Bali’s nightlife is famous for its beach club and bustling bars, but sometimes the best experiences are the ones hidden from plain sight. Instead of squeezing into packed venue with blaring music, why not slip into an exquisite speakeasy?
If you ever want to feel The Great Gatsby himself – suave, sophisticated, and surrounded by an aura of exclusivity, make your way to Pinstripe Bar in Ubud, one of the finest hidden bars in Bali that epitomizes the term “speakeasy.”
About Pinstripe Bar
Pinstripe is an elegant speakeasy bar just north of Central Ubud that captures the glamour of the 1930s. Step inside and suddenly you’re not in Bali anymore. The doors are a portal to a jazz lounge set during the prohibition era – the birth of the speakeasy.
Pinstripe feels like the birth child of James Bond and Jay Gatsby. If there was ever a place to feel like a first class passenger on the Titanic, this it it – dark wood meets marble, moody lighting meets leather furniture. You almost feel obligated to dress accordingly (I recommend it).
Leading the front lines at the bar is award-winning mixologist Panji Wisrawan, a cocktail deity who is well-respected among bartenders and mixologists around Bali. Panji isn’t just your average bartender, he tells stories through his drinks.
Where to find Pinstripe Bar in Ubud
The journey to find Pinstripe Bar takes you to away from the bustling centre of Ubud and into the grounds of Viceroy Bali – a luxurious 5-star resort that’s home to some of the best restaurants in Ubud – CasCades Restaurant and Apéritif Restaurant.
You’ll need to make your way to the Apéritif Restaurant mansion, head through the grand entrance and turn left by the reception. If you somehow can’t find it, the staff can guide you.
The Cocktails at Pinstripe Bar
This isn’t just a menu of alcoholic drinks. It’s Panji’s curated anthology of liquid art – a boarding pass to the golden age of glamour. If you’re the type to think a cocktail is just some sweet mix of booze and juices, brace yourself for an existential crisis.
My favorite aspect of the cocktail menu at Pinstripe Bar is that each drink is essentially a story in a glass. Each cocktail is either inspired by the 1920s, 1930s, or some of Bali’s rich history and culture. This isn’t your basic rum and coke situation.
The Clairvoyant
Take The Clairvoyant for example: a unique potion (inspired by Miguel Covarrubias) that seems to have been made by a mad genius (Mr. Panji). Mezcal, tamarind, watermelon, beetroot, and…peanut butter? Excuse me?!
I must admit, I was initially a bit regretful with my choice to order The Clairvoyant. Even as someone who loves anything peanut butter related, I had doubts as to whether it belongs in a cocktail. Mr. Panji’s art settled my concerns easily.
It’s a drink that grows on you. The liquid is a bright bed concoction (due to the beetroot) and visually has no hints of peanut butter. After your first sip, you’ll take a moment to assess your situation to conclude it’s a brilliant cocktail. As you slowly work your way through the glass, the peanut butter flavour acquires in your mouth. Resist the urge to lick the glass – make sure no one’s looking first.
Solera Aged Negroni
If you’re in the mood for a classic, turn the page to Pinstripe Signatures. My go-to is the Solera Aged Negroni – a masterful rendition of the classic Negroni. This drink exudes sophistication and makes you wish you had a cigar in the other hand.
In general, the Negroni has a smooth, well-rounded character, professionally put together with some robust Tanqueray No.TEN gin, the complexity of Cocchi Storico vermouth, and the bitter notes of Campari – all complimented with a unique infusion of coconut.
Jack & Rose
This innovative creation was so exceptional that Panji earned the title of Campari Bartender Competition Winner in 2019. And yes, in case you’re wondering, Jack & Rose is named after Titanic’s iconic leading duo.
The cocktail features jackfruit-infused cognac, bringing a tropical sweetness to the glass that harmonizes with the bitter elements of Coco Pandan Campari. The floral elegance stems from a touch of rose, and a splash of Prosecco completes the drink to make it a refreshing cocktail.
Other Drinks
If you’re out for an adventurous night to try new things, Pinstripe’s menu is loaded with a wide range of interesting cocktails to try – each with its own story. Feel free to ask questions before and after ordering, it only amplifies the experience!
You’ll have a selection of wines, a few imported and local beers, and a handful of mocktails. Of course, if a glass or two isn’t enough for the evening, consider a bottle from their vast bottle menu which spans 4 pages.
How to get to Pinstripe Bar
Book yourself a private car and driver for the day or get yourself a private car and driver – half day hire. You’ll be in the comfort of an air-conditioned SUV without having to stress about sweating in your fancy outfit. Your driver will wait for you while you enjoy the evening and get you back to your villa or hotel safe and sound.
If you’re renting a scooter in Bali and planning on heading there on 2 wheels, there is ample scooter and motorcycle parking. Do not drink and ride a scooter. Feel free to leave your scooter overnight and take a taxi or ridesharing service home and come back in the morning to grab your scooter.
If you feel like arriving in style, there’s also a helicopter landing pad on the property. So if you’re really in a rush to grab some of the finest cocktails in Bali, this is your best bet.
Final Thoughts about Pinstripe Bar
Pinstripe isn’t just a place to grab some drinks – it’s an entire experience, an escape into the sophisticated charm of the 1930s hidden away in the hills of Ubud.
I must admit, it isn’t cheap (locally speaking). A cocktail will set you back around IDR 250k a piece (about AUD $25 or USD $15). However, you can taste the true value in every sip. Take your time, enjoy your drinks, and bask in the ambiance.
Consider Pinstripe Bar as an excellent alternative to the loud, crowded nightlife options in Bali. This is a place to appreciate expertly crafted drinks, a bit of hush-hush exclusivity, and to feel like a 1930s socialite for the night.
Contact and location info:
Address: Br. Nagi, Jl Lanyahan, Petulu, Ubud
Opening hours: 4:00 pm – 11:30 pm, daily
Website: pinstripebar.com
Instagram: @pinstripebar
Reservations: +62 859-6310-5757 (WhatsApp)
Ubud Attractions near Pinstripe Bar
Among the long list of things to do in Ubud, some of Ubud’s best attractions are nearby, making Pinstripe Bar a perfect stop at the end of the day for a well-deserved cocktail or two.
- Ubud Art Market (3.8km away)
- Ubud Palace (3.8km away)
- Saraswati Temple (4km away)
- Blanco Museum (4.8km away)
- Ubud Monkey Forest (5km away)
- Goa Gajah Temple (6km away)
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces (8km away)
FAQs about Pinstripe Bar
When is the best time to visit Pinstripe?
You can head to Pinstripe anytime after 4:00 pm any night of the week when you feel like escaping the sometimes monotonous nightlife of Ubud. I suggest visiting after a 7-course dinner at Apéritif Restaurant.
Thursday night kicks off from 7:00 pm at Pinstripe Bar, with throwback tunes ranging from the 70s to the 90s played by a live band with a sax player. Friday night is your chance to appreciate live jazz performances by some of Bali’s best jazz musicians.
What to wear to Pinstripe Bar?
I recommend wearing something at least semi-formal. You won’t want to wear a pair of flip-flops and Bintang singlet to a place like this. Or even better, take the opportunity to show off your Sunday best – with a top hat and a cane to compliment the outfit
Do they take cash or credit cards?
Pinstripe Bar accepts cash and international credit and debit cards.
Do I need a reservation?
Although it doesn’t get packed, it is recommended to make a reservation. Thursday and Friday nights might see a bigger crowded than usual so reserving a table is a smart idea.
Do I need to stay at Viceroy to drink at Pinstripe?
You don’t need to be a guest at Viceroy to visit Pinstripe. It is open to the public.
Are kids allowed at Pinstripe Bar?
Well, it is a bar after all. And while kids aren’t inherently forbidden from entering, it isn’t recommended.
Can I have dinner at Pinstripe?
Pinstripe does have a food menu with a selection of bites, starters, sides, desserts, and mains.
Here are some other useful resources for your time in Bali:
- Book a private car and driver
- Bali Airport Transfer
- Get a WISE Debit Card for Bali
- Bikago Scooter Rental
Neil
I’ve been in Bali for so long I’ve grown roots (literally and metaphorically). For the past 10 years, I’ve experienced Bali from every angle. I’ve explored the temples, I’ve tried all the food, and I’m proudly fluent in the Indonesian language. I hope our website helps you get an authentic experience for your holiday in Bali, whether you’re here to enjoy the finer things in life, or to learn more about this Bali’s rich culture.
