I almost returned my medium-rare steak for these 40-hour slow-roasted ribs
qponx
2026-03-05
JJ Steak is a buzzing, packed spot where the 40-hour slow-roasted ribs are the undisputed star—so tender they fall off the bone. While the atmosphere is loud and the steaks can be a letdown, this article reveals the secrets to a great visit. Discover what to order, the best times to go to avoid long lines, and other essential tips for navigating this popular but imperfect eatery for a truly satisfying meal.
Honestly, I was a bit stunned when I first squeezed into JJ Steak. The tiny place was buzzing with noise, tables were packed so close together it felt like you could become best friends with the people at the next table. I was thinking to myself: This is it? The legendary place with a 4.9 on Google? I waited in line forever just to Nongkrong here?
It wasn't until the signature JJ Signature Back Ribs[1] were served that I shut my mouth. Anjay! This meat is so Mantap! You don't even need a knife; the meat falls right off the bone with a gentle nudge of a fork. It's so tender it melts in your mouth, coated in a rich BBQ sauce, and the aroma just blows your mind! My friend who came with me ordered the Beef Wellington[2]. The puff pastry on the outside was baked to a golden brown and was super buttery, and the beef inside was pretty juicy. The price was around 225k Indonesian Rupiah, which was decent.
But! The Sirloin Steak[3] I ordered was a bit of a disaster... I specifically asked for medium rare, but when it came and I cut into it, oh boy, it was well done! I almost lost it for a second[4]. Luckily, the seasoning was on point, and the charcoal-grilled aroma of the meat saved it a little. Otherwise, I would've really had to talk to the manager.
Overall, this place has some very clear pros and cons. The food tastes really good, and the portions are generous[5], especially the mashed potatoes on the side—you get a huge, super satisfying scoop. But the small space and how incredibly loud it gets during peak hours are major drawbacks[6]. So for any girls looking for a quiet date or a private chat, forget about it. The service is also hit-or-miss. Most of the staff are all smiles, but you might run into some who are slow to respond[7].
So, for all the girls who want to go check this place out, take my advice! Get your notebooks out and jot this down:
- Don't go during peak meal times! You'll definitely have to wait in line on weekends and during dinner rush[8]. If you want to Chill, go in the afternoon or on a weekday.
- Be extra specific when ordering your steak! You must! You must! repeatedly confirm the doneness with the server[9]. If you're not confident, have them repeat your order back to you.
- Have a Plan B if it's full! You can go sit at Kopi Soe, which is two doors down. You can order food from JJ's there, but you have to order drinks from Kopi Soe[10].
- Don't hold back on the perks! If you spend over 300k Rupiah, you get a free sirloin steak on your next visit[11]. That's basically getting it for free
- **JJ Signature Back Ribs** at JJ Steak are a total blessing for meat lovers! Fork-tender, the meat falls right off the bone. Melt-in-your-mouth tender, coated in rich BBQ sauce, it's incredibly fragrant [1].
- The Wellington steak's crust is baked golden and crispy, rich with buttery flavor. The beef inside stays juicy, and at 225k IDR, it's pretty good value for money [2].
- Spend 300k IDR and get a free sirloin steak next time! It's practically a steal, ladies, don't miss this chance to **grab a freebie** [3]!
Similar Articles
Stop saying Balikpapan has no good food! This 'King of Lamb's' giant meat platter is god-tier
Think Balikpapan is a food desert? Think again! Discover a hidden gem serving incredible Middle Eastern cuisine that dares to call itself the "King of Lamb." The star is the Kambing Goreng (Fried Lamb), praised for its crispy skin and tender meat. For the ultimate experience, gather your friends and conquer their epic, mountain-like meat platter. With a chill vibe and chicken options available, it's the perfect spot for a memorable group feast.
This is Balikpapan's legendary restaurant?! Sucky service, but... I'd still go back?
Discover Balikpapan's legendary DECAFE, a beautifully renovated spot with a chic, cozy atmosphere. But be warned: the service is famously bad. Despite the icy waitstaff and long waits, some dishes are absolutely divine. The Black Pepper Beef with Buns and comforting Oxtail Soup are must-tries that make this a place you'll love to hate. This review weighs the pros and cons, helping you decide if the heavenly food is worth the devilish service.
Was this Halal ramen in Balikpapan really worth the 1-hour wait?
Is the famous Halal ramen at Shishi Ramen in Balikpapan worth the hour-long wait? This review dives into the bustling, Tokyo-style eatery to find out. Discover their must-try signature ramen with rich broth and rave-worthy crispy gyoza. While the main dishes shine, the wait times can be long. Get the inside scoop on what to order (and what to avoid), plus crucial tips for beating the queues and parking woes for a delicious, hassle-free experience.
10k+ Per Person: This Soup Cured My 'Java Stomach' in Kalimantan
Discover Balikpapan's "Soto Champion," a humble roadside stall that has locals lining up daily. Don't be fooled by its simple appearance; this spot serves a heavenly Soto Semarang with a clear, savory, and intensely fragrant garlic broth. The experience is elevated by an array of delicious sides, from crispy fried tempeh to various satay skewers perfect for soaking in the soup. This article explores why this incredibly affordable and addictive meal is a must-try for any foodie.