The Perth bar scene is surprisingly vibrant, filled with quirky hidden bars to whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of city life. From speakeasies that require a password to enter, to a bar that specialises in Japanese whiskey, discover Perth’s best alleyway and basement bars and find a new favourite spot for a drink, all tucked away in some of the CBD’s most iconic locations.
Ezra Pound
Nestled down a laneway on William Street in Northbridge, Prohibition-era style bar Ezra Pound is one for the bucket list! This relatively tricky-to-find bar is adorned with vintage photos hanging from the walls and miscellaneous ornaments filling the glass cabinets. An eclectic selection of chairs and tables completes the ‘aged’ and moody feel of the bar. Cocktails are a focus, with bar staff able to concoct almost anything your heart desires, with the Pan Americano coming highly regarded. Open from 4pm to 12am, all week long.
Goody Two’s
Journey into this one-of-a-kind basement bar on Irwin Street and find yourself beneath a magical canopy of cherry blossoms Goody Two’s has been inspired by the charm of the Japanese ‘after work’ drinking culture. Be greeted at the door with a large selection of delicious cocktails, Izakaya inspired snacks and exclusive Japanese whiskies only available at Goody Two’s. On some nights, DJs will also be playing until the wee hours of the morning, keeping you thoroughly entertained! Open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 10pm, and Friday and Saturday until late.
Wolf Lane
Down a laneway off Murray Street and hidden by a black door is Wolf Lane, the cocktail bar where fantasy and reality walk hand in hand. One of Perth’s best kept secrets, this twisted storybook den is a curation of collectables from Granny May and her life’s loves and adventures. The mural for Wolf Lane was inspired by fairy tales and the notion that “inside your head there is a heart.” Expect fruity tea pots, flaming marshmallow topped cocktails and even cocktail masterclasses. Find your way down Murray Street to Wolf Lane, open from 4pm until late from Wednesday to Saturday.
Bar Lafayette
A dimly lit cocktail and whisky bar, Bar Lafayette is located on the lower ground floor of the beautifully restored 1910 Perth Technical College on St George’s Terrace. Awarded WA’s Best Cocktail Bar by Bartender Magazine, Bar Lafayette is renowned for its artisan cocktails and rum creations (we recommend the Bird of Paradise). The sprawling leather sofas and ambient lighting are perfect for drinks with friends. Open Thursday and Friday, 4pm until late, and Saturday 7pm until late.
Varnish on King
Tucked in the basement of a heritage building right in the heart of Perth’s CBD,Varnish on King is home to an impressive range of exclusive American whiskies. Surrounded by bare brick walls, timber floors and leather furnishings, Varnish boasts Perth’s most extensive showcase of bourbons, ryes, Canadian and Tennessee whiskey. Be sure to try their iconic bacon and American whiskey flights, which sees deliciously cured rashers of bacon come together with their perfect whiskey pairing. Their cocktail menu showcases whiskey and exquisite presentation for the more adventurous drinker. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 4pm until late.
Bobeche
In the basement of the expansive Brookfield Place building, Bobeche’s claims to fame are some of the best cocktails in Perth. The cocktail list spans pages, and some are even served in a teapot to share. With their sister venue, Heritage Wine Bar, just upstairs, Bobeche offers a wine list to cater for even the most fussy drinkers. As an added bonus, all patrons are offered a bowl of freshly-popped popcorn upon ordering a drink. Bobeche is a must-visit for anyone looking for a quirky and classy date night spot, or a hand-crafted cocktail experience with friends. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 4pm until late.
Sneaky Tony’s
Sneaky Tony’s is a Prohibition-era style bar with a twist. Enjoy over 300 bottles of rum from all four corners of the globe, or share a punchbowl with your friends while enjoying the background jazz music that will transport you right back to the 1920’s. For the daring drinker, be sure to try the Zombie cocktail (strong enough that only two are allowed per person!) This Speakeasy rum bar is so exclusive, a password is required on Friday and Saturday nights – keep an eye on their Facebook page to find out what it is. Open from 5pm ’till late all week long.
Foxtrot Unicorn
Hiding underground in an old bank vault built in 1887, Foxtrot Unicorn was once home to the Western Australian Club. The venue is packed to the rafters with an array of ornaments including re-sourced materials and vintage WA hospitality trinkets. Expect to find all sorts of fine spirits, classic and modern cocktails, an eclectic wine list and some superb cheese and charcuterie – and their espresso martini and pineapple Negroni cocktails are not to be missed. Open from Tuesday to Friday, 4pm to late, and Saturday 5pm ’till late.
