp: Direct contact with the bar (+62 815 8532 4617) was responsive. We sent a message on Monday afternoon requesting a table for Wednesday evening. Response came within two hours, confirming our reservation. The staff member was polite and professional.

Walk-in: On three of our five visits, we arrived without reservations. During weeknights, this was no problem; we were seated immediately. On our Saturday visit at 8:30 PM, the venue was busier, and we waited about 10 minutes for a suitable table.

The seating options are limited but well-designed. The venue isn't large, with capacity for roughly 40-50 guests. You have your choice of high bar stools at the bar counter (our favorite for chatting with the bartenders), low armchairs around cocktail tables, or plush booth-style seating along the walls. There are no VIP sections, no bottle service tables, no dance floor areas, because this isn't that kind of venue.

The booking process loses a star because there's no online reservation system on the hotel website itself. For a five-star establishment in 2025, having to use a third-party platform or WhatsApp feels slightly behind the curve. We'd love to see a dedicated reservation page with a visual layout of seating options.

Rating: 4/5

Entrance Fee, Cover, and Entry Process ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

There is absolutely no entrance fee or cover charge at The Back Room, which is exactly as it should be for a hotel bar. You can walk in, order a single beer, and leave without any pressure or minimum consumption requirements.

The entry process is smooth and professional. If you're entering through the main hotel lobby (which you will be), you'll pass through hotel security first. This involves a quick bag check and metal detector scan, standard procedure for five-star Jakarta hotels post-various security incidents.

Once through hotel security, the path to The Back Room is clearly signed. The bar is on the ground floor, just off the main lobby. During our visits, we were warmly greeted by bar staff as soon as we appeared at the entrance. No ropes, no velvet barriers, no clipboard-wielding door staff deciding if you're worthy of entry.

The dress code isn't aggressively enforced. During our observations, we saw guests in everything from business suits to smart casual wear. One couple arrived in jeans and nice shirts and were seated without issue. That said, this is a premium establishment, so showing up in flip-flops and tank tops would likely be frowned upon.

From a nightclub perspective, this simplicity is wonderful. There's no stress, no status games, just straightforward hospitality.

Rating: 5/5

Minimum Spend ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

There is no minimum spend requirement at The Back Room. During our visits, we observed guests nursing a single cocktail for over an hour without any pressure from staff. This is refreshing and speaks to the venue's confidence in their offering and their respect for guests' autonomy.

However, it's worth noting that given the pricing structure (which we'll discuss shortly), spending less than IDR 200,000-300,000 per person for a meaningful visit is difficult unless you're having one drink and leaving.

For nightclub standards, where minimum spends of IDR 1,000,000-3,000,000 per table are common, this earns full marks. But remember, this isn't a nightclub competing for limited prime tables. It's a hotel bar where the business model doesn't require forcing consumption.

Rating: 5/5

Menu and Drinks Pricing ⭐⭐☆☆☆

Here's where The Back Room's five-star hotel positioning really shows, and not in a good way for value-conscious visitors. The pricing is steep, significantly above standalone bars in Jakarta, though in line with other five-star hotel establishments.

During our visits, we documented the following prices (all prices ++ meaning subject to 21% tax and service charge):

Cocktails: IDR 150,000-200,000++ After tax and service, you're paying IDR 181,500-242,000 (approximately USD 11-15) per cocktail.

Beer: IDR 95,000-125,000++ Domestic beer (Bintang, Anker) around IDR 95,000, imported beers up to IDR 125,000. After tax, expect IDR 115,000-151,000 per bottle.

Wine by the Glass: IDR 120,000-180,000++

Spirits (Single Pour): IDR 120,000-250,000++ depending on label Premium whiskeys and rare spirits significantly higher.

Mocktails: IDR 100,000-150,000++

Food Items: IDR 120,000-250,000++ We tried the Grilled Octopus with Smoked Garlic Cream (IDR 150,000++), which was excellent but small.

One guest we spoke with, an Australian businessman visiting Jakarta, was visibly shocked when his bill for two beers came to nearly 300,000 IDR. He mentioned that the same beers would cost less in Sydney, which is saying something.

To put this in context: at nearby standalone bars in the Thamrin area, cocktails typically run IDR 100,000-120,000++. At Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak, cocktails are around IDR 155,000++. The Back Room's pricing puts it at premium hotel rates, which it is, but it limits appeal to anyone on a budget.

For our team, the value proposition doesn't quite add up. Yes, the drinks are well-crafted and the setting is lovely, but the 40-50% premium over comparable Jakarta cocktail bars feels excessive for what you receive.

Rating: 2/5

Welcome and Security ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The welcome at The Back Room is genuinely excellent, exactly what you'd expect from a Pullman-branded five-star property. From the moment you enter the hotel, staff members greet you with warm smiles and offer assistance if you look even slightly uncertain about where you're going.

The bar staff themselves are outstanding. We were consistently impressed by their professionalism, warmth, and attentiveness. One standout moment during our Wednesday visit: our server, Ajeng, noticed one team member browsing the whisky list and offered a complimentary tasting of two malts to help them decide. This kind of thoughtful service elevates the experience significantly.

Security is handled at the hotel level, which means proper bag checks and metal detector screening for everyone entering the building. We appreciate this approach. Yes, it adds 30-60 seconds to your entry process, but in Jakarta's current security climate, it's reassuring.

Inside the bar itself, the security presence is invisible but effective. We never felt unsafe or uncomfortable. The clientele tends to be mature professionals and hotel guests, which creates a self-regulating atmosphere of respectful behavior.

During our Saturday evening visit, we observed bar staff diplomatically handling a slightly intoxicated guest who was speaking too loudly. The situation was managed with such professionalism and discretion that most patrons didn't even notice.

Rating: 5/5

Inclusions ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

This category is tricky for a hotel bar that isn't operating on a minimum spend or cover charge model. Essentially, there are no "inclusions" in the nightclub sense. You pay for what you order, period.

However, the bar does provide some nice touches:

• Complimentary nuts or small snacks at your table (usually roasted peanuts or crackers)
• Access to hotel facilities like restrooms and changing areas
• Coat check service (though rarely needed in Jakarta's climate)
• Complimentary water service throughout your visit

What's missing that we'd love to see:

• No loyalty program or regular guest benefits
• No happy hour or promotional drink specials (at least none we observed)
• No complimentary welcome drink or amuse-bouche
• No special perks for hotel guests versus walk-ins

For a venue charging premium prices, we feel there's room for more generosity with small touches that would enhance the value perception. Even something as simple as a complimentary bar snack with your second drink would help.

Rating: 3/5

Service ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Service is unquestionably The Back Room's strongest suit, and this is where the five-star hotel DNA really shines through. Every interaction we had with staff members, across all five visits, was marked by professionalism, warmth, and genuine hospitality.

The bartenders are clearly trained mixologists, not just drink pourers. During our visits, we observed them crafting cocktails with precision and care. When we asked about specific ingredients or preparation methods, they could explain in detail. One bartender, when asked about the Negroni 59 (a house specialty), walked us through the choice of gin, the specific vermouth ratio, and why they use a particular orange garnish.

Server attentiveness was excellent. We were never left waiting for attention, but also never felt rushed or pressured. Drink refills were offered at appropriate times. Empty glasses were cleared promptly. When we had questions about the food menu or wanted recommendations, staff could provide informed suggestions.

One memorable moment: during our Tuesday jazz night visit, our server noticed we were particularly enjoying the music and brought over a small card with the trio's name and social media information so we could follow them. This kind of thoughtful, personalized service doesn't come from a manual; it comes from genuine hospitality culture.

We also tested service during busy periods. On our Saturday evening visit, the bar was close to capacity, and yet our service didn't noticeably decline. Orders still came promptly, staff remained friendly and unhurried, and the quality of attention never wavered.

The one minor critique: on our Friday visit, there was a 10-minute gap between receiving our drinks and being asked if we'd like to order food. Not a major issue, but a slight timing hiccup in an otherwise flawless service performance.

Rating: 5/5

Entertainment ⭐⭐☆☆☆

This is where the disconnect between nightclub expectations and lounge bar reality becomes most apparent. The Back Room offers extremely limited entertainment, and what's there isn't the nightclub variety.

Live Jazz (Tuesdays, 8-11 PM): This is the venue's main entertainment offering. During our Tuesday visit, a three-piece jazz trio performed a mix of standards and contemporary jazz arrangements. The quality was genuinely good, professional musicians who clearly know their craft. The music volume was perfect for a lounge setting: audible and enjoyable, but not so loud you couldn't have a conversation.

We spoke with several other guests that evening, and opinions were mixed. Couples and older professionals loved it. A group of younger guests (mid-20s) seemed somewhat bored, checking their phones frequently. The jazz night attracts a specific demographic, and if that's not your scene, it won't convert you.

Background Music (All Other Nights): On non-jazz nights, the venue plays curated background music through speakers. Think sophisticated playlists: light electronic, downtempo, some classic soul and R&B. Volume is kept deliberately low. It's pleasant but forgettable, exactly what background music should be.

What's NOT Here:

• No DJs (live or otherwise)
• No dance floor
• No live bands beyond the Tuesday jazz
• No comedy nights, quiz nights, or special entertainment programming
• No sports screens
• No pool tables, darts, or other games

From a nightclub entertainment perspective, this scores very low. There's nothing to get you dancing, no energy to build the night into a party. But judged as a cocktail lounge, the lack of aggressive entertainment is actually a feature, not a bug.

Rating: 2/5 (for nightclub criteria) / 4/5 (if judged as a lounge bar)

Food and Drink Quality ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Despite our issues with pricing, we cannot fault the quality of what The Back Room serves. This is genuinely excellent food and expertly crafted cocktails.

Cocktails: We sampled approximately 15 different cocktails across our visits. Highlights included:

Negroni 59 - Their signature take on the classic, perfectly balanced, properly stirred, with a thick orange peel expressing oils over the glass. Exactly what a Negroni should be.

Backroom Manhattan - Rich, smooth, with quality whiskey and the right vermouth ratio. Garnished with a brandied cherry that was actually good, not the chemical-tasting maraschino rubbish you get at lesser establishments.

Dirty Star - A creative house cocktail featuring gin, elderflower, and yuzu. Beautifully presented, perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.

The bartenders clearly understand their craft. Ice is proper large-format cubes, not the small rapidly-melting kind. Glassware is appropriate to each drink. Garnishes are fresh and purposeful, not just decorative afterthoughts.

We also tried their Lunar New Year special, the Fortune Fizz (IDR 200,000++), featuring Chinese Meng Zhi Lan liquor. Interesting and well-executed, though perhaps an acquired taste for those unfamiliar with Chinese spirits.

Food: The food menu is limited but well-executed. We tried:

Grilled Octopus with Smoked Garlic Cream (IDR 150,000++) - Tender, properly charred, with a luxurious sauce. Portion was modest but satisfying.

Ayam Goreng - Indonesian fried chicken, crispy and flavorful.

Sate Ayam - Chicken satay, authentic flavors, well-prepared.

Quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, beautiful presentation. If only the portions were larger to match the prices.

Rating: 5/5

Sound Quality and Music Genre ⭐⭐☆☆☆

The Back Room's sound setup is designed for a lounge environment, not a nightclub experience, and this is immediately apparent.

Sound System Quality: The venue uses a distributed speaker system designed to provide even coverage at conversational volume levels. Sound quality is clean and clear, but there's no powerful bass response, no chest-thumping low end, none of the impact you'd expect from a nightclub system. This is entirely appropriate for the venue type but scores poorly against nightclub standards.

Music Genre: As mentioned in the Entertainment section, you're getting background music most nights and live jazz on Tuesdays. The curated playlists lean heavily into:

• Downtempo electronic
• Nu-jazz and acid jazz
• Soul classics
• Sophisticated pop covers
• Light house music

It's all tasteful, appropriate for the setting, and would be ruined if it were any louder or more aggressive.

Volume Levels: Music volume is kept deliberately low, probably 60-70 dB at most listening positions. You can hold a normal conversation without raising your voice, which is the entire point. But if you're looking for music that energizes a room and gets people moving, this isn't it.

From a nightclub perspective, where we expect powerful sound systems, skillful DJs, and music that drives the energy of the room, The Back Room fails completely. But again, that's not what they're trying to do.

Rating: 2/5 (for nightclub criteria) / 4/5 (for lounge bar criteria)

Ambiance and Crowd ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

The ambiance at The Back Room is arguably its second-strongest attribute after service. The colonial club aesthetic is executed beautifully, creating a space that feels both historic and contemporary.

Interior Design: The smoked-teak wood paneling is gorgeous, giving the space warmth and character. The plush leather armchairs are genuinely comfortable; you can sink into them for hours. Lighting is dim but not dark, creating intimate pockets of space while maintaining enough visibility to read the menu comfortably. Small table lamps at each seating area add to the classic club atmosphere.

The bar itself is an attractive feature, with the backlit bottles creating visual interest. During our visits, watching the bartenders work became part of the evening's entertainment.

Crowd Demographics: The crowd we observed across our five visits was predominantly:

• 30-55 age range
• Mix of local professionals and expats
• Hotel guests (both business and leisure travelers)
• Couples on date nights
• Small groups of colleagues after work
• A few solo travelers sitting at the bar

On Tuesday jazz night, the demographic skewed slightly older and more sophisticated. Weekend evenings brought younger couples and small friend groups, but still no one in the typical nightclub 21-28 party crowd.

Atmosphere: The vibe is decidedly mature and relaxed. Conversations happen at normal volume. People nurse their drinks slowly. There's no frenetic energy, no sense of the night building toward something wild. It's peaceful in the best possible way.

One couple we spoke with, celebrating their anniversary, described it perfectly: "This is where you come when you want to feel like a grown-up."

Capacity and Crowding: The venue holds maybe 40-50 people comfortably, and we never saw it completely full. Even on Saturday evening, when it was busiest, there were still available seats, and the space never felt cramped or overly crowded.

The only reason this doesn't get 5 stars is that for those seeking nightclub energy, crowd excitement, or social electricity, it's not here. The ambiance is wonderful for what it is, but it's emphatically not a party atmosphere.

Rating: 4/5

Payment Options ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Payment at The Back Room is straightforward and offers most options you'd expect from a five-star hotel establishment.

Accepted Payment Methods:

• Cash (IDR) - Accepted without issue
• Credit Cards - All major cards accepted (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX)
• Debit Cards - Local Indonesian debit cards accepted
• Hotel Room Charge - Available for hotel guests

What's Missing: During our visits, we didn't see clear signage for QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard), Indonesia's ubiquitous mobile payment system. When we specifically asked about QRIS at the bar, staff confirmed they could process it, but it wasn't prominently advertised. For a venue in 2025 Jakarta, this feels like an oversight.

Bill Settlement: The bill presentation and payment process is smooth and professional. Your bill arrives in a leather folder, clearly itemized, with tax and service charge broken out separately. No surprise additions, no unexplained charges, everything transparent.

One nice touch: on our Tuesday visit, our server asked if we'd like to settle the bill at our table or at the bar, giving us flexibility in how we wanted to wrap up the evening.

Processing time for card payments was quick, never more than 2-3 minutes. Tips can be added to card payments or left in cash.

The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is simply the lack of prominent QRIS signage and options. For Jakarta locals and expats, QRIS is increasingly the preferred payment method, and The Back Room should be making this more obvious and accessible.

Rating: 4/5

Exit Process ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Leaving The Back Room is as smooth as entering. The venue is small enough that navigation is never an issue; you simply retrace your steps through the hotel lobby.

Staff members provide warm farewells as you leave, often thanking you by name if they've remembered it from your reservation. During our visits, we were consistently wished a pleasant evening and invited to return.

The hotel lobby remains well-lit and staffed even late at night, so you never feel like you're wandering through an empty building. Signs clearly indicate exits to the street where you can catch Grab or Gojek rides.

If you've parked at the hotel, the valet service retrieves your vehicle efficiently. On our Friday evening departure around 11:30 PM, our car was ready within 5 minutes of requesting it.

Security staff at the hotel exit are friendly and professional, wishing guests good night as they leave. It's a small touch, but it contributes to the overall sense of being well looked after.

The only minor consideration: Jakarta traffic means your journey home might take significantly longer than expected, but that's not the venue's fault.

Rating: 5/5

Social Media ⭐⭐☆☆☆

The Back Room's social media presence is weak, which is surprising for a venue with this much going for it.

Instagram: The Back Room doesn't have its own dedicated Instagram account. Instead, it appears occasionally on the Pullman Jakarta Indonesia's main account (@pullmanjakartaindo), which has approximately 22,000 followers. When The Back Room is featured, the content is typically professional photography of cocktails, the space, or promotional materials for special events.

The posting frequency about The Back Room specifically is low, maybe once every two weeks. Content tends toward corporate and promotional rather than capturing the atmosphere and vibe that would attract walk-in guests.

Other Platforms: We couldn't find dedicated Facebook, TikTok, or other social media accounts for The Back Room. The hotel's general accounts include it, but there's no independent identity.

Engagement: Post engagement on the hotel account is moderate, with most Bar-specific posts receiving 50-150 likes and a handful of comments. This is okay but not impressive for a venue in Jakarta's competitive F&B scene.

Responsiveness: When we sent a DM to the hotel Instagram account asking about The Back Room, we received a response within 24 hours directing us to make reservations via WhatsApp. Professional but not particularly engaging.

What's Missing: There's enormous potential being wasted here. The venue is photogenic, the cocktails are beautiful, the jazz nights are Instagram-worthy, but there's no dedicated content strategy capturing this. We'd love to see:

• Behind-the-bar cocktail creation videos
• Jazz night highlights
• Bartender interviews
• Cocktail recipe shares
• Guest testimonials

For a venue trying to attract walk-in traffic beyond hotel guests, this social media presence is inadequate. It works if you're primarily relying on hotel guest traffic, but it's a missed opportunity to build a following among Jakarta's cocktail enthusiasts.

Rating: 2/5

Transportation ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Transportation to and from The Back Room is as good as it gets in Jakarta, thanks to the central Thamrin location.

Ride-Share (Grab/Gojek): This is the easiest option and what we used for most visits. Grab and Gojek have excellent coverage in the Thamrin area, and pickup at the Pullman Jakarta is straightforward. During our visits, wait times for pickup ranged from 2-5 minutes. Drop-off is directly at the hotel entrance.

The only consideration is Jakarta traffic, which can make journey times unpredictable. Our fastest trip (from Kuningan at 10 PM on Wednesday) took 18 minutes. Our longest (from South Jakarta on Friday evening) took over an hour.

MRT/Public Transport: The Bundaran HI MRT station is approximately 7-10 minutes walk from the hotel, making this a genuinely viable option for those comfortable using Jakarta's public transport. The MRT is clean, efficient, and increasingly popular with locals and expats.

Taxi: Traditional taxis (Bluebird, etc.) can pick up from the hotel without issue. No taxi mafia problems in this part of town.

Parking: The hotel offers valet parking service for a fee (IDR 25,000 for a few hours, more for extended stays). During our visits, parking availability was never an issue, though retrieval times varied from 5-15 minutes depending on how busy the hotel was.

Walking: If you're staying at nearby hotels (The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Hyatt, Shangri-La Jakarta), The Back Room is walkable in 10-20 minutes. The area is well-lit and feels safe for evening walks, though pavements in Jakarta can be challenging.

The central location truly is a major advantage. You're rarely more than a 20-30 minute Grab ride from most of Jakarta's main districts (in moderate traffic), and the accessibility via multiple transport modes makes getting here easy.

Rating: 5/5

Other and General Comments

What Worked Brilliantly:

• Exceptional service that makes you feel genuinely valued as a guest
• High-quality cocktails that justify calling this a premium establishment
• Beautiful, comfortable space that's perfect for conversation
• Central location with easy access and multiple transport options
• No cover charge or minimum spend pressure
• Professional, mature atmosphere
• Live jazz on Tuesdays for those who appreciate it

What Needs Improvement:

• Pricing is excessive, even by Jakarta five-star hotel standards
• Social media presence is basically non-existent
• No happy hour or promotional pricing to attract regular guests
• Limited entertainment beyond Tuesday jazz nights
• Small food portions don't match premium prices
• QRIS payment option not clearly advertised
• No dedicated reservation system on hotel website

Our Pro Tips from 5 Visits:

1. Visit on Tuesday for Jazz Night - This is when The Back Room comes most alive. Book ahead via Chope or WhatsApp, and arrive around 8 PM to settle in before the music starts. The atmosphere is completely different from other nights.

2. Sit at the Bar - Our favorite seats were at the bar counter, where you can watch the bartenders work their craft and chat with them about spirits, cocktails, and their recommendations. They're genuinely knowledgeable and happy to share.

3. Ask for the Whisky Menu - If you're a whisky enthusiast, specifically request their whisky list. They have bottles that aren't listed on the regular menu, including some rare Japanese and Scottish malts worth trying.

4. Skip Rush Hour - Jakarta traffic is brutal. If you're coming from South Jakarta or other distant areas, avoid leaving between 4-7 PM on weekdays. You'll spend more time in traffic than at the bar.

5. Try the Signature Cocktails - The Negroni 59 and Backroom Manhattan are excellent. Don't default to simple orders; let the bartenders showcase what they can do.

6. Combine with Nearby Activities - The Back Room works perfectly as a pre-dinner drink spot before heading to nearby restaurants in Plaza Indonesia or Grand Indonesia, or as a post-dinner nightcap if you've eaten elsewhere in Thamrin.

7. Request Tastings - The staff are generous with tastings if you're undecided about spirits. We were offered complimentary whisky tastings to help with selection. Just ask politely.

8. Bring Business Cards - This is very much a networking-friendly environment. We observed several business meetings happening over drinks. It's appropriate to mix business with pleasure here.

9. Don't Expect a Party - This cannot be stressed enough. If you want to dance, want DJ music, want nightclub energy, go literally anywhere else. This is a sophisticated lounge for conversation and cocktails.

10. Consider It for Hotel Guests - If you're staying at Pullman Jakarta, The Back Room is convenient for a nightcap without leaving the hotel. For walk-in guests paying these prices, consider whether the ambiance is worth the premium over standalone bars.

Our Overall Opinion of The Back Room Jakarta

After evaluating The Back Room across 17 categories over 5 visits, we awarded it an overall score of 2.9/5 stars (49%), which places it in challenging territory when judged against nightclub criteria. However, this score is fundamentally misleading because we're applying nightclub standards to a venue that isn't, has never claimed to be, and doesn't want to be a nightclub.

Let's be completely honest: if you arrive at The Back Room expecting a nightclub experience, you will be disappointed. There's no dance floor, no DJ, no pulsing bass, no party energy. Evaluating it against these criteria feels unfair, like criticizing a fine dining restaurant for not serving fast food.

But here's what The Back Room actually is: an excellent upscale cocktail lounge that does what it does exceptionally well. The service is impeccable across every visit. The cocktails are genuinely world-class, crafted by skilled bartenders who understand their craft. The ambiance creates a perfect environment for conversation, business meetings, romantic dates, or simply unwinding after a long day in Jakarta's chaos.

The colonial club aesthetic is executed beautifully, transporting you to a different era while maintaining contemporary comfort. The live jazz on Tuesday evenings adds cultural value that you don't find at most Jakarta bars. The central Thamrin location makes it accessible from anywhere in the city.

Our biggest grievance is the pricing. At IDR 181,500-242,000 per cocktail after taxes, The Back Room charges 40-50% more than comparable standalone cocktail bars in Jakarta. Yes, you're paying for the five-star hotel setting, the exceptional service, and the premium location. But the value proposition feels stretched, particularly when food portions are modest and there are no happy hours, loyalty programs, or other ways to make regular visits more accessible.

The weak social media presence is baffling. This is a beautiful venue serving gorgeous cocktails in a photogenic space, yet there's no dedicated Instagram account, no content strategy, no community building. For a venue that could attract Jakarta's growing cocktail enthusiast community, this represents a significant missed opportunity.

Where The Back Room excels is in creating exactly what it sets out to be: a grown-up space for people who want to enjoy expertly crafted drinks in a sophisticated environment without the noise, crowds, and chaos of typical nightlife venues. The crowd we observed across multiple visits was consistently mature, professional, and looking for exactly this kind of experience.

We spoke with Marcus and Sophie, a British couple staying at the hotel, who summed it up perfectly: "After dealing with Jakarta's traffic and business meetings all day, this is exactly what we need. Somewhere quiet, comfortable, where the drinks are proper and we can actually hear each other talk." For them, The Back Room was perfect.

Conversely, we chatted with a group of four friends in their mid-20s on our Saturday visit who seemed restless after 45 minutes. "It's nice, but it's a bit too chill for us," one mentioned. "We're probably going to head to SKYE or Dragonfly after this for something more lively." They represent the demographic for whom The Back Room simply isn't designed.

Would we go back?

Yes, but with specific purposes in mind. For business drinks with colleagues or clients, absolutely. For a sophisticated date night where conversation is paramount, yes. For a nightcap after dinner in the area, certainly. For our regular Friday night out with friends looking to party, absolutely not.

The Back Room serves a specific niche in Jakarta's nightlife ecosystem, and it serves that niche well. Our frustration comes from evaluating it against nightclub criteria it was never meant to meet.

Who is The Back Room perfect for?

• Business professionals looking for a quiet space for meetings over drinks
• Couples seeking a romantic, conversation-friendly date spot
• Hotel guests wanting a convenient, quality nightcap without leaving the property
• Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate craft bartending and premium spirits
• Jazz lovers visiting on Tuesday evenings
• Anyone seeking refuge from Jakarta's typical loud, crowded nightlife scene
• Mature guests (35+) who value sophistication over party energy

Who might want to skip The Back Room?

• Anyone looking for a traditional nightclub with DJs and dancing
• Budget-conscious visitors (you'll spend IDR 500,000-750,000+ per person)
• Groups wanting party energy and high-energy socializing
• Those seeking live entertainment beyond occasional jazz
• Instagram influencers looking for their next viral venue (weak social presence)
• Anyone under 25 looking for a scene that matches their energy level

FAQs About The Back Room Jakarta

Is The Back Room Jakarta actually a nightclub?

No, and this is crucial to understand before visiting. The Back Room is an upscale cocktail lounge and bar located in the Pullman Jakarta Indonesia hotel. There is no dance floor, no DJ booth, no nightclub-style entertainment. It's designed for sophisticated conversation over premium cocktails, not for dancing and partying. If you're looking for a nightclub experience in Jakarta, consider venues like The H Club, Zodiac, Colosseum, or Dragonfly instead.

What's the dress code at The Back Room?

Smart casual is the standard, though enforcement isn't particularly strict. Men should wear collared shirts and closed-toe shoes; polo shirts and nice jeans are acceptable. Women have more flexibility but keep it classy and sophisticated. During our visits, we saw business suits, smart casual wear, and even nice jeans with shirts. On Tuesday jazz nights, guests tend to dress slightly more formally. Avoid flip-flops, tank tops, shorts, or overly casual beachwear.

How much should I budget for an evening at The Back Room?

Budget IDR 500,000-750,000 per person for a meaningful evening including 2-3 drinks and perhaps some food. Cocktails cost IDR 181,500-242,000 after taxes. Beers run IDR 115,000-151,000. Food items range from IDR 145,000-302,500. The pricing is at five-star hotel levels, significantly above standalone Jakarta bars. There's no minimum spend or cover charge, so you could visit for less, but given the pricing structure, spending under IDR 300,000 per person is difficult unless you're having one drink and leaving.

What type of music do they play?

On Tuesday evenings (8-11 PM), The Back Room features live jazz performed by a professional three-piece trio. The music quality is excellent if you appreciate jazz standards and contemporary jazz arrangements. On all other nights, expect curated background music: downtempo electronic, light house, nu-jazz, soul classics, and sophisticated pop covers. Volume is kept deliberately low to facilitate conversation. This is not a venue where music drives the energy; it's meant as pleasant background ambiance.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations aren't strictly necessary during weeknights, when we walked in without issues on multiple occasions. However, Tuesday jazz nights and weekend evenings (especially Friday and Saturday after 8 PM) can get busier, so booking ahead is recommended. You can reserve via Chope (the easiest method), WhatsApp (+62 815 8532 4617), or by calling the hotel directly. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available.

Is The Back Room good for a date?

Yes, The Back Room is excellent for a sophisticated date, particularly if you and your partner enjoy conversation over high-quality cocktails in a mature atmosphere. The dim lighting, comfortable seating, and low music volume create an intimate environment perfect for getting to know someone or enjoying quality time together. Tuesday jazz nights add romantic ambiance. However, if you're looking for a more energetic, lively date atmosphere, consider other venues. This is for couples who want to talk, not dance.

Can hotel guests use The Back Room?

Absolutely. The Back Room is primarily a hotel amenity that also welcomes outside guests. If you're staying at Pullman Jakarta Indonesia, it's a convenient spot for evening drinks without leaving the property. Hotel guests receive the same service and pay the same prices as walk-in visitors; there are no special discounts or privileges for being a hotel guest, which surprised us slightly.

What are the parking options?

The Pullman Jakarta offers valet parking service. Costs are approximately IDR 25,000 for a few hours (exact pricing may vary). During our visits, parking availability was never an issue, though retrieving your vehicle can take 5-15 minutes depending on how busy the hotel is. Alternatively, using Grab or Gojek is often easier given Jakarta's traffic. The hotel entrance is easily accessible for ride-share pickup and drop-off.

Is The Back Room family-friendly?

Technically, children aren't prohibited, but this is very much an adult-oriented venue. The atmosphere is sophisticated and quiet, designed for grown-up conversation over cocktails. We didn't observe any families with children during any of our five visits. If you're traveling with kids, the hotel has other more appropriate dining venues. We wouldn't recommend bringing children to The Back Room, especially in the evening.

What's the best time to visit?

This depends on what you're looking for. For the full experience with live music, visit on Tuesday between 8-11 PM (book ahead). For a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, weeknights (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) after 7 PM are perfect with smaller crowds. Weekend evenings (Friday and Saturday) bring more guests and a slightly livelier atmosphere, though it never becomes loud or crowded. Avoid arriving during Jakarta rush hour (4-7 PM weekdays) to minimize time stuck in traffic.

Can I smoke at The Back Room?

The main bar area is non-smoking, which we appreciated. There is a designated smoking area within the hotel where cigar aficionados can enjoy cigars purchased from the bar's humidor. Indonesia's smoking culture is pervasive, but The Back Room maintains a smoke-free environment in the main lounge space, making it comfortable for non-smokers.

How does The Back Room compare to other Jakarta hotel bars?

The Back Room holds its own against competitors like the Nautilus Bar at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, Cork & Screw at Fairmont Jakarta, or the bar at The Ritz-Carlton. The service quality is comparable, cocktail quality is equal or superior, and the ambiance is more distinctive with the colonial club aesthetic. However, the pricing is at the higher end even within the five-star hotel category. SKYE bar offers more dramatic views (rooftop setting), while The Back Room trades views for intimate atmosphere.

Final Thoughts on The Back Room Jakarta

Here's the truth about The Back Room: it's a victim of misunderstanding. If you arrive expecting a nightclub, you'll be confused and disappointed. But if you come understanding what it actually is, a sophisticated hotel lounge serving exceptional cocktails in a beautifully designed space with impeccable service, you might find exactly what you didn't know you needed in Jakarta's chaotic nightlife scene.

We live in an era where everything is louder, faster, more energetic. Nightlife often feels like a competition to see which venue can pack in the most people, pump the loudest music, and create the most Instagram-worthy moments. The Back Room exists as a quiet rebellion against all of that.

It's a space that says: slow down, sit comfortably, have a proper conversation, appreciate the craft of a well-made cocktail, listen to some live jazz, and remember what it feels like to enjoy an evening without shouting over pounding bass.

During our research, we kept coming back to a conversation with Priya, an Indian expat working in Jakarta's financial sector, whom we met during our Wednesday visit. She comes to The Back Room twice a month, always sits at the bar, always orders an Old Fashioned, and uses the time to decompress from Jakarta's intensity. "I spend my days in meetings, my commute in traffic, my evenings at events," she told us. "This is the only place I can just exist quietly for an hour with a good drink. It's worth every rupiah."

For Priya, The Back Room is perfect. For someone looking to dance until 3 AM, it's completely wrong.

Our final assessment: The Back Room is an excellent lounge bar that deserves recognition for what it does well. The service is extraordinary, the cocktails are world-class, and the atmosphere provides a valuable alternative to Jakarta's typical nightlife options. The pricing is too high, the social media presence is inadequate, and calling it a nightclub is fundamentally misleading.

If you're visiting Jakarta and appreciate sophisticated cocktail culture, quality service, and environments designed for conversation rather than chaos, The Back Room deserves a visit. Just don't expect to dance, and bring a healthy budget. And for the love of all that's holy, don't evaluate it as a nightclub, because it simply isn't one.

Would we recommend it? Yes, with very clear expectations about what you're getting. The Back Room succeeds admirably at being exactly what it is. Our only wish is that it would price itself more accessibly and market itself more effectively to the audience that would genuinely appreciate what makes it special.

Score Breakdown Table

Note: When evaluated as a lounge bar rather than a nightclub, The Back Room would score approximately 4.2/5 (84%). The low overall score reflects the mismatch between nightclub evaluation criteria and the venue's actual nature as an upscale cocktail lounge.

The Back Room Jakarta Contact Information:

📍 Pullman Jakarta Indonesia Jalan M.H. Thamrin Kav. 59 Gondangdia, Menteng Jakarta Pusat 10350

📞 +62 21 2551 3322 (Hotel Main Line) 📱 +62 815 8532 4617 (WhatsApp Reservations) 🌐 www.pullmanjakarta.com 📱 @pullmanjakartaindo (Instagram)

Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Midnight) Live Jazz: Every Tuesday, 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Getting There:

• Grab/Gojek: Set destination to "Pullman Jakarta Indonesia"
• MRT: Bundaran HI Station (7-10 minute walk)
• Parking: Valet service available at hotel entrance

Reservations: Book via Chope, WhatsApp +62 815 8532 4617, or call hotel directly. Reservations recommended for Tuesday jazz nights and weekend evenings.

Best Way to Book: For the best guestlist experience with exclusive perks when visiting Jakarta nightlife venues, book through GuestListNow, your premium nightlife concierge service offering VIP access, skip-the-line entry, and special table packages at Jakarta's hottest clubs.