Whilst not exactly home to the same party scene as Seminyak and Canggu — we’ll take that as a good thing — the rise of Ubud’s food and beverage offerings has welcomed not only superb restaurants but also bars to match. But sifting through the long list of bars in Ubud can be confusing…
Nightlife in Ubud has stockpiles of fun bars with music and drinks, but for the more discerning drinker there are spots that take pride, and take time, in crafting the perfect cocktail. So, if you’re looking for the best cocktail bars in Ubud – more intimate, cosy and with a barman who knows his stuff – these Ubud venues should whet the palate nicely. Cheers to that.
Pinstripe Bar
Those who have been to Apéritif Restaurant have experienced the decadence of this Bali fine dining venue. Housed in an impressive, all-white colonial building, both its façade and interiors channel a bygone era, the polished stylings of the 1920s and 30s. In one of the building’s wings, Pinstripe Bar is its own little world: a sophisticated venue of dark woods and plush leather sofas, with a grand piano and snooker table adding to the already handsome ambience. Outside, an open deck looks out to an Ubud river valley — the Bali touch.
Head Mixologist Panji Wisrawan is a master behind the bar and lucky for him Pinstripe Bar is a venue where patrons are truly mindful of what’s in their glass, appreciating the thought and expertise that goes into each drink. The cocktail menu features all the classics, and twists of classics, like the Hotsy Totsy served with ‘popping’ bubbles.
The real signatures here are found in Panji’s own ‘Cocktail Anthology’, inspired by Bali in the 1930s: a renaissance period where a handful of visiting foreigners in that time became the chroniclers, the translators and the broadcasters of Bali to the world. Cocktails include ‘The Anthropologist’, named after Margaret Mead; ‘The Primitivist’, after Walter Spies; and a NOW! Bali favourite, ‘The Composer’, named after Colin McPhee, is made with caramelised pandan whiskey, recycled coffee incense, mezcal Joven and fernet Branca. On certain nights, Pinstripe Bar is also a great place to enjoy live music in Ubud.
Open daily from 4pm ’til late
Book Now: +62 859 6310 5757 | pinstripebar.com
Bacari – Wines, Cocktails & Tapas
Charmingly nestled amidst the bustling Goutama Street, Bacari is a cosy 22-seater wine, cocktail and tapas bar with a tastefully minimal and chic design. Quickly becoming a popular haunt in Ubud, the venue features earthy décor elements, boasting 20th-century industrial accents harmonised by a hand-chiselled bar and handcrafted brass shelf and furniture
Bacari was originally envisioned as a wine and tapas bar, offering 20 curated international wines by the glass, both from the Old World & New, but has since become a go-to hotspot for evening to late-night cocktails.
Upholding a philosophy that revolves around using premium spirits for their concoctions, guests are spoilt for choice with its library of cocktails, from the Classics to Modern Classics. The Negroni and Gin Basil Smash are must-tries for gin connoisseurs, while the Revolver is the ideal choice for Bourbon enthusiasts. Bacari’s latest creation on their cocktail menu is the Galle Club Spritz, a nutmeg liquor-based spritz that celebrates the opening of their Sri Lankan restaurant, Galle Club.
However, if you’re more of an oenophile, Bacari’s extensive collection of wines will leave you satisfied. With a steadfast focus on quality and service, all 20 wines by the glass are served using Coravin, a cutting-edge wine preservation system that serves the wine without opening a bottle. The eclectic wine list allows guests to curate their own wine-tasting experience, with a tapas-style menu that has been meticulously designed to pair exquisitely with the wines.
Inspired by Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian dishes, the tapas menu uses the freshest ingredients from local suppliers to elevate the bold flavours of cuisines from these regions. From Bordeaux Blancs to the unconventional Gavi di Gavi, the whites pair best with the Burrata on Sourdough dish and the homemade Chicken Pate. While bolder red wines like the Barolo, the crowd-favourite Napa Cab or the Portuguese Tinto perfectly pair with the Chicken Skewers and Lamb Shoulder.
A little tip is to visit during the daytime as the venue turns into Tucky, a specialty coffee and brunch spot, before transforming into the elegant bar that is Bacari in the evenings.
Open daily from 4pm to 11pm.
Book Now: +62 811 3811 7613 | @bacari.bali | bacaribali.com
Donna Ubud
Stylish and refined, presenting a destination that comprises a bar, dining and nightclub, Donna is a must-visit venue for those looking for a classy cocktail experience in Ubud. Found on the central Jalan Monkey Forest road, its eye-catching street front bar is likely to tempt any passers-by in for a drink, bite or dance.
Donna’s design and interior set the scene: a sophisticated setting featuring dark wood finishings and furnishings, complemented by the terracotta-coloured walls. Donna presents a classic European-Spanish touch, rich with natural elements that complete its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The al-fresco ground floor spreads from the roadside to the poolside, with classic dining areas, and lounge areas with plush leather sofas, all warmed with abundant natural light. Here, a menu of international tapas is served — open for lunch and dinner. You’ll find lite bites like Spanish Beef Meatballs or fresh Buratta with heirloom tomato; to heartier dishes such as Tasmanian Salmon and New Zealand Tenderloin.
Of course, it’s also a great spot to enjoy a drink, whether that’s from the vibrant bar that serves up popular, premium cocktails, each with unique presentations; or indeed from the well-stocked wine cellar featuring premium international wines. Upstairs, a rooftop bar welcomes guests as well, a good spot to drink as the sun goes down — on Fridays, this space transforms into a dance floor that stays open until 2am. Shisha is also available for those who like to imbibe.
Of course, with a focus on cocktail bars in Ubud, we have to share some of their signature drinks. Their Smoked Clover Club is made with Tanqueray Gin and shaken up with Fresh Raspberries, Lemon Juice, and Homemade Syrup, served with Apple Wood Smoke — served in a smoking glass container! You’ll also find a fiery presentation with their Madasgar Mojito, a blend of Bacardi White Infused with Vanilla, Cinnamon, Star Anise, Fresh Mint and Lime, sparkling with a Madagascan twist. Of course, an absolute favourite, Espresso Martini, featuring the usual concoction of Smirnoff Vodka, Kahlua, Brazil Fazenda Primavera Coffee and Vanilla Syrup, but served above a bubbling, ice-smoked cauldron! They have a daily Happy Hours promotion for cocktails from 12pm to 3pm, with special prices on their Passion Daiquiri, Lychees Spritz, Summer Berries and Melon Peaches.
Open daily from 11:30 am till late (Friday till 2am)
Book Now: 0812 7718 9610 | @donnaubud | cho.pe/donnaubud
BOLICHE
Taking over the location of the legendary Beggar’s Bush – a bar and resto in the ’70s frequented by travellers, bohemian artists and even celebrities like Mick Jagger and David Bowie – BOLICHE continues the legacy as one of the favourite bars in Ubud for both residents and visitors. Connected to Cantina Rooftop, an all-day rooftop eatery that looks out over Ubud’s iconic temple, Pura Gunung Lebah, BOLICHE is its nocturnal cousin: a late-night bar that has become a collective space celebrating music, art and creativity. It has secured a position as a local favourite when it comes to nightlife in Ubud.
Earlier in the evenings, the plush sofas and lounges make for a snug spot to drink and talk with friends, in the surrounds of eclectic accoutrements that give this spot its distinct character. BOLICHE’s bar highlights local ingredients in their artisanal cocktails, like ‘Toya Lalah’, made with green chilli infused Arak, lemon, basil, tonic, and salt; or ‘Kampung Mule’, made with vodka, red ginger, lemongrass, kemangi (lemon basil), lime and soda.
Favourites are given a twist too, like the ‘Bandido Old Fashioned’ made with El Jimador Tequila Reposado, agave, bitters, and flamed orange twist; and a refreshingly tangy daiquiri made with starfruit. Later in the evening, the stylish, soundproof venue fills up for underground music playing into the wee hours! If you’re looking for more than just a drink and fancy a party in Ubud, Boliche is a great bet.
Open on Thursday to Saturday (Walk-ins only) from 8pm ’til late
Book Now: +62 812 3657 4086 | @boliche.bali
Ambar
Perched at the very tip-top of the Ayung River valley, Ambar at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, boasts one of the most majestic locations to enjoy a tipple.
Meaning sky in Sanskrit, Ambar certainly lives up to its name, with a bird’s eye view of the Mandapa village below, that cascades down towards the surrounding forests. Recently revamped, Ambar welcomes guests into its casual dining space open to all with a beautiful outdoor deck — a picture-perfect spot to watch the sunset in Ubud.
This Ubud bar offers a curated menu of Japanese-Indonesian cuisine. Creations are inspired by indigenous ingredients from the surrounding forest and Japanese fine drinking that creates a modern and creative take on traditional herbs, fruits, and spices. The Fruits of the Forest menu features a selection of classic cocktails with unique twists and eclectic spirits that allow guests to sample variants of Gin & Tonic, Aged Coconut Cocktails, and Mini Snacquiri flights.
The Canopy Collection menu consists of a list of unique spirits that are the specialty of Ambar and are constantly evolving to keep guests impressed. A diverse offering of international wines and curated local-market-influenced beers also adorn the selection of drinks to be enjoyed.
A favourite here is ‘Wantilan’, featuring Seagram’s vodka, lemongrass, kemangi, and passion fruit. Cocktails can also be made according to your tastes, whereas vodka can be substituted for gin, rum, or other alcoholic drinks according to taste.
Open daily from 2pm to 10pm
Book Now: +62 813 3910 1992 | bit.ly/AmbaratMandapa | @ambaratmandapa
KAWI
KAWI is one of the newest cocktail bars in Ubud with a real focus on ingredients and flavour. This cosy 15-seater is a place for those looking to savour well-balanced cocktails in peace or have a private little tete-a-tete in an intimate space. The venue is moody and minimalist, like a clean, stripped-back cave, with spotlighting bringing focus to the most important thing in the room: your drink.
KAWI, which means ‘poet’ in Sanskrit, highlights fresh produce and special ingredients from different parts of Bali in their cocktails. You’ll find ‘Pisang’, with arak from Tejakula infused with dried banana, fernet Branca and Balinese vanilla; and ‘Jeruk’, with gin infused with Kintamani tangerine, jasmine tea infused Campari. ‘Rice’ is more on the experimental side, featuring house-made spiced rice milk, tapé (fermented rice or cassava), sake and cincau grass jelly.
You’ll see jars of spirits being infused with local produce and ingredients behind the bar, a slow lab of sorts, where flavours are made at nature’s pace. Some natural wines by the bottle and locally-inspired snacks are also made available. These unique and somewhat experimental cocktails are enjoyed in the snug-yet-sophisticated space of KAWI, around the centre-piece bar or individual tables looking out to a warmly lit, tropical back garden.
Open on Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm to 12am
Book Now: +62 361 9086 528 | @kawiubud
Copper Kitchen, Bar & Rooftop
Tucked within the upscale Bisma Eight boutique hotel, amidst the lush jungle surroundings of Ubud, cocktail connoisseurs can indulge in an exquisite dining and drinking experience at Copper Kitchen, Bar & Rooftop, the only sunset rooftop bar in the Ubud town centre.
Copper reflects the very essence of Ubud, offering culinary experiences that are an authentic, ethical and inspired combination of the flavours that have consistently drawn people to Ubud. Serving up Asian, South American and West African cuisine, Copper incorporates locally grown and ethically sourced produce from their own earth-conscious farm in Tegallalang, Bali’s regional pastures, oceans and forests.
This is also incorporated into their beverage programme, which draws inspiration from the comprehensive approach of the old world using a combination of exotic and refined techniques of the past. Bar patrons can savour the invigorating concoctions from the Crafty Cocktails selection, such as the Grapefruit Punch (rum, peach liqueur, grapefruit juice, lemon juice), Bisma Garden (gin, garden fresh basil, lemon juice, soda, gomme), Rosita (rose-infused vodka, lemon liqueur, lemon juice, homemade lemon bitters, rose syrup), Dry Martini (gin, dry vermouth), and the signature Pejeng Sour (local herb-infused amaretto & peach liqueur, fresh lemon juice, homemade rosemary bitters, homemade sweet & spicy syrup).
That’s not all! Copper also features an extensive list of mocktails, cocktails, spirits, wines and champagnes available. Their bartenders will be happy to concoct a bespoke drink of your choice and preference.
Open daily from 7am to 11pm.
Book Now: +62 361 479 2888 | +62 813 3951 2571 | @copperubud
DUMBO
Those looking to have a drink or two can head over to DUMBO, the popular wood-fired Italian food hotspot in Ubud, where the venue’s ground floor, a bright and airy coffee lab by day that transforms into a cocktail bar by sundown. Come for the house blends and weekly single origins, manual brews and pour-overs by day and stay for the creative craft cocktails by night.
The cocktails at DUMBO are named after great albums of prominent artists, musicians and bands, concocted with only premium alcohol, quality fruits, juices, homemade cordials, syrups and bitters. Several must-tries at DUMBO include 3ft high & rising (pineapple sage martini), inspired by the song by American hip hop group De La Soul; sgt peppers (gin, burnt lemon, charred rosemary, pepper, coriander), inspired by The Beatles’ song; hello nasty (mojito x margarita: tequila, mint, lime, sugar) inspired by the Beastie Boys; remedy (gin, passion fruit, cucumber, basil, lime, tonic) inspired by Basement Jaxx; outlandos d’amour (apple lemongrass margarita: tequila, triple sec, lime); let it bleed (the elephant’s famous bloody mary + a double shot of vodka) inspired by the Rolling Stones; and so much more.
For the more serious cocktail connoisseur, DUMBO uses their own infusions, bitters, and cordials to mix up original creations like their “thousand islands old fashioned”, kemangi gimlet and pineapple sage martini; as well as having future classics on hand like their negroni sbagliato and manual brew mocha martini.
A bar menu offers crunchy polenta chips and polpette or seasonal antipasto platters with which to sip some Prosecco while you wait for your table in the restaurant.
Open daily from 5pm to 11pm
Book Now: +62 812 3838 9993 | @dumbobali | dumbobali.com/booking
The Lair – Cocktail Bar in Ubud
As its name suggests, The Lair is a hidden bar tucked away out of sight. Located underneath the famous Campuhan Bridge, this cosy drinking den hangs on the edge of the ravine above the flowing waters of the Wos River. With its ‘primitive’ theme — think Jumanji (the original one) — the interiors are exotic and funky, with dim colours lighting the indoor plants, complimenting the thick jungle scenes visible directly from the deck.
The menus are just as eclectic: themed playing cards showing each dish or drink available. The cocktails, many of which are simply card numbers, cater to a wide range of tastes and flavours, with classics and signatures thrown into the mix. Concoctions include ‘No.3’, with dark rum, Campari and fresh lime juice; ‘No.10’ features Pepe Lopez tequila, fresh mango, lime juice, agave and mint leaves; and the heavier hitters are found on the face cards, King Card featuring ‘Old Bastard’, with blended scotch, white rum infused with spices, orange and angostura bitters.
You’ll find both large and small bites at The Lair, one of the newest bars in Ubud, whether it’s a nibble alongside your drink like Patatas Bravas, Trio Cheese Arancini, Foie Gras Sliders; to rich bites like the 12-Day Dry-Aged Duck and Rock Grilled Beef Rib Eye.
Open on Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 12am
Book Now: +62 878 4003 4088 | @thelair.ubud
