What if we tell you there are over twenty types of bars? There’s a type of bar perfect for chilling with friends, impressing a date, or sharing a special moment with your loved one.
In this blog, we introduce nine of the most common types of bars to make your evenings way more exciting. With our guide, you can become a pro at picking the right bar for any occasion.
Plus, we’ve hand-picked examples of each bar type in locations around the world, so that you can dive straight into the fun.
1. Cocktail Bar
A cocktail bar specialises in crafting diverse cocktails — classic and signature drinks. The mixologists combine spirits, liqueurs, mixers, and high-quality garnishes for a refreshing experience.
The atmosphere is chic, with dim lighting and stylish décor. Soft background music creates a welcoming environment.
Cocktail Bar Example:
Pinstripe Cocktail Bar Ubud. It’s known for its Cocktail Anthology Menu, which features ten cocktails named after past personalities who left their mark on Bali’s cultural history.
2. Speakeasy Bar
A speakeasy bar emulates the Prohibition era’s secret bars. It offers mystery and exclusivity to the experience.
Vintage décor, historical theme, dim lighting, retro furnishings, and vintage-inspired entertainment evoke the ambience of the 1920s. A cosy setting facilitates easy camaraderie.
Speakeasy Bar Example:
Room 309 in Hong Kong. This hidden gem offers a mysterious venue with an intimate atmosphere and a range of imaginative cocktails.
3. Sports Bar
A sports bar, going by the name, caters to sports enthusiasts. It has big-screen TVs to show sports events, comfortable seating, and a laid-back ambience.
This bar type serves beers, classic cocktails, and comfort food. The atmosphere is energetic and vibrant. Walls in some bars are adorned with sports memorabilia.
Sports Bar Example:
Casa Jaguar Sports Bar, Buenos Aires. It offers a welcoming and lively atmosphere for watching games and a chance to easily make friends and socialise with other guests.
4. Dive Bar
A dive bar is a casual bar to socialise over drinks at a low price point. It has a casual atmosphere with basic furnishings.
Some of these bars have a jukebox playing classic tunes or pool tables. The bartenders or waiters usually know the regulars by name.
Dive Bar Example:
Dive Bar Austin in Texas, USA. It offers rotating drafts, canned beer and specialty drinks. It’s popular for its non-pretentious vibe.
5. Pub or Tavern
A pub or tavern is a casual bar serving various alcoholic beverages and comfort food. It features a bar area for socialising and dining areas to enjoy drinks and meals. The vibe is relaxed and informal.
‘Pub’ is a shortened version of the UK word ‘public house’. Its American equivalent is a tavern.
Pub / Tavern Example:
Waxy O’Connor’s in London. It serves beers, spirits, and pub grub. It’s perfect for lively events like watching sports or celebrating St Patrick’s day.
| How is a pub different from a dive bar? 🪑 Décor: A pub typically has traditional décor and wooden furnishings. On the contrary, a dive bar has basic furnishings. 🕮 Menu: A pub’s drink menu has a lot of variety, whereas a dive bar has a limited drink selection, primarily beers and basic cocktails. 🥘 Food: A pub offers hearty comfort food, whereas a diver bar offers simple items like burgers, fries, or other bar snacks. 👨Clientele: Pubs are more family-friendly. Dive bars are frequented by regulars, neighbourhood locals, younger crowds, and Bohemians. 🎸 Entertainment Options: Pubs usually offer live music, trivia nights, or sports viewing events. Dive bars have a jukebox, pool table, or arcade games. |
6. Wine Bar
A wine bar offers wines of different varieties, regions, and styles. It offers wines by the glass, bottle, or flight.
Its atmosphere is typically elegant, with relaxed seating. Background music is low-key.
Some wine bars hire sommeliers to guide guests with wine-food pairings. A few may also offer wine tastings to educate patrons.
Wine Bar Example:
Belle Wine Bar in Bali. It offers an exclusive selection of Indonesian and European specialities plus serves charcuterie, cheese and chocolate.
7. Live Music Bar
A live music bar features musical performances. Some of them may also host open mic nights, jam sessions, or tribute concerts.
Such bars usually have a dedicated performance space. The set-up is concert-style, with seating arrangements facing the performance space.
Live Music Bar Example:
Laughing Buddha Bar in Ubud. This venue features regular live music performances by local and international artists. The music genres include Rock n’ roll, Funk Rock, and Latin Soul.
8. Hotel Bar
A hotel bar serves a variety of alcoholic beverages, including signature cocktails, and light snacks or meals. The atmosphere reflects the hotel’s ambience.
Hotel bars may be located in the lobby or on the roof. These bars cater to hotel guests as well as local patrons. But, some upscale hotel bars may be exclusive for guests.
Hotel Bar Example:
Sea Fu Bar at Four Seasons Resort Dubai. This bar has seating looking out over the sea. It serves craft cocktails and gourmet light meals such as truffle gyozas.
9. Specialty Bar
A speciality bar focuses on a specific theme, concept, or niche interest. These bars may specialise in a particular type of drink (tequila, whiskey, gin or vodka), cuisine, or entertainment.
These bars often feature themed decor, immersive elements, and attention to detail that transport guests to another world or era.
Specialty Bar Example:
Whiskey Den in Melbourne, Australia. This whiskey bar has liquor from as far away as North America and Japan.
Types Of Bars Comparison
| Bar Type | Perfect For | Food and Drink | Dress Code |
| Cocktail Bar | Celebrating special occasions or savouring exceptional cocktails. | A diverse range of expertly crafted cocktails — timeless classics and innovative creations. Food includes small plates and appetisers, gourmet snacks, and seasonal specialities. | Smart chic attire. |
| Speakeasy Bar | Intimate gatherings and experiencing Jazz nostalgia of the 1920s. | A curated selection of craft cocktails — seasonal cocktails, signature house creations, or classic recipes with a modern twist. Food includes small plates or appetisers, artisanal snacks, and small bites | Smart casual attire. |
| Sports Bar | Watching sports events and casual hangouts. | Beers, liquors, cocktails, and bar food like burgers. | Casual attire. |
| Dive Bar | Laid-back nights out with friends. | Beers, spirits, and simple bar snacks. | Casual attire. |
| Pub/Tavern | Socialising with friends and enjoying after-work drinks. | A selection of beers on tap, and comfort food like fish and chips. | Casual attire. |
| Wine Bar | Wine enthusiasts and romantic dates. | An extensive wine list with options for wine flights and cheese platters. | Smart casual attire. |
| Live Music Bar | Enjoying live music performances and dancing. | A range of cocktails and finger foods. | Casual to smart casual attire. |
| Hotel Bar | Hotel guests and travellers seeking relaxation. | Signature cocktails and international cuisine. | Smart casual attire. |
| Specialty Bar | Experiencing unique themes and niche interests like era, movie, book, and so on. | Specialised cocktails according to the bar’s theme for a one-of-a-kind drinking experience. Food includes creative small plates, themed platters, and signature dishes. | May vary depending on the bar’s theme. |
Pinstripe Bar: Bali’s Premier All-in-One Venue
If you’re looking for a classic speakeasy vibe, some of the best cocktails in Bali, an exceptional wine collection, premium spirits, a cigar bar, or lip-smacking gourmet food — all under one roof, Pinstripe Bar is your go-to place.
Come and indulge in an unforgettable experience with friends or a loved one.
