What Is a Speakeasy Bar?

A speakeasy bar was originally a secret bar or nightclub that operated illegally during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933).

Today, many speakeasy bars retain a sense of mystique. They offer you an exclusive experience. When you enter one, it feels like you’ve discovered something special.

So, what makes such bars unique? Secret entrances, cosy seating, low lighting, carefully crafted ambience and surprise cocktail creations

If you’re a cocktail enthusiast or want to give a fresh twist to your evening fun with a date or friends, this blog is for you. It will introduce you to the speakeasy culture so that you have a memorable experience.

History of the Speakeasies

In the 1920s, the United States passed a law banning alcohol. Many people wanted to drink and looked for options.

Secret bars began popping up. Bartenders had to work with unpleasant, low-quality or homemade spirits.

Bartenders began experimenting with different flavours, mixers, and techniques to mask the harshness of these spirits. That led to inventive cocktails. Guests drank, danced, and enjoyed jazz music in these spots.

But why the name “speakeasy”? This term came up because people were told to whisper about these places to avoid attracting attention from the police. They became escapes from society’s strict rules.

The U.S. Prohibition era became an iconic period. Its depiction in movies, literature, and pop culture fascinated people outside the American borders.

Speakeasies were born out of necessity in the U.S. But their appeal spread worldwide.

In the early 2000s, people worldwide became interested in classic cocktails again. Speakeasies fit this trend perfectly, as they focus on high-quality drinks. Many tourist destinations, like Bali, had speakeasies. They enhanced the nightlife scene in Bali considerably.

As the global tourism industry spread, bartenders and entrepreneurs began sharing ideas. They brought the speakeasy concept to new countries.

What Is the Modern Speakeasy Experience?

Modern speakeasies blend vintage charm with contemporary style.

Exclusivity: The excitement of finding the hidden speakeasy adds to the uniqueness. 

Ambience: When you enter a speakeasy, dim, warm lights greet you. The vibe is inviting. The seating is plush. The décor comprises art deco patterns, brass fixtures, and old-fashioned barware. 

Some speakeasies offer live jazz or acoustic music. If you’re visiting the bar alone, you can sit at the bar and chat with the bartender. If you’re with friends or on a date, the staff can help you choose the right table.

Craft Cocktails: The drinks menu offers artful cocktails, mocktails, wines and spirits. Bartenders prepare drinks using high-quality ingredients like homemade syrups, fresh herbs, and unique spirits.

Interactive Experience: Bartenders are happy to create a customised drink. This level of personalisation makes your experience engaging.
Dress code: It is generally casual-smart. Think along the lines of a nice shirt, a stylish dress, or anything that makes you feel a little more dressed up. However, some places may be more relaxed.

How Speakeasies Are Different From Regular Bars

Speakeasies differ from regular bars in the following ways.

ParameterSpeakeasy BarRegular Bar
How to find it?Speakeasies may have secret doors in bookshelves, be down unmarked staircases, or even inside a café. Some may require a password, reservation, or even clues from their social media to find the entrance.Regular bars are easy to spot and have direct access.
VibeRefined and feel-good atmosphere.Casual, and more social atmosphere.
Dining ExperienceSmall plates or snacks are usually available. 
Some speakeasies offer light bites, comfort food and gourmet options
Full food menus that range from casual bites to pub food.
Drinks ExperienceSpeakeasies specialise in craft cocktails. Many, like Pinstripe Bar, feature special cocktail menus that pay tribute to local culture or personalities.Focus on beers, wines, spirits and simpler cocktails
Cultural RelevanceInspired by the U.S. Prohibition era.Part of mainstream bar culture, sometimes with themes tied to the owner’s interests, stories or experiences. 

Pinstripe Bar: Bali’s Premier Speakeasy Bar

Visit our Bali speakeasy; Pinstripe Bar for some of the best cocktails in Bali, premium spirits, top-notch wines, delectable gourmet food, and a cigar bar — all in one exclusive space. 

We assure you a distinctively cherished experience, whether you’re with friends or your soulmate. 
Make a reservation.

Reviews of Pinstripe Bar



Domagoj Modrušan
16:29 08 Dec 24
Apin and Panji were the best possible waiters I could ask for. So so so professional, I literally tried the best cocktail in my life I couldnt reccomend more. And this is not a fake pushed review I really really liked it! Come here!
Ulysses Chua
04:29 07 Dec 24
One of my favorite stops in Bali. Had an amazing time and experience thanks to Angga. Great drinks, great service, excellent bar.
Wynda Himura
12:26 26 Nov 24
I don't drink often, but when I do, here is where I come! Definitely the best drinks i've had in bali. Also try their Venison Wellington & thank me later ✨
Ugek Durupadi
02:00 26 Nov 24
Loved everything this place has to offer from the ambience, food, drinks and the overall experience there. Would recommend this place to my friends and family if they’re looking for a place in Ubud to spend their evening.
Ewan Miller
11:54 11 Nov 24
One of the best bars I’ve ever been in my life.Honestly.And have been to MANY bars all around the world 🌍😇😅I admire the knowledge and dedication, the atmosphere and slow pace energy of a proper bar the incredible team possess and creates.I will definitely be back and Christophe my boy is sending his special thanks for the opportunity to be there with me last night 🤗🙏Many thanks guys ! Was a real pleasure to meet you all ❤️
Christopher Antoni
10:28 08 Nov 24
Definitely one of the best bars I’ve visited in Bali. We ordered the refreshing The Primitivist, the spicy The Novelist, and the fruity The Dancer. None of them dissappointing, so delicious and unique. The foods are also delicious and light-bites. Highly recommended.
Lekha Nair
03:37 27 Oct 24
I had an amazing experience here. From the food to all the cocktails served, it was extremely good! The staff here are friendly and very attentive and accommodating. Kudos to Panji for making me feel super comfortable especially being there on my Birthday and first ever solo trip. I would definitely go back here the next I’m in Bali!
Shari Aubrey
02:35 24 Oct 24
Do yourself a favour and go to Pinstripe Bar when in Ubud!!! We had an exceptional evening … the bar is beautifully setup with its 1930’s vibe (including some props scattered around like the old pistol I had such fun playing with), the cocktails are amazing and full of sensory experiences whether it’s dry ice, smoked wormwood, peacock feathers and much more, food is great coming out of the adjoining restaurant kitchen.We’re not smokers but we had such fun heading into the cigar room and choosing a cigar and sitting on the balcony puffing on a cigar and drinking a whisky sour.But the best part of the evening is easily the staff!!! Each of the mixologists were absolutely amazing, not just with drinks, but being so fun, engaging and entertaining in all the ways you want. A massive thank you Changgu, Eric and the team - you made our night special.Oh and read the menu and learn a bit about 1930’s Ubud. So interesting!!
Adam & Nicole Gerrard
19:10 24 Sep 24
We were gifted with a beautiful night out and treated to one of Balis finest evenings. Exquisite food, impeccable ambiance and without a doubt in my mind, one of the best cocktail mixologist there is. Words do not do this place justice. Definitely an experience we will never forget. PS The deserts are truly incredible as was the Lobster tortellini.
Allan Campion
21:50 19 Aug 24
Some say it’s hard to pin down what takes a cocktail bar from good to great. But I disagree as you only have to step inside Pinstripe Bar to see outstanding in action.It’s apparent in the warm welcome, the professional and assured service. It is on display in the curated cocktail list which are made with the world’s top spirit brands and each with a story behind them.Not only that but the sense of place is at Pinstripe Bar is incredible as it seamlessly combines Balinese hospitality together with a 1930’s speakeasy vibe.All guest need to do is settle in, peruse the menu and let this magical experience begin. Cocktails offer incredible flavour combinations including native Balinese ingredients, they magically transform colour in the glass and appear topped with smoke filled bubbles for impact.This theatre adds another level to the experience of enjoying creative cocktails with the team at Pinstripe Bar. Combined with stunning architecture, outstanding food and the sheer scale of the venue makes Pinstripe Bar a must-visit on visit to Bali.
Made Indira
07:32 29 Jun 24
I went to Pinstripe while me and some friends had a staycation in Tegalalang for the weekend. After had dinner we decided to go check the bar at Pinstripe to get maybe one or two glass of margarita. Once I saw their cocktails menu, I had difficulties to choose between their well-crafted menu. Then Panji, the head mixologist served us a welcome drinks, I never expect the taste to be sooo delicious. From there I totally forgot the margarita and just let Panji surprise me with the magical taste of the cocktails that are so delicious I cannot stop sipping them. I tried to guess the ingredients Panji use in my cocktails, which of course mostly failed. The cocktails ingredients are source locally which really interesting because many of them usually use as cooking ingredients.Definitely will come back to try all the menu.
ros March
15:32 28 Jun 24
One of the best Ubud area cocktail bar here!!!Cocktail & atmosphere & Music,I highly recommend here!!!!
Keisuke Yamamoto
15:28 28 Jun 24
Great ConceptGreat atmosphereGreat Cocktails
I M
15:05 28 Jun 24
Best cocktails weve had in a while! Definitely a must go when in Ubud looking for a hip place to drink and smoke some cigar.
perdana yoga
14:19 15 Jun 24
The best bar in bali
louise meloche
05:29 30 May 24
This is one of my favourite cocktail bars in Ubud! Pinstripe is a must visit bar that is great to visit solo or with a group of friends. They have a huge range of premium spirits, if you are into tequila, gin or whiskeys, this place has the biggest range in Ubud.The cocktails are really inventive and aesthetic. Personally I love the Mezcal one with the peacock feather, it is delicious and the flavours are balanced perfectly.The atmosphere is cosy yet it’s a large space with an indoor and outside terrace with jungle views. Perfect place to sit of an afternoon with cocktails or wine and then move inside for the lively atmosphere at night time.This bar is really unique and I recommend to all my friends visiting Bali to make sure they don’t miss out on visiting!
t horn
15:05 27 May 24
The best and most spectacular cocktails in Bali his bar is extraordinary and elegant. Sophisticated classy and sexy. Changga is a master mixologist that makes every cocktail come exiting with the story of the name as well as detailed preparation. Must visit must indulge must experience if you are in Ubud !!! The service is impeccable, the drinks the best in Bali, the atmosphere is sexy old Hollywood with class and sophisticated touch. The BEST!! Thank you for amazing memories.
Coming here just for the vibes, not expecting the foods and sides are so delicious. Definitely worth coming back again. The Servers are very nice and very informative. Adit, one of the waiters took the time explaining everything, props to him!
Marlene Kyrönen
03:32 17 Apr 24
Highly recommend pinstripe bar. The best cocktails on the island. My personal favorite is The artist! So delicious. We had a great time here and service is amazing. Must must visit when in Ubud. 10/10!!
Heru kecil
21:02 28 Feb 24
Best place that i've ever visited in Bali!Can't describe by words.The cocktails, the service, the ambience, the music, most of all the bartenders are legends.Definitely will be back.
Nana Moore
20:48 22 Feb 24
Nice place to having a dinner and chill while enjoying Live music 🎶 it was incredible and good memories. The Bar absolutely amazing, indoor area with air conditioning, outdoor area for some people smoking. What is the most I like is the bathroom, very clean and cozy to do my make up 😂😁🤣
ChonTea id
14:33 20 Feb 24
Panji and his team are best that’s all!!Its bar ambience will bring u to different world, a good getaway in Ubud
Ca Bi
13:23 18 Jan 24
We started our degustation at the bar with our complimentary cocktail served with 3 different amuse bouche.The atmosphere is lovely. We felt taken back to the 1930sMake sure to get early to your restaurant reservation so you can enjoy an aperitif here.
Nathan Cawood
19:09 28 Oct 23
This is simply as good as a bar gets. It is somewhat hidden and more a speak easy than a bar. Staff is impeccably talented. The atmosphere is perfect right down to the smallest detail. I only wish we went here earlier. It may just be the best bar experience in Bali, and that is truly quite that statement.
Calvin Voon
08:49 12 Oct 23
Exquisite drinks. Didn’t eat this time. Will be back 100%.Come here if you value:- exceptionally drinks with presentation- fluent English speaking, attentive waitstaff- a low-key vibe, fancy atmosphere, tastefully decorative and clean facilities that sets a 1950s moodWent here an hour before closing for nightcaps. And no they didn’t kick us out even after it was closed. Managed to have 4 cocktails between two people plus complimentary welcome AND send off drinks. The send off drink is that light purple potion, which I forget the name of, and it’s unforgettably delicious.Smoking allowed on the deck area. Think cigars are available for purchase.Look forward to returning for more poisons.
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Pinstripe Cocktail Bar and Restaurant

Pinstripe Cocktail Bar
A cocktail journey through the grandeur of the 1930’s

Aperitif Restaurant Ubud

Apéritif Restaurant

Explore the world through an eclectic
fine-dining degustation menu

Opening Hours

Open Daily 4PM - 11.30PM
Food Menu 5PM - 10PM
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