To the coffee purists of Jakarta: You'll absolutely love this place, but there's one big catch…
qponx
2026-01-24
Discover A Roastworks, a hidden gem for coffee connoisseurs in West Jakarta. They live up to their "No More Bad Coffee" slogan with expertly crafted drinks from high-quality, in-house roasted beans. The knowledgeable baristas and cozy, pet-friendly space are huge pluses. Just a heads-up: while the coffee is divine, the food is best avoided. This spot is strictly for those who are serious about their brew and want to enjoy a truly exceptional cup.
Whenever someone tells me West Jakarta is a"food desert," I just smile and say nothing. But when it comes to specialty coffee, this area really has a few hidden masters. A Roastworks is one of them. They dare to use the slogan"No More Bad Coffee," and with such a bold claim, I had to come and see for myself.
The Coffee is Truly God-Tier, The Food is a Real Pitfall
The moment I walked in, the aroma of roasting coffee beans won me over. The core of this shop is coffee, and it's top-notch. Not only do they roast their own beans, but they also source the good stuff from all over the world, even securing a lot from the Thailand COE (Cup of Excellence) competition[1]. Their professionalism is maxed out.
I didn't go for anything fancy and went straight for a Piccolo made with their signature"Peanut Butter House Blend"[2]. The first sip hit me with rich chocolate and nutty notes, the acidity was perfectly balanced, and the texture was silky smooth, Mantap! 👍
The baristas here are also a huge plus—friendly and professional, you could talk to them about beans all day. Ask them to recommend a pour-over, and you definitely won't go wrong[3]. The whole space has a minimalist industrial vibe, and the second floor is even more comfortable after the renovation. The lighting is warm, perfect for working on your laptop or having a deep coffee talk with friends[4]. Oh, and you can bring your dog too, it's pet-friendly![5] 🐶
Let's talk about the not-so-good stuff…
Alright, enough with the praise, let's get real. For this place, you absolutely should not come for the"food." I saw the avocado toast and pasta at the next table, and while they looked pretty, the feedback... let's just say it's hard to describe[6]. A friend also quietly told me that the pour-over he had last time was a bit watery, and the quality isn't very consistent[7]. It seems that consistency is indeed a significant challenge for places in the mid-to-high price range.
【Pro Tips】
So, what's the right way to enjoy A Roastworks? Take notes:
In short, if you're a true coffee lover, a"connoisseur" who can tell good beans from bad ones, you definitely won't regret coming here. But if you're just looking for a place to eat, drink, and take pictures, there are many other options in Jakarta that would suit you better. Anjay
- 1. Focus on the coffee! Treat this place as a pure coffee shop, not a restaurant or a brunch spot. Your taste buds will thank me.
- 2. Don't be shy to bother the baristas! They are a treasure trove. If there's a specific flavor profile you're after, just ask![8]
- 3. Go for the second floor! The vibe is more chill and quieter, perfect if you need to focus or want to properly savor your coffee[9].
- 4. Bring your furry friend! It's a great pet-friendly spot, don't let it go to waste[10].
- They promise "No More Bad Coffee." The signature Peanut Butter House Blend Piccolo delivers rich chocolate, nutty, silky-smooth notes. [1][2]
- Ask the professional baristas! They're a goldmine for custom pour-overs, no duds guaranteed. [3]
- Second floor's renovated and cozy! Warm lighting, industrial vibe. Perfect for work, coffee talks, or chilling with your furry friends. [4][5]
Similar Articles
Found the best KTV in Jakarta, but this parking lot... I'm speechless.
Planning a KTV night in Jakarta? This spot boasts a stunning, club-like interior, a killer sound system for your inner pop star, and surprisingly tasty food. The prices are refreshingly reasonable for such a luxe venue. A huge plus is the no-corkage-fee policy, so bring your own drinks! Just a heads-up: the parking is notoriously chaotic, so grabbing a taxi is highly recommended for a stress-free start to your night out with friends.
Skip the SCBD crowds! This 5-star Google spot in West Jakarta is the real Chill.
Escape the crowds and find your new favorite chill spot in West Jakarta. This hidden, 5-star rated bar feels like a cozy secret. The star of the show? Custom cocktails tailored just for you—simply describe your taste and let the bartender work their magic. Enjoy the rare smoke-free air, bring your own food, and settle in for a relaxed chat or stay late for lively KTV sessions. It's the perfect alternative to the busy city scene.
Stop getting ripped off by chain stores! This Jakarta matcha shop lets you choose: bitter or umami.
Escape the chain stores and find your perfect matcha at Gincha, a hidden gem tucked away in West Jakarta. This quiet, Zen-like cafe offers a unique experience for tea enthusiasts. The main attraction? You can choose your matcha powder for their signature latte: go for the intensely bitter "Haru" or the savory, umami-forward "Meiko." Paired with their must-try, melt-in-your-mouth Matchamisu, it's a top spot for anyone seeking authentic, high-quality matcha flavor.
Going deaf from the live band, but it's worth it for these pork ribs
Discover MIMI Social House, a spot with a split personality! While the deafening live band and smoky interior create a wild party vibe, the food is the real showstopper. Dive into incredible fall-off-the-bone American Pork Ribs and a tableside Caesar salad that will blow you away. This "Dragon & Cow" themed spot is perfect for meat lovers and party animals, but if you're looking for a quiet chat, be sure to grab a seat outside.