The Best Sports Bar in Bali is The Forge
A live match has a way of changing a room. Conversations trail off, glasses pause halfway to the table, and for a moment everyone is watching the same thing. That shared focus is really what a sports bar is about, and it’s why places like The Forge Bali resonate with both travelers and locals. For many regulars, it’s the best sports bar in Bali not because of its relaxed and cozy atmosphere, drawing in people to watch matches while still keeping the night social and easy to settle into.
But what is a sports bar actually?
The idea of a sports bar grew out of simple necessity. In the early 20th century, pubs near stadiums became gathering points for fans before and after matches. When televisions entered bars in the mid-century, especially in the United States, those gathering points evolved. A sports bar became a place where watching the game wasn’t incidental; it was the reason people came. Multiple screens, reliable broadcasts, and staff who understood schedules and rivalries became essential.
At its core, a sports bar is defined less by décor than by intent. It’s a space designed so people can follow a match from kickoff to final whistle without distraction, while still enjoying food, drinks, and company. The atmosphere needs to balance energy with comfort, volume with clarity, and familiarity with openness. When it works, it feels communal.
It is the characteristics that matter
Good sports bars share a few non-negotiables. Clear sightlines and multiple screens ensure no one is craning their neck or missing a key moment. Sound matters too; commentary should be audible without overpowering the room. Food needs to be practical and satisfying, built for sharing or eating one-handed during tense moments. Drinks should be varied enough to suit long afternoons and late nights.
Equally important is the human side. Staff who know what’s on, who can switch a channel without fuss, and who understand that a last-lap overtake or a penalty shootout deserves attention. A sports bar works when the crowd is there to watch, not merely passing time with a TV in the background.
How The Forge fits the definition
This is where The Forge Bali quietly excels. It’s structured around sport without turning into a themed novelty. Screens carry everything from football leagues and Formula 1 to MotoGP, MMA, golf, and basketball, scheduled thoughtfully so major fixtures don’t compete for attention. You can check upcoming broadcasts on the Sports schedule, which helps regulars plan their evenings rather than gamble on what might be playing.
The room itself is built for staying put. Seating is comfortable enough for a full match, and the layout keeps sightlines clear whether you’re at the bar or a table. When games wrap up, the energy doesn’t drop off a cliff; DJs lean into familiar ’80s and ’90s tracks, keeping the atmosphere social.
Food that understands the setting
A sports bar is only as good as what it serves when the game is still on! Pub food works because it’s direct. Wings, ribs, flatbreads, and fries are easy to share, forgiving if you look away for a moment, and satisfying without being heavy. At The Forge, that logic runs through the kitchen.
Our menu leans into classic pub fare with range. Chicken wings come in various styles that suit different tastes, from salt and pepper to buffalo and honey garlic. There are also seasoned chicken strips, calamari, pork dry ribs, and wagyu steak bites. While larger sharing plates, like the charcuterie board or cheese fondue, make sense for longer sessions.
Sports bars have always been about accessibility, and that extends to the bar. A strong beer lineup matters, especially when matches run long or overlap. The Forge pours a mix of international and craft beers alongside straightforward cocktails and spirits. It’s a list designed for repeat orders.
So if you’re planning an evening around a match, or simply want to know there’s a seat waiting when something important is on, it’s worth keeping in mind. Make a reservation if you’re coming for a major fixture!
