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?
Similar Articles
This Jakarta Rooftop: I only paid for the 360° sunset. The rest... is another story.
Discover La Vue, a Jakarta rooftop bar with an unbeatable 360° sunset view. Located atop the atmospheric Hermitage hotel, it offers a stunning ambiance perfect for dates. This honest review spills the tea on whether it's worth the hype. While the views are top-tier and cocktails are unique, the food and high prices might not impress. Get the full scoop and essential tips on booking, timing, and how to avoid the minimum spend before you visit.
Mains more stunning than the desserts? The right way to do The Pancake Co.
Is The Pancake Co. all about the pancakes? Maybe not! This review dives into the popular Jakarta cafe, revealing a surprising twist. While the signature soufflé pancakes look the part, they might fall flat on flavor. The real must-tries are the unexpectedly delicious savory dishes, like the Truffle Steak Donburi, and the standout Uji Matcha Latte. Get the ultimate guide on how to navigate the menu, prices, and wait times for a visit without disappointment.
Attention Jakarta WFC crowd: Blue Doors Coffee is the real deal, but weekends are so packed it's Anjay
Bandung's famous Blue Doors Coffee has landed in Jakarta! Set in a renovated old house, this cafe offers a super homey, retro vibe perfect for chilling. Don't miss their signature Swiss Latte and the highly-praised Pistachio Croissant, but be quick as it sells out fast. A heads-up for the WFC crowd: it's a fantastic spot on weekdays with fast Wi-Fi, but weekends get incredibly packed. Plan your visit to enjoy this cozy new cafe without the chaos.
Who said all Jakarta rooftops are romantic? This one felt like a nightclub
Don't be fooled by the romantic rooftop stereotype! While Cloud Lounge boasts a stunning 49th-floor view of Jakarta, this review reveals its true identity: a loud, nightclub-style party spot. Discover the truth about the hit-or-miss food, disastrous cocktails, and sneaky minimum charges. This no-nonsense guide tells you exactly what to order (hello, Tiramisu!), what to avoid, and how to navigate the experience without getting ripped off, ensuring you know what you're getting into before you go.