It’s no secret that here at The Urban List we love a good night out at one of our favourite watering holes. But discovering a new bar that rivals our old favourites comes in at a close second. Not that we’ll ever leave those old faves, we just like to keep our options open, you know?
2016 has been a big year for the Perth bar scene and there are plenty of new spots y’all need to check out!
The Guildford Hotel
Guildford
Spend one afternoon at The Guildford and we can guarantee you’ll be plotting ways to spend more time out that way (that, or you’ll be plotting how to make enough money to open one in your neighbourhood). We could go on and on about this place but to sum it up all we really need to say is wicked Sunday sessions, cheeseburger spring rolls, out-of-this-world bloody Mary’s (they are topped with a burger!!) and a ping pong table, just don’t be that a-hole who hogs the table all day.
Alfred’s Pizzeria Small Bar
Perth
A pizzeria AND a small bar, can things get any better than that? The only way would be if that bar was underground and American gangsta themed, right? Well you’re in luck because Alfred’s ticks all of those boxes. The pizza here is mind-blowing, the drinks are flowing and the only problem you’ll have is trying to find a seat!
Sweetwater Rooftop Bar
East Fremantle
Rooftop bars are always a good thing, but Sweetwater Rooftop Bar is next level. With the head chef hailing from Melbourne’s Gingerboy and the bar manager coming from Mechanic’s Institute, you can expect some amazing cocktails and Asian inspired noms for you to enjoy six stories up. It’s also got a retractable roof so it’s just as good in winter as it is in summer. Winning.
Refuge Small Bar
Subiaco
The crown jewel of Refuge Small Bar in Subiaco is the 12 beer taps which hang from the concrete roof over the sharing tables below. The beer taps will mean a regular rotation of local and international brews, a range of local wines and classic cocktails with a twist. But wait there’s more. These guys are also offering an all-day breakfast, take away lunches and sharing plates in the afternoons and evenings so you can feast while you drink.
Percy Flint
South Fremantle
A boozery and eatery, South Freo bar Percy Flint combines two of our favourite things and they do a mighty fine job. With 10 craft beers on tap, some killer cocktails and plenty of tasty bites, this place has become a regular pit stop for Freo locals.
Hippocampus
West Perth
Gin bar Hippocampus is tucked away on Gordon Street in West Perth and is the perfect place for a quiet afternoon drink with a grazing plate or two. The raspberry gin is our drink of choice, but you should start with a little gin tasting so you can taste them all for yourself. The crew here are also serving up wine and a few other drinks so you’re not limited to gin all night long.
Little Way
Nedlands
While we usually place Little Way firmly in the restaurant category (the food is, after all, so so good!), the crew here are more than happy to welcome you in for a drink even if you’re absolutely positive you don’t want to eat (good luck with that). If you’ve got a few people try and get the room out the back for maximum joy, or if the weather is good the courtyard is the way to go.
Holy Smokes
Fremantle
Holy Smokes opened down in the heart of our favourite port city earlier this year and they have been bringing American beers and BBQ to the peeps of Freo ever since. They also do some pretty rocking cocktails and if you’re after a bargain, you’ll want to get around Wingsday—6 wings and a can of Tecate for 9 bucks.
The Globe
Perth
The Globe opened at 140 in the city in January and made itself right at home in this vibrant corner of the city. While we love the eatery for a spot of fine dining, the bar area is THE place to be on a Friday afternoon, or any day of the week really. They’ve got over 25 beers on tap ranging from international brands like Lefe to local boutique offerings from Eagle Bay Brewery.
The Reveley
Perth
Sitting pretty down at Elizabeth Quay, The Reveley boasts one of the best views in Perth. With a cafe on the ground floor and more formal dining room upstairs you can head here any time of day for a good feed, but if you really want to make the most of those views head straight to the rooftop bar and grab yourself a cocktail.
Henry On Eighth
Maylands
Henry on Eighth is keeping the Maylands locals caffeinated, fed and—most importantly—a little bit boozy every day of the week. This cafe come bar is the perfect place to while away an entire afternoon chit chatting or pop in most nights of the week for some live music and a drink.
Want more? Check out these 50 Perth Bars You Should Have Been To.
Image credit: The Guildford Hotel, Nancy Hanna, Elle Borgward