To the Jakarta WFC Army: Is this 24h cafe worth lugging your laptop to?

Hey Jaktim (East Jakarta) folks, have you been seeing this place called Agreya all over your feed lately? It claims to be open 24 hours, a massive three-story space, and has over 6000+ reviews on Google with a high score of 4.8... Sounds pretty amazing, right?

I went to check it out for you. Let me give you the conclusion first: if you're coming here hungry or in a hurry, I'd advise you to think twice. Anjay!

The Space is Truly Mantap, But the Staff Seem to Be Asleep

I was genuinely shocked by its size the moment I walked in. A spacious three-story building with an open layout, industrial design, and fantastic natural lighting. It's truly photogenic. The facilities are also very complete, with an elevator, restrooms on every floor, and even a super clean Mushola (prayer room)[1]. I have to give them props for that. 👍

For"cafe nomads" like us, the third floor is practically heaven. There's a dedicated non-smoking area, it's quiet, has plenty of power outlets, and even a separate meeting room[2]. It's absolutely an ideal spot for WFC (Work From Cafe). The first and second floors are a haven for smokers, with air-conditioned smoking areas where you can puff away while typing.

But I have to say, the staff here might be practicing"meditation." The food service is excruciatingly slow, especially on weekends and during meal times. I personally saw the table next to me wait for almost an hour and a half for their full order to arrive[3]. Ordering, paying the bill, asking for water... every step requires an immense amount of patience.

The Food is a Gamble, and the Prices Will Break Your Heart

The food here is like opening a blind box; the reviews are very polarized.

I dared to order their signature Kwetiaw Goreng Mamak[4]. The taste... how should I put it? It was a bit like Schrödinger's deliciousness. My plate was a bit too sweet[5], but the friend who came with me thought it was pretty good. However, the canned Rahayu Coffee[6] was a pleasant surprise. It was smooth, had a rich coffee flavor, and is worth a try.

But the moment I opened the menu, my heart sank. Honestly, the prices are on the high side. A quiche so small you could swallow it in one bite costs 58k IDR[7]?! The three of us just casually ordered some coffee and snacks, and the bill came to 351k[8]. The value for money is really nothing to write home about. You're paying for the space, and 90% of your money goes to that.

Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls (Save This!)

Okay, ranting aside. If you're still drawn in by its ambiance and want to check it out, keep this foolproof guide handy. It'll save you a lot of trouble:

So, is this place actually worth visiting?

If you need a 24-hour spot where you can work all night, and you prioritize ambiance far more than taste for a work/social space, then this place is pretty Mantap. But if you're a foodie looking for a genuinely good meal, then I'd advise you to go somewhere else! 🤷‍♀️

Choosing Your Time: Whatever you do, don't go during weekend meal times to join the crowd, or you'll be queuing until you question your existence[9]. The best time to go is on a weekday morning, or just go late at night to Nongkrong and enjoy the feeling of having the whole place to yourself.
Seating Tips: For my friends who can't stand the smell of smoke, just ignore the first and second floors and head straight to the non-smoking area on the third floor. That's the quietest corner in the entire cafe.
Ordering Notes: If you don't have a sweet tooth, when ordering local Indonesian dishes (like fried rice or noodles), be sure to tell the staff"kurang manis" (less sweet) or"tidak pakai kecap manis" (don't use sweet soy sauce).
Transportation Advice: Parking spots are extremely limited. Although they have valet service, you'll still have to wait a long time to get your car during peak hours[10]. Trust me, just take a Grab there. It's hassle-free and saves you energy.
Ordering System: They use a QR code pre-payment system, and the process is a bit complicated[11]. If you can't figure it out, don't hesitate. Just grab a waiter to help you place the order manually.