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Over the years, Jakarta has seen its fair share of bars, clubs and watering holes. Few, however, have stood the test of time.

Tiga Puluh Music Bar and Lounge, located at the Le Meridien Jakarta hotel, is one nightclub that is still going strong after a decade. Established in 1999, Tiga Puluh has always been a favorite with expatriates and music enthusiasts. The magic formula for the nightclub seems to be the right combination of live band music, a friendly and enthusiastic staff and a brew of potent drinks.

“The name Tiga Puluh was a reflection of the club’s atmosphere,” said M Rizal, who is the club’s supervisor.

For a time, the club’s interior took its inspiration from the 1930s, and featured vintage suitcases, an old Harley-Davidson motorcycle and the propeller blades of an airplane from that era. Old photographs of Batavia from that era were also displayed on the walls.

The club was very popular between 2002 and 2004, when more than a thousand guests would crowd into the venue on most nights. Jazz and R&B music, as well as Afro-American bands, used to be the main attraction. “It was a sea of human bodies,” Rizal said. “I often had to jump on top of the bar to serve the drinks.”

In 2004, the club underwent a major face-lift and emerged with a completely new look. Today, with its more modern concept, the club also includes a sleek and stylish lounge that features a half-crescent bar lined with bottles and glasses, a glass-walled wine cellar, plush sofas and couches, as well as a pool table.

“It’s like two different venues,” said Ivan Rusmayadi, assistant manager of Tiga Puluh. “There is the lounge, where guests can chill out, and there’s the main club where they can party.”

The main club, which lies behind two massive doors, is unpretentious and cozy. Golden, grid-like patterns on the overhead wall panels embellish its dark interiors, creating a warm glow. At the center of the club is a massive hexagonal stage where a live band performs nightly. Next to the stage is a bar that has become a favorite dance spot for the ladies.

Neatly arranged throughout the rest of the area are stools and tables that have an unobstructed view of the stage. On some nights, a DJ spins a combination of club music to get guests in a party mood. “I usually mix house, classic disco and R&B,” said Dennis, one of Tiga Puluh’s resident DJs. “I want my music to invite the guests to dance and enjoy themselves without causing a headache.”

DJ Ajoy, on the other hand, prefers more upbeat, tribal house music when he’s on.

Generation, a six-member band from Canada, is one of Tiga Puluh’s in-house bands. “Generation [stands for] the music that we play,” said Jerry Sintich, the band’s lead guitarist. “Basically, we play all kinds of music from all generations.”

The band plays Latin dance songs, classic rock, ballads and R&B. “Women usually request some of the dance stuff, while the men usually prefer the rock stuff,” said Jenna McNeill, one of the vocalists for Generation. “Next on our list is learning some Indonesian songs for the Indonesian guests.”

Tiga Puluh’s current crowd is a mix of locals and expatriates. A lot of them are loyal customers whom the staff greet by name. “We offer a membership program for our loyal guests,” Rizal said. “Today, there are over 700 members on our list.”

Members are entitled to a 15 percent discount on food and beverages and a 20 percent discount on bottled liquor.

For drinks, Tiga Puluh features a wide range of wines and champagne. “Our wine selection encompasses both the Old World wines from France and Italy and the New World wines from Australia, Argentina, California, Chile and New Zealand,” said Deden Sanjaya, one of the club’s bartenders.

For those who prefer cocktails, Tiga Puluh has a mix on offer. One of the favorites is the club’s signature drink, Lingerie, which is both strong and delicate, using a blend of gin, vodka, lime cordial and Sprite.

“The cocktail is a favorite, especially among the ladies,” said Miviyati, the club’s guest relations officer. “You’ll feel sexy and confident enough to do the catwalk right after drinking it.”

For those searching for something to munch on, the club also has food on offer — calamari, nachos, pizzas and steaks.

“We’re among friends here,” Miviyati said. “So [people should] just feel free [to have fun].”