The 15 best bars in Perth

Since opening in mid-2023, Bertie Wine Bar has made a big splash on Perth’s bar scene. While the artfully curated wine list is reason enough to visit, the bar has quickly gained notoriety for its eccentric, Brit-centric food. Taking cues from London eateries, their comfort food has been given an upscale reimagining with dishes like steak tartare and a moreish Scotch egg served alongside house-made brown sauce. It’s elevated pub fare that’s worthy of tip-top Australian wine pairings. 120 drops are listed on Bertie’s menu, alongside a cocktail list of spirits-heavy tipples. Monthly cocktails take turns gracing the specials board, like the Blue Jasmine with hints of gin and blueberry. Nab a seat in the leafy, sun-dappled courtyard, or settle in by the window and admire Bertie’s timber innards and subtle bygone details. 

Time Out tip: Bassendean is a fair way out of Perth's inner suburbs indeed, but thankfully Bertie Wine Bar is a mere eight-minute walk from Bassendean train station. Dinner and an adventure, anyone?

Address: 77 Old Perth Rd, Bassendean

Opening hours: Wed-Thurs 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm; Sun 12pm-9pm

Step out of the city and into suburbia at aperitivo bar Volare that brings a touch of European wining and dining to Maylands. In the name of preservation, Volare pays homage to the 1920s with its Art Deco interior – the cute-as-a-button light globes remain and vintage train seats-turned-vinyl booths amp up the yesteryear ambience. Nods to the Mediterranean include terracotta flower pots, a leafy courtyard and an open kitchen. Local wine enthusiasts gather here midweek to make the most of the venue’s aperitivo offerings. House wine is up for grabs as well as a list of signature spritzes, which include the obligatory Aperol but also Limoncello Spritz and Volare Spritz, boasting lemon sorbet and lavender. All drinks come with complimentary house Sicilian olives, but it's worth ordering a full spread of snacks.

Time Out tip: Volare is conveniently located a mere minute from Maylands train station, which is just four stops from Perth city. So while it might sound like a bit of a trek, in reality, it’s just 15 minutes up the Midlands, Ellenbrook or Airport line.

Address: 198 Whatley Cres, Maylands

Opening hours: Tues-Thurs 4pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 2pm-11pm

Hook, line and sinker, Madalena’s is easily one of the best bars in Western Australia, and it has certainly claimed a spot in our guide to the best restaurants in Perth, too. This South Fremantle bar boasts an old-world flair with plenty of gold detailing, timber touches and mid-century light fixtures that complement the seaside venue nicely. The sun-filled boteco sources the freshest sustainably caught seafood from local suppliers at Fins Seafood and pairs it with seasonal goodness from their thriving kitchen garden. Madalena’s ever-changing menu sees the likes of Fremantle octopus with tamarind, chipotle and duck fat, as well as Abrolhos Islands red throat emperor with chamomile butter – simple yet effective. The wine list is always on rotation too, but you can expect to wind down on the weekend with a chardonnay off Madalena’s white marble bar or settle in upstairs for a well-shaken cocktail and fantastic sunset over the Indian Ocean horizon.

Time Out tip: Given Madalena’s extremely convenient beachside locale, you may as well make a day of it and soak up Perth's extended sunny afternoon with a swim followed by a refreshing curbside beverage.

Address: 406 South Tce, South Fremantle

Opening hours: Wed 5pm-10pm; Thurs 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-12am; Sun 12pm-9pm

If you fancy a good rum, Sneaky Tony's has your name written all over it. A hop, skip or stumble down an alleyway in Chinatown and you’ll find yourself at the unassuming door of Sneaky Tony’s – Perth’s top secret premium rum bar – well, not so secret now. If you wish to enter, you’ll have to proclaim the daily password, which may or may not be found on their Facebook or Instagram pages. Once you mutter those magic words through a tiny shutter in the prohibition-style door, you’ll be met with an exposed-brick and timber-laden speakeasy with a touch of American-forward decor. With shelves boasting an impressive collection of more than 300 rums from all four corners of the globe, there’s sure to be something to tickle your fancy. Or, go hard on the cocktails, some of which can be ordered in a crystal punch bowl. For those after hard liquor, the expert mixologists will concoct the perfect drink for you.

Time Out tip: There’s no signage outside Sneaky Tony’s; just listen carefully for the tunes and keep a watchful eye on punters who look like they know where they’re going.

Address: 38 Roe St, Northbridge

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 5pm-12am

Both out of sight and out of the ordinary, Ezra Pound is a watering hole well worth seeking. The semi-clandestine speakeasy is sure to impress with its seasonally changing cocktails, plus local beers and wine. The bar has well-weathered furniture, brick walls, candle-lit tables and fairy lights outside to create a cosy atmosphere. With well-mixed drinks in hand, heaps of spaghetti dishes to enjoy (thanks to its neighbouring Italian restaurant Francoforte) and fresh tunes on constant rotation, life is good at this graffiti-covered Northbridge laneway. As of March 2025, Ezra Pound celebrated 15 years of pourin’, dancin’ and general good times, so it’s safe to say the team knows a thing or two about fostering fabulous nights out in Northbridge, whether that’s a refreshing Spritz in the arvo, a post-dinner vino, or a late-night tawny to send you off to sleep.

Time Out tip: Ezra Pound laneway is a notorious haunt for mingling with the youngins of Perth. Expect to run into old friends, new friends and everyone in between. 

Address: 189 William St, Northbridge

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 4pm-12am; Sun 4pm-10pm

For the best cocktails in Perth, look no further than Foxtrot Unicorn. Descending the steps into the bar is like descending into another time period, one where decadence abounds and libations are liberal. The former bank vault that dates back to 1887 is now jarrah-clad and filled to the brim with upcycled materials and vintage bits and bobs from Western Australia’s hospitality history. Despite the old-timey feel of the fitout, the cocktail list is surprisingly contemporary, finding creative uses for native flavours. If you tend not to stray from tradition, Foxtrot Unicorn will fix you something that matches the decor (cue a Negroni). Inventive numbers might include a Strawberry Gum Gimlet, Quandong Native Blinker or perhaps a Fingerlime Breakfast Martini – all high on our rotation, that’s for sure. And as tempting as the drinks list is, the menu of cheesy jaffles on offer is an incongruous pairing that somehow just makes sense. There’s a reason Foxtrot Unicorn comes in hot with a slew of awards behind it.

Time Out tip: Vegans look away – Foxtrot Unicorn doesn’t shy away from taxidermy (preserved animals), which can understandably give some people the heebie-geebies.

Address: The Western Australian Club basement, 101 St Georges Tce, Perth

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-12am; Fri 4pm-1am; Sat 5pm-1am

One of Subiaco’s best-kept secrets, Bar Amelie, is a self-described Australian-style tapas bar serving up elegantly creative cocktails, refined mocktails, local beer and premium wine – all in a space that blends contemporary cool with Art Deco charm. The bartenders have curated a tempting list of signature cocktails, many of which put a fresh spin on the classics. Take, for instance, the Chocolate Old Fashioned that pairs whiskey with chocolate bitters, or the Toasted Coconut Margarita, where tequila mingles with mezcal, fresh lime and coconut syrup. The food is equally inviting, with plenty of share plates to pair. For an easy win, opt for the crowd-favourite boards and platters – pick from charcuterie, flatbread, salmon trio, burrata or artisanal cheeses.

Time Out tip: Bar Amelie puts on one of the best high teas in Perth – and there's not a hot cup of earl grey in sight. Think 90 minutes of free-flowing bubbles with a delightful selection of sweet and savoury bites.

Address: 118 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco 

Opening hours: Mon 4pm-9pm; Tue 11am-9pm; Wed-Thur 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10pm

Offering a wine bar experience without any of the pretence, Vincent Wine is simultaneously upscale and rustic. It's a corner store with exposed brick and olive tree planters – you get the idea – it’s cute and a little bit European. Vincent’s bread and butter is charcuterie and by-the-glass vino. The rotating wine menu is hand-written upon the white subway tiles beside the bottle-lined bar, which alludes to the whole seasonality thing. Space is limited and the venue only takes bookings sometimes, but a small wait is worth your while. The drinks menu leans towards European wines and the staff are more than willing to walk you through the various merits of a Mosel riesling compared to a Sicilian bianco, but there’s also a selection of Australian drops and cocktails on offer. The fare is a no-brainer, with French-esque bites plated up in style. Think freshly shucked oysters and the bistro classic, steak frites, for the hungrier stomachs out there.

Time Out tip: If you’re committed to the hike between Mount Lawley’s hum and Northbridge’s night buzz, Vincent Wine is the halfway pitstop of dreams.

Address: 465 William St, Perth

Opening hours: Wed-Thurs 5pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-12am; Sun 12pm-10pm

In the basement of a 1921 heritage building in the heart of Perth’s CBD is Varnish on King. The interior is a homage to the nouveau dive bars of the USA, while nodding to Perth’s own culture and history with sepia-toned images of the neighbourhood’s yesteryears lining the walls. In true dive bar spirit, Kentucky bourbons and American whiskeys line the shelves behind the bar. It’s a venue that "doesn’t play by the rules" and offers weird and wonderful perks for its customers, such as the ‘Bacon & Whiskey flight’ where four different styles of Whiskey are paired up with four different styles of bacon! Strange, but we like it. Speaking of eats, you’d be pleased to know that Varnish on King doesn’t hold back, with a fully stocked kitchen that churns out a finger-lickin’ combination of American classic with an Aussie twist. Think Portuguese-spiced half chicken straight off the grill, and mega Reuben sandwiches that feature house-made pastrami. And don't go past the fresh-baked bread with lemon myrtle salted butter.

Time Out tip: If you’re not so big on booze, but big on bacon, you’re more than welcome to opt for a sizzling slice sans the whiskey.

Address: 75 King St, Perth

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-1am; Fri 2pm-2am; Sat 4pm-2am

Part wine bar, part fromagerie, Powells caters to Perth’s insatiable appetite for a grazing platter and a glass of vino. Tucked down Leederville’s Electric Lane, scattered with little eateries and drinking houses, Powells brings a bit more of a refined edge to the precinct. Very French by nature, this fromagerie is petite and lets the fine products do the talking – whether that’s curbside or right up close to the cheese fridge where wheel-gazing is the way to go. Equally as important is the tipple, and the wine list here is both meticulously thought out and invitingly playful. The team keeps the catalogue fresh, rotating new wines to keep things interesting for regulars. And while there are a few well-known options on the menu like Swan Valley rosé and Margaret River tempranillo, Powells isn’t the place to play it safe. Rather, let the venue tempt you to a pet nat in a can or a glass of Mediterranean-inspired orange wine.

Time Out tip: This spot really is a first for Perth as far as licensed fromageries go. So if you’re looking for something a little different to the local pub, Powells is well worth a suss.

Address: 12 Electric Ln, Leederville

Opening hours: Wed-Thurs 4pm-9pm; Fri 4pm-9.30pm; Sat 2pm-10pm

Wine Merchant takes a similar approach to wine as its sibling Petition Beer Corner does to brews. Located in the heart of the historic State Buildings in Perth’s CBD, this hybrid bar and wine library makes it easy to enjoy an after-work tipple before grabbing a quality take-home. The focus here is on boutique labels from winemakers with an eye on hand-crafted techniques and organic methods that avoid chemical intervention. The mammoth bottle-lined wall is a testament to Wine Merchant’s seriousness about their mission to bring Perth drinkers the best of the best, with a Director of Wine telling tales of extensive wine lore to top it all off. Wine Merchant also offers a menu of small plates which includes freshly shucked oysters, ham hock croquettes and baked brie with honey and sourdough – perfect complements while exploring the lengthy wine list. 

Time Out tip: The State Buildings also happen to be home to top-tier restaurants, some of the best in Perth, like Long Chim. So make sure to visit the multi-faceted venue on an empty stomach and hop between eateries and bars.

Address: State Buildings, Cnr Barrack St and St Georges Tce, Perth

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 12pm-10.30pm; Fri 12pm-12am; Sat 3pm-12am