Ah Fringe, it’s a wonderful time of the year. A time when stinking hot days turn into balmy nights and you can soak up all of Perth’s glory.
With cabaret, comedy and theatre galore, the hardest thing about Fringe is knowing what to go and see. The second hardest decision you’ll have to make is where to go for a drink or dinner before and after the show.
So here are some of the best spots to head for a feed or a drink before and after your Fringe shows.
If You’re At Fringe Central (AKA Perth Cultural Centre)
Urban Orchard
Urban Orchard is basically the heart and soul of Fringe Central so you'll definitely want to stop in for a drink in the sunshine before your show. There are plenty of food trucks if you feel like a bite to eat, and you'll no doubt meet a few performers who will give you the low down on their show so you can decide what you're going to see that night.
Arthouse Dine
If you’re sick of sipping your wine out of plastic cups at Urban Orchard, head over to Arthouse Dine and treat yourself to a glass of vino from their very impressive wine list. If you’re organised and book online you can get yourself a three course dinner with two glasses of wine for a very reasonable $55. Just remember it’s not open for dinner on Monday or Tuesday!
The Hummus Club
Unless you’re going to an early show you’ll want to head to The Hummus Club before, not after, or you’ll find yourself in one heck of a queue. To be fair, the food is worth the wait, but we reckon you should get in early, order the lamb kofta and a big bowl of mushroom hummus then head on your merry way.
No Mafia
Whether you’re after a drink and a nibble or something a little more filling, No Mafia will sort you out. Try and grab a table out the front so you can soak up that Fringe feeling.
Bivouac
An oldie but a goodie, Bivouac never disappoints. Get down on a Monday night for 90s tunes and 90s prices—think halloumi bites, epic tacos and more, all for less than a tenner.
Comet Pizza
The newest kid on the pizza block, Comet Pizza are dishing out mouth-watering traditional Italian pizza. Ranging from $14 to $19 for a pizza, we reckon this paired with a Fringe show is a pretty affordable night out.
PICA Bar
Smack bang in the middle of the action, PICA Bar is the perfect spot for a bit of people watching and let’s face it, people-watching during Fringe is the best kind. Do it over a glass of wine and a bucket of chips and you’ve got yourself a good night.
Mechanics Institute
While you’ll be tucked away from all the Fringe vibes, you’ve got incredible drinks, the best bartenders and awesome tunes to keep you going from noon until midnight at Mechanics.
Young Love Mess Hall
Young Love made waves when it opened last year and while it’s a great spot for a drink, you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t sit down and eat some food! Get the Japanese Succotash and thank us later.
Noodle Palace
Arguably a Fringe hub in itself, for the sake of this list we’re saying Noodle Palace is part of Fringe Central. The atmosphere here is the best, and you can get as many bao as you can possibly eat from Lucky Chan’s food stall, Baby Chan’s. Winning.
If You’re At The Pleasure Garden
The Pleasure Garden
Duh. There is so much on offer at The Pleasure Garden that you really don’t need to leave. A couple of bars and plenty of street eats, grab something to nibble on before heading to the silent disco or ping pong parlour.
Frisk. Small Bar
Ok fine, if you really want your drink in a glass instead of a plastic cup jump on over to Frisk and grab a G&T.
Bangkok Brothers
James Street newbie, Bangkok Brothers are open until 2am so you can get a decent feed after a few drinks at The Pleasure Garden. Grab a tom yum cocktail and the rendang lamb shank and you won’t be disappointed.
The Standard
Whether you’re after a killer Aperol Spritz or a tasty dinner, The Standard is the place to go. Opt for the two or three course show menu—$35 and $45 respectively—and you’ll be in and out with plenty of time to catch your show.
Wok St Chow House
Wok St Chow House are doing 25% off for Fringe ticket holders, plus food starting at $5, beer and wine from $7 and cocktails from $10. What are you waiting for?
Northbridge Brewing Company
If you’re in need of a beer and some pub grub, head to Northbridge Brewing Company. They have specials from Tuesday to Thursday with $8 pints on Tuesdays, double cheeseburgers and a pint for $17 on Wednesdays and $17 steaks every Thursday so you can save your dollies for another show.
If You’re At Cathedral Square
Long Chim
The team at Long Chim are putting on a special Fringe menu between 5 and 7pm from Tuesday to Sunday so you can work your way through five dishes and a glass of wine before your show. Did we mention it’s only $50 per person?
Petition
Whether you’re in need of a drink before heading to La Soiree or you’re after some dinner, head to Petition Kitchen, Wine Bar or Beer Corner and they’ll sort you out.
Post
To celebrate Fringe and the Perth International Arts Festival, Post has got a special pre-theatre menu. For $55 you’ll get two courses and a delicious Sue Lewis Chocolatier truffle before heading off to the show.
If you've found yourself at a Fringe show in Freo, check out one of these Fremantle bars.
Image credit: Louise Coghill, Nancy Hanna and Elle Borgward