Good places in North Jakarta? This shop's coffee is Mantap, but the food is a bit Anjay…
qponx
2026-01-25
Discover Roetara, a trendy hangout spot in North Jakarta perfect for your next weekend chill session. This Instagrammable cafe boasts a fantastic vibe with live music, making it a great nightlife destination. While the drinks, especially the signature Es Kopi Aren, are a must-try, the food can be a gamble. For the best experience, stick to their amazing coffee and authentic Indonesian dishes like Mie Godog. It's the ideal place for great drinks and even better company.
Don't know where to nongkrong on a weekend night? A friend dragged me to this place, Roetara, in North Jakarta. To be honest, I've never had high hopes for cafes in North Jakarta, but the moment I walked in, wow! The vibe was absolutely on point! 😎
The live music was in full swing, the indoor AC was blasting like an icebox, while the outdoor area was a whole different world. Groups of friends were sitting around tables, chatting—isn't this the perfect way for Jakarta's youth to spend their nightlife[1]?! The whole place is super Instagramable; any random shot looks great.
The Drinks Are Good, the Food... You Be the Judge
Let me start with the conclusion: when you come here, just focus on the drinks!
The signature Es Kopi Aren[2] I ordered was truly Mantap! The blend of palm sugar, fresh milk, and espresso is superb. It has that rich, smooth taste I love, not the cloyingly sweet, flashy kind. My friend also said their Matcha[3] was very good, with a vibrant green color and a smooth taste.
For the main course, we tried the highly recommended Mie Godog[4], which is an Indonesian Javanese noodle soup. A warm bowl of it is so comforting, and the flavor is very authentic. I feel like I could come back just for this! 😋
BUT! To be perfectly honest, the quality of their food is a bit like opening a blind box... I glanced at the pasta on the next table, and the portion was really mini[5], and my friend also said the taste was just... emmm... very average, not great value for the price. Seems like the chef's performance is a bit inconsistent.
A Guide to Avoid Pitfalls | Must-Read Before You Go!
Finally, a few sincere suggestions for all you darlings planning to check this place out:
Overall, it's a great spot to nongkrong, where the vibe is better than the food. It's perfect for a small get-together with friends, but don't have high expectations for the food
- Best Time: Come at night! It's amazing to come here to chill with friends and listen to live music. But don't stay too late, I heard it can get a bit noisy for the neighbors late at night[6].
- Transportation: If you're driving, parking is hard to find[7]; you'll need the staff at the entrance to help guide you. It's better to come by motorcycle or ride-hailing.
- Cleanliness: Overall it's okay, but some friends mentioned that the cleanliness of the restrooms could be improved[8], so neat freaks, be prepared.
- Ordering Strategy: Order coffee and drinks with your eyes closed. For main courses, go for the local Indonesian dishes (like Mie Godog). Be cautious when ordering Western food!
- North Jakarta's spot: vibe on point, live music pumping! Jakarta youth's perfect night out[1].
- Signature Es Kopi Aren[2] is Mantap! Palm sugar, fresh milk, espresso blend perfectly – rich, not cloyingly sweet, no artificial taste.
- A hot bowl of Mie Godog[3] is super comforting, authentic – I'd come back just for it! 😋
Similar Articles
This 4.9-star pho in Jakarta has a Mantap broth! But I found the pitfalls so you don't have to.
Curious about a 4.9-star pho spot in a Pluit mall? This Jakarta restaurant is praised for its rich, authentic beef broth and tender meat. A must-try hack is dipping their cakwe (fried dough sticks) into the soup! While the signature pho is a star, not everything hits the mark. This guide reveals the perfect order, what to skip (like the spring rolls), and other perks like unlimited iced tea refills to ensure a flawless visit.
Who says Michelin has to be stuffy? This Jakarta Hokkien spot is straight-up god-tier for kids
Forget stuffy Michelin dining! This one-star Hokkien spot in Jakarta is a lively, family-friendly gem. While the atmosphere can get noisy, it's perfect for a family outing, serving comforting home-style dishes rather than avant-garde cuisine. Don't miss the incredible Sweet & Sour Pork with Lychee. It's a godsend for parents, with perks like free ice cream and coloring books to keep kids happy, making it a top choice for a casual, high-quality family meal.
Milk Tea Price Doubled? Never Use Grab at Tiger Boba Jakarta
Planning a boba run at Tiger Boba in ITC Mangga Dua? Don't open that delivery app! This article reveals why ordering through Grab could cost you double the in-store price. Discover the shocking price difference and get insider tips for snagging the best deals, like their tempting Matcha Series and free toppings. Learn how to avoid the delivery trap and enjoy your milk tea for the right price at this convenient grab-and-go spot.
Kintan's 90-Min BBQ Challenge! Skip the Chicken, Order Like This to Get Your Money's Worth.
Ready for a 90-minute BBQ battle at Kintan? This guide reveals the ultimate strategy to get your money's worth. Learn why you should skip the chicken and go straight for the beef, especially the value-packed Kaburi. Discover the surprisingly delicious side dishes and must-try Ogura ice cream. With pro tips on ordering, timing, and navigating potential pitfalls like slow service, you'll leave feeling like a true all-you-can-eat champion and conquer your next meal.