18 Best Bars in Bali: The Ultimate Guide to Nightlife Nirvana

Long ago, volcanoes gave Bali land, water, and strength. Today, that same energy is used to cook your dinner — at Lava Gastobar in Sanur. There’s no overcomplicated concept here: just open fire, volcanic stones instead of a grill, and a kitchen that smells like smoke long before you even place your order. The cocktails match the spirit of the food — built around fire, smoke, and Balinese flavors. The bar menu blends local fruits, house infusions, a little creativity, and a whole lot of atmosphere. The best way to enjoy them is right here, under the giant cotton tree, with the air thick with the scent of spices and the heat of the volcanic stone.

You can stick with the classics — or trust the bartender to create something that fits your mood perfectly. From the kitchen, light starters like tender Salmon Sashimi pair beautifully with the drinks, while grilled meat dishes bring a bit more heat. Whatever you do, save room for dessert: the lemon cake — bright, refreshing, and the kind of thing that makes you want to order one more cocktail to keep the evening going.

Nautilus in Ubud is one of the hottest spots in town. The menu here leans into the classics — try their Negroni Sbagliato or Espresso Martini — but the real charm lies in their original creations. Every cocktail is crafted with a nautical twist, just like the vibe of the restaurant itself. By the way, ever ordered something “light" and ended up blinking through the alcohol fumes? Or asked for something strong and got a barely alcoholic soda? At Nautilus, they've thought it through — each drink has a strength rating from zero to ten. So you know exactly what you're getting.

Wine fans, rejoice. Their small but curated list pulls from top wine-making regions worldwide — from the Czech Republic to South Africa. Nautilus is also one of the best restaurants in Bali, especially if you're into seafood. I wouldn't call it a part of Bali's nightlife, as it's not where you'll end up dancing on tables. It's for elegant dinners, stellar cocktails, and a glass (or two) of wine. Also — just putting it out there — it's a great date spot.

Donna sits right in the center of Ubud, on Monkey Forest Street. It's a restaurant with a solid cocktail list and an upstairs floor that turns into a dance space on Fridays. Music plays until 2 AM, which is rare for Ubud — most places go quiet by midnight.

The menu includes signature cocktails with some show — smoke, sparks, and other camera-friendly touches. There's food, too: tapas, seafood, and meat dishes. So if you're looking for a spot with music and room to dance, Donna is one of the few places that fits. It is better to book a table ahead of time.

Shady Fox is part of the Shady Family — a group of four bars, each inspired by a different city and decade, from the 1910s to the 1950s. What ties them together is a shared concept: secret societies, underground speakeasies, and that hush-hush, Prohibition-era feel. Peaky Blinders, but in real life — and set in the 21st century. Shady Fox channels 1930s London, and everything here sticks to the theme — including the cocktail list. Drinks are made with high-quality spirits and Shady Fox's creations. They distill, infuse, barrel-age — you name it. This is precisely why you should come here for their experimental cocktails. Start with The Illusionist — grilled pineapple tequila, anyone?

There's a “Games & Cocktails” section on the menu, where you take on the bartender or server in a game. Lose, and you pay. Win, and the cocktail's on the house. So, if you're confident in your cup-and-ball skills or rolling doubles, go for it. They also host events almost every night — from live jazz to mic drops. In short, Shady Fox is one of the best cocktail bars in Bali to hit up with a rowdy crew — and live out your inner mob boss fantasy.

Recently reopened with a fresh concept, Huge has long been known as one of the best bars in Bali. As of 2025, the focus has shifted toward raw seafood — so fresh, it almost feels like you're still in the ocean. The kitchen blends Asian and European influences with flavors that feel familiar and easy to enjoy.

Cocktails keep it simple. No smoke, no tricks — just clean, classic flavors built on good alcohol and better balance. The wine list's solid, too. And they know exactly what pairs well with that scallop crudo.

Mosto is a wine bar in Canggu that focuses on natural and biodynamic wines. The list features over 70 bottles — all organic, unfiltered, and low-intervention. To go with it: tartare, sambal pasta, and other shareable plates. The vibe sits somewhere between a French bistro and a modern Balinese eatery.

The bar opens at 5 PM and fills up fast in the evening — booking ahead is a good idea. There's no dancing here. It's not a party spot — it's one of those bars in Bali just for conversations, good food, and even better bottles. Occasionally, they host themed nights and tastings, but Mosto is more about sitting back than getting loud.

Rock Bar holds a well-earned place in the Bali nightlife scene as one of the best spots for ocean views. It's part of the AYANA resort and built right into a cliff face above the water. The only way to reach it is by inclinator. Doors open at 4 PM, but things really pick up later — music starts, people dance, and the bartenders are constantly shaking cocktails.

Food-wise, it's mostly seafood. The Indian Ocean inspires the cocktail menu, so expect fresh, tropical flavors. Hotel guests get priority seating, but if you're not staying at AYANA, arriving early is best — especially on weekends. One important detail: a minimum spend for non-guests is IDR 300,000 per person for a tapas table and IDR 500,000 for a dining table.

A dimly lit room, a marble bar, a live saxophone, and a glass of mezcal with tamarind and beetroot — Pinstripe feels like a scene from a black-and-white film. Tucked inside the Viceroy Hotel, this bar channels the spirit of the 1930s with its vintage interiors, live jazz, and cocktails full of personality. Thursdays and Fridays tend to get lively.

In terms of how well the menu is thought through, Pinstripe Bar stands out as one of the top bars in Bali. The menu reads like a book — each cocktail nods to a different era and tells the story of the person named after. It's all about bold flavors, from coconut prosecco to peanut butter in watermelon. There's a cigar selection, a jungle-view terrace, and the occasional wine tasting. It might start feeling intimate, but as the night goes on, it turns into something else entirely — a place where jazz sets the rhythm and people end up dancing by the bar.

Beach Bar is a stylish beachfront spot within the five-star Alila Seminyak resort. There are two ways to settle in: grab a table and enjoy cocktails and snacks, no strings attached — or go for the beanbags by the pool with sweeping ocean views. That option comes with a minimum spend of IDR 400,000 per person, including food, drinks, access to the infinity pool, and a towel. It's especially popular with those looking to spend the whole day by the sea.

The menu mixes light Mediterranean and Indonesian dishes — thin-crust pizzas, tapas, and refreshing snacks. Drinks include Alila's signature cocktails, classic mixes, cold beer, and a solid wine selection. Also worth noting: the same hotel is home to Seasalt — read more about it in our Best Restaurants in Bali guide.

The Sayan House in Ubud is a bar with a stunning view of the Ayung River gorge and a cocktail menu that blends Japanese and Latin American influences. On the edge of the terrace is the Sunset Bar — people head there in the late afternoon to watch the sun dip behind the jungle while sipping unusual cocktails under lantern light and the sounds of nature.

The drinks menu is built around unexpected pairings: vodka with basil and tamarillo, sake with yuzu, cocktails infused with green tea, spices, and Japanese whisky. One of their signatures is the Machu Matilda, made with house-brewed ginger ale. You'll also find wine, rum, tequila, and other spirits — but no pressure to order dinner. The prime hour is 5 PM when the sun sets behind the trees. If you're exploring the best bars in Bali, this one deserves a place on your list — for the view alone.

Finns Beach Club is undoubtedly one of the best beach clubs in Bali, as they continue to set the bar for newer beach clubs by giving consistent services and showing people why they still stand today. With three pools, seven kitchens, ten bars, two swim-up bars, and three party restaurants, you can't pigeonhole Finns Beach Club into one category as they have so much variety.

Honestly, you can never go wrong by choosing anything from their drink menus. Finns Beach Club's bars serve Bali Punch, Tipsy Ginger, Lemongrass Breeze, and Watermelon Crush, among others, as their signature cocktails. In contrast, classic cocktails like Bloody Mary and Mojito are available for those looking for familiarity and comfort. They also have a daily happy hour, from 8 to 9 PM, with a two-for-one promo, perfect if you're looking for other selections than cocktails, like wine, beers, and spirits.

Sunset Park is a rooftop bar at Desa Potato Head in Seminyak. In just one evening, it gives you a sunset, music, cocktails, and maybe even a new friend at the next table. The view overlooks the Indian Ocean, and the vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. A DJ plays in the evenings, and you'll spot guests with both glasses and cameras in hand.

The cocktails lean into local flavors: watermelon, dragon fruit, and house-made spice infusions — primarily based on Indonesian arak or gin. The food leans toward tapas with an Asian twist: shiso prawns and fried cassava. Come early if you want front-row seats by the edge. Definitely one of the most memorable bars in Bali for golden hour drinks.

The Lawn has established itself as one of the best bars in Canggu. Sitting right on the shoreline, it's open from day to night — and perfect for anyone chasing sunsets, music, and cocktails without the chaos. By day, the mood is light: watermelon margaritas, pineapple punch, and easy conversations. Things shift to sangria, rum, and crowd-pleasers like piña coladas and mojitos as the sun goes down.

You can grab a regular table with no minimum spend. Or choose a poolside beanbag — this option comes with a deposit, which includes a towel and access to the infinity pool. The menu is what you'd expect from a beach club in Bali: snacks, wine, beer, and mocktails. But if you're looking for a solid introduction to bars in Bali, The Lawn is a great place to start.

Room 4 Dessert in Ubud is an experimental dining project by chef Will Goldfarb — yes, the one from Chef's Table. The format is a 15-course set: five savory bites, five desserts, and five petits fours. Courses are served in a specific sequence, focusing on texture, local ingredients, and unusual pairings.

As for the bar side, each course is paired with a cocktail or natural wine, depending on your taste. Guests can pick from four pairing options: natural wine (IDR 1,890,000), spirits (IDR 1,540,000), a non-alcoholic pairing (IDR 1,290,000), or no drinks at all (IDR 1,090,000).

This is another bar — one of four — by the Shady Family. This time, you're stepping into 1920s Birmingham. Prohibition, mobsters, the whole Peaky Blinders vibe… honestly, how are you not already on your way? As always, the drinks are a whole production. House-made liqueurs, bold ingredients, and experimental techniques keep the menu sharp and surprising. Go for Heaven or Hell (tequila, lime, secret herbs and spices) or Bad Blood (gin, beetroot, ginger, berries) if you're into layered, thoughtful cocktails.

It's a strong addition to the Bali nightlife scene — especially if you're after something a little more cinematic than your usual night out. Live acts happen almost every night, from smooth jazz to full-on DJ sets. Just check their socials and pick your night.

Some places try to be iconic, but La Plancha just is. Right on Seminyak's Double Six Beach, it's been drawing sunset crowds for over a decade with its mix of music, cocktails, and beanbags by the waves. The drink list is fun and tropical, with signatures like Ola Maradona and La'Jito, made with coconut syrup, passionfruit, or even clarified watermelon. It's the kind of bar where your flip-flops come off fast.

The format is simple: no minimum spend, no dress code, just come as you are. Great for groups, sunset dates, or spontaneous drop-ins after a beach walk. No surprise it's earned its place among the top bars in Bali.

Jungle Fish Pool Bar feels more like a secret hillside retreat than your typical daytime bar, with the Wos River valley in the background. During the day, you'll enjoy plenty of greenery, and when the dark settles, your ears will be spoiled by the sound of nature and the serenity that Ubud is famous for.

The cocktails here are worth the climb: Green Borneo and Ginger Grass hit a balance of earthy and bright, while mocktails hold their own if you're skipping the alcohol. Pair them with small plates like tuna gohu or fritto misto, and you're set. Bonus points for the plant-based menu — it's genuinely creative, not just a checkbox. If you're bar-hopping through the jungle, check out more places like this in our guide to bars in Ubud.

At first glance, Sardine in Seminyak looks like a tranquil dinner spot — bamboo pavilion, rice fields, soft lighting. But don't be fooled. Once it hits 10 PM, the whole thing flips: DJs roll in, lasers start flashing, dancers appear out of nowhere, and the air turns electric. They know how to have fun here. What begins as an elegant dinner spot transforms into a full-blown rave.

One event that stands out is the annual Gates of Bali party — a massive celebration with laser shows, booming DJ sets, and dancing until you drop. It's one of the loudest, wildest corners of Bali nightlife, tucked inside a place you'd never expect. Honestly, it's the kind of energy that makes drinks optional — but Sardine does have a solid cocktail list, with classics everyone knows and a few creative twists.