The drinks are amazing, but ladies, think twice before going to The Shady Pig…
qponx
2026-01-23
Step into The Shady Pig, a 1920s speakeasy in Bali with a 'Peaky Blinders' theme and secret password entry. It's praised for its artistic, custom-made cocktails and cool, retro vibe. However, this review raises serious red flags. Beyond the steep prices and high taxes, there are alarming allegations of harassment towards women, handled poorly by security. While the drinks are a highlight, the significant safety concerns make it a place to approach with extreme caution, especially for female patrons.
Honestly, I've explored dozens, if not a hundred, Speakeasy bars in Bali over the years, but The Shady Pig is the first one to give me such mixed feelings.
I went for the 'Peaky Blinders' theme and the gimmick of needing a secret code[1], and the sense of ceremony was definitely on point. The whole space isn't large, with dim lighting, a typical 1920s Prohibition-era style[2], and the air is filled with a retro yet dangerous vibe. Before 10 PM, it's not crowded, perfect for cozying up on a velvet sofa with friends to Nongkrong and chat, and the atmosphere is super Chill.
The drinks are works of art, and also 'assassins'
I have to admit, they really put a lot of effort into the drinks here. The menu doesn't have many options, but the bartender will enthusiastically ask for your preferences and then whip up an off-menu Custom-made Cocktail[3] for you. My special creation, which was sweet and sour with fruity notes, was complex and definitely above average. My companion's Milk Washed Cocktails[4] also received high praise; the texture was as smooth as silk, Mantap!
But once it's past 11 PM, the vibe completely changes. The music becomes deafening, and the whole place instantly switches from a quiet bar to a crowded Disco Club[5]. Girls who want to dance might love it, but those who want a quiet drink should probably leave quickly.
The pros are outstanding, but the cons are even more fatal
OK, let's get real. The drinks are good, but the prices are also 'a sight to behold,' with a cocktail easily costing 130k-160k Indonesian Rupiah[6]. Add on that hefty 22% tax and service charge[7], and it really hurts the wallet. Plus, the giant ice cube in my drink took up almost half the glass; I felt like it was gone in two sips. I really can't praise the value for money here.
【Highlight Alert】 But none of the above is the main point! What disgusts me the most, and what I must make clear to all my female followers is: I've seen more than one online allegation of women being harassed here, and the security's subsequent handling of the situation was very wishy-washy[8], even letting it slide because the other party was a regular customer. Anjay, this really crosses my line. No matter how good the atmosphere or the drinks are at a place, if it can't even provide a basic sense of security, then everything else means nothing.
TL;DR & Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls 📝
So, if you still want to check it out, please etch the following points into your mind:
In short, the drinks are good and the atmosphere is on point, but that fatal security issue makes it impossible for me to genuinely recommend it to my girls. If you do go, please make sure to max out your safety buffs
- 1. Safety First: For girls, it is absolutely, positively, a must to go with reliable friends (especially guys)! Stay vigilant at all times!
- 2. Get the Password: The password changes daily, so remember to check their IG or WhatsApp for the day's secret code[9] before you go.
- 3. Dress Code: There is a Dress Code! Especially for guys, absolutely do not wear flip-flops or beach sandals, or you will be mercilessly denied entry[10]. Don't ask me how I know.
- 4. Book in Advance: The place is small, so book in advance if you want a seat. Otherwise, you'll have to stand, or face an absurdly high minimum charge during late hours (like 8 million Indonesian Rupiah[11] for a table).
- Hidden Bali 'Peaky Blinders' Speakeasy. Password entry transports you to 1920s Prohibition. [1][2]
- Bartenders craft Custom-made Cocktails [3] or silky Milk Washed Cocktails [4]. Every sip's an artistic surprise.
- Before 10 PM, it's a super Chill retro bar. After 11 PM, it's a deafening Disco Club [5]. Two Bali nightlife vibes in one night!
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