“Imagine if a random rich dude opens a bar, puts some couches, and started inviting all their cool friends over to drink – that’s the vibe we are going with, a living room with a giant bar”
Tucked away on the third floor of Adityawarman No. 71, South Jakarta, The Golden Tooth redefines the city’s nightlife with its unique blend of expertly crafted cocktails and meaningful conversations. This hidden gem offers a sanctuary from Jakarta’s fast-paced bar scene. Here, patrons step into a loft-style space reminiscent of New York City’s minimalist elegance—a living room with a giant bar at its heart, where laughter and clinking glasses mingle under soft lights.
The story of The Golden Tooth began with a chance meeting two years ago. Andra Satar and Tamish Aswani, the bar’s co-founders, met Kenny Chandra Putra Soetomo at his previous workplace. As regulars, they noticed Kenny’s talent—a skilled mixologist who needed a platform to fully showcase his craft. After Kenny’s tenure at the bar ended, the trio joined forces, united by a shared vision to create a space that celebrated exceptional drinks, meaningful conversations, and a fresh perspective on drinking culture.
The name “The Golden Tooth” emerged almost serendipitously during a brainstorming session. Initially, the team searched for something meaningful, but it wasn’t until they stumbled upon this quirky, seemingly random name that inspiration struck. They built the bar’s identity around this moniker, crafting a concept that embodies casual elegance, creativity, and camaraderie. Their motto, “Cocktails and Chats,” became the cornerstone of the bar’s ethos, guiding every decision from design to menu curation.
A Loft-Style Escape in Jakarta
Inspired by the minimalist concrete lofts of New York City, The Golden Tooth’s interior exudes understated sophistication. With its industrial charm and open layout, the space invites like-minded individuals to relax, connect, and enjoy the finer things in life. The team aimed to break away from the rowdy, fast-paced bar culture often found in Jakarta. Instead, The Golden Tooth offers a sanctuary where patrons can savor their drinks at leisure and engage in thoughtful conversations.
“We wanted to create a place where people could enjoy great drinks and great company without the pressure of keeping up with the crowd,” Andra shared. This sentiment resonates throughout the bar, where every detail—from the ambiance to the service—is designed to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Cocktails That Speak for Themselves
“This is us, this is who we are – Cocktails and Chats”
At The Golden Tooth, the cocktails are as much a part of the experience as the conversations they inspire. Kenny’s menu reflects the bar’s commitment to simplicity and refinement. Each drink is crafted to be approachable yet layered, allowing guests to appreciate the subtle flavors without overwhelming the palate—or the dialogue.
“These drinks are designed to be smashable, not gimmicky,” Kenny explains. “We focus on flavors that enhance the moment without complicating it.” Efficiency is also key; the team ensures that every cocktail is quick to prepare, enabling them to serve large groups simultaneously without compromising quality. Whether it’s a classic or a creative twist, each drink embodies the bar’s philosophy: elevating the everyday while remaining grounded in approachability.
The Minds Behind the Bar
“A bar is not only the drinks as the drinks are part of the experience. People sometimes forget that the service, the music, the crowd, are also part of the bar experience”
The Golden Tooth thrives on the unique strengths and experiences of its founders. Andra, a former lawyer turned tech professional, has always been passionate about cocktails. His fascination with the food and beverage industry, combined with his desire to spotlight its potential, inspired him to create a space where drinks, service, and ambiance seamlessly come together.
“I’ve always believed a bar is more than just its drinks—it’s the service, the music, the crowd. It’s about the whole experience,” he says.
Tamish, who runs a design agency and a streetwear brand, brings a deep appreciation for culture and collaboration. Introduced to cocktail culture through a close friend, he began exploring the art of mixology, eventually envisioning a bar where people could gather without pretension.
“I wanted a space for like-minded people to connect, drink, and enjoy without relying on gimmicks,” Tamish shares.
At the heart of it all is Kenny, the head mixologist whose journey in the food and beverage industry started humbly in Perth, Australia. From washing dishes to managing bars and winning cocktail competitions, Kenny’s career is a testament to his dedication and creativity. His passion for experimental mixology and his food engineering background allow him to craft drinks that surprise and delight, each one a blend of artistry and innovation.
A Vision for the Future
As The Golden Tooth approaches its second anniversary, the team remains focused on growth and longevity. Kenny envisions building a community within the bar, fostering a love for bartending that extends beyond a paycheck. Tamish is committed to enhancing hospitality, ensuring that the bar remains a place where service, SOPs, and warmth coexist in perfect harmony. Meanwhile, Andra hopes to transform The Golden Tooth into a platform for talent, offering opportunities for bartenders to thrive and elevating the industry as a whole.
The team is determined to make The Golden Tooth a long-lasting fixture in Jakarta’s bar scene, not just a passing trend. Through continuous improvement and a commitment to their core values, they aim to create a space that feels like home—a bar where both patrons and bartenders can flourish.
As whispers of an anniversary celebration circulate, one thing is certain, The Golden Tooth is not just a bar; it’s an experience, a community, and a vision for the future of Jakarta’s cocktail culture.