8 Best Bars In Bali, Including Award-Winning Speakeasies And Botanical Cocktails

16th May 2023

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Best Bars in Bali 2023

Bali is known for its vibrant nightlife, and its numerous bars are a testament to that. While some may assume that drinking in Bali is expensive, there are plenty of affordable options for fun-loving tourists on a budget. From rooftop bars to hidden speakeasies that offer a sense of exclusivity, we’ve compiled a list of best bars in Bali for you to check out on your next pub crawl.

1. La Favela

Image credit: @lafavelabali_

La Favela has got to be one of the most captivating bars in Bali. From the exterior, it looks like a lush jungle with artificial waterfalls and ponds, but once you’re inside, you’re whisked away to a shanty Brazilian favela that’s heavily decorated with eclectic antiques and curated art pieces. Completing the look are semi-indoor gardens with alfresco tables and chairs laid out amongst a mini bridge.

Image credit: @lafavelabali_

Music-wise, it’s all about familiar tunes and top EDM hits that anyone can dance to. Plus, there are no hefty entrance fees.

Image credit: @lafavelabali_

Drinks here are generally on the pricier side, but based on the over 14,000 Google Reviews, they’re worth it. More affordable options include sparkling wine from IDR180K++ (~S$16.30++)and mocktails from IDR80K++ (~S$7.25++). We recommend the Tooth Fairy, which comes with bubble gum syrup and edible flowers, or the Wise Lady: strawberry shrub, rose syrup, and sprite, decorated with rose petals.

Address: Jalan Laksamana Oberoi Nombor 177X, Seminyak, Kecamatan Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80561
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 7pm to 2am, Fri-Sat 7pm to 3am
Tel: +62 361 730010
Website
La Favela is not a halal-certified eatery.

2. The Mailroom

Image credit: @themailroombar

If you’re into hidden speakeasies, The Mailroom will be right up your alley. This secretive bar is hidden at the back of an unassuming shop in Canggu; to enter, guests are assigned a lockbox with a key to access its premises.

Image credit: @themailroombar

The bar has also one of the most creative cocktail menus we’ve seen in Bali. Think interactive tipples such as Crazy Rich Astrid (IDR220K++/~S$19.93), featuring Hendrick’s Gin, Bailey’s Strawberries & Cream, and lychee liqueur, topped with a waffle cracker. Otherwise, The Great Gatsby is another vodka-infused creation that’s topped with cotton candy fuzz.

Address: Jalan Pantai Berawa Nombor 7, Tibubeneng, Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Wed-Fri 7pm to 2am
Tel: +62 812 1100 8614
Website
The Mailroom is not a halal-certified eatery.

3. 40 Thieves

Image credit: @40thieves.bali

This unmarked speakeasy is located above Mad Ronin, a ramen joint in Petitenget. Owned by award-winning mixologist Shah Dillon, the drinking den is renowned for their craft cocktails and artisanal spirits.

Visit on a weekday night when it’s less crowded, and vibe to pop, jazz, or R&B tunes spun by local indie DJs.

Image credit: @40thieves.bali

For the indecisive, go straight for the menu’s 12 featured cocktails, priced from IDR95K++ (~S$8.61++). Standouts include Bootlegger’s Mule, their famous house ginger beer with kaffir lime, and Red Light District, featuring gin and strawberry apricot cordial. Pair them with tantalising bar bites with the likes of cheese balls and popcorn chicken, or order a bowl of ramen from downstairs instead. The Tonkotsu Black Garlic (IDR85K++/~S$7.70++) and Tonkotsu Hell Bowl (IDR85K++/~S$7.70++) both come highly recommended.

Address: Petitenget Street Nombor 7, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Daily 8pm to 2am
Tel: +62 878 6226 7657
Website
40 Thieves is not a halal-certified eatery.

4. Motel Mexicola

Image credit: @motelmexicola

After spending your day chilling at Seminyak Beach, it’s time to party the night away at Motel Mexicola, a famous bar and club that’ll transport you to “South of the border”.

Image credit: @motelmexicola

Once you pass their strict security team, you’ll be greeted by a majestic candle altar that’s every photographer’s dream. Then, head over to the courtyard, AKA main party space with bars lining up its perimeter for tequila shots, Bintang beer, and boozy cocktails. P.S. There’s no air-conditioning here, so you may want a couple of those frozen margaritas.

Image credit: @motelmexicola

If you don’t fancy rubbing shoulders with sweaty club-goers, head upstairs to the second level, which houses a bar area with tables and chairs for those who’d prefer to drink in comfort. They’ve also got Mexican nibbles such as Baja Tacos (IDR45K++/~S$4.08++) and Beef Cheek Quesadilla (IDR90K++/~S$8.15++) to fuel you up before hitting round two.

Address: Jalan Kayu Jati Nombor 9X, Kerobokan Kelod, Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 11am to 1am, Fri-Sat 11am to 1:30am
Tel: +62 361 736688
Website
Motel Mexicola is not a halal-certified eatery.

5. The Shady Fox

Image credit: @theshadyfox_

Here, it’s all about living out your main character fantasies. Imagine you’re in 1930s London, and you’re a part of England’s most notorious underworld syndicates. With your strong political connections, you and your clan have opened a series of gambling clubs, one of them being The Shady Fox.

Image credit: @theshadyfox_

This cocktail parlour offers a theatrical take on glamour and late-night entertainment, with designated “illegal gambling rooms”, roulette wheels, and game-inspired cocktails. Signatures include Grace’s Secret (IDR125K++/~S$11.32++), which infuses Monkey Shoulder with black pepper lemon, and Ridotto (IDR170K++/~S$15.40++) with tequila and citrus.

Address: Jalan Tukad Pingai, Pererenan, Kecamatan Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 7pm to 3am
Website
The Shady Fox is not a halal-certified eatery.

6. Akademi Bar

Image credit: @akademibar

Akademi Bar is a three-in-one cocktail bar, lab, and training centre. Located at Potato Head’s Katamama Hotel and helmed by award-winning bartender Dre Masso, the bar is best known for their botanic cocktails that pay homage to arak, a traditional Indonesian liquor.

The space sports a contemporary design, complete with a central bar for guests to enjoy their drinks, or take part in one of their cocktail-making classes.

Image credit: @akademibar

Crowd favourites include the Akasemi Negroni (IDR155K++/~S$13.98++), starring Balinese grape arak, and the Forgotten Arrack (IDR155K++/~S$13.98++), a highball-style concoction mixed with Sajeng Patala, a local spirit.

You can also try their affordable signature cocktails from IDR120K++ (~S$10.83++), such as Mamarita for something fruity and refreshing, or the Akademi Elixir, which consists of spiced rum and fermented ginger kombucha.

Address: Jalan Petitenget Nombor 51B, Kerobokan Kelod, Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Daily 5pm to 12am
Tel: +62 361 6207979
Website
Akademi Bar is not a halal-certified eatery.

7. The Lair

Image credit: @petrinandrea

Hidden under Campuhan Bridge is The Lair, a cosy drinking hole that’s one of the best places to get away from the bustling party crowds. This is not your typical speakeasy—rather, the bar resembles a hidden tavern that incorporates nature into its aesthetic, with indoor plants and jungle scenes making up most of its decor.

Image credit: @thelair.ubud

Pick your poison from their themed playing cards, each displaying the name of a specific cocktail, many of which are simply card numbers. There’s No.1 (IDR99K++/~S$8.93++), made with smoked bourbon whiskey, house-made rosemary syrup, red apple, and passionfruit; No. 7 (IDR99K++/~S$8.93++) comprises citrus-infused vodka, Midori Japanese liquor, and fresh lemon juice.

If you’re feeling peckish, we also recommend light bites including Prawn Bonbons (IDR85++/~S$7.66++) for something a lil’ spicy, or the LFC Lair Fried Chicken (IDR60K++/~S$5.41++), featuring crispy marinated chicken with garlic and honey mustard sauce.

Address: Ubud Main Road, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Tel: +62 878 4003 4088
Website
The Lair is not a halal-certified eatery.

8. Double-Six Rooftop

Image credit: @doublesixrooftop

Double-Six Rooftop is the largest rooftop bar in Bali, and comes with floating pods and lounge sofas where you can enjoy ethereal sunset views in style. Social butterflies can hit the dancefloor and party it out to savvy tunes, or head over to the wooden deck with beach-style chairs for an outdoor movie screening.

Happy hour takes place after sunset, while Tuesdays and Thursdays see two-for-one deals on most wines and cocktails.

Image credit: @doublesixrooftop

Get a round of tiki-style cocktails at their pineapple-themed bar, comprising creative takes inspired by local tropical ingredients. Those looking for a good balance of sweet and sour can try the Hop-Hop Rabbit (IDR120++/~S$10.78++), while vodka fans can go ham on the Red Ferrari (IDR120++/~S$10.78++): vodka, sweet vermouth, lime juice, strawberry, and caster sugar.

Address: Jalan Pantai Legian, Nombor 66, Seminyak, Kecamatan Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Daily 5pm to 11pm
Tel: +62 361 730466
Website
Double-Six Rooftop is not a halal-certified eatery.

Best cocktail bars in Bali

Bars in Bali are relatively affordable, so there’s no need to break the bank in pursuit of a fun night out. If you’re looking for more party spots, check out our Bali beach clubs guide, featuring Finn’s Beach Club, Atlas Beach Club and more. For the best Indonesian food to eat in Bali, read up on our Bali food guide.