7 Secret Speakeasy Bars we love to visit in Bali (2024)

Cocktails behind unmarked doors…

Speakeasy bars were invented in the United States during the Prohibition era, but they have made a revival since the early 2000s and you can now even find them in Bali! With their clandestine allure and historical charm, they offer a unique intimate experience that is perfect for couples on a honeymoon: instead of a loud bar, why not enjoy each others presence in a classy vintage decor, with the soft hum of jazz in the background and some craft cocktails to enjoy?

There’s always a bit of secrecy surrounding Speakeasy bars. Sometimes, they might ask for a password to enter - in Bali we suggest asking the parking guy in front nicely. Often, they are hard to find, hidden behind a secret door in an unexpected place.

Psst, here’s our favorites - but don’t tell anyone!

1. 40 Thieves

A hidden bar above a ramen shop without even any sign - locating this place was an adventure in itself. The premise is big enough to cater to a large group so you won’t feel claustrophobic. Drinks were the classics but served with a 40 Thieves twist. You can even request custom drinks by telling the bartenders the flavours you like. When we visited they were also keen to strike up a conversation, and made sure we felt at welcomed!

🕵 Google Maps - Entrance hidden in Mad Ronin Ramen, Batu Belig, near Seminyak.

2. Segno

Walking into Segno from the streets of Canggu feels like stepping into a different world! This place is so well designed! The stylish atmosphere, skilled mixologists, and high-quality ingredients make the experience different. The menu offers creative twists on classics and signature concoctions. It’s perfect for a long night of conversations about your Bali adventures over well-crafted cocktails. While prices are quite high, we felt the exceptional experience was worth it.

🕵 Google Maps - Next to Varuna warung in Canggu.

3. The Anthropologist

As we are aware, this is the only speakeasy bar further up the coast in the up-and-coming Cemagi area, and it is the newest bar in this list. While hidden in an unexpected side-street, this place is on the ground floor in a garden surrounded by greenery. All the ingredients are locally sourced. The mixologist is very friendly, and well-articulated on each ingredient and its source. When we visited, a live art project happened in front of our eyes: every couple of minutes a lady in a classic greek dress was pouring jugs of water in a pond in the center of the room. They have collaborations regularly with local artists for exhibitions as well as fashion.

🕵 Google Maps - Cemagi, near Jl Bypass Tanah Lot, 20 minutes from Canggu.

4. The Mailroom

A tiny speakeasy located inside the defunct front of a poke bowl bar in Berawa. Once inside, the tiny space is luxurious and opulent. The staff are friendly and personable. The cocktails are the most unique we’ve ever seen, and they come in strange glasses too, but we loved the way they tasted! On some occasions you can even get behind the bar and make your own cocktails! The prices were higher than the usual Bali bar prices, but we felt it was worth it for the experience and premium drinks.

🕵 Google Maps - Entrance hidden next to BAGEL House, Berawa, near Canggu.

5. Cloak & Dagger

Cloak & Dagger Bali is a small but very unique serial killer themed speakeasy bar hidden in Mad Ronin Ramen’s Canggu branch. The cocktail menu is inspired by real infamous murder stories from around the world, offering a unique and exciting twist on classic cocktail recipes. They change the menu regularly and unlimited peanuts are provided as complimentary snack. Additionally, the beverages at Cloak & Dagger utilize sustainability ingredients and unique techniques like fermentation, which allows the bartenders to create complex, flavorful cocktails which we really enjoyed. The ambiance is quite creepy though with a decoration of body parts and a wall that looks like it was created by a detective attempting to solve a murder.

🕵 Google Maps - Entrance hidden in Mad Ronin Ramen, Batu Bolong, Canggu.

6. District 1

District 1 is a speakeasy bar that offers a classic interior which brings the feel of 1980’s bar brought back to today. Inside, it is easy to forget that you’re on a tropical island - it feels like being in a speakeasy bar in a big city like London or New York. The dimly lit interior is furnished with velvety cushioned benches and leather armchairs. The comfortable ambience is completed by a perfect selection of music; a mix of lounge, old-school crooners, and soft jazz.

🕵 Google Maps - Above Bo & Bun Vietnamese Restaurant in Seminyak.

7. Shady Pig

A secret bar with a very unusual entrance and a unique mix of classic and modern interiors. It has the atmosphere of a European bar with high attention to detail. Cocktails are outstanding, the bartenders are talkative, and peanuts are on the house. Prices for cocktails are fair for Bali standards, but they do have some higher priced premium ones that use higher end liquor as a base. At Shady Pig they regularly play live music or have DJ sets - making it a little less speak easy later at night as the music might get a little louder and it does get busy.

🕵 Google Maps - Jl Raya Samat in Berawa (Canggu), next to Food Romance.

More to explore!

If you are into classy cocktail bars, you may like fine dining, luxury private villas and Bali’s most hign-end hotels too. Or check our article on the best romantic activities in Bali. Haven’t had enough of cocktails yet? Check our list of favorite beach clubs too!