Spanky’s does some fingerlicking good ribs, both beef and pork. All photos: Spanky’s
The combination of ribs and martinis is incongruous but somehow elegant. Wrapping your fingers, sticky with barbecue sauce, around the thin stem of a classy martini class, is one of those acts of culinary indulgence that fills foodies with a sense of total satisfaction.
Spanky’s is not the first restaurant in Indonesia to specialize in the ribs and martini combination – that honor goes to Naughty Nuri’s in Bali – but it definitely does this delicious duo of earthly delights better than any other restaurant in Jakarta.
Two years ago, Spanky’s took over the spot once occupied by now-defunct but much loved gastropub Elbow Room, giving the space the white-walled look and American iconography of a 1950s street side diner. Fortunately Spanky’s has more staying power than its predecessor, having earned a steady stream of loyal patrons for their succulent ribs and powerful martinis.
The ribs are consistently great, cooked to fall-off-the-bone tenderness and basted in some fingerlicking good BBQ sauces (the spicy Alabama is my favorite). They’re not cheap – a half-slab of the pork ribs will set you back Rp. 190k while the half-slab of beef goes for Rp. 230k – but you will definitely be stuffed and satisfied if you’re seeking BBQ bliss (if you’re really hungry you can go for the full slab).
For such a seemingly carnivore-centric restaurant, Spanky’s has a surprisingly good range of vegetarian options (a line I used to convince my vegetarian friend to visit the restaurant with me). Their hummus – which you can get as a starter (Rp. 45k) or in a sandwich with feta cheese on herb foccacia (Rp. 75k) – is as good as you’d get at the better middle-eastern restaurants here, and their mushroom burger avoids the usual pitfall of being a big soggy mess.
But vegetarians should indulge sometimes too which is why I made my friend try the grilled cheese sandwich (Rp. 55k, pictured above) – filled to bursting with gooey mozzarella, sharp cheddar and a bit of jalapeno for kick, this is one place in Jakarta that defintely doesn’t skimp on the cheese.
But Spanky’s is undeniably a haven for meat eaters, especially the pork loving variety. There are a lot of piggy products on the menu besides the rib – our favorite is the pork belly (Rp. 90k, pictured above). The thick slices of belly have got requisite crackling skin and tender meat, but it’s the side of with a zingy caramelized apple coleslaw that keeps the richness of the dish depth.
The martinis at Spanky’s run the gamut from “James Bond style” to sweeter versions like the ubiquitous lychee and chocolate. The classic is always good but the lemongrass martini, made with a homemade syrup, gives the drink enough of a twist without being overwhelming All cocktails are Rp 95k per glass or you can opt for a ‘big mama’ pitcher for Rp. 480k.
If you can save the space, Spanky’s has some tasty pies on the dessert menu (befitting an American style diner). The chocolate truffle cake with a bit of sea salt (Rp. 55k) is decadent but different enough to justify ordering even on a full stomach.
Since you made it to the end of this review, we’ll let you in on a little secret: In honor of Spanky’s second anniversary they’re offering a great buy one get one on all beers and martinis for the entire month of November!
So if you’ve never been, now would be an excellent time to check Spanky’s out.
Spanky’s Ribs & Martinis
Jalan Kemang Raya no. 24A
(021) 7182876
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