Old Man’s Bali Reviews: A Real Look at Canggu’s Iconic Beach Bar
If you’re in Canggu, Bali, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll stumble across or hear about Old Man’s — a legendary beachside bar and restaurant known for its relaxed daytime vibes and wild party atmosphere by night. With hundreds of tourists passing through its doors daily, it’s no surprise that reviews are a mixed cocktail of rave reviews, fun memories, and a few critiques. Here’s what visitors really think after spending some time at Old Man’s Bali.
🌅 Daytime Vibes: Chill, Surf, and Refuel
Old Man’s earns serious points for its beachfront location. Many guests pop in after a morning surf for a refreshing bite and drink, soaking up the sea breeze while lounging on sofa-style seating. The breakfast menu even has promotions, such as 50% off deals, and lets you mix and match items for a more personalized meal.
The food gets generally positive reviews during the day — from Buddha Bowls and pork belly fried rice to Pad Thai and calamari, people often mention the dishes are tasty and come in hearty portions. While most agree the menu offers solid value for “bar food,” there were some mentions that certain items (like rice in bowls or cocktails) could be better in taste or consistency.
🍕 Bar Food & Drinks:
Old Man’s menu is casual and diverse — expect pizzas, rice dishes, and shareable bar snacks. The salt and pepper calamari is a repeated highlight, especially the sauce that comes with it. Drink-wise, things are a little more polarizing.
While many guests praise the happy hour promos (like 3-for-2 cocktails or discounted beer), several reviewers note that cocktails can taste weak or inconsistent — with some claiming they had three and didn’t feel a thing. It’s unclear if this is due to drink dilution, happy hour recipes, or just variable bartending.
That said, drinks like the Dragon Kiss and strong negronis get shoutouts, so it seems to depend on what you order — and who’s mixing it.
💃 Nightlife Energy:
This is where Old Man’s truly shines for many. Once the sun sets, the vibe shifts from chill café to full-blown beach party. DJs spin nightly — though reviews of the music are mixed. Some praise the "fire" music on Wednesdays and weekends, while others lament uneven DJ quality, especially one “bad” set on July 5th.
The place gets crowded quickly, especially after 10 PM, so expect standing room, dancing, and a younger party-loving crowd. Don’t come here looking for a quiet drink or heart-to-heart — it’s more about letting loose, meeting people, and shaking it on the dance floor.
🛑 Entry Policies & Security Vibes
While the party is great, some reviews bring up valid concerns. One standout complaint was about discriminatory entry practices, where male guests had to wait and pay while women got in for free. A few guests also noted unfriendly doormen and a security guard wearing a visible firearm, which made one guest uncomfortable.
Others mention that the crowd is often mostly Aussies, which, while fine for some, gave a feeling of lack of diversity for others.
🚗 Other Highlights & Tips
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Parking is available for mopeds (approx. 10K IDR) and even some cars.
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Watch your step: the venue has uneven flooring and levels, which can be tricky in low light.
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The restrooms are clean, which is a nice bonus at a busy venue.
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It’s open-air with fun lighting, giving it a tropical beach club vibe.
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Great for groups, but entry can be unpredictable depending on gender and time.
⭐ Final Verdict:
Yes — if you're looking for a lively night out, solid bar food, and beachy vibes. The atmosphere is undeniably fun, especially if you come with friends or meet new ones on the dance floor. Come for the party, but manage expectations on cocktails and food quality, which are hit or miss depending on timing and crowd levels.
Skip it if you’re after a quiet night, a deep conversation, or a high-end dining experience.
“A must-visit if you're in Bali!”
“Food was okay, but the music and energy were wild.”
“Best bar to end your surf day with a drink in hand and music in the air.”
“Service was surprisingly good, even in the crowd.”
Have you been to Old Man’s? Share your experience and tag @roxana.iamandi or drop your own review below!
