The Best Bars in Perth’s CBD

Updated 5 months ago

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Perth’s CBD has dozens of charismatic watering holes. There are bars for knock-off schooners, late-night cocktails and everything in between. Whether you’re after a solid pub, a rooftop bar with spectacular views or a late-night spot with live music, the CBD has everything you’re after. Hit this list of its best bars, curated by Broadsheet’s expert food and drink editors.

  • It’s grown from Perth’s first dedicated natural-wine bar to one of the country’s key wine destinations. Order Mediterranean share plates and wing it with the daily by-the-glass offering. Or grab a bottle to go.

  • An elegant enoteca stocked with ready-to-drink wines and cheese plates. Stick around and try a rare drop from the vacuum-sealed Coravin, or grab a bottle to go.

  • French wines dominate the cellar at this Parisian-inspired bar. The kitchen bangs out sharp bistro-style plates and charcuterie, which are best enjoyed in the breezy courtyard planted with olive trees.

  • 18 storeys up, this rooftop bar offers classic cocktails, local seafood and breathtaking skyline views. Bask in the sun with kingfish sashimi, crumbed snapper sandwiches and crispy Korean fried cauliflower.

  • Inspired by Eastern Europe’s bars set within abandoned buildings, this no-frills corner boozer and courtyard has 18 beer taps, pouring mainly West Australian beer and a handful from interstate.

  • Descend some stairs behind St George’s Terrace to find this moody cocktail and whisky bar full of old-world charm. Settle into a Chesterfield lounge and order an Old Fashioned, Sazerac or classic Negroni. There are also charcuterie and cheese plates, and larger share plates from carpaccio to croquettes.

  • Beards and suits, tattoos and ties. They’re all here.

  • Descend into an underground bank vault under St Georges Terrace to find this cosy watering hole full of old-world nostalgia. This bar serves up classic cocktails, vintage and small-batch spirits, hearty jaffles and an easygoing vibe.

  • Tapas, wine and charcuterie in the CBD.

  • A basement cocktail bar inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies. Go for its contemporary cocktails; classics like an Old Fashioned or a Martini; or shared cocktails served in teapots. Food comes from Heritage Wine Bar upstairs – its charcuterie plates, buttermilk chicken wings and classic hamburger with hand-cut chips are sure to hit the spot.

  • A Mexican good-time bar with an impressive collection of mezcal and tequila, and snacks.

  • An exacting late-night bar with big echoes of Japan. Expect stockpiles of Japanese whisky, easy-drinking highballs and Japanese street food.

  • A small whiskey and cocktail that’s as timeless and reliable as the Swiss typeface it’s named after. With around 500 whiskeys at the bar, a tasting can easily turn into a night of multiple cocktails – from diluted classics to more inventive house creations. You might also find cheese platters, charcuterie boards and baked Camembert.

  • A little slice of Hawaii in Perth, complete with 175 rums to sample.

  • Live music, late-night pizza and rowdy rock‘n’roll swagger.

  • Phase one of the Adelaide Brewery’s West Coast expansion includes a steakhouse-style restaurant, private dining rooms, plus an open brewhouse where punters can get up close to the action.

  • This two-storey space can hold 725 guests and serves contemporary food and drinks.

  • For lovers of fine whisky and bourbon.

  • A smart-casual wine bar slinging small plates and a diverse range of wines, inside a historic Perth boozer.

  • It might have a fairytale theme, but that's the only childish thing about this cocktail bar.

  • Olden days rebooted in slick city watering hole.

  • Descend the stairs to find this former record store serving loaded pizzas (either whole or by the slice), sharp cocktails and an impressive range of spirits. Bring a group and prepare to eat and drink a lot.

  • Kick your night off in the 120-seat dining room, with share-friendly lobster rolls and rigatoni alla vodka. Then, say hello to colourful glass teapots filled with fruity cocktails, neon light installations and a massive indoor tree.