There’s just something about pubs, isn’t there? The buzz of thirsty locals, the clink of pint glasses, the smell of chips wafting through the air—pure comfort. Perth’s pub scene is a glorious mix of heritage-listed haunts, zhuzhed-up locals and rowdy beer gardens that have seen more iconic Sunday sessions than anyone on the East Coast could possibly imagine.
For me personally, nothing hits quite like rolling into a proper old-school boozer, ordering a pint that’s colder than my ex’s heart and tucking into a parmi the size of my head, but there's a Perth pub for every mood and moment. From footy-friendly front bars to coastal icons and hidden gems with a bit of grit, I've rounded up 27 of the best worth sinking a schooner (or three) in. Bottoms up.
The Leadlight
165 Beaufort St, Perth WA 6000
Since January of this year, Northbridge has been home to a brand-spankin' beer garden courtesy of The Leadlight. Taking over the space that once housed Ruinbar, the outdoor area is now triple the size of its predecessor, and perfect for soaking up the sun with a pint (or three) from the 18 beers on tap.
But don’t let the garden steal all the attention. The American-inspired menu is packed with elevated pub classics that hold their own even when the clouds roll in, making it a worthy stop no matter the weather. Think spicy baked nduja pasta, woodfired pizzas and parmis (which I am pleased to inform you are just $20 on Thursdays).
INSIDER INTEL
- Panuzzos are a dangerously addictive pizza-sandwich hybrid on the menu, served lunch-only
- Plenty of seating for solo sippers or large groups. Grab one of the many tables in the beer garden, claim a quiet corner or stake a spot at the bar
The Stirling Arms Hotel
117 James St, Guildford WA 6055
Pouring pints since 1852, The Stirling Arms Hotel is 173 years young and showing no signs of slowing down. Now under the guidance of publicans (and all-round legends) Jesse and Dave, this historic Guildford venue is my favourite pub in the Swan Valley, providing plenty of reasons to commit to the half-hour drive from Perth.
This includes a custom wood-fired pizza oven, a breezy alfresco bar supporting local breweries, weekly pub specials and live music every week. If you haven't been to the Stirling Arms Hotel, consider this your sign to check out its glow-up.
INSIDER INTEL
- Come summer, the Stirling Arms will gain a new nature-based playground for the kids to run amok while you enjoy a cold one
- Can't decide who's the deso driver? The train station is just a 10-minute walk away
Johnny Fox's
205 James St, Northbridge WA 6003
Irish pubs have a way of stealing your heart, and Johnny Fox's does it better than most. What I love about this Northbridge gem (aside from its prime Fringe Festival location near the Pleasure Gardens) is the gutsy menu—my top pick being one of Perth’s finest Sunday roasts, Yorkshire puddings included, naturally. Full Irish breakfasts run all weekend from 11am, so you can start your day the proper way.
Open early ’til late, the pub delivers unpretentious, friendly vibes, frothy pints and that sweet little watering-hole energy that keeps you coming back.
INSIDER INTEL
- The limited-time Yorkshire pudding wrap went viral for a reason—if it’s on the menu, you must try it
- Perth’s only late-night Irish bar, pouring beers until 2am on weekends
The Claremont
1 Bay View Terrace, Claremont WA 6010
Another historic pub that's been recently revamped, Claremont Hotel's glow-up is one for the books. Downstairs still holds plenty of old-school charm, perfect for a casual pub meal or a cheeky drink with mates, but the real magic happens upstairs. The rooftop terrace is open-air, buzzing with live music, good vibes and enough space to boogie, while the wrap-around balcony is my pick for prime people watching over Bayview Terrace.
Feeling fancy? The Bay Lounge is your go-to, with full table service and indulgent, elevated dishes that change with the season. Basically, whatever your crew’s mood—chill, chatty, or dance-floor-ready—The Claremont has got you covered.
INSIDER INTEL
- Each Tuesday, you can order a parmi loaded with all sorts of toppings for $32. Blue cheese and pear parmi, anyone?
- Happy hour is 4.30-5.40pm Monday to Friday, with $9 house wines and $10 select pints
The Royal
531 Wellington St, Perth WA 6000
It's easy to stay loyal to The Royal when it nails that sweet spot between heritage charm and slick-city polish. Overlooking Yagan Square, this sprawling pub lives in a heritage-listed beauty that’s had its original features restored to glory (thankfully minus the sticky carpets).
The menu swings from weekday meal deals to full-on weekend feasts, with crafty cocktails, fresh mocktails, a stacked wine list and tap-poured beers flowing behind the bar. Whenever I’m heading to a show at RAC Arena, I beeline here for a pre-gig parmi or swing back after for a nightcap before hopping the train home, and it's always a good time.
INSIDER INTEL
- Take an out-of-towner upstairs to the first-floor veranda for one of the best pub views in the city
- All pints are just $10 from 4-5pm every day of the week
The Local
282 South Terrace, South Fremantle WA 6162
With a stellar range of tap beers, hearty pub grub, and staff that make you feel like you’ve been part of the crew forever, The Local truly lives up to its name. Just a short wander from South Beach, it’s my go-to when a cold, crisp pint is calling my name.
There’s a spot for everyone: soak up the sun in the wrap-around alfresco, settle in for the footy inside or stake a claim in the Garage Bar if you’ve got a big crew—or little ones—in tow. It’s low-key, welcoming and one of South Fremantle’s cosiest corners.
INSIDER INTEL
- Make a pub crawl out of South Terrace—Percy Flint is right across the road and the South Beach Hotel just a little further up
Guildford Hotel
159 James St, Guildford WA 6055
Rising from the ashes (literally), The Guildford Hotel is back and better than ever since that devastating fire a few years back. Today, this heritage-listed pub is buzzing again, pulling crowds of all ages for lazy Sunday sessions, mid-week trivia and BBQ masterclasses.
The menu has something for everyone, but it’s the meats I keep coming back for. Cooked low and slow for an average of eight hours in the on-site smoker, they’re unbelievably tender, juicy, and downright addictive. Pair that with an ice-cold pint or a cheeky cocktail and you’ll be in pub heaven
INSIDER INTEL
- For a little of everything, come with mates and order The Whole Damn Lot platter before leaving with the meat sweats
- Check out the website for what's on, from paint and sip classes to Oktoberfest celebrations
The Quarter Acre Hotel
767 Canning Hwy, Applecross WA 6153
The Quarter Acre is Applecross’s ultimate all-rounder. This bright, breezy gastropub has the lot: ‘grammable cocktails jugs, local brews on tap and a huge menu that caters for everyone (yes, even your vegan/gluten-free/picky mate).
I love popping in here for an after-work drink, sitting out under the iconic yellow and white striped umbrellas in the beer garden with a spritz in hand.
INSIDER INTEL
- The beer garden is complete with a kids' sandpit, including all sorts of toys to keep them busy all afternoon
- In winter, book the Glam-Cation experience to enjoy all sorts of snacks in private, cosy and, crucially, wet-weather-friendly tents
Albion Hotel
535 Stirling Hwy, Cottesloe WA 6011
Step inside The Albion Hotel and it’s easy to see why this Cottesloe classic has been a local favourite since 1890. Once a pitstop for horse-drawn business travellers making the long trek from Perth to Freo, the pub’s restored heritage features give it all the charm of yesteryear, polished up for today's crowd.
Whether you’re chasing a prime spot to watch the big game, demolishing a pub classic or planning a glitzy private function, The Alby has you covered. With friendly staff, a chilled atmosphere, and plenty of room to spread out, it’s a proper all-rounder by the beach.
INSIDER INTEL
- There's an old Melbourne tram smack bang in the middle of the pub that's been repurposed as a private dining room
- The Drag Queen High Teas are an absolute riot and your best excuse for daytime bubbles
Hyde Park Hotel
331 Bulwer St, West Perth WA 6005
If you’ve never had a steak with mushroom sauce at Hyde Park Hotel (sorry vegos) you’re missing out. This pub has been a local haunt for inner-city folk for generations thanks to its laid back welcoming atmosphere, and great deals every week. From their $20 Margherita and Margarita Thursday deal to their $1 Dumpling Fridays, this is the perfect spot to fill up on a budget with a brew in hand.
Mayfair Lane Pub And Dining Room
72 Outram St, West Perth WA 6005
Mayfair Lane doesn’t particularly look like a traditional pub at first glance, but it still has that same cruisy atmosphere and friendly service that you’d expect of one. With bright stylish decor sitting pretty in West Perth, this super central spot is great to visit after a hard day’s work, or spend a lunch catching up with friends. Their menu prioritises fresh local ingredients and bold tasty flavours that’ll keep you coming back time and time again.
Ocean Beach Hotel
140 Marine Parade, Cottesloe WA 6011
Ohhhh, the OBH. There’s nothing quite like sinking into a window seat after a scorching Perth day, letting the Freo Doctor whip through the open panes while you nurse a cold pint and demolish a giant parmi.
I love the fuss-free vibe of the Obie. No-frills pub classics, cheap beers and those million-dollar Indian Ocean views doing all the heavy lifting. Better yet, there’s a $25 special nearly every night of the week—Black Angus burgers on Mondays, fish and chips on Wednesdays, and plenty more excuses to swing by. Add in the daily happy hour ($8 pints and house wines from 6–7pm), and you’ll see why this is one of my all-time favourite pubs in all of Oz.
INSIDER INTEL
- Prioritise the window seats in summer for the best sea breeze, people-watching and sunset views in the joint
- With redevelopment plans on the horizon, now’s the time to lock in those last golden-hour sessions
The Elford
639 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley WA 6050
Sitting pretty right in the heart of bustling Beaufort Street sits The Elford, the reincarnation of The Flying Scotsman that brings plenty of good vibes to the strip. There’s nightly live music, plus a heap of great food specials like their $20 parmi or Sunday roast as well as some great rotating events like their Beau With The Flow bottomless brunch and drag bingo. Yes please.
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Paddington Ale House
141 Scarborough Beach Rd, Mount Hawthorn WA 6016
The Paddo recently got some new owners who are promising to shake up everything you know about this quaint character-filled Mount Hawthorn pub that’s housed some of the coolest rockers of yesteryear. Whether you’re stopping by for a lazy post-work drink out in the garden or after a full blown cosy meal, this historical venue sitting pretty on Scarborough Beach Road offers everything you need for a great lunch or dinner out.
Clancy’s Fish Pub
51 Cantonment St, Fremantle WA 6160
Fish, chips, and all-round good vibes—that’s Clancy’s in a nutshell. The original (and in my humble opinion, the best) of the three Clancy's locations, Clancy's is a bit of a Fremantle institution that only seems to get better with age.
ith epic seafood platters big enough to feed a small army, regular live music that keeps the energy buzzing, and a focus on some of the finest local beers and WA wines, it’s the perfect spot for a cruisy mid-week dinner or a boozy Sunday arvo with friends. Grab a seat inside for the true pub vibes or stake a claim in the outdoor yard to soak up the sunshine while the kids—or your mates—run wild.
INSIDER INTEL
- The kids’ outdoor playground and enclosed yard keeps little ones entertained while you finish that pint
- 'Once Upon A Time In Fremantle' is the poetry night held at Clancy's om the last Thursday of every month
Inglewood Hotel
803 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley WA 6052
There’s something about The Inglewood Hotel that keeps people coming back again and again. In the Winter months, there are few more cosy places to nestle yourself than by their crackling fire and in Summer, there’s nothing better than sitting out in the courtyard for a few bevvies with live musicians serenading you long into the evening.
Victoria Park Hotel
605 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6100
After the beloved Vic Park Hotel underwent a massive $2.3 million glow up including a brand spankin’ new airy beer garden and function space—not to mention banging Brazilian-inspired eats courtesy of Head Chef Andre Nunes—grabbing a pint at the local has never looked better. With stacks of room both indoors and outdoors to suit your vibe and the whole family, there’s no better place to soak up some sunshine on a balmy Sunday arvo than here.
Fenway
328 Barker Rd, Subiaco WA 6008
Fenway is a boston-inspired sports bar jam-packed with cosy charm and lots happening across the week to bring some sunshine to the work week. From Monday night quiz nights to Friday two burgers and chips for $32, this fun moody spot is great if you’re looking for somewhere with a real atmosphere and all the big games then you’re sorted.
Queens Tavern
520 Beaufort St, Highgate WA 6003
Built in the 1880s, this Beaufort Street classic has sat firm for over 140 years thanks to its timeless style, consistently great feeds and old school service that makes you feel welcome the second you walk through that iconic terrace. The Queens has held its own for generations with countless trendy restaurant and bar openings popping up around the neighbourhood, but has maintained its charm and unbeatable lively atmosphere any time you visit.
The Windsor Hotel
112 Mill Point Rd, South Perth WA 6151
This South Perth treasure perched just a stone’s throw from our spectacular foreshore oozes warmth from its hanging flower beds to its original hardwood floors and wide terraces to sit and grab some fresh air, The Windsor is the place to be.
Rosemount Hotel
459 Fitzgerald St, North Perth WA 6006
A hub for some of Perth’s best upcoming musicians and fresh talent, The Rosemount or ‘The Rosie’ as it’s more lovingly known as has proudly hosted some of the country’s biggest names in their early days and is always ready to feed those hungry bellies with a great parmi deal and pint. Sitting on the corner of Fitzgerald Street and the hip Angove Street cafe strip, everyone (including the pups) are always welcome to soak in the sunshine in their sunken beer garden any day of the week.
Norfolk Hotel
47 South Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160
You’ll find all sorts of fabulous eclectic locals at the bustling Norfolk Hotel, a place where all of Freo converges to share a drink and a yarn in the beautiful breezy courtyard. Grab a cheeky pizza or hit the smoker menu Thursday to Sunday for a feasting board full of the American BBQ goodness your heart could dream of.
The Wembley Hotel
344 Cambridge St, Wembley WA 6014
With stacks of live local music and screens for watching the big game, The Wembley Hotel is for those who love to be right in the heart of the action. Their leafy green outdoor beer garden is great for a cheeky beer or two with mates, or for grabbing yourself one of their giant fruity cocktail jugs to share.
Cottesloe Beach Hotel
104 Marine Parade, Cottesloe WA 6011
Just metres from the sand, the Cottesloe Beach Hotel is the coastal all-rounder you’ll find yourself coming back to for everything—long lunches, post-swim pints, midweek dinners or those famously heaving Sunday sessions. Within its whitewashed walls, you’ve got three distinct playgrounds to choose from: the street-facing Verandah Bar made for cold beers and people watching, The Terrace for a more relaxed bite in the open air, and The Beach Club, which dials up the party vibes every weekend.
On the plate, Mediterranean flavours rule the roost, but it's the chargrill-rotisserie pit that steals the show. Director of Food Russell Blaikie shares: "Handcrafted in Perth and fired up with Jarrah wood and charcoal, it grabs your attention as soon as you walk into the Beach Club. It’s more than just eye-catching—it’s at the core of how we cook and what we serve. So many dishes are touched by fire and flame, adding so much more to a menu filled with bold delicious food driven by local ingredients and good cooking."
INSIDER INTEL
- The beach-facing terrace tables are the best seats in the house to watch the sun set over Cott beach
- Sunday sessions out back in the Beach Club are legendary, just be prepared to wait in line to join the party
The Como
241 Canning HwySouth Perth WA 6151
This retro favourite just 10 minutes south of the CBD has been revamped and brought back with new life in their multi-million dollar refurb that’s taken this heritage pub into a new contemporary era paying tribute to the art deco history whilst feeling luxe and revitalised. If you’re in search of a perfectly made marg or just need an excuse to catch up with friends at the end of a long day, The Como offers a tonne of great drinks and food specials that showcase some of the very best local creators and ingredients around our gorgeous state to enjoy.
Brisbane Hotel
292 Beaufort St, Perth WA 6003
The Brisbane is another inner-city popular pad that always has something going on - from comedy shows, quiz nights and Fringe shows every Summer, this easy going pub is ideal for those balmy Perth days sitting out in the garden watching dusk settle in above the festoon lights, or staying cosy on the chesterfield couches in the cooler months with a big old fashioned pub feed. With approachable friendly staff, and an endless line up of great drinks to enjoy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
South Beach Hotel
396 South Terrace, South Fremantle WA 6162
South Beach Hotel is an absolute beauty of a spot for a post-swim beer and feed. Brush off your sandy feet and wander in for a cheap pint, then get comfy at one of the outdoor tables and watch the world go by. You’ll want some pub grub to munch on while you’re busy people-watching, so go ahead and order from the drool-worthy menu of seasonal share plates, pizzas, salads and classic mains like fish and chips, steak sandwiches, pasta or a good ol’ fashioned parmi.
Chasing something a little fancier? Work through Perth's best bars.
Image credit: Louise Coghill, Claremont Hotel (Shot By Thom), Quarter Acre Hotel, The Elford, Vic Park Hotel, Rosemount Hotel, Cottesloe Beach Hotel