If you’re looking for some of the best bars in Bali, this list is a great place to start. There is no shortage of great bars, restaurants, and clubs, so this list just touches the surface.
Bali is a magical island in Indonesia filled with nature’s wonders and world-class entertainment. An ideal day in Bali often involves some mix of surfing, visiting waterfalls, relaxing on the beach, and watching the sunset. But regardless of what your plans are here on the “Island of the Gods”, one thing you surely cannot miss is to visit some of the best bars around the island. From high-end bars with divine cocktails to scenic beach clubs, Bali has it all. Here are 10 bars in Bali that you should add to your list when you visit. Each bar is unique, and the list includes a 1920’s style speakeasy, a beach bar, a sports bar, a brewery, and even a dessert spot.
And then when you’re ready for brunch the next day, make sure to check out my 7 Must Try Brunch Spots in Bali
Table of Contents
Cocktail Bars
The Shady Pig
The Shady Pig is a relatively new establishment from the owners of the Avocado Factory and has been rising in popularity since its opening. It is inspired by the decadence of 1920s Birmingham, England. The Shady Pig calls itself a “sipping club” and has a Speakeasy feel to it (a term for a hidden bar when alcohol was illegal in the United States in the 1920’s). It offers a wide selection of rare spirits and proper classic cocktails.
With some of the most skilled bartenders on the island, The Shady Pig boasts a captivating menu demonstrating their expertise in techniques such as fermentation, distillation, infusion, and in-house barrel-ageing. The Shady Pig could have the best cocktails on the island and is an easy pick as one of the best bars in Bali.
Secret: You’ll have to contact them prior to arriving for the password to enter
40 Thieves
If you don’t think the best cocktails in Bali are at The Shady Pig, then it’s likely because you say the cocktails at 40 Thieves are the best. It’s no secret that I love cocktail bars, especially when they have a New York Speakeasy theme. And so, I’ve included two spots on this list. The bar hosts local DJ’s and so you might find yourself dancing as the night goes on.
You can reserve the couches for your group ahead of time, or the bar seats and tables are first come first serve. This was named as the 99th best bar in Asia by 50 Best
Hint: If you can’t find 40 Thieves, go to the Mad Ronin ramen shop and then look for stairs up.
Bars On the Water
Rock Bar
Rock Bar might be the most famous bar in Bali. And with its beautiful, westward-facing view, I definitely think it’s the best bar in Bali for sunset. Located within Anya, a five-star resort and spa, Rock Bar stands on a cliff overlooking the beautiful coast of Jimbaran. Along with their fine selection of foods and drinks, the Rock Bar has a custom DJ booth that will accompany you through every sunset and evening. But it’s the view that makes it one of the best bars around, especially for a Bali sunset.
The Lawn
There is no saying which beach club is the best in Bali. In fact, I have a post dedicated just to the best beach clubs in Bali. However, The Lawn is the place to go if you are looking for a great bar to simply catch up, relax, and celebrate.
Sitting on one of the most popular surfing spots in Bali, The Lawn is best known for its vibes and tasty drink selection. Make sure to book your daybed to guarantee yourself a chance to enjoy one of the best sunsets overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Brewery
Black Sand Brewery
Black Sand Brewery is a brewpub built on the owner’s passion for beer, friendship, and good times. As Bali’s first craft brewery and the only beer garden producing their own beer here, Black Sand Brewery has some of the best craft beer you can find in all of Indonesia.
Their beers are crafted with top-quality ingredients and no additives. Their beer selection depends on the season but can include:
- Kolsch: A German style beer with a twist ABV 4.2%
- IPA: A balance between malt and hop ABV 6.3%
- Pilsner: Easy drinking beer ABV 4.6%
- Summer Pale Ale: More forward malt & hops with a well-balanced dry hop ABV 4.6%
- Small Hazy: Hop forward with a slight haze ABV 4.8%
But it’s not just a brewery… It’s a brewery with good food (and this seems to be rare). The menu includes entrees like pork spareribs, grilled snapper, and an array of pizzas. But the pulled pork taquitos seem to always beckon me.
A Dessert Bar
Room 4 Dessert
Created by award-winning Chef Will Goldfarb, Room 4 Desserts is an exquisite dessert bar that was featured on the Season 4 of Netflix Chef’s Table. This season focused on four of the world’s best pastry chefs.
After a stint in Paris, the former 3 Michelin-Starred restaurant El Bulli in Spain (now closed), and then several notable restaurants in New York City, Chef Goldfarb opened his original Room 4 Dessert in the trendy SoHo neighborhood of NYC. But when he closed its doors, nobody knew what his next plan was until one day he popped up in Bali at this new location.
Located in the heart of Ubud, Room 4 Desserts offers a seasonal menu according to the availability of local produce. Prices are pegged to the US Dollar, and you can choose tasting menu options that include:
- Multi-course dessert tasting with cocktail pairing and snacks costs around $94 USD (1.5 million Rupiah)
- Multi-course dessert tasting without the cocktail pairing for $62 USD (currently 1 million Rupiah).
Although the menu is solely focused on dessert, I wouldn’t have a full dinner beforehand…. “Maybe a late lunch” Chef Goldfarb recommends.
Live Music Bar
The Orchard Bar & Restaurant
Voted as the best bar for live music in Bali, the Orchard is an old-school Irish pub with plenty of loyal customers. Despite having a quite limited menu, The Orchard is always full of visitors looking for fine comfort food and affordable drinks. They also successfully won the heart of their customers with excellent service and complimentary shots!
Other Bars
ShiShi
Shishi is one of the most popular spots amongst domestic and international visitors. Located in Petitenget near The Forge and Motel Mexicola, what sets Shishi apart is their affordable yet delicious Japanese buffet and an incredibly loud scene separated from its buffet section.
A typical night out in Shishi involves a fantastic dinner in their buffet and bar section, followed up by a huge party whenever you and your friends are ready. The best part is that you can get the best of both worlds in the same spot!
Motel Mexicola
Motel Mexicola is an iconic oasis located near Petitenget Beach. While its Mexican-style retro interior does present a whole new vibe, a night out in Motel Mexicola highlights a proper tropical island experience.
For somewhere so far away from Mexico, Motel Mexicola has an excellent selection of Mexican classics such as tacos, ceviche, and quesadillas. My go to are the birria tacos. In addition to the excellent food, make sure to prepare yourself for one of the wildest scenes you can find on the island! The great selection of Tequilas surely helps this scene.
The Forge Gastropub
Known as one of the few places that open its doors for 24 hours, The Forge Gastropub takes pride in keeping the perfect balance of class and comfort. For many of its loyal customers, The Forge has become their default location for lunch or a night out. Plus, the Forge is one of the best sports bars on the island.
The Forge Gastropub offers a wide array of food and drinks, but you can’t go wrong with their Gastropub classics such as the roasted lamb shank or the tomahawk pork chop. Or they also have a selection of traditional pub fare that includes Steak & Guinness Pie, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers & Mash. Don’t miss their fine selection of craft beers during your visit.
