Attention WFC Crew! This viral cafe has no Wi-Fi, don't waste your trip
qponx
2026-01-24
Thinking of working from the viral Common Grounds in Central Jakarta? Think again! This guide warns the WFC crowd to stay away due to a lack of Wi-Fi and poor signal. While the cafe boasts professional pour-over coffee and tasty dishes like Shakshouka, be prepared for rushed service, a 1.5-hour time limit, and a noisy environment. It's a spot for a quick coffee fix with friends, not for settling in to get work done.
When it comes to cafes in Central Jakarta, Common Grounds is definitely a name you can't miss. It's so famous it was even nominated as one of the world's top 100[1], which sounds pretty Mantap. I happened to be shopping at FX Sudirman that day, so I thought I'd go up to chill for a bit and catch up on some work emails… And the result? Anjay, it almost threw me for a loop. 🤦♀️
The cafe has two floors, and the view from the second-floor floor-to-ceiling windows is indeed quite nice[2]. Watching the bustling traffic below has a certain vibe. The ambiance is a cool, modern industrial style, which is great for photos. Coffee lovers can try their pour-over coffee[3]; the barista will introduce the different flavor profiles of the beans, which seems very professional.
As for the food, the quality is a bit inconsistent. My friend's Shakshouka[4] was surprisingly delicious. The tomato cream and egg mixture coated the bread, creating a rich flavor. My OG Cheese Burger[5] was also decent, with a juicy patty. Their Pastries[6] were an even bigger surprise, especially the chicken and mushroom puff. The flaky layers of the pastry were amazing and definitely worth a try.
BUT! Friends, I really have to get these complaints off my chest. First off, the service, I just... 🤯 Many of the staff seemed distracted. You could call for them for ages with no response, and the inefficiency was frustrating[7]. What's even more ridiculous is that you might be rushed while you're sitting comfortably, being told you only have a 1.5-hour dining time[8]. Come on, it's not an omakase meal; the mood to Nongkrong was instantly gone. For this price point, combined with this kind of service, the value for money is really nothing to write home about.
✍️ The Ultimate Cafe-Hopping Notes
Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here's a summary and a guide on what to avoid:
So there you have it. Hope this saves you a wasted trip. 👋
- What to Order (The Good List): If you don't know what to get, go for the Shakshouka[9] or the OG Cheese Burger[10]. If you have a sweet tooth, you must try the Pastries[11]—you basically can't go wrong.
- What to Avoid (The Bad List): Definitely don't order the bottled juice[12]; it's just a regular bottled drink but super expensive. Some of the salads and pastas are also very mediocre and not worth the price[13].
- Who Should Come: Pure coffee enthusiasts who want to try a professional pour-over[14]; or people meeting up with friends for a quick meal who aren't sensitive to service quality.
- Who Should Definitely Skip It: WFC (Work From Cafe) folks, just stay away! There's no Wi-Fi, and the phone signal is ridiculously bad[15]! Also, don't come if you want to have a meeting or need a quiet environment. During peak hours, it's as noisy as a wet market.
- Central Jakarta's cafe, nominated Top 100 in the World [1]! Its fame alone makes it a must-visit.
- Don't miss their Pastries [2], especially the chicken mushroom puff. The flaky layers are incredible, a delightful surprise!
- Grab a 2nd-floor floor-to-ceiling window [3] seat. Watch the city bustle below with a professional hand-drip coffee [4] – pure chill.
Similar Articles
Spending 9k IDR to chill at TOMORO all afternoon? Don't rush in, here are some hard truths.
Tempted by TOMORO COFFEE's viral 9k IDR deal? This review gives you the real scoop. While the spacious ambiance is great for chilling and the 100% Arabica coffee is surprisingly delicious, there are some catches. Get the honest truth about the super-sweet drinks, spotty Wi-Fi that’s not ideal for working, and the dreaded parking situation. Learn all the essential tips to make your visit worthwhile before you rush in for that cheap cup of coffee.
Hungry late at night in Jakarta? This 24-hour fried chicken spot is better for Nongkrong than a cafe.
Craving late-night fried chicken in Jakarta? Richeese Factory is a 24-hour lifesaver that's more than just a fast-food joint. It's the ultimate "Nongkrong" spot, offering spacious seating and plenty of power outlets for your devices. While the signature spicy chicken with cheese sauce is a must-try, be aware of the small portions and mild spice. It's the perfect affordable, functional hangout for night owls looking for a casual bite and a place to chill.
Feast at PI for under 250k/person, but there's one signature dish I'd advise you to skip...
Thinking about visiting the classic Imperial Shanghai at Plaza Indonesia? This review dives into whether the 30-year-old spot is still worth the hype. Discover must-order dishes like the god-tier Sichuan Beef Lamian and underrated Crispy Eel, all for under 250k! But get a heads-up on which famous signature dish to skip. Plus, find essential tips on avoiding queues and hidden costs for a perfect, budget-friendly meal at this bustling, Halal-certified restaurant.
Rated 4.6 on Google, but am I gonna get jumped for saying it's not Italian?
Curious about the 4.6-rated LIBERTÀ Kitchen & Bar? This review dives into whether it lives up to its Italian hype. While the Steak Sandwich and Tiramisu are praised as must-try hits, the pasta and pizza might leave purists wanting more authenticity. It’s a chic spot for a casual get-together, especially with its unbeatable lunch set deal, but those seeking a true taste of Italy should see this verdict before booking a table.