The best bars in Northbridge
Our undisputed nightlife capital, we’re happy to head to the wrong side of the tracks when we’re guaranteed a good night out. From small, specialty bars to lush beer gardens, here are our favourite Northbridge bars to bend the elbow.
Astral Weeks
When Astral first opened, we declared: “The paint’s barely dried but we’re already calling it: Astral Weeks is our new favourite haunt”, and two years later we absolutely stand by that assessment. Perth’s first ever listening bar, alongside their considered drinks list the star of the show is their hi-fi system, lovingly hand-built to showcase their immense vinyl collection.
Shop 12/60-66 Roe Street, Northbridge
Ruinbar
Inspired by the ruin bars of Budapest, this new Northbridge haunt makes use of one of Beaufort Street’s heritage-listed storefronts. While inside has plenty of historical charm with booths for more intimate catch-ups, Ruin’s industrial-chic beer garden is looking like one of the area’s most enticing spots to down a cold one.
165 Beaufort Street, Northbridge
Wines Of While
We do dither on about Wines Of While a lot, and the fact it’s basically impossible to find a seat just an hour after they open every day is testament to its popularity. Known for impeccably-sourced natty wines and alfresco dining in the sun up the top of William Street, it’s the perfect spot to watch the world go by.
458 William Street, Northbridge
Vincent Wine
If like us, you were feverishly anticipating something replacing the beautiful space at the top of William Street that used to be Meat Candy (RIP) – Vincent Wine has more than delivered in the years since opening. Bringing the mediterranean vibes we can no longer travel to, their wine list is 200-strong with a focus on France, along with plenty of homegrown specialties. Grab a seat in the courtyard in the late afternoon sun, a couple of glasses of wine, and some snacks to enjoy as you let the day slip into night.
465 William Street, Northbridge
Picabar
Already one of Perth’s best spots for a bev, Picabar has truly levelled up in the past few years with an expanded outdoor decking area and bar, and even a now-unearthed fireplace inside. Somehow they’ve managed to lose none of their old charm, whilst upgrading everything to make it one of, if not the best watering holes in Northbridge.
51 James Street, Northbridge
The Standard
Tucked away between the train line and Chinatown, finding the Standard‘s leafy courtyard is like stumbling onto an urban oasis. Their cocktails are appropriately tropical, while their delicious eats will keep you fuelled for the night ahead.
28 Roe Street, Northbridge
Ezra Pound
Sipping on a Negroni down Ezra‘s laneway is an unparalleled treat. The laneway tables are the perfect spot to set up camp with a couple of mates, and maybe even enjoy a cheeky bowl of pasta from neighbouring pasta fave Francoforte.
Williams Lane, 189 William Street, Northbridge
The Bird
Whether you’re boogying on the dance floor all night or just popping into the courtyard for a casual drink, the Bird has got you covered. Since opening its doors way back in 2010, the bar has become one of Northbridge’s most iconic venues, hosting a who’s who of local musicians and artists inside as well as becoming the go-to spot for courtyard hangs.
181 William Street, Northbridge
North Bird Wine Store & Bar
What was once the new kid on the block has become a stalwart in Northbridge; North Bird Wine Store has taken up residence next door to The Bird, and are ready to help you find the perfect, locally produced vino. They love looking for specialty drops produced locally and by the little guy, and their friendly sommelier will happily guide you their extensive range to drink there or take home.
175 William Street, Northbridge
Shadow Wine Bar
Adding a touch of class to the Northbridge party strip, Shadow is the place to go for a little slice of sophisticated wining and dining. Knowledgeable waiters will help pair your food and wine, and if you want to make a night of it, why not nab a room at the Alex Hotel upstairs?
214 William Street, Northbridge
No Mafia
It could be said that No Mafia’s specialty is “Stuff That Goes Really Well With a Glass of Wine”. Which, for the record, is a category we’re well and truly on board for. With its initial, compact location it had all the drop-on-by, buzzy vibes and share plates of a small bar, but the move up the road to larger premises has allowed for some great people-watching and an expanded menu that includes house-made pasta. And is more pasta ever a bad thing? We think not.
252 William Street, Northbridge
Sneaky Tony’s
Hidden in a Chinatown laneway, Sneaky Tony‘s was one of the first when it came to Perth’s quirky small bars. The Prohibition-inspired speakeasy requires a top secret (well, posted on social media…) password for entry every Friday and Saturday – but once you enter, you’ll be rewarded with a pirate’s hoard of rum (and maybe even a disco boogie?).
Frisk
If gin is your drink of choice, you’ll need no introduction to Frisk. Positioned on Francis Street away from the hustle and bustle (but temptingly close), the gin joint is another stalwart of the 2010 small bar wave. As well as gin, you can also take advantage of their snack offerings – plus a cheeky board game or two.
103 Francis Street, Northbridge
Mechanics Institute
Hidden behind the back of William Street, Mechanics remains one of the old faithful joints you know you can count on. The heritage listed rooftop encompasses the rustic charm of old Perth and creates the perfect atmosphere to sling back a cocktail in the sunshine.
222 William Street, Northbridge (entry at rear)
Hello Rooftop @ The Rechabite
The Rechabite’s Hello Rooftop Bar is the perfect cherry on top of the multi-story venue. As well as a constantly rotating selection of tap beers, they’ve got plenty in the way of cans, cocktails and colourful characters from whatever fun event is rocking the main hall. Make your way down to Double Rainbow when you start to get a little hungry, or descent into Goodwill in the basement if you want to take it into the wee hours of the morning.
224 William Street, Northbridge
399
For a slice of Northbridge life, 399 is where it’s at. The unpretentious drinking hole has a “come as you are” attitude, and they’ve got drinks to suit all moods – from crafty beers on tap to classic cocktails. Grab a seat out the front and watch William Street go by.
399 William Street, Perth
Edward & Ida’s
From the same brains as Freo’s Nieuw Ruin and well-loved CBD cocktail haunt Foxtrot Unicorn, their latest venture Edward & Ida’s is reviving the old-school corner pub for a new-wave audience. As owner Dimitri Rtshiladze describes: “Somewhere you can get a pint of Guinness, but also get some sick wine, and some sick food.”
That aforementioned “sick food” is thanks to culinary rising star Blaze Young, who is putting her signature stamp on pub classics – think curried scotch eggs, deliciously flakey sausage rolls, smoked fish pie or a beef and Guinness pie with a rather impressive bone marrow chimney.
269 William Street, Northbridge
Johnny Fox’s
While we shed a little tear when Rosie O’Grady’s closed, we weren’t sad for too long with the addition of Johnny Fox’s. Continuing the legacy of the Rosie, it boasts the largest Irish whiskey selection in Perth, with over a hundred to choose from – plus a ripper menu of Irish and pub classics.
205 James Street, Northbridge
Cover image credit: Sneaky Tony’s