Review of CP Royal Steakhouse and Lounge, late-night bar and dance club in Ubud, Bali

Ubud expats and tourists in the know head to one of Ubud's coolest bars, CP Steakhouse and Lounge for late night dance sessions, fabulous cocktails and fine company, but what a lot of people don't know is that this spacious bar and lounge in the heart of Ubud also offers a full Western and Indonesian menu and plenty of daytime atmosphere.

The classy bar and lounge is located just down an alleyway off Monkey Forest Road, Ubud's main drag, just steps away from the boutiques, temples and shops of central Ubud.

During the day time, cool breezes blow through the open air dining pavilion, decked out with classic dark wooden tables, a solid stone island bar, and cozy bales (gazebos) where you can recline against the soft cushions spread out around low tables. Out to the back, verdant green rice fields rustle in the breeze, and flowering trees and plants add to the lush green views. There is also a small garden patio, perfect for sipping a glass of chilled white wine in the gentle rays of sunlight that filter through the tropical foliage.

And of course, the nighttime vibe is one of the best in Ubud. The interior bar and lounge area features a spacious dance floor, where you can get down to live rock n roll or pounding house beats. For those that prefer to sit back and take in the scene, the space is lined with deep couches and low tables, which make for the perfect chill out spot, or romantic enclave. The long bar is always alive with colorful local characters as well as smiling visitors from abroad, and the pool table offers an opportunity to test your skills or perhaps meet new people over a friendly doubles game.

Cp Steakhouse offers a full lunch and dinner menu, and so much more than just steak. Menu options include a range of Indonesian specialties as well as Western classics.

The lunch menu includes light fare such as the fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Salad, hot and tangy thai Tom Yam Goong Soup or Crispy Balinese duck, marinated in the perfect blend of exotic Balinese spices, deep fried to a golden brown, yet still juicy and tender inside, and served with fiery sambal. Popular drinks include fresh blended tropical fruit smoothies and strong, aromatic coffee.

As for dinner, the options range from the succulent Rib Eye Steak with Pink Pepper Au Jus, grilled to perfection, the light but flavorful Grilled Red Snapper with Bell Pepper Relish or the Asian style Pan Fried Tasmanian Salmon with Teriyaki Sauce, to name a few. All dishes can be paired with one of the many wines that rest in the unique geometrically shaped wine rack on the back wall of the pavilion.

And the desserts here are to die for. Creamy Black Pudding is with coconut cream sauce, caramelized brown sugar and the faintest hint of pandanus leaf, and the Brownies Au Gratin are rich and decadent and served with a choice of vanilla, chocolate, mocha, or strawberry ice cream. And of course, any dessert can be accompanied with a snifter of your favorite sweet after dinner liqueur or smoky whisky.

This is one of Ubud's only late night bars, and as such always has a happening crowd of locals, expats and tourists alike. Every night of the week the nightclub has rotating live bands that play everything from 70's rock n' roll to blues to reggae to contemporary songs. The dance floor is usually packed with people shaking it to the band's tunes, and after the bands finish the thumping house beats take over and late night dance sessions can last until dawn.

At the long, inviting bar, friendly bartenders and wait staff joke with the barflies, and serve up exotic cocktails like caipirhinhas, lychee martinis and Mai Tais. Specialty cocktails include the CP Lovely Margarita, a refreshing mix of tequila, triple sec, raspberry and tangy lime juice, and the Love Berry Martini with vodka, mint leaves, raspberry syrup and sweet and sour lime mix. The knowledgeable staff can also suggest the best in scotches, wines, and liquers.

And for those craving for a midnight snack, CP offers a late night menu with delicious comfort food classics like savoury pizzas, hot dogs and french fries.

CP Royal Steakhouse is located just behind the football field in central Ubud. From Monkey Forest Road, turn into the alleyway running alongside Lobong Cafe, and head to the end. You'll see the arched gateway and stones path that leads to the garden dining pavilion and interior nightclub.

CP Royal Steakhouse and Lounge

Monkey Forest Road, Ubud, Bali

+62 361 978954

email: cproyalsteakhouse@gmail.com or cploungdanceclubbar@gmail.com