There have been very few things as difficult as narrowing down a list of the best bars in Perth/Boorloo, but here we are. At Urban List, we’ve spent many a night debating what sets the good from the great. For us, the design and vibe of the venue is just as important as what's going on behind the bar. Throw on some banging snacks (because we're not drinking on an empty stomach anymore, folks) and you'll definitely have our attention.
From artisanal cocktail bars that never go out of style, secret underground locations that you have to work for or just seriously good wine bars that provide glass upon glass of mouthwatering vino, we’ve scouted a huge range to choose from. Here are some of the best bars in Perth to check out right now.
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Ode To Sirens
Fremantle
Looks like Northbridge isn’t the only one sporting a cool listening bar these days, thanks to the opening of Ode To Sirens—a 70s-infused vinyl bar located in the front bar of the old P&H Hotel in the heart of Freo.
“The name ode to sirens encompasses a combination of themes,” says venue manager George Price. “It pays tribute to the Greek immigrants of Fremantle and our love of music which is played entirely from vinyl in the venue.”
Here they're slinging everything from old school pony pours (quarter pints) of Swanny D to trendier vinos (think pet nats, chilled red and orange wine). There’s also a playful mix bespoke cocktails and hot takes on the classics, including their House Martini which Price says is a must-try. “It’s a dirty vodka martini with feta-stuffed olives, a savoury, Greek twist on a classic."
On the food front, it’s Greek-centric dishes such as mushroom moussaka; pork and beef keftedes; and the “very naughty, very delicious" halloumi saganaki, a grilled slab of cheese smothered in honey, chilli and lemon.
Deadbeat
Perth CBD
Part dive bar, part cocktail den, newcomer Deadbeat pairs basement grit with some of the best booze in the CBD. Like any good dive bar, there’s zero pretension, a relaxed atmosphere, dim lighting and an eclectic mix of mismatched furniture and decor. But don’t let the rough-around-the-edges aesthetic fool you: the drinks list leans high-end cocktail bar with both classic and creative concoctions.
Venue Manager Benjamin Thomson and the Deadbeat team are all seasoned pros, and the proof is in the drinks, service and non-stop banter. “We’re all passionate bartenders at heart who love our craft,” he says, “we genuinely enjoy making things that bring people joy.” You’ll find that joy in the Electric Juice—a grown-up riff on childhood lemonade stands—and Papa’s Sweet Tea, a sharp, highball-style cocktail inspired by Alabama iced tea, both designed to play well with any spirit you fancy.
Hot tip: ask for a marker and add your name to the graffiti-covered walls, or bring in a weird little knick-knack and swap it for a drink.
Edward & Ida's
Northbridge
Image credit: Edward & Ida's | Instagram
The team behind Foxtrot Unicorn and Nieuw Ruin has done it again, this time turning their talents to a two-storey corner pub in Northbridge. Edward & Ida's is packed with character: downstairs, the basement cocktail bar is filled with taxidermied animals and eclectic bar paraphernalia, with General Manager Shirley Yeung behind the boozy concoctions. If you’re only ordering one, make it the Midori Splice—a nostalgic nod to poolside summers with coconut, pineapple and a cream float. “It plays into the familiarity of nostalgia from another era, but brings you back to the present,” says Shirley.
Upstairs, it’s all warm woods, tap-poured pints and British-inspired pub meals, including the best bangers and mash you’ll eat this side of the Thames. The smoked pork and provolone sausages are made in-house by sausage specialist Cenna Juan Loa, plated on a heap of buttery Paris mash and finished with a pork and cider jus. “It’s the perfect meal to accompany a creamy pint of Guinness,” says Group Executive Chef Blaze Young, “and exactly what you want in front of you on a cold night at the pub."
Powell's Fromagerie And Wine Bar
Leederville
Image credit: Powell's | Elle Borgward
Leedy has come a long way over the last year or so, with plenty of new spots drawing crowds back to this bustling inner-city hood. Topping our list of reasons to visit is Powell's—an undeniably chic little fromagerie and wine bar tucked down Electric Lane.
Run by Perth platter queen Jasmine Powell (@tapasaddit) and her mum Marisa, the cosy space is decked out with disco balls and burgundy interiors. “Every aspect was intentionally thought out, from the conversation starter coasters, to the wine glasses down to the pattern on our feature wall,” says Jasmine.
It’s an absolute dream for cheese lovers, with a weekly rotating selection of creamy, crumbly and smelly cheeses. "We have cheese from all over the world, Australia to Austria, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain… .. the list goes on!”
From behind the bar, “the wine list is small but for a good reason, it changes every 6-8 weeks so every time you come there’s something new to try.”
Lupe’s
Perth CBD
If a retro disco and a Mexican street party had a baby, it’d look a lot like Lupe’s . Hidden in a neon basement, this new cervecería brings tequila, tacos and a whole lot of mischief to Brookfield Place. Venue Manager Charles Arias says the goal is to make every guest feel like they’ve stepped into another world: “From the moment they arrive, we want people to feel welcome, hyped, and ready to let loose.”
This energy carries straight through to the menu, built for sharing, snacking and soaking up tequila. The lamb barbacoa taco is a standout. “If you leave Lupe’s without trying it, you played yourself,” says Charles. The lamb shoulder is marinated overnight, slow-cooked for hours until it falls apart, then piled onto flour tortillas with housemade salsa roja. Pair it with the mandarin margarita for a true taste of Lupe’s. “It’s fresh, it’s zesty, and it goes too well with the food… straight fuego.”
Astral Weeks
Northbridge
Follow the music through Chinatown to Astral Weeks, Perth’s original vinyl listening bar and still one of its best. The Northbridge listening bar was the first of its kind in Perth, offering an unparalleled vinyl listening experience in an unfussy, intimate setting.
It's a magnet for local music fiends, with a rotating lineup of visiting DJs and tastemakers on the decks each night, but you don’t need to know your deep cuts from your B-sides to enjoy it. The energy is relaxed and welcoming, and there’s often a guest chef in the kitchen dishing out something snacky and clever to match the pour in your glass.
Personally, I think it’s one of the best date night spots in the city. There’s something magic about weaving through the alleyways, past the buzzing Chinese restaurants, and then settling in over a bottle of wine with vinyl records crackling away in the background.
Patio Bar
Fremantle
Tucked away behind the cinema on Essex Street, walking into Patio Bar feels like stumbling onto a friend’s backyard party, if that friend had an impeccable palate and knew how to DJ.
The wine list leans natural, mostly local and very crushable (think Chouette, LS Merchants and friends), while the food is built for grazing: tinned fish on toast, focaccia with multiple dips, lasagne toppers and meatballs alongside some more substantial mains like pan-fried gnocchi, porchetta and, my personal fav, the eggplant parmigiana.
In fact, sipping lofi wines and smashing the eggy-P while Perth’s local and loved DJs spin tunes is one of my all-time favourite ways to spend a sunny afternoon.
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Casa
Mount Hawthorn
Whenever out-of-towners ask me where they should drink and dine in the inner north, the answer is always the same: Casa. Arguably one of the coolest places for a plonk in Perth, this Euro-leaning wine bar has great drinks, delish eats and super friendly service.
The menu changes often but always hits the mark with refined, produce-driven dishes by head chef Paul Bentley. From behind the bar, there’s a clever, ever-evolving wine list that leans natural, plus seasonal cocktails if that’s more your speed.
It’s the kind of place that works for almost anything: a casual midweek wine, a special-occasion dinner, or an impromptu bar snack that somehow becomes a three-hour session. Just be prepared to fight all the lucky Mount Hawthorn locals (and me) for a table.
Volare
Maylands
![[Out front of Volare, one of the best bars in Perth]](https://imgix.theurbanlist.com/content/article/best-perth-bars-volare.jpeg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-4.1.0&w=728)
Image credit: Volare | Maylands
Volare's rustic sun-lit courtyard is giving us major summer in Positano vibes. Grab a seat and get stuck into the glorious array of spritzy Mediterranean highball aperitivos and a few knock-out share plates from Head Chef Luca Minetti's European Riviera-style menu. With the same rockstar bar team behind Neon Palms at its helm, you know the cocktails here are off the charts too. Whatever you do though, don't leave without slipping the chicken liver pate cannoli into your gob—it's life-changing.
Bar Rogue
Mount Lawley
Bar Rogue comes to us from the same legendary husband and wife team behind French restaurant, Le Rebelle, and it's every bit as romantic and fantastic. The wine list changes often, but it's all seriously good and the staff are great at pointing you to something new. Pair it with a few tasty snacks from the menu like the chicken skin sanga (trust us) and super crunchy lobster taco and you'll be running back same time next week.
Plus, right now they're running their Yeah Rogue! summer pop-up with loads of new treats and a very attractive Sunday sesh that includes $2 snackaroonies.
Lum's
Subiaco
The team behind Subi's beloved small bar, Bark, has done it again with Lum's—a laidback wine bar oozing with heritage charm. Grab yourself a glass of vino then haul up in the parklet out front or snag a seat in the rear courtyard with your mates. It's got an awesome casual atmosphere that makes it perfect for cruisy catch-ups any day of the week.
Vinotto
Swanbourne
Image credit: Vinotto | Instagram
You don’t just stumble across Vinotto. Tucked between a burger joint and an IGA in a sleepy Swanbourne strip, this charming little wine bar feels like a secret you want to keep. There’s subtle signage and no ego, just consistently excellent service and a fridge full of interesting bottles.
The food menu has been designed around what you're drinking and will change regularly to reflect that, serving up some mind-blowing bar snacks out of a tiny kitchen. The anchovy toast is a non-negotiable, and if you’re pinching pennies, the Pasta Wine Wednesday deal gets you a midweek bargain for just $30.
If it’s a balmy night, I like to sit outside on the street and watch the Swanny locals trotting up and down Claremont Crescent, but if the weather’s not on your side, pull up a stool at the terrazzo counter to get a front-row seat to the chefs in action.
Naber + ||||
Leederville
This Leedy joint is tucked down a laneway, so we'd forgive you for missing it, but boy would that be a shame. Its cool little dog-friendly courtyard is always a good time, most likely because everyone has smashed too many of their killer cocktails... or maybe it's all the cute dogs looking for pats. Either way, the Disco Fries are always there to soak up the booze, as well as DJs and glimmering disco balls if you'd prefer to dance it off.
Besk
West Leederville
Image credit: Besk | Instagram
Besk is one of those places that I keep coming back to. Perched on Railway Parade, the huge space is part bottle shop, part bar and part kitchen, always packed to the brim with thirsty souls keen to crack into the latest natural wine or craft brew.
With a banging food menu to keep you going (including the banging bang bang fried chicken), it's very difficult to know when to call last drinks. Go for a onesie, and you may just end up sitting on a stool at the bar talking to the staff about the new hazy IPA on tap three hours later.
Foxtrot Unicorn
Perth
Foxtrot Unicorn is home to some of the best bartenders in Australia, so they absolutely deserve a spot on the list. These guys are shaking the very best cocktails with moody vibes and the cheesiest jaffles. What more do you need?
Picabar
Northbridge
The lines that snake out from Picabar every weekend prove the tried and true Northbridge staple is only getting better with age.
Inside, it’s all exposed brick and mood lighting, but the expansive courtyard is where the real action happens. On any given night you’ll find artists, students and the cool kids of Perth shoulder-to-shoulder beneath the trees, sipping on schooners (just 5 schmackos on Tuesdays!), snacking on the pub classics and swapping stories.
Whether you're kicking off a night at the neighbouring Cultural Centre or winding down a day at the office with a cold one, Picabar delivers on all fronts.
Wild In The Street
South Fremantle
Image credit: Wild In The Street | Instagram
One of the newer additions to the vibrant South Freo strip, Wild In The Street is somewhat of a hidden gem—although truthfully, with the calibre of cocktails being whipped up here, it really shouldn't be. The unassuming front facade gives way to a colourful Latin-inspired bar with beach club vibes and a line-up of seriously smashable drinks courtesy of award-winning head bartender Elise Godwin (formerly at Strange Company). Throw on some of mamasita's chicken empanadas and you'll be ordering another round in no time.
Vincent Wine
Northbridge
Named in honour of both its much-loved local City of Vincent area and St Vincent, the patron saint of winemakers, Vincent Wine was built for locals, but well worth crossing town for.
There’s plenty on the rotating food menu to tempt you, but head chef Stephen Thompson has a go-to: “The BBQ Exmouth green prawns served with dashi butter and espelette pepper,” he says. “The dish is simple but a flavour bomb. Highly recommended getting some baguette to finish up the sauce after, too.” It’s relaxed, thoughtful cooking and perfectly sums up the laidback sophistication the team strives for.
“We have always aimed to give people access to an elevated food and wine experience within a relaxed and effortless environment,” says co-owner Georgia Bisley. “Less formality, no wine snobbery, just access to an ever-changing, exciting wine list and modern bistro cooking with the best and freshest seasonal ingredients we can source.”
Republic Of Fremantle
Fremantle
Image credit: Republic Of Fremantle | Instagram
Sitting pretty alongside the heritage buildings on Pakenham Street, Republic of Fremantle has well and truly cemented its status as one of Perth's most beautiful distilleries. While the dazzling interiors and high-end nibbles are hard to ignore, it’s the drinks that steal the show.
Co-owner Darcy Travers says the spritz list is absolutely worth a look in, after the talented team had “a heap of fun coming up with flavour profiles using a broad range of tinctures and distillates”. Go for the Salted Grapefruit Spritz, the collab cocktail with Old Bridge Cellars that’s equal parts tart, satly and fresh, but if you’re a gin purist, ask for the Navy Strength G&T. Only available at the distillery door, the 57% gin is loaded with Serbian juniper, with a touch of calamansi. It’s a bold, refreshing expression of their grape-to-glass ethos, and a staff favourite come knock-off time.
“We are really focusing on making a convivial environment, ensuring people have a lovely time in the venue and can experience the product as close to the source as they can get,” he adds. “It doesn’t get any closer in our Distillery bar. You can literally smell the stills."
St Brigid Bar
Doubleview
Hamish Flemming and Siobhan Blumann—the legends behind Mechanics Institute, Flipside, Mrs Brown Bar, Propeller and Guildhall—are the brains behind this cool Doubleview bar and together with their talented team, they've truly smashed it out of the park. When in doubt, grab a "long mac topped up", their refined take on the classic espresso martini.
Si Paradiso
Highgate
Image credit: Si Paradiso | Instagram
Europe called and Si Paradiso replied with its seriously aesthetic Italian vibes. Think mosaic tiling and stained glass windows inside with vibrant beach umbrellas and abundant greenery that flows through the large amphitheatre outside. Home to many a DJ sesh and the odd disco ball, this joint oozes retro-cool and backs it up with a cracking drinks list which you can pair with a cheesy slice from their woodfired pizza menu.
Wines Of While
Northbridge
If you’re into natural wines, you already know Wines of While. And if you’re not, this laidback Northbridge spot is the perfect place to start. Perch at a curbside table or cosy up inside with something from the rustic Mediterranean-inspired menu. The blackboard menu rotates regularly and there’s often fresh talent in the kitchen with their ‘Chef In Residence’ series, but the standard never drops.
According to my friend Rose, who dined at the Northbridge joint when superstar Dishan Vincent was on the tools, “the crudo was so fresh and thinly sliced that it melted in your mouth, but honestly, the chardonnay was (and always is) the main character.”
It’s a sentiment that I share: while the food is consistently very, VERY good, the wine always steals the spotlight. Order a glass (or a bottle?!) of whatever the staff recommend and don't forget to take a photo of the bottle for next time.
La Cabaña
South Fremantle
When it comes to authentic Mexican flavours, La Cabaña is tough to top. The laidback taqueria has been fueling South Freo locals with margaritas, tacos, ceviche and its trademark corn tentacles since it opened in 2020.
The leafy, dog-friendly courtyard hums year-round, with both bare-foot punters rolling in straight from South Beach and big groups of mates tucking into tostadas and Tommy’s under the festoon lights.
For Urban List’s account manager Ana, it’s all too easy to lose track of time at La Cabaña. “It’s the perfect Sunday lunch spot that might take you right into the evening,” she says. “The stunning selection of tequilas and mezcals are beautifully served with a sangrita, making it very easy to make your way through the extensive list.”
Tom's Providore
Highgate
Image credit: Tom's Providore | Instagram
Originally an old gaming hall, this character-filled space in Highgate is looking better than ever as Tom's Providore. Loaded with an endless selection of gourmet goodies to go, you may be tempted to fill your basket and head home, but we urge you to stay a little longer. Take a seat by the window, order a bottle of wine and nibble through one of their lavish grazing boards as the sun goes down. You'll see just how special this place is.
Nieuw Ruin
Fremantle
Nieuw Ruin is a Freo fave thanks to its mammoth 250+ bottle list and boundary-pushing menu from Head Chef Blaze Young. The venue is set within an old heritage cottage with beautiful high ceilings and oodles of character, so you can choose to cosy up indoors or set up in the generous outdoor area for a boozy sundowner with a side of people watching.
Don’t skip the pâté en croûte, a cult favourite that changes week-to-week. “We start with a deeply savoury terrine, bake it into the world’s most buttery shortcrust, and top it with brandy-spiked pork jelly that sets just enough to melt on the tongue,” says General Manager Shirley Yeung. “It’s the perfect way to start the night next to a glass of chilled red, or honestly, we won’t judge if you make a meal of it. We want guests to try something they’ve never had before, laugh too loud, and stay for that one last glass they weren’t planning on.”
The Royal Hotel
Perth
The Royal Hotel’s big old school hotel vibes along with its stellar drinks list and upmarket pub fare make this a must-visit whenever you're in the city. If you feel like getting fancy after a drink at the pub, make your way to the tiny dining room fleur for a meal that will knock your socks off.
Strange Company
Fremantle
Image credit: Strange Company | Instagram
There are so many different wines on offer at Strange Company, we still haven’t managed to finish the list. This lush small bar is always packed, and with good reason. The staff are cool, the food is excellent and the drinks are always flowing, making it the perfect bar if you ask us.
Mechanics Institute
Northbridge
Climb the stairs behind the State Library and you’ll find one of Perth’s most beloved rooftop bars. One of the OGs in Perth’s small bar scene, Mechanics Institute has been a go-to for killer drinks with city views for over a decade.
The mult-level, heritage-listed rooftop slings creative cocktails and craft beers, with a solid rye whiskey selection lining the backbar. Feeling peckish? Order dumplings, bao and other savoury snacks straight to your table from its Northbridge neighbour, Double Rainbow.
Urban List’s account manager Ana reckons it’s a non-negotiable Northbridge pitstop. “Whenever I'm in the area, I always have to have a martini or two at Mechanics,” she says. “I know I can always rely on Mechanics—the vibe there is hard to beat.”
Pep’s Wine Bar
Peppermint Grove
If you’ve ever wondered where Cottesloe’s cool crowd disappears to after sundown, chances are they’re sipping something natty at Pep’s.
Sitting right on Stirling Highway, this neighbourhood wine bar is flooded with natural light by day and has a golden glow in the evening. Ever-evolving charcuterie and cheese boards are a house specialty, thoughtfully prepared by the friendly team with produce from local makers. There’s over 200 bottles on the wine list, plus a concise menu of classic cocktails. The signature oak-aged Negroni is one of Perth’s best, going for just $15 on Sundays alongside the weekly live tunes in the courtyard.
“We’re passionate about building community and creating a space where people connect,” says venue manager Charlie Galbally. “We love seeing the look on guests’ faces when they walk in and discover the history of the building Pep’s calls home.”
SKØL
Scarborough
Image credit: SKØL | Instagram
Setting up shop in the back courtyard of Drift Cafe, SKØL—the Norse word for ‘cheers’— brings a slice of Scandi-inspired calm to the Scarborough coast. Owners Mani and Ben Noble say the space is a reflection of their passion for “good food, great drinks, a wicked wine list, and minimalist Scandi design.”
“When people walk in, we want them to feel at home,” they add. “Our team is like a family, and we want our customers to feel the same. We’re all about high-quality drinks and service without any pretension.”
This looks like grazing boards, share plates, house brews and natural wines. Start with the SKØLada, the Instagram-famous cocktail made with pandan-infused rum and served in a shell, and then make your way through the extensive cocktail menu, where each one is as tasty as the last.
Madalena’s Bar
South Fremantle
Sunsets, seafood and sauvignon, just down the road from the beach—what more could you want? Madalena’s Bar in South Freo is just the spot to satisfy your summer needs year-round, especially since opening their upstairs extension that lets you really soak up the sea breeze.
The name nods to Vila Madalena in São Paulo, where owner Joel Rees met his wife. “We wanted to bring a bit of that feeling to South Freo—high-quality WA seafood, a relaxed yet bougie vibe, and a chance to escape the day-to-day.”
You’ll want to order the grilled Fremantle octopus, charred over hibachi charcoal with tamarind, chipotle and duck fat. It’s a superb dish, especially when paired with a big, bold Chardonnay.
The drinks offering leans heavily into minimal-intervention wines, crisp whites and bottles that play well with seafood. If you’re just after a glass, “the exclusive Coravin list features wines that we normally wouldn't be able to sell by the glass,” says Joel, “but with the use of the Coravin we can introduce really impressive wines by the glass to our customers.”
Joe’s Juice Joint and Alabama Song
Northbridge
Sitting just off William Street is this dynamic duo: Joe’s Juice Joint and Alabama Song. Start downstairs at Joe’s and vibe in the dim lights to some loud rock music while downing a Pickle Back (a whiskey shot followed by a pickle juice shot)—it sounds nuts but trust us, it works. To round the night off, pop upstairs to Alabama Song where you can have an Americana-style boogie on the floor with some good ol’ bourbon.
Neon Palms
Northbridge
Image credit: Neon Palms | Instagram
Ever wanted to party in Miami in the 80s? Neon Palms is the next best thing. As the name suggests, there’s neon signs galore adorning the pink and blue walls, synth-heavy tunes, and highly talented bartenders shaking playful cocktails with throwback flavours.
“Our drinks often have a nostalgic twist to them, our menu is playful but rooted in flavour, and we’ve worked hard to keep it approachable,” says venue manager Emilia. “The team is a big fan of a snack as a garnish so you'll find that across a lot of our drinks, too."
If you’ve only got time for one drink, make it the spicy marg. “It’s made with a house mix of five different chillis at varying parts of the drink creation process, so it has layers of heat that build without blowing your head off. It’s got a kick, but it’s super drinkable. Spicy without being punishing.”
The food menu is South American-inspired but heads up: the kitchen’s about to launch a new menu, so now’s the time to revisit your favourites before they disappear for good. Cubano sanga, anyone?!
Percy Flint
South Fremantle
I am yet to find an occasion where Percy Flint isn’t a top option. Catching up with mates? Percy Flint. In the mood for sharing a steak sanga with your dog? Percy Flint. Taking your Dad out for a tap-poured bev? Percy Flint. Craving a splash in the ocean? The beach via Percy Flint.
This South Freo favourite delivers every time, offering the ultimate trifecta of craft beers, killer cocktails and relaxed energies. The venue itself is a beauty: out the back, a fairy light-covered courtyard hums all summer, while the blazing fireplace indoors keeps things cosy in winter.
According to my friend Patch, a loyal local who is partial to pint at Percy’s, “it’s the kind of place you go for a solo beer but then end up running into ten mates and staying all night long.”
Mummucc’
Wembley
Difficult to spell but easy to love, Mummucc' (an Abruzzese dialect word of affection for ‘mother’) is the gorg little Italian wine bar right next door to our favourite pizza place Monsterella.
There’s a mammoth wine list and you can order pizzas from the neighbouring pizza restaurant, but we recommend making your way through the trove of Italian pastas and share plates, including owner James Stefanuto’s favourite, the Salsiccia Siciliana.
“It’s coarse Sicilian sausage grilled over charcoal, served with pomodori cuore di bue, lemon-pressed olio extra vergine di oliva, and native oregano. It’s rich, simple, and layered. Pair it with a glass from our rotating list of Italian and Australian wines, or try our very own Mummucc’ Italian Draft, a crisp lager named Beppe after my Nonno, Giuseppe Stefanuto."
Grab a table on the street to watch the world go by, or stay indoors if you’re in a bigger group. Disclaimer: this place is super popular (we totally get why) and walk-in only, so grab a table if you see an empty one!
Terrarium Bar
Perth CBD
Terrarium Bar has quickly become one of Perth's go-to spots for really, really good cocktails. No surprise considering award-winning bartender David ‘Xander’ Stucken is behind the leafy multi-level CBD bar. Cosy up in a window-side booth inside or grab a table beneath the festoon lights on the plant-filled rooftop, order a few tasty nibbles and work your way through the drinks menu. It's pretty much impossible to pick a favourite, but I recommend chatting to Xander and letting him make the decision on your behalf.
Craving something smoky and strong? He’s got a cocktail that’ll scratch that itch. Prefer a light, bubbly drink on the sweeter side? He’s on it. Do you really just want to drink out of one of the many Tiki mugs? Xander recommends the Cyclone: a white rum-based Tiki-style punch with papaya, aloe vera and passionfruit. Delish.
Caballitos
Perth CBD
Translating the ‘little horses’, Caballitos is the OG tequila bar in the city. “It’s a fitting name, really, when you see the dance floor in full swing every weekend,” says Sneakers & Jeans CEO Andy Freeman. Loud, loose and a little loco, you’ll find a dancing pole in the middle of the room, more than 200 tequilas and mezcals behind the bar, plus a tighter selection of Mexican-inspired snacks from the kitchen.
Whenever I’ve got a hankering for tacos, I hold off on the Old El Paso (no shame, there is a time and a place for this supermarket staple) and wait until Wednesday rolls around to visit the underground cantina. Every week, you can devour as many tacos as humanly possible in 60 minutes for just $35 per person. There’s pulled chicken, spiced braised beef and black bean tacos, plus a deadly line-up of Perth’s own famous ‘Shit The Bed’ hot sauce.
The Standard
Northbridge
Boasting a dining area, outdoor courtyard AND a rooftop deck, there's a lot to love at this enduring Northbridge staple. Having opened on Roe Street over a decade ago, The Standard keeps things fresh with seasonal menus and rotating foods, but the best bang for your bang is the two-for-one pastas on Wednesday.
You and a mate can twirl your way through prawn mafaldine, wolf down campanelle topped with stracciatella or devour the ricotta gnocchi, with one of your eating for free (shotgun!). Add a bottle of wine from the massive drinks list to wash it all down and you’ve got yourself an easy, affordable mid-week treat
Sneaky Tony's
Northbridge
You'd think by now everyone would have figured out where this hidden bar is, but alas, you'll still find the odd drunken fellow wandering the laneways each Saturday in search of the entrance. To be fair, it is pretty inconspicuous from the outside: the unmarked door down an alleyway in Chinatown is easily missed. But once you've knocked, blurted out the password and made your way inside you'll find a speakeasy-inspired bar overflowing with delicious rum cocktails.
I’ve been coming here since it opened in 2014 and still get a thrill every time the door swings open. If you're clued in, you might also just stumble into another secret disco bar hidden within, too.
Jetty Bar And Eats
East Fremantle
Image credit: Jetty Bar | Instagram
Jetty Bar And Eats might look like a humble shack on the water, but this East Freo spot delivers big on waterfront charm, laidback vibes and Mediterranean-inspired share plates.
According to Venue manager Emma Gillies, there’s a spot and a sip to suit your every mood. “Whether you're daydreaming out on the alfresco sipping on a margarita, enjoying a bottomless brunch inside on our big bar tables with a group of friends, or cozying it up in our east end with a set menu, you can pick your own flavour of the day.”
Emma also says the harissa lamb shoulder is the must-order: “Great to share between two or more, it's served with grilled flatbread, tahini and fresh pickled cabbage & soft herbs. The lamb is local from Amelia Park, so we love that we can create something for lamb lovers in WA, from WA.” Pair it with a frosty ‘El Chapo’ Mexican lager from Dunsborough’s South Camp or one of the many beaut cocktails and you’re laughing.
Varnish On King
Perth CBD
Hidden just below King Street, Varnish was a pioneer when Perth’s small bar scene was just getting started. Now a decade on, it remains one of the city’s most beloved watering holes thanks to its sharp staff, American-style share plates and shelves stacked with Kentucky bourbons and American whiskeys.
The sophisticated subterranean space is decked out with leather boots, timber panelling and taxidermy critters, but the most iconic fixture at Varnish is the whiskey and bacon flights. “They’re a cult favourite and a cornerstone of the venue’s 12-year legacy,” says Sneakers & Jeans CEO Andy Freeman. Pairing four styles of bacon with four pours of whiskey, the flights are “playful, indulgent, and a little bit legendary.”
If you, like me, have a healthy appetite and can’t resist a bottomless offering, Varnish’s Endless Steak & Fries experience gets you unlimited servings of each every Thursday and Friday for just $55 every Thursday and Friday.
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Main image credit: Patio Bar | Elle Borgward
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