Leave your ‘mainstream’ bars behind you and head on underground for some of Perth’s finest hidden drinking establishments.
That’s right, we’ve rounded up the best of this city’s alleyway, basement, attic and side street bars for all your covert drinking ops, many of which you'll easily miss unless you know where you're going.
Here are Perth's most hidden bars.
Toots
Northbridge
Toots is the sassy disco bar hidden WITHIN a secret bar, located somewhere in Northbridge’s Chinatown. Once you think you have it, chuck on your brightest and best 70s fit, stomp right up to the bar and ask “Is Toots in?”. If you’re in the right spot, you’ll be handed a golden ticket that will get you in via the secret door.
Foxtrot Unicorn
Perth
Taking up space in an old bank vault below St Georges Terrace, Foxtrot Unicorn is the perfect city hideaway for a few laid-back tipples in dark and moody corners. Even better, they’re also slinging some very sexy cheese jaffles with “jaffle crack” seasoning, garlic butter and crusted parmesan.
Sneaky Tony's
Northbridge
Any good booze hound knows about this sneaky little rum joint. Get your hands on the password, find Sneaky Tony's clandestine entrance and all the rum will be yours.
Alfred's Pizzeria
Perth
Tucked away from the city shoppers, Alfred’s Pizzeria is an underground bar perfect for late night eats, cocktails, rock and roll and outlaws. Let the red neon sign lead the way.
Alabama Song
Northbridge
Slinging greasy American fare, cocktails and rye whiskey, Alabama Song is the most satisfying legal thing that can be found in an alleyway. Throw in some honky-tonk and you'll well and truly feel like you've landed in Alabama for the night.
Joe’s Juice Joint
Northbridge
The final destination of any Northbridge bar crawl, Joe’s Juice Joint is the place to make mistakes. Or dance. Whatever you fancy. Slam down a pickle back and let the good times roll.
Mechanics Institute
Northbridge
Mechanics Institute is hardly a secret these days. Anyone who knows their bars knows that Perth’s best small bar is but an alleyway entrance away. Head upstairs for expert cocktail creations on the rooftop deck.
Goody Two's
Perth
Whether you’re looking for an insane collection of Japanese whiskey, a place to dance the night away or some out-of-this-world bar snacks, Goody Two's in Hibernian Place is where you need to be. Once you've found the place, check out the risque vending machine in the bathroom.
Ezra Pound
Northbridge
Urban laneway drinking at its finest, Ezra Pound is still the best place to brown-bag a beer on the down-low.
The Jazz Cellar
Mount Hawthorn
Perth’s best cloak-and-dagger jazz venue is still as awesome as ever. Enter the hidden red phone booth at The Jazz Cellar and be transported to the jazz age.
Varnish On King
Perth
Beneath stylish King Street, Varnish on King is a sophisticated underground whiskey den that packs a serious punch. Grab a seat and order a bacon and whiskey flight to kick things off right.
Helvetica
Perth
One of the first hidden gems to appear in Perth, Helvetica is still a damn fine choice for top-secret whiskey drinking.
Bobeche
Perth
A prohibition-style basement bar underneath St George’s Terrace, Bobeche is a dimly lit drinking haven with sultry charm and loads of popcorn.
Caballitos
Perth
Hidden away underneath the old 1907 on Queen Street, Caballitos is mixing some of the best cocktails in town alongside scrumptious Mexican food. Get yourself a lagerita and some tacos and call it a day.
Want more? Check out these Perth Bars You Should Have Been To.
Image credit: Toots