Tin Pan Alley (American Bistro)

Tin Pan Alley (a reference to American music) opened in September 2010 in the new UOB Tower, in Central Jakarta. Locally-owned, it is very similar in the design with Immigrant and in the menu with Potato Head. The dishes served are mostly "bistro" types: Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads, Pastas, Steaks, but with more attention paid to the presentation, the quality and the originality of the recipes than in an ordinary bistro. The setting is classy in an industrial vintage style, if such a style exists. The waiters are dressed old-fashioned and look as if they had come from a Charlie Chaplin movie. I was surprised to hear they could speak English perfectly, almost with an American accent. It is quite rare in Jakarta.

Since we were a few eating in Tin Pan Alley that day, I had a bite from different dishes, among which:
-the 180 grams Australian Tenderloin (Rp 149,000), well-cooked with a delicious sauce, but lacking a side dish
-the Cheese Tomato Foccacia (Rp 49,000), not really enjoyed by anybody: too much cheese and not enough tomatoes, I was expecting something more juicy
-the potato wedges (Rp 49,000), heavy and greasy but as good as any other junk food
-the Spaghetti Aglio Shrimp (Rp 59,000), great taste but a little small
-the fried chicken dinner (Rp 69,000): Ok but a bit expensive for fried chicken
-the choco truffle cake (Rp 29,000): Excellent, it is melting in the mouth perfectly, but I prefer the one I tried in Ninety-Nine restaurant.

Overall: Tin Pan Alley is recommended because you can enjoy there some simple, yet well-prepared dishes in a stylish environment. Expats will have the occasion to taste the same food they could have back home, at much better prices. Compared to a nasi goreng you'll eat in the street Tin Pan Alley is much more expensive, but once in a while it is quite a pleasure. Good for dates, dinner with friends, business. Average expense per person: Rp 80,000 to Rp 120,000.


Tin Pan Alley American Bistro
Thamrin Nine Podium /UOB lobby lv #f, Jl. Mh Thamrin No.10
Jakarta, Indonesia, 10230
Phone: +62 21 3000 7881
Open every day from 10am to 10pm

For more information you can check their facebook fan page: Tin Pan Alley Jakarta