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Booze, a “bevvy” as the English say, liquor, hard tack…Whatever you want to call it…When it comes to drinking, I am a major snob. Not by choice, but as the best possible way to avoid any sort of hangover the next day.
Throughout my travels across Southeast Asia, this can sometimes be an impossible feat. The copious amount of times I’ve been served a drink and taken a shudder, or drunk a bottle of homemade rice wine that tastes like it belongs in a petrol tank.
However, in places like Bali’s Canggu, you’re about to hit the jackpot! And in a big way. As the Island of the Gods’ ultimate “it girl” locale, the bars around this area draw in the crowds, influencers and expats. This island isn’t just only backpacker dive bars. In fact, I’d say the bar scene here truly competes with some of the best cocktail bars in Hong Kong, Taipei or Kuala Lumpur for both style and mixology.
So, without further (drinking) adieu, here are my best bars in Canggu for insanely divine cocktails, perfectly shaken, or stirred to perfection.
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1. Bar Souvenir: Très chic
The type of (award-winning) cocktail bar you’d spot somewhere along the streets of Cape Town or London town, Bar Souvenir knows what it’s doing when it comes to cocktails.
One of the things I love most about this spot is the size. It’s small (extra fabulous for a date night), which lends a really upmarket sort of feel, tastefully decorated, and it’s the type of place where you want to get dressed up to go drinking. Drinks arrive with giant ice cubes or are finished off with edible florals.
Apart from the cocktails — try the House of Herbs — sake lovers, you’re in luck, as well as those with an affinity for an excellent glass of vino.
The bar only seats a maximum of 15 guests at a time, so I would recommend booking.
2. Tarot Bar Gadalnya: For the spiritually inclined
So, just in case you were wondering, I’m a Libra, and I 100% believe in the power of tarot. Therefore, it’s a no-brainer; my heart skipped an extra beat when I stumbled upon Tarot Bar Gadalnya.
Apart from offering private tarot sessions (how epic?!), of course, you’re here for the drinks! Following suit, each option is concocted after one of the cards. How it works is that you pull a tarot card, and then your drink is hand-crafted based on this. I think the concept is super unique; certainly one of the most unique of the best bars in Canggu.
They say that ‘Every order is a sign – a reflection of your mood and your story in that very moment.’
Examples of cocktails (for those who know their tarot decks, you’ll notice straight away they are named after the major arcana and other cards). Choose from the likes of ‘The Hermit’ (gin and wheatgrass cordial), ‘The Oracle’ (tequila, watermelon, citrus cordial, and tonik), and ‘The Empress’ (Terragon vodka, apple cordial, and floral foam).
3. Segno: Stylish speakeasy
The moment I hear the words “speakeasy,” I’m instantly sold. There’s a certain allure to them, and you know you’re usually in for a good time. Perhaps it’s the whole secretive aspect of these types of bars that makes them that more appealing.
The master bartender (Yutaka Nakashima) is, in fact, the brains behind Segno, and this is his second baby in Indonesia.
How to enter? Look out for an unassuming sliding back door doubling as the entrance, then follow the stairs. Inside, the lighting is moody and refined. It reminds me of a modern gentlemen’s club in some way, and you half expect men in suits to be smoking cigars and drinking whiskey around you. Alas, the bartenders here do wear suits, and it is one of the best bars in Canggu, where you don’t feel out of place if you’ve arrived feeling fancy.
Stylish drinks suit its setting, showcasing Southeast Asian ingredients. Order the Tropical Stormy.
4. Friends Bar: Looking for a place to play pool?
Grab your mates and head to Friends Bar, where a good time is always guaranteed! Expect more of an expat/traveller’s crowd here, and there’s often fun themed nights happening for certain dates of the year, for example, Halloween, Christmas, etc. Around these times, the bartenders even shake up specially themed cocktails!
Discover a pool table, darts, and card games — as you can tell, mingling is encouraged, and it’s one of the best bars in Canggu to make new friends and feel right at home.
Pull up post-beach day for a crisp glass of wine, or choose from the extensive margarita selections. For something tropical — you’re in Bali, after all — go for the Coconut Margarita, or try the Spicy Cha Margarita with a little extra kick. Feeling peckish? I’m slightly obsessed with the bar bites here. Order a bunch of plates like nonna’s toast, whipped chickpea hummus, and tuna crackers!
5. The Mailroom: To feel inspired
Cocktails finished off with a spritz of scent, green marble counter finishes, and the most awe-inspiring illustrated cocktail menu you may have ever seen…I love absolutely everything about The Mailroom. Its name always makes me think of London or New York during the Roaring 20s for some reason.
I think it’s because it’s somewhat (from my judgment) modeled after the classic jazz bars of this era.
The setting as a whole is classy, all while retaining an enigma of curiosity and fun. And just wait until you catch sight of how drinks come, they are truly anything but ordinary. Glass cloches release an air of smoke, tequila arrives in a miniature bathtub with a pourable tap and edible flower petals, or dessert cocktails await you beneath a forestry of beauty!
6. Muda By/Suka: Perfect for a nightcap
While technically Muda By/Suka is a bar and an Asian-inspired restaurant, it’s one of the best bars in Canggu, where you could easily come spend an hour or so, sipping on divine, premium cocktails, either pre- or post-dinnertime vibes — even if you’re eating out elsewhere.
The atmosphere is warm, and dare I say, a little sultry. A slice of what this part of Bali is all about. It almost gives me a sort of Peruvian/South American vibe. For anyone who’s visited Lisbon in the last couple of years, it could easily fit in with the rest of the city’s hotspot drinking/dining locales.
Indulge in the likes of a Nori Zen (nori infused vodka, umeshu, lemon, yuzu, elderflower, umami bitter, and soda); Pisco Bloom (pisco, gin, x rated, bianco vermouth, strawberry, citrus, and foam); or the Salted Coconut Espresso Martini (coconut rum, dark roast espresso, coconut essence, coffee liqueur, and saline).
7. Theatre Bar: A playground of all sorts
Are you ready for some entertainment? With a name like Theatre Bar, it’s not wrong of you to think that this bar has some fun and games up its sleeve.
Not only are there Saturday parties, but you can also witness the live Sugar Sins Cabaret Show right here. Girls’ night, anyone?!
The theatrics are not just limited to the show. Expect drinks full of flair, inventiveness, creativity and pizazz! You’ve probably never been served cocktails the way they’re presented here before, either. You’ll want to upload every drink that arrives on your table straight to your socials. Even the (giant) ice blocks are illustrated in colorful designs.
Vacation time isn’t just about drinking! Luckily for you, Canggu isn’t just blessed with incredible bars, but its restaurant scene is even more insane! Honestly speaking, some of the island’s best restaurants are right here in Canggu!
Or, perhaps you’ve chosen a less touristy/busy part of Bali to laze away your days, like Amed? If so, check out these 8 best restaurants in Amed with views to make your mouth hit the floor — not even kidding! Whilst I’m on a food roll here, if you cannot live without Italian cuisine (it’s one of the world’s most popular for a reason), book a table at any one of these best Italian restaurants in Bali, and feel instantly transported to the land of pizza and pasta! Oh, and a delicious Aperol Spritz, of course.
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