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Quiet Sips: The Best Hidden Bars in Perth
Leave the mainstream behind and venture into the clandestine corners of Perth’s nightlife. Beyond the bustling streets and well-lit facades lie intimate drinking establishments that beckon those in search of something new.
With their dimly lit basements and inconspicuous doorways, these hidden bars offer more than just libations; they also promise an escape into mystery and allure.
So if you’re interested in trying out a chance to try an amazing drinking experience, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss these covert drinking spots in Perth!
Sneaky Tony’s
Website: https://www.lavishhabits.com.au/venues/sneaky-tonys/
Address: 38 Roe St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
Contact details: +61 432 444 090
Operating hours: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (MON-SUN)
Sneaky Tony’s is a bar you’ll find in the nightlife centre of Perth, Northbridge. Based on the speakeasies of the Prohibition era, this bar doesn’t feature any signage, and it even requires its visitors to know the secret password for entry.
Founded by chef and restaurateur Clint Nolan, this hidden gem is home to over 300 bottles of rum from around the world. They also serve a couple of amazing cocktails if you’re looking to try something new.
Personally, I find their Sneaky Nightcap cocktail to be a must-try drink for anyone. Its combination of smoked rum, Pedro Ximenes, and chocolate liqueur perfectly blends into a delectable concoction of bitter and sweet tastes.
Pro tip: There are a couple of ways you can get the password you’ll need to get inside Sneaky Tony’s. However, I find the easiest way to get it is to follow their Instagram account, as it’s where they always post the password for the night.
The Jazz Cellar
Photo credit: jarvistine_
Website: https://jazzcellar.net.au/
Address: 139 Buxton St, Mount Hawthorn WA 6016, Australia
Contact details: +61 419 993 180
Operating hours: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM (FRI)
The Jazz Cellar, located in Mount Hawthorn, is a hidden bar that has been enchanting jazz fans for over two decades.
This underground venue, which is accessible through an inconspicuous telephone box, can accommodate up to 100 music lovers.
Here, you can listen and dance to traditional live vintage jazz for over three hours. These live music performances are performed by Corner House Jazz Band, a popular jazz band that went on tours across many countries like the USA and Japan.
However, please take note that The Jazz Cellar is a BYO establishment and doesn’t sell its own drinks. Make sure to bring a couple of wine bottles or a case of beer with you so you can have an absolutely fun night!
Pro tip: Looking to enjoy a jazz night with your friends and family only? Then don’t worry because The Jazz Cellar allows customers to hire their venue for an entire night, jazz band included!
You can learn more about their private functions here.
Bobeche
Website: https://www.theheritageperth.com.au/bobeche
Address: Basement, 131 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Contact details: +61 8 9226 5596
Operating hours: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (MON-SAT)
Another speakeasy-themed bar you can visit in Perth is Bobeche. This underground bar in the Perth CBD has a dimly lit atmosphere, and you can find a relaxing spot to enjoy your drink and mingle with other patrons in the bar.
Aside from its relaxing atmosphere and timeless decor, this bar also has a couple of experienced bartenders who can create an exciting cocktail for you in no time. Some notable examples are their Music of the Night, She Bangs!, and Top of the Pops.
My personal favourite is their Top of the Pops, as it’s a fun and zesty soda cocktail that lets you enjoy their mix of fruit flavours without the fear of getting tipsy. For the best experience, pair it with their sardines on toast!
Pro tip: You can help your friends and family members have a blast visiting this place by paying for their meals and drinks in advance!
You can do so by giving them one of Bobeche’s gift cards.
Goody Two’s
Website: https://goodytwos.com.au/
Address: Basement/40 Irwin St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Operating hours:
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (WED and THURS)
5:00 PM – 2:00 AM (FRI)
6:00 PM – 2:00 AM (SAT)
Goody Two’s, tucked away in the heart of the Perth CBD, offers an escape for those looking to enjoy good booze to end the day. Inspired by Japanese after-work culture, this basement bar has a vibrant atmosphere similar to izakaya bars in Japan.
One of the most amazing things about this hidden bar is its impressive collection of over 100 unique Japanese whiskey bottles. If that’s not enough for you, then maybe one of their expert mixologists can introduce you to one of their delectable cocktails.
Of course, for an authentic Japanese bar experience, order a platter of gyoza and karaage for you and your colleagues. You can enjoy your food and drinks the whole night while a DJ dishes out some cool tunes for you to listen to.
Pro tip: Some of the best things that make Goody Two’s a great spot to unwind after work are its special discounts and deals held every weekday. On Wednesdays, they allow customers to enjoy dumplings for only $1 each.
Meanwhile, on Thursdays, they offer a delicious burger bundled with your choice of alcohol for only $19.
Finally, they have Bottomless Fridays if you want to enjoy unlimited cocktails throughout the entire night for only $79.
Mechanics Institute
Website: https://mechanicsinstitutebar.com.au/
Address: REAR/222 William St, Northbridge WA 6000, Australia
Contact details: +61 8 9228 4189
Operating hours:
4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (TUES-THURS)
2:00 PM – 12:00 AM (FRI)
12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (SAT)
3:00 PM – 12:00 AM (SUN)
Mechanics Institute is a hidden bar located atop one of Northbridge’s heritage rooftops. Accessed via a discrete rear laneway, this split-level bar boasts a cosy rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of the Perth skyline.
Aside from its rooftop view, this bar also boasts a colourful mix of classy decor and warm lights that’ll greet you upon entering their small entrance. Not to mention, there’s also a vast range of imported craft beers and artisan wines available here.
They also offer a selection of cocktails for those looking to try something original. Furthermore, their collaboration with Vice Burger has allowed them to also include a couple of delicious burgers on their menu.
Pro tip: Please take note that Mechanics Institute is a small bar, so it tends to get filled up with customers quickly, especially during the weekends.
To reserve some seats for you and your friends, book your reservation by sending a message to their email: [email protected].
Alternatively, you may also contact them directly via their Facebook page.
The Volstead Lounge
Website: https://thevolsteadlounge.com.au/
Address: 414 Murray St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Contact details: +61 407 985 436
Operating hours: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (WED-SAT)
For those looking to enjoy an experience similar to the Roaring 20s, come down to The Volstead Lounge, a classy hidden bar on Murray Street that pays homage to the speakeasies commonly found during the Prohibition era.
What I love about this place is just how it perfectly nails down the look of a typical speakeasy back in the day. Its entrance, concealed behind a bookshelf, really sells the idea of it being a hidden place that only allows its most trusted members to enter.
Furthermore, it also has plush seating, dim lighting, and live music that create an intimate ambience. And let’s not forget the delightful selection of cocktails offered here, like their Hibiscus Whiskey Sour, Pavlova Passion, and Smoked Verrazano.
Pro tip: If you prefer to enjoy a bit of privacy during your visit here, The Volstead Lounge has a couple of velvet-draped VIP booths that include table services. Reserve a booth here.
Alabama Song
Website: https://www.lavishhabits.com.au/venues/alabama-song/
Address: 232 William St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Operating hours:
6:00 PM – 2:00 AM (WED-SAT)
8:00 PM – 2:00 AM (SUN)
Alabama Song, a hidden bar on William Street, offers a unique experience that’s quite unusual for a city like Perth. That’s because, as its name suggests, it’s a Wild West saloon nestled in an unassuming alley.
With its dim lights and honky-tonk tunes, this bar perfectly captures the dusty saloons of Alabama. Furthermore, it boasts over 120 rye whiskeys and bourbons, making it a haven for liquor connoisseurs.
If you prefer something a bit more special, they also have a great selection of fine cocktails available. Some notable cocktails you should try at least once when you visit here are Cherry Cola, Redneck Lemonade Jar, and Alabama Tea Jar.
Ezra Pound
Website: https://www.ezrapound.com.au/
Address: 189 William St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
Contact details: +61 8 6118 7219
Operating hours:
4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (MON-SAT)
4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (SUN)
Ezra Pound is another hidden bar you’ll find tucked away in an alleyway in Northbridge. Established in 2009, it’s one of the city’s pioneering small bars, drawing inspiration from Melbourne’s laneway culture.
Part of its charm is its unassuming and discrete exterior, which features only a simple iron gate.
However, once you step inside, you’ll be welcomed by a prohibition-style venue that has exposed brick walls, uneven archways, and warm lighting.
Here, you can indulge yourself in a jaw-dropping variety of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. They also serve various dishes that go perfectly alongside your favourite poison, like caprese, spaghetti, tiramisu, and salad.
Pro tip: You can save some money every time you visit Ezra Pound by availing one of their weekly specials. Offered every day except Saturdays, these special deals let you try out their different beers and cocktails at good prices.
Foxtrot Unicorn
Website: https://www.foxtrotunicorn.com/
Address: Basement, Level 101 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Contact details: +61 451 098 865
Operating hours:
4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (MON-THURS)
4:00 PM – 1:00 AM (FRI)
5:00 PM – 1:00 AM (SAT)
Foxtrot Unicorn is a hidden bar in the Perth CBD with a captivating history. Once an 1887 bank vault that housed the prestigious Western Australian Club, this place was transformed into a cosy bar with the help of upcycled materials like jarrah timber.
Here, you’ll be welcomed by an award-winning team of bartenders who can offer you a curated selection of fine spirits, classic and modern cocktails, and wine bottles made locally and abroad.
Personally, I find their Graceland Spritz, Mandarin Tommy’s, and Native Collins to be the highlights of their menu.
If you’re feeling peckish, they also serve some amazing jaffles (toasted sandwiches) that are filled with delicious cheese, onions, and chicken.
Pro tip: Foxtrot Unicorn also sells their amazing cocktails in bottled form if you want to drink them on the go. You may also buy them as a gift pack if you plan to give these cocktails to a friend or work colleague.
