The shining capital of Western Australia, Perth delivers an exciting blend of urban charm and natural beauty.
Perth offers an enviable lifestyle with golden beaches on the doorstep of a bustling metropolis, teeming with diverse restaurants, vibrant bars, shopping, and leisure venues. It’s a hub for culture and entertainment, and boasts one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, Kings Park.
If you want to take a break from the bustle of the city, visiting Perth’s stunning nature spots is a must. The idyllic Rottnest Island, for example, is a short ferry ride away and is well known for its idyllic beaches and beautiful scenery.
If you’re willing to travel a little further out, you can even swim with dolphins in the nearby suburb, Rockingham. Perth also has a reputation for its award-winning wines, which you can sample at Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region.
Perth locals know that the best nightlife in the city is often not found in tourist hotspots and guide books. If you are heading to the city seeking a fabulous night-out, then take the time to research the top pubs and bars.
We’ve rounded up a selection of what we consider to be Perth’s best bars and pubs below, and there’s bound to be a venue to suit everyone.
Liveliness, staff, atmosphere, price, music, and drinks quality; we’ve taken all the main factors that make a quality bar/ pub into consideration when creating this list. Whichever drinking hole you pick, you’re well on the way to a fantastic night out in Perth.
So read on for our take on the best bars in Perth.
Sneaky Tony’s
Location: 38 Roe St, Northbridge, WA 6003 Ph: 0432 444 090
We’re starting our list with this mysterious rum bar. Nestled in the back streets of Perth’s Chinatown, Sneaky Tony’s is an exclusive password-entry venue with a quirky interior and a charming vibe.
A tribute to “Tony the hat”, a 1920’s Californian gangster with a penchant for rum-smuggling, this cool prohibition-era bar stocks over 300 varieties of rum for you to try.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to be an all-out rum-lover to experience Sneaky Tony’s. Fortunately, they also provide a wide range of delicious cocktails, beers, and wines.
Expert bartenders, old-style decor, a dark, smoky atmosphere, and 1920’s music give visitors the feeling they’ve stepped back in time. However, you’ll need to check Sneaky Tony’s socials for the password if you wish to enter.
If you looking for a new place for brekkie, see our rundown of the Best Cafes in Perth
Hula Bula Bar
Location: 12 Victoria Ave, Perth, WA 6000 Ph: 0411 568 468
Next up is the exotic tiki paradise, Hula Bula Bar. With a funky Hawaiian theme, a huge selection of cocktails served up in tiki-style mugs, and a DJ playing cool vintage music, this little tiki bar is sure to impress.
When you walk through the doors of Hula Bula Bar, you step from the bustling big city and into a tropical oasis. Excellent for having a fun night with friends, this bar is vibrant, eccentric, and filled with novelty island decorations.
Mechanics Institute Bar
Location: REAR, 222 William St, Northbridge, WA 6003 Ph: (08) 9228 4189
For a more classic bar atmosphere, Mechanics Institute Bar dons a chilled and friendly vibe.
Kitted out with an urban basic decor, wooden furniture, and brick walls, this spot offers a varied drinks menu; including top-notch cocktails, artisan wines, and craft beers.
It’s a cool rooftop bar and a homage to the Mechanics Institutes, where working men from the 1800s were able to receive an education. Great for relaxed afternoon meet-ups with friends, or grabbing a beer and a burger.
Bobeche
Location: Basement, 131 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000 Ph: (08) 9226 5596
Dimmed lights, late-night nibbles, and freshly-poured cocktails. Bobeche is an enticing night venue, boasting exceptional hospitality and a cool basement setting.
Whether it’s a teapot punch among friends, a pineapple martini, or a glass of red, you’re sure to experience first-class drinks in Bobeche. Popcorn is provided, and mouth-watering bar food comes straight from their upstairs sister restaurant, The Heritage Wine Bar.
For a great steak, here are our Best Steak Houses in Perth
Wolf Lane
Location: Cold Wave, Rear/321 Murray St, Perth, WA 6000 Ph: (08) 9460 9971
Next on our list of the best bars in Perth we have the fabulous Wolf Lane.
Whilst Perth isn’t short of quirky bars, Wolf Lane is one of the most unique there is. A fairy-tale-themed mezzanine space, the bar features a brick decor with fantasy murals dressing the walls.
Laden with vintage armchairs and eclectic items, this magical hideaway, which is hidden behind a black door down an alleyway, will delight the child in you with its quirky and inventive drinks menu. Marshmallow topped cocktails and fruity teapots await.
Universal Bar
Location: 221 William St, Perth, WA 6003 Ph: (08) 9227 6771
Set over two floors, the lively and affordable Universal Bar has something for everyone. An iconic haven for music lovers, this popular cocktail hangout features live music every night, with a special focus on Jazz and Blues.
Great value, high-quality pub food is on offer. What’s more, you’ll always be greeted by a warm and friendly team of staff, waiting to serve up their delectable range of drinks.
Bar Lafayette
Location: Brookfield Place, 125 St Georges Terrace, Lower Georges Lane, Perth, WA 6000
For an upmarket bar experience, Bar Lafayette offers an elegant interior and a high-class ambiance. Whether you’re stopping by for an exquisitely made artisan cocktail before dinner or a show, this stylish venue features a snazzy drinks menu to suit all tastes.
SO why not pop in and enjoy the fruity notes in a strawberry negroni. Or perhaps the rich and silky taste of a New Orleans old fashioned is more your style?
Is it time you upgraded your wine or cocktail glasses? Click here for current prices and more information.
The Palace Arcade
Location: 84 Beaufort Street. Perth, WA 6000 Ph: (08) 6558 1611
Located within a heritage-listed building in the Northbridge area, The Palace Arcade brings together top-tier drinks, retro arcade games, New-York style pizza, and great tunes. The result? Possibly the perfect fun-filled night in Perth.
The Palace Arcade offers excellent prices for cocktails and food, and once you’ve finished eating their famous 22-inch pizzas, you can relive the 80s with a game of Space Invaders or Pac-Man on the vintage arcade machines.
Jack Rabbit Slim’s
Location: 133 Aberdeen St, Perth, WA 6003 Ph: (08) 9228 0077
By mixing all of the best parts of a night out into one place, Jack Rabbit Slim’s has become one of the most popular hangouts in Perth. It’s an all-in-one bar, live music venue, and late-night diner.
Named after the nostalgia-themed restaurant and bar in the legendary dancing scene from Pulp Fiction (Uma Thurman & John Travolta), Jack Rabbit Slim’s offers many of the same treats. If you’re familiar with the movie then you’ll know what we mean.
There are alcoholic milkshakes, a tasty American-style food menu, arcade games, groovy music and a dance-floor. What’s not to love? Knock back some of Jack Rabbit Slim’s trademark tequila shots, then bust some moves until the early hours.
Get your pizza fix at one of these excellent Perth pizza joints
Bob’s Bar
Location: Print Hall Building, Brookfield Place, 125 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000 Ph: (08) 6282 0077
It’s back to St Georges Terrace as we continue are look at the best bars in Perth.
Named after the 23rd Australian prime minister, Bob Hawke, Bob’s Bar is situated on a lively rooftop terrace overlooking Perth. The staircases leading to the bar are lined with newspapers, and the venue boasts unrivaled city views.
Sample some of the best craft beers in the city, or enjoy a burger and cocktail atop Western Australia’s capital.
Varnish On King
Location: 75 King St, Perth, WA 6000 Ph: 1800 763 253
Bold food creations meet award-winning drinks in this innovative bar. American whiskeys and Kentucky bourbons, a charming wine list, and an American dive bar theme co-exist to provide a unique visitor experience.
This bar exhibits an Australian twist and blends food innovation with top-shelf spirits to create inventions such as the “Bacon & Whisky flight”, a must-try when exploring Perth’s nightlife.
Helvetica
Location: Howard La, Perth WA, 6000 Ph: 0474 497 580
Helvetica gets its name from the Swiss font type, which is associated with neutrality. Unusual, hey?
That side, it’s a small bar with a big personality, nestled within the business district of Perth.
Cocktails, international whiskeys and snacks are served beside an intimate, classy atmosphere. Perhaps predictably, this is a prime location for hipsters who enjoy an expertly-made old fashioned.
Caballitos
Location: 26 Queen St, Perth, WA 6000 Ph: 1800 763 253
Caballitos is the best bar to visit if you’re looking for a trendy Mexican-themed hangout. You’re guaranteed to have non-stop crazy fun here, with a range of epic cocktails such as frozen margaritas and coco locos on offer.
Great value theme nights include Taco Tuesdays and Whack It Wednesdays, where you can enjoy delicious Mexican specialties, watch a mariachi band, or even bust up a piñata!
Keep drinks icy cold – even in the fierce Perth summer heat – with the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler. Perfect for the beach, road trips or just the backyard.
Hadiqa
Location: Hibernian Place, Top Floor, 40 Irwin St, Perth, WA 6000 Ph: 1800 763 253
A swanky rooftop garden bar located in Perth’s Hibernian Place. Hadiqa sports an urban rustic decor with beautiful greenery and outstanding city views.
Its food menu delivers a fusion of Mediterranean, Greek, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Meanwhile, the expansive drinks menu features custom cocktails, elegant wines, and traditional craft beers. Snake handlers and belly dancers are regular performers, too.
For a lively night out, it’s definitely one of the best bars in Perth.
Foxtrot Unicorn
Location: Basement, Level 101 St Georges Terrace enter through glass door on the left, 101 St Georges Terraces, Perth, WA 6000 Ph: 0451 098 865
If you look hard enough, you’ll find Foxtrot Unicorn, a smart underground bar hidden in an old bank vault. Foxtrot offers a unique experience for real booze enthusiasts with a love for tasting the best-made drinks in town.
Packed with Westralia-themed vintage decor, Perth’s best-kept secret plays host to some of the most talented bar staff in the region, who will serve up impressive cocktails alongside mouth-watering toasted sandwiches.
Editor’s Update: Pleasingly, the folks at Foxtrot Unicorn made it onto the Boothby Drinks of the Year list with their Strawberry Gum Gimlet. No wonder this is one of the best bars in Perth.
The other Perth entry at the awards this time around was Long Chim, Perth with their simply named, Lychee.
The Botanica Bar & Bistro
Location: 401 Scarborough Beach Rd Innaloo, WA 6000 Ph: (08) 9445 3111
Finally, were heading oceanside for the last of our best bars in Perth.
Located on Scarborough Beach Road, The Botanica is open every day for lunch and dinner. With an extensive collection of beers on tap, some interesting wines by the glass, and plenty of space, there’s something for everyone.
With its choice of bars, large outdoor area and private room for hire, The Botanica also makes the grade as a venue for a private function.
The food menu is available in all areas, and offers everything from bar snacks to something a little more substantial. The bistro serves decent Modern Australian pub grub (with table service) in a relaxed dining atmosphere.
The lounge bar, sports bar and outdoor seating areas give a variety of choices for whatever type of ambience you seek. It’s a smart choice if you’re looking to watch the footy in a venue with atmosphere.
Editor’s Note: We have been informed that The Botanica has now closed. As this is the case, why not try here instead…?
Petition
Location: State Buildings, St Georges Tce & Barrack St, Perth, WA 6000 Ph: (08) 6168 7771
There’s a lot going on in the beautifully renovated State Buildings. And one of the best spots to checkout is Petition.
At Petition Kitchen you can enjoy all day dining which makes the most of the best local ingredients available. But that’s not all. There is also a well-stocked Beer Corner and a rather fabulous Wine Merchant. As ever, Eatability leans towards a cocktail (or 2!) to kick off an evening of good food and great company. And at Petition, the Whiskey Sour ($19) is as good as any we’ve tried.
Come for a drink and stay for dinner. You won’t regret it.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
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