The Best Bars In Perth To Sip At Right Now

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.

Edward & Ida's

Northbridge

Image credit: Edward & Ida's | Instagram

Edward & Ida's is the newest venture from the award-winning crew behind Foxtrot Unicorn and Nieuw Ruin. The Northbridge pub and basement bar brings together more of what you love from their previous openings—like Foxtrot Unicorn's eclectic, old-world interiors and expert cocktails and Nieuw Ruin's elevated British-inspired pub eats and cracking wine offering—in a slick new two-storey package brimming with character.

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.”

Astral Weeks

Northbridge​

Follow the music into Astral Weeks. The Northbridge listening bar is the first of its kind in Perth, offering an unparalleled vinyl listening experience in an unfussy, intimate setting. It's pretty popular amongst the local music fiends, with a rotating lineup of visiting DJs and tastemakers on the decks each night. The equally impressive list of natural wines and the fact they're often teaming up with the hottest local chefs for takeovers, make this an awesome pick for your next night out.

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.

You might also like:

• Fremantle's Best Bars
• Perth's Best Wine Bars
• Perth's Best Cocktail Bars

Casa

Mount Hawthorn

Arguably one of the coolest spots to eat and drink in Perth, Casa is another Euro-leaning wine bar with an unmatched vibe, great drinks, delish eats and super friendly service. Just be prepared to fight all the lucky Mount Hawthorn locals for a table.

Volare

Maylands

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

Swanbourne has fallen head over heels for this tiny Mediterranean bar. It's wine focused, so you'll find loads of top drops curated by manager slash somm Caitlin Johnston alongside cocktails and digestifs that really suit the relaxed Euro mood. 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 kitchen that is so small, it's literally just the corner of the bar. 

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 of 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

Inspired by Parisian wine bars, Vincent Wine is your go-to for classic European vinos and yummy French eats. Snag a seat outside and watch the world go by over a glass of French wine and some duck rillettes. 

Republic Of Fremantle

Fremantle

Image credit: Republic Of Fremantle | Instagram

Sitting pretty alongside the heritage buildings on Pakenham Street, Republic of Fremantle has 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—no surprise considering the effort that has gone into distilling the brand’s award-winning signature gin and vodka from grape to glass. Start with a tasting flight then head on to the cocktail list. 

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

Located on the northern end of William St, Wines of While is our top pick for really, really good natural wines. Food-wise, choose something from the delicious rustic French-Italian menu, and pair it with a perfect pet nat. We’re all about our minimal intervention wines, and this is the perfect spot to get into them. Soak in the fantastic, chilled-to-the-max atmosphere, and set up shop to drink the day away.

La Cabaña

South Fremantle

La Cabaña in South Fremantle is hard to beat in summer with its authentic Mexican flavours and cruisy seaside vibes. Think sunny margarita-filled afternoons topped off with tacos, ceviche and their trademark corn tentacles. 

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 fast becoming Freo’s fave wine bar thanks to its mammoth list of 250+ bottles on offer and ground-breaking food 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.

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

Mechanics Institute is just a hop, skip and jump away from James Street, and it is very, very cool. Pop up the stairs and take a seat in their multi-level outdoor rooftop area, before grabbing yourself a cheeky cocktail (trust us, these bartenders know their stuff) or something from their extensive range of wine and craft frothies. 

Pep’s Wine Bar

Peppermint Grove

Complete with exposed brick and timber furnishings, Pep’s Wine Bar provides a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere for exploring the 230-odd contemporary wine list, which features a mix of minimal intervention wines that are all too tough to choose between. We suggest you just head to the bar and ask the staff for some help.

SKØL

Scarborough

Image credit: SKØL | Instagram

Setting up shop in the back courtyard of Drift Cafe, SKØL means “cheers” in Norse, so it should come as no surprise that it is Scandi inspired all the way. From the simple, yet elegant menu—which favours natural wines and house-crafted brews along with charcuterie boards and share plates, all perfect for long afternoons grazing and drinking—to the clean-cut minimalist decor and laidback vibes. 

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 all your summer needs, especially since opening their upstairs extension that lets you really soak up the sea breeze. Go on, breathe in that sea air and grab some fresh oysters while you sip on organic wine.

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

With lush, neon-clad interiors that scream Miami-vice, Neon Palms is the perfect vacay-worthy escape right here in Perth. Grab one of their neon margaritas and an empanada or two then cosy up in a booth or chill in the courtyard—either way, you’re in for a good night.

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 good cocktails. No surprise considering an award-winning bartender 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.

The Standard

Northbridge

Boasting a dining area, outdoor courtyard AND a rooftop deck, there's still a lot to love at Northbridge staple, The Standard. We're big fans of their Lazy Sunday special (a delicious and affordable lazy susan platter deal ranging from Balinese to American to pretty much any cuisine you can think of) which you can wash down with something from their massive drinks menu.

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 looking for their mates. To be fair, it is pretty inconspicuous from the outside. But once you've blurted the password and made your way inside you'll find a speakeasy-inspired bar overflowing with delicious rum cocktails. If you're clued in, you might just stumble into another secret disco bar hidden within.

Jetty Bar And Eats

East Fremantle

Image credit: Jetty Bar | Instagram

Aptly named Jetty Bar And Eats, this unassuming "shack on the water" from Miles Hull (Little Creatures, Alex Hotel, Quarter Acre) is easy to miss but step inside and you’ll be rewarded with stunning waterfront vibes, cool decor, approachable wines and some very attractive cocktails. In the kitchen, they're whipping up the most delicious range of Mediterranean-inspired share plates.

Need more inspo? Check out:

• Perth's Best Hidden Bars
• Perth's Best Pubs
• Northbridge's Best Bars

Main image credit: Patio Bar | Elle Borgward

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