20 BARS & PUBS TO CHECK OUT
Go all in this summer and support your local with a bold and smooth Sailor Jerry beverage in hand.
There have been very few things as difficult as narrowing down a list of the best bars in Perth, but we’re giving it a go. We’ve spent many a night trailing around our city, sampling one too many drinks and bar hopping around all in the name of narrowing down this list.
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.
Republic Of Fremantle : FREMANTLE
Republic of Fremantle is the new distillery sitting pretty alongside the heritage buildings on Pakenham street. While the moody 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—it’s overflowing with modern creations, spiced up classics, and beautiful bottled concoctions.
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 new neighbourhood bar and together with their talented team, they’ve truly smashed it out of the park. Grab a “long mac topped up”, their refined take on the classic espresso martini, or one of the signature bubble cocktails and throw on a serve of crispy roast potatoes—you’ll see why the locals are lining up for it.
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 to boot. What’s not to love?
Nieuw Ruin : FREMANTLE
Brought to us by the same talented team behind Foxtrot Unicorn, 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.
Neon Palms : NORTHBRIDGE
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.
Jetty Bar And Eats : EAST FREMANTLE
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, Chef Marcello Segalin is whipping up the most delicious range of Mediterranean-inspired share plates. Trust us, this is the place to be come aperitivo hour.
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
There are so many different wines on offer at Strange Company, we still haven’t managed to finish the list. This 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.
Besk : WEST LEEDERVILLE
Opening in 2019 and quickly becoming a crowd favourite, there’s a lot to love about West Leedy bar slash bottle shop, Besk. The urban fit-out, the delicious eats and of course, the ridiculous number of craft beers on offer. While you can just order from the bar, we quite like choosing a bottle of wine from the bottle shop inside for a bit of extra choice.
Clarence’s Company Store : MOUNT LAWLEY
Iconic Mount Lawley small bar, Clarences, reopened its doors as Clarences Company Store this year and we’re pleased to say the revamp might just be better than the original. The new bar and talented team brings with it a fresh spin, adopting moody elements of New Orleans’ French Quarter in the food, drink and fitout—think jazz, dark corners, boujee bites and a good splash of whiskey. After stopping at the bar for one of their killer cocktails, head straight through to the courtyard area and chill under the canopy of fairy lights.
SKØL : SCARBOROUGH
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 welcoming laid back vibes.
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.
Picabar : NORTHBRIDGE
Picabar is the most chilled hangout we can think of. Head over and grab a good old pint in the breezy outdoor beer garden—it opens out onto the bustling Northbridge Cultural Centre so you can take in the lively atmosphere while you drink.
The Standard : NORTHBRIDGE
Boasting a dining area, outdoor courtyard AND a rooftop deck (hint hint, perfect for functions), there’s nothing you can’t have at 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.
Si Paradiso : HIGHGATE
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.
Madalena’s Bar : SOUTH FREMANTLE
Sunsets, seafood and sauvignon, just down the road from the beach—what more could you want? Madalena’s Wine and Seafood Bar in South Freo is just the spot to satisfy all your Sunday arvo needs. And if that’s not enough, we reckon they deserve bonus points for sustainability—Madalena’s works directly with local fishers to share the love. 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.
Percy Flint : SOUTH FREMANTLE
For a range of excellent craft beer and killer cocktails, Percy Flint should be your go-to. It’s no surprise that South Freo locals are obsessed; the venue is beautiful, the staff are welcoming and the drinks are damn good. The outdoor bar is draped in fairy lights and perfect in summer, and the indoor bar has a huge fireplace to keep everyone toasty in winter.
OVER 100 MORE BARS & PUBS HERE
sunsetcoast.life
