Give it to Jakarta’s ever-evolving nightlife scene that the idea of ‘drinking in space’ doesn’t seem all that outlandish. An elevator ride away from LUC Coffee in Panglima Polim, the spaceship lounge-inspired bar clearly commits to its futuristic theme, drawing in guests with its sleek metallic pillars, streaks of purple and neon, down to the names of their cocktails.
Managed by Sebastian Subakti, who also co-founded the longtime nightcrawlers-fave, Slits, Margot is more interested in being a place where guests can have a time-out after work and bask in the relaxed atmosphere of the ‘space bar’ before they head home. Here, having another round of cocktails should not feel like a social obligation, but a natural progression of enjoying one’s time.
At the centre of Margot is the ‘Quantum Craft’, a list of nightcap options that tap into its crafty and experimental nature. For one, the creamy and bright Mango Moonbeam is a result of one-day fermentation, where fresh mangoes are fermented before blended with milk, blanco tequila, pandan rum, coconut syrup and lime for a smooth, sweet-dominant flavour. Meanwhile, the Betel Beam is reserved for those who prefer more of a sharp, herby taste, crushing betel leaves into a syrup and concocting it with pomelo gin and elderflower liqueur.
A newer addition to the menu is ‘Beertails’—a hybrid of beer and cocktails, perfect for those who prefer a lighter sip. With a refreshment level akin to cider, the Pink Fling combines pink lychee with pineapple liqueur, while the Citrus Wunder blends lemon with Jägermeister, all mixed with the house’s San Miguel Beer on tap. Some might find them too easygoing, but they serve as a refreshing counterpoint to the higher ABV intensity of the ‘Quantum Craft’ selections.
But Margot isn’t just about the drinks. Live DJ sets, music performances from creative collectives, and cross-industry activations draw in a diverse crowd—or ‘Seekers’, as Margot calls them—who also make up much of its returning audience. Looking ahead, the bar is planning kitchen takeovers and similar collaborations that pair inventive dishes with its signature drinks, further expanding its network beyond its usual circle.
Margot won’t be the first and last bar that’ll impress you—and it’s not their intention. Instead, it offers a laid-back space where you can sip a drink solo just as easily as you can enjoy the night with a crowd. Who knows, before long, Margot might just become your default pick when you can’t decide which bar to hop to.