Vagabond has opened in Jakarta’s Kuningan district, introducing a cocktail bar concept shaped by global bar culture and designed to evolve over the course of the night. Located on the 25th floor of Multivision Tower, Vagabond is co-founded by internationally recognised bartender Michael Callahan and led locally by General Manager Payman Bahmani-Bailey.
Rather than presenting a fixed identity, Vagabond is structured around gradual shifts in mood and energy. Early evenings are positioned for conversation and measured cocktails, while later hours introduce deeper music programming and a more expressive late-night rhythm. The concept centres on reading the room and allowing the experience to change organically, rather than adhering to a rigid format.
Callahan brings a global perspective shaped by decades working across bar scenes in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, as well as island destinations such as the Maldives, Hawaii, and Bali. His approach at Vagabond does not replicate a single city or style, instead distilling those experiences into a Jakarta-specific context that prioritises atmosphere, pacing, and social connection.
He works closely with Bahmani-Bailey, whose background spans New York, Los Angeles, Taipei, Singapore, and now Jakarta. The pair previously collaborated at Proof & Company in Singapore and were involved in shaping the culture behind 28 HongKong Street, an experience that informs Vagabond’s focus on discretion, consistency, and hospitality that adapts to the night.
At the bar, the cocktail programme centres on 12 signature drinks alongside a rotating selection of modern and classic cocktails, as well as collaborative creations developed with industry peers. The menu also includes communal punch bowls, reintroducing shared drinking rituals in a contemporary setting. Individual cocktails are designed to prompt conversation, often using unexpected flavour combinations or techniques without relying on novelty alone.
Beyond drinks, Vagabond positions itself as a platform for expression through music and ritual-led programming. A dedicated stage supports DJs and curated music sessions, while timed moments throughout the night subtly shift the room’s energy. These elements are introduced selectively, reinforcing the bar’s emphasis on evolution rather than constant stimulation.
With its opening, Vagabond adds a new layer to Jakarta’s nightlife landscape, offering a bar experience that places equal weight on cocktails, atmosphere, and human interaction. By focusing on how a night unfolds rather than how it is branded, the venue positions itself as a space shaped by memory, pacing, and repeat visits rather than spectacle.
Vagabond
Multivision Tower Lt.25,
Jl. Kuningan Mulia Lot 9B, RT.14/RW.4, Karet Kuningan, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12980
