Bought 4.9 Google Stars? A Deep Dive into Jakarta's Viral Pork Ribs & My Advice: Don't Order the Steak
qponx
2026-01-24
Thinking of visiting the viral Howdy Grillhouse in Jakarta? This review dives deep into the hype. Find out if their famous pork ribs—known for being incredibly tender and falling off the bone—are truly worth it. The article also reveals a crucial secret: what you should absolutely *not* order (hint: it's the steak!). Get the real scoop on this lively, American-style meat paradise, including the truth behind its sky-high Google rating, before you brave the crowds for a feast.
This Howdy Grillhouse in PIK is super hyped, claiming to be the"pinnacle of pork ribs in Jakarta," and it's got a high score of 4.9 on Google from nearly 3000 reviews[1]. It's almost impossible to get a table during weekend meal times, and the entrance is packed with people. The scene... I almost thought a celebrity had shown up.
As soon as you walk in, you're hit with an American western country vibe, but it's accompanied by a roar of voices and a thick smell of barbecue smoke[2]. To be honest, the first impression was a bit noisy, which made me wonder: is it really that amazing?
When the food arrived, I got it... partly
Since there were a lot of us, we went straight for the Pork Platter[3], and when it was brought to the table, everyone went"wow". The portion size is so generous; the giant pork ribs, meat patties, and sausages were piled up like a small mountain, definitely a paradise for meat lovers. The signature pork ribs[4] really live up to their reputation. The meat is stewed until it's super soft and tender, it falls off the bone with a light touch of a fork, and melts in your mouth. The sauce is a rich, sweet American style, which is very appealing. The first bite is seriously addictive.
The Caesar salad[5] we ordered to cut through the richness was also surprisingly good. The vegetables were fresh, and they were super generous with the bacon and cheese, very decent.
But! Here come the complaints (Listen up, everyone!)
While the pork ribs are a knockout, the other dishes were... questionable. Girls, take my advice, do NOT order the steak[6]! We ordered it medium, and it came out thin and tough. The texture was just not good, Anjay! It felt like something from a cheap steakhouse.
Although the sauce on the pork ribs is tasty, it starts to feel a bit cloyingly sweet after a while[7], and it lacks a bit of that smoky, charcoal-grilled aroma. And speaking of which, I have to reveal the secret to why the Google ratings are so high: the restaurant has a promotion where you get a free drink or a discount for a five-star review[8]... Get it now? So, just take the ratings with a grain of salt, don't take them too seriously.
Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls & Saving Money 📝
Bring your friends who can eat the most, and get ready to feast! Mantap! 👍
- Ordering: Go for the pork ribs and any of the Pork Platters without a second thought; you absolutely can't go wrong. Be cautious when ordering the steak and some other side dishes (like the mashed potatoes).
- Reservations: You absolutely must book in advance if you're going on weekends or holidays! Otherwise, you'll be waiting forever. If you want a quiet meal, go on a weekday; the experience is much better[9].
- Parking: Parking is extremely limited. You either have to bite the bullet and pay 35k[10] for valet parking, or you'll have to park far away and walk, so be prepared.
- Mindset: Be prepared to chow down on meat in a noisy environment. This is a lively spot for gatherings with friends and family dinners, not suitable for a romantic date.
- Jakarta's "ultimate pork ribs" [1] boasts 4.9/5 stars from ~3000 Google reviews. What's the catch?
- Their massive Pork Platter [2] drops jaws. Signature ribs [3]? Fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
- The secret: those 4.9-star Google reviews are fueled by their "5-star review gets free drink/discount" [4] trick. Makes you question the "real" score.
Similar Articles
1.5 Million for a Meal? Why is This Jakarta Chinese Restaurant So Expensive?
Curious about the 1.5 million IDR price tag at Jakarta's Hay Thien? This review dives into the hyped Chinese restaurant to see if it's worth the splurge. While known for its comforting Shabu-shabu and must-try Pork Satay, the experience isn't flawless. The article weighs the delicious, homestyle food and spacious, family-friendly setting against inconsistent service and high costs. Get the full scoop on whether the taste truly justifies the price before you go.
Jakarta's 100-year-old teahouse: Mantap vibe, Anjay service... Should I check it out?
Step back in time at Pantjoran Tea House, a stunning 100-year-old gem in Jakarta's Chinatown. This review explores its incredible retro atmosphere, authentic Gongfu tea ceremony, and must-try dishes like the crispy Kailan 2 Musim. However, it also gets real about the high prices and notoriously poor service. Find out if the "mantap" vibe is worth the "anjay" service and get essential tips to decide if this historic spot is right for your next hangout.
4.8 stars on Google, but the signature meat is still an ice block? Think twice about this West Jakarta AYCE.
Don't let the 4.8-star rating fool you! This review of a West Jakarta AYCE Korean BBQ reveals a different story. While it boasts a spacious, smoke-free ambiance perfect for hanging out, the food is a major letdown. The article highlights key issues like the signature Saikoro steak being served as a frozen block, bland side dishes, and inconsistent service. Read this to find out if the affordable price is worth the gamble or if you should skip it.
Calling all Middle Eastern Food Lovers! The Kebuli here is amazing, but always double-check your bill
Head to West Jakarta for Kebuli Ijab Qabul, a spot serving seriously delicious Nasi Kebuli. The lamb and chicken are incredibly tender and packed with rich spices, while portions are generous and prices are low. While the food is a must-try, the dining space is very basic, so takeout is a great option. A crucial tip for visitors: always double-check your bill for accuracy before paying to avoid being overcharged