I was almost smoked out, but one sip of coffee and I sat right back down.
qponx
2026-02-25
This South Jakarta cafe is a real mixed bag. While the amazing coffee—especially the Japanese Drip made with beans from their own estate—might just save your soul, a heads-up on the ambiance is needed. A heavy smell of secondhand smoke drifts down from the second floor, impacting the whole space. If you can brave the haze, the delicious panini and friendly staff make it a worthy stop. Otherwise, consider getting your fantastic coffee to-go.
Girls, I almost had to play the role of a "human air purifier" at a cafe in South Jakarta today. The moment I pushed the door open, a thick smell of secondhand smoke hit me right in the face, almost making me choke and stumble... I thought to myself, how am I supposed to chill here? I was ready to turn around and leave, but I saw the friendly eyes of the guy behind the counter and decided to tough it out and sit down.
The shop's design is quite interesting, minimalist style with a bit of a cat theme, and the lighting is pretty funky too. With a "since I'm already here" attitude, I took the barista's recommendation and ordered a Japanese Drip[1]. They said it's made with beans from their own estate in Cianjur[2], West Java.
And guess what! One sip, Anjay! That clear acidity and clean aftertaste instantly washed away all the smoky air from before. Seriously Mantap! I felt like my soul was saved by this cup of coffee. My friend who was with me ordered a Long Black[3] and also said the flavor was super balanced, with the perfect amount of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness. We also got a Panini smoke beef and cheese[4] to fill our stomachs, and it was surprisingly delicious. The cheese pull was amazing, highly recommended!
Okay, enough with the praise, let's get real. I have a real love-hate relationship with the ambiance here. The first floor is technically a non-smoking area, but you can't escape the smoke from the second-floor smoking area; it just drifts right down[5]. The ventilation system really needs a major overhaul. If you're super sensitive to the smell of smoke, I'd advise you to think twice, or at least be mentally prepared. Or just get it to-go.
Time to copy my notes! The Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls ✍️
- For the coffee lovers: Don't hesitate, go straight for the pour-over! Especially the beans from their own estate. Be bold and ask the barista for a recommendation; the quality is definitely on point[6]. The service staff are also very nice[7].
- For the "veteran smokers": Congratulations, you've hit the jackpot. The second floor is your happy place, where you can puff away in peace.
- For those who drive: Heads up! There's very limited parking out front, maybe just two spots[8]! I suggest coming by motorcycle or ride-hailing. Motorcycle parking is quite convenient, though.
- For the WFC (Work From Cafe) digital nomads: The seating here isn't really suitable for working for long hours[9]. It's better for coming to Nongkrong and chat with friends, a quick in-and-out.
- For the non-smokers: Let me say it again! If you really want to try their coffee but have zero tolerance for the smell of smoke, the safest bet is to get it to-go
- The single estate Japanese Drip [1][2] is soul-saving! Its bright acidity and clean finish cut right through the smoke.
- The Long Black is friend-approved for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes.
- The Panini smoke beef and cheese is a surprise hit! The cheese pull is epic—a perfect coffee pairing [3].
Similar Articles
St. Regis Bar Jakarta: Half God-Tier Live Scene, Half a Major Roast
Curious about the St. Regis Bar Jakarta? This spot offers a sophisticated atmosphere, a celebrated live jazz scene, and creative cocktails like the local-inspired Batavia Mary. While the drinks and upscale bar food are top-notch, the experience has its downsides. The entire venue is a smoking area, and you might get a seat with no view of the band. Get the honest breakdown and essential tips before you go to this much-hyped bar to see if it's right for you.
This viral Jakarta hotel: Picture-perfect, but a sleepless nightmare?
This viral Jakarta hotel, La Boheme, boasts a stunning rooftop with incredible city views, making it a picture-perfect spot for your social media feed. Its bohemian vibe is a major draw for the snap-happy crowd. However, this aesthetic comes with a price: notoriously bad soundproofing that promises a sleepless night and frustratingly slow Wi-Fi. This article weighs the Instagrammable highs against the noisy, sleepless lows, helping you decide if the view is worth the sacrifice.
I'd brave the traffic to South Jakarta just for this 50k cream rice
Is Toodz House in South Jakarta worth braving the notorious traffic? This cozy eatery feels like a friend's living room and serves up legendary dishes like its super creamy Carbonara Rice and a unique Spicy Chimichurri Rice. While the food is a flavor-packed delight, the article also gives you the real scoop on long wait times and parking woes. Get all the tips you need to decide if this hyped-up spot is for you.
Calling All Coffeeholics! This Jakarta spot is a mess... except for the coffee.
This hidden Tanamera in Jakarta's Pacific Place is a spot of extremes. While the ambiance is cramped, noisy, and the service is lacking, the coffee is absolutely phenomenal. It’s a must-visit for serious coffee purists seeking the pinnacle of Indonesian specialty beans, with standout pour-overs and a signature Cold White. Just be warned: this place is strictly for the coffee. Avoid the food, non-coffee drinks, and the lunchtime rush for the best (and only good) experience.