Discover something underground at some of Perth’s best hidden bars.
The best secrets are often hidden in the most unlikely places, which perfectly describes Perth’s bar scene. Tucked away between high-rise buildings, hidden down secret staircases or up on rooftops, Perth has plenty of exquisite bars off the beat-and-path.
To save you from searching high and low for a place to wet your whistle, we’ve found the best hidden bars in Perth. See a whole new side to Perth with some of the most exciting, unique and quirky bars round Perth!
Image supplied.
Alabama Song
Few sounds are as sweet as sipping on a delightful cocktail from Alabama Song, one of the best hidden bars in Northbridge. Swing through the doors of this honky-tonk saloon to find a colossal whisky and cocktail selection. Incorporating all the elements of America’s deep-south into a small dive bar for Perthlings to experience, Alabama Song has over 120 different bourbons, whiskys and ryes and a decent selection of craft beer on tap.
Image via Tourism Western Australia.
Bobeche
First thing you’ll notice when you step into Bobeche is the alluring aroma of the buttery popcorn. Wonderfully moody, Bobeche is a carnival themed speakeasy with exposed moody bulbs that adorn the bar and walls dressed in advertising from decades past. Beyond this secretly intimate ambience, this cocktail bar offers charismatic and lively cocktails, including the gin and apricot infused Charlie Chaplin, and the scrumptious Hot Buttered Rum. Celebrate the art of a well-crafted drink at this hidden cocktail bar!
Image supplied.
Ezra Pound
One of Perth’s first small bars, Ezra Pound is the epitome of alleyway drinking – given away by the large groups drinking bottles of beer out of paper bags. The wine list is limited but each drop is carefully selected, with bartenders knowledgeable on every single bottle. Hidden down Williams Lane in Northbridge, it’s the perfect hideaway for an after-work tipple. If you’re looking to try out a new hidden bar in Northbridge, this is it.
Photographed by Alexander Jawfox. Image via Unsplash.
Helvetica
Hard to find and harder to leave, Helvetica is tucked between the office towers that make up Perth’s CBD and is as cool as the typeface it’s named after. Self-described as a modern-day saloon; it is small, bustling, loud and intimate atmosphere is hard to find elsewhere. A whisky lover’s dream, it’s full of bottles from all over the world and they even offer a bottle keep service where you can purchase your favourite whisky and they’ll store it for you.
Photographed by Jens Thekkeveettil. Image via Unsplash.
The Jazz Cellar
Enter through the big red phone booth, head down a flight of stairs and be transported to an old school New Orleans jazz cellar. One of Perth’s best hidden bars ready to be discovered, our favourite part about The Jazz Cellar is that it’s completely BYO – an unlicensed venue it means you can bring your own drinks and food (nearby Neighborhood Pizza and Pasta is the go-to). With the ultimate home-away-from-home vibe, relax with a cosy atmosphere and live jazz music from Corner House Jazz Band every Friday night. Stick around and swing to this quirky bar in Perth’s CBD.
Image supplied.
Joe’s Juice Joint
Descend into Joe’s Juice Joint for a dive bar experience in all its grungy glory. This rock and roll den will also have you rolling out with a full stomach including delicious fried chicken and cheeseburgers. Like any good dive bar, there is classic rock music, lots of liquor, rinky-dink pinball and is not suitable for the faint-hearted. Squeeze out a great night out at Joe’s Juice Joint – one of the best hidden bars in Northbridge!
Photographed by J Wyld. Image supplied.
Mechanics Institute
An institution in its own right, Mechanics Institute has become one of Perth’s most iconic rooftop bars. Perched high above Northbridge, it’s split across two buildings making it one of the most unique drinking spots in the city. Beyond stunning views, Mechanics Institute is home to some of the best and friendliest bartenders in all of Perth with boutique beers and cocktails that shift from day-to-day. Escape from everyday life below with this unique hidden rooftop bar in Perth.
Image supplied.
Sneaky Tony’s
If you’re looking for a secret bar in Northbridge, pull-up a stool and let pour a drink at this 1920s prohibition-era sneaky little rum bar. Hidden in the dark alleyways of Perth’s Chinatown, once you step inside the dark and dimly lit walls, you’ll be greeted by hunting prizes on the walls and over 300 types of rums shipped from across the world. A password is required to enter, so be sure to check out Sneaky Tony’s Instagram before heading out to one of the best hidden bars in Perth.
Image supplied.
Toots
Located somewhere in Perth’s historic Chinatown, trying to find Toots is a puzzle in itself. Your mission is to find the secret bar, strut up to the front, say the magic words “Is Toots in?” and receive a golden ticket for entry into this mystery bar. However, once you get inside you’ll find a disco sensation that’d make John Travolta blush. This boogeylicious ode to the 70s disco scene is a one-of-a-kind secret bar in Perth not to be missed!
Image supplied.
Varnish on King
Tucked behind an unassuming doorway, blink and you’ll miss the entrance that will lead you down to a basement of whisky and American-style comfort food. The bar features an extensive and impressive wine list, as well as boasting over 200 whiskys. Those looking to snack will find American staples like tater tots, mac and cheese as well as chicken wings with popcorn. A must visit in 2024, be sure to take a peek at Varnish on King for one of the best speakeasies in Perth!
For amazing views and something sky-high, check out our Guide to the 10 Best Rooftop Bars in Perth. Or, for great cocktails and chill vibes, this list of the Top 10 Pubs in Perth may be more your style.
