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.
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