Menu looks cheap, but a 35% surcharge at checkout? This new Rooftop Bar in East Jakarta is up to something.
qponx
2026-01-24
A new rooftop bar in East Jakarta offers a rare, stunning sunset view and a chill atmosphere perfect for hangouts. While the menu prices seem tempting, beware of a major catch! This spot adds a hefty, un-itemized 35% surcharge for service and tax at checkout, catching many visitors by surprise. This review gives you a crucial heads-up and tips on how to budget for your visit so you can enjoy the ambiance without the bill shock.
Friends in East Jakarta, do you always feel like you have to head south to find a place to nongkrong after work? Me too! I recently heard that a new rooftop bar opened up here in Cakung, right above the 'Stay kopi kopian' coffee shop, not far from Pulo Gebang station[1], so I rushed right over.
Up on the rooftop, the view is pretty darn good
To be honest, there aren't many tall buildings in the East, so I didn't have high expectations. But once I got to the top floor, the view opened up completely. Watching the sun slowly set as the city lights began to appear, it felt pretty chill. The place isn't huge, but the atmosphere is perfect for hanging out with friends[2]. The waiters and waitresses were also super enthusiastic, all smiles. I have to give them a Mantap for that! 👍
As for the food, since they just opened, the menu selection is still limited. We just randomly ordered some snacks, and the taste was just okay, nothing special but not bad either[3]. Anyway, you come to a place like this mainly for the ambiance and a drink, right?
Anjay! I was stunned when the bill came…
Okay, here comes the main point! We were having a great time eating and drinking, but when it was time to pay, I was completely floored. The prices printed on the bill were the same as on the menu, and they really didn't seem expensive[4]. But when I scanned the QR code to pay, the total price was suddenly almost 35% higher! 🤯
After asking, I found out it was for service charge and tax, but the problem is, there was no itemized breakdown on the bill whatsoever[5]! This might be the most"surprising" surcharge I've ever paid in Jakarta. My wallet instantly took a hit. Even though it has a 4.6 rating on Google[6], this experience really left a bad taste in my mouth.
A Guide to Avoid Pitfalls When Visiting (Save this!)
So, girls, if you're thinking of checking this place out, make sure to save this guide!
- 1. Calculate your budget: After seeing the menu prices, mentally multiply them by 1.35. That's the final amount you'll have to pay. Don't be like me and have an existential crisis at the checkout.
- 2. Check the weather before you go: Make sure to come on a sunny afternoon! If it's cloudy or pitch black at night, you'll be wasting the rooftop experience. Coming in the afternoon means you can see the sunset, which is when the view is at its best[7].
- 3. Ordering rules: Stay Kopi Kopian is downstairs, but definitely don't bring your own food up. The rule is you have to order from this bar first before you can go downstairs to buy something else to supplement your meal[8].
- East Jakarta's stunning sunset rooftop! Catch the sun dip, city lights glow, electric vibe – perfect for friends' drinks [1].
- Menu prices looked fine, but the bill? Total price suddenly 35% higher! [2] This "surprise" surcharge will make you question everything.
- East Jakarta *does* have cool spots! This Cakung new rooftop bar shatters stereotypes. No need to go south for after-work Nongkrong! [3].
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