This Cikini spot in Jakarta: Heaven before 5:30 PM, after 5:30… Non-smokers, enter with caution
qponx
2026-01-24
Discover a Cikini spot that's a retro paradise for '80s and '90s kids, filled with Bearbricks and classic game consoles. During the day, it's a chill cafe perfect for working, serving creative dishes like Putu Latte and Brisket Tongseng. But be warned: after 5:30 PM, the entire venue transforms into a smoking zone. This dual-personality spot offers great food and excellent service, but non-smokers should plan their visit for the daytime to enjoy the smoke-free experience.
I've really had my fill of exploring cafes in downtown Jakarta, and I didn't have high hopes for this one either. But when I walked in, I almost thought I'd walked onto the wrong movie set... A whole wall of Bearbricks, plus old-school Nintendo and Sega consoles, this isn't a cafe, it's basically a giant playroom for '80s and '90s kids![1] I instantly felt like I'd come to the right place, it's so perfect for Nongkrong.
Sat down and ordered drinks first. The Putu Latte[2] on the menu caught my eye immediately. When it arrived and I took a sip, Anjay! It really tasted like drinking coffee while eating the traditional Indonesian snack Kue Putu, that aroma of coconut sugar and pandan leaves mixed with the richness of the coffee, so creative, Mantap! I didn't pick a dud for my main course; I ordered the Brisket Tongseng[3]. The brisket was stewed until it was super tender, and the sauce was rich and went perfectly with rice—not at all like those half-hearted Western-style light meals. My friend's Platter of snacks was also surprisingly huge; grilled corn, fried tofu, chicken tenders, and chicken wings—it would be a challenge for even two people to finish.
During the day, the place is pretty quiet, with lots of people on their laptops WFC. The music is that very chill R&B and house[4], and the atmosphere is perfect. I was comfortably typing away, but it turns out the real show was yet to come...
Okay girls, here's the main point, take notes! As soon as it's past 5:30 PM, a waiter comes over and gives a friendly reminder that the entire place (including the indoor air-conditioned area) becomes a smoking zone![5] No sooner had he finished speaking than the whole place was instantly filled with smoke... As a non-smoker, I was choking so much I had to pack up and leave on the spot. Oh, and another small complaint: their WiFi login is a bit of a hassle, and the internet speed can be frustratingly slow at times[6], so if you're thinking of working here for a whole day, you might want to reconsider.
Heart-to-Heart Guide (Get your KTP ready!)
- Time to Avoid: If you don't want to inhale secondhand smoke, you absolutely must leave before 5:30 PM! This is truly advice from the bottom of my heart![7]
- Money-Saving Hack: If you're an ASN (civil servant) or BUMN (state-owned enterprise) employee, bring your ID for a 10% discount![8] Mantap betul!
- Parking Guide: Don't wait foolishly at the entrance; just park directly in the Menteng Huis building next door[9]. It's much more convenient.
- About Halal: The shop doesn't serve pork or lard, but they do have alcoholic beverages, so it's not a strictly Halal-certified place.
- Bonus Points: I have to say, the service at this place is top-notch. I saw many people online say that when they accidentally spilled their drink, the staff gave them a new one for free without a second thought[10]. For that alone, the 'GOOD FOLKS' in their name isn't just for show; they're full of human warmth. Next time, I want to try 'accidentally' spilling my drink too (just kidding 😜).
- Be@rbricks, vintage Nintendo/Sega consoles everywhere! Less cafe, more 80s/90s nostalgic giant toy room with Nongkrong vibes maxed! [1]
- Must-order Putu Latte[2]! It's coffee + Kue Putu: coconut sugar & pandan aromas perfectly fuse with rich coffee. So creative!
- Mind blown! After 5:30 PM, the whole cafe (AC area too) instantly becomes a smoking area[3]! Up for this wild, contrasting challenge?
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