Curl up at some of Perth’s cosiest winter date night spots
Perth is known for its beachside bars, alfresco dining and rooftop watering holes – we are Australia’s sunniest city after all.
When the mercury takes a dive though, nothing beats sipping on a good cocktail in a warm and cosy inner-city bar, especially when it comes to taking the edge off those first-date jitters.
While Mount Lawley and Leederville offer their fair share of trendy bars, the oft-overlooked Perth CBD certainly gives them a run for their money. From hidden speakeasy-style joints to sophisticated wine bars, here’s where you should head for your next winter date night in the city.
Andaluz Bar & Tapas
Andaluz is one of Perth’s best hidden gems, although only hidden in the sense that it’s tucked beneath the heritage Parker and Parker building just off the Terrace. Over the almost 15 years the small bar has been open, Andaluz has become a go-to for knock-off drinks and date nights alike. Decked out with Chesterfield lounges and antiques, this small bar exudes warmth, making it the perfect setting for a romantic date night. Sip on a refreshing glass of house Sangria or a contemporary cocktail while sharing some tasty tapas.
21 Howard Street, Perth
Shadow Wine Bar
From the grand vaulted ceilings to the hundreds of wine bottles that line the walls, Shadow Wine Bar exudes inner-city sophistication. Located in the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre, this trendy Northbridge bar is perfectly placed for a show and drinks date night combo. Alongside a curated wine list, you can expect a modern Italian-inspired menu and classic wine bar nibbles like ciabatta from Bread in Common, delicious oysters and white bean dip.
214 William Street, Perth
Astral Weeks
Attracting the indie crowd like a moth to a flame, Perth’s first and only hi-fi listening bar, Astral Weeks, is a hidden sanctuary of great sound and even better vibes. An audiophile’s dream, this dimly lit listening bar is fitted with an all-analogue Line Magnetic sound system, meaning the music (on vinyl, of course) is always crisp and clear, while being the perfect level for some intimate conversation. Located in the heart of Chinatown, Astral pours Australian and international wines, sake, and your usual suspects in terms of beer.
Shop 12, 60/66 Roe St, Northbridge
Ezra Pound
Tucked down a laneway off William Street, you’d be forgiven for walking straight past Ezra Pound, but this Prohibition Era-inspired bar is worth seeking out. Intimate and moody, Ezra Pound ticks all the boxes when it comes to a date night location: good cocktails, soft lighting and tasteful interiors. While it rains outside, sink into one of the velvet-clad chairs and enjoy a top-notch cocktail (their Negroni is a favourite).
189 William Street Arcade, Northbridge
Tiny’s
Despite the name, Tiny’s delivers on good drinks, food and vibes in a big way. Found in the QV1 Plaza in Perth’s West End, this mid-century modern-style bar and restaurant is a fail-safe choice for your next date night in the city. The drinks list has something for everyone, featuring plenty of frothies, international and homegrown wines and cocktails. As for food, Tiny’s is hailed for its rotisserie chicken and dishes up plenty of tasty small plates that perfectly accompany a tipple or two.
Entry via QV1 Plaza, Milligan Street, Perth
Bobeche
Take the stairs down below Heritage Wine Bar and you’ll find eclectic basement cocktail bar, Bobeche. Known for its fun teapot punches, Bobeche is the place to go for inventive concoctions and perfectly-executed speakeasy-style vibes. And, if you’re feeling peckish, know you’re in safe hands; the delicious bar eats are all made upstairs at Heritage.
Basement of 131 St Georges Terrace, Perth
Wines of While
Although basking in the sun while dining al fresco at Wines of While is a must during the summer, securing a cosy window seat while enjoying a glass of natty wine is just as essential during the cooler months. Boasting a Mediterranean-inspired menu that changes weekly as well as a great range of quality natural wines, it’s little wonder William Street’s Wines of While is so popular.
458 William Street, Perth
Subscribe to our free newsletter!
Petition
Located within the gorgeous State Buildings, Petition strikes the perfect balance between classy and casual. Perfectly paired with a glass of vino or two, Petition dishes up yummy bistro classics like duck liver parfait and beef tartare. Often busy during the evenings, you can always start the night with a craft beer next door at Beer Hall or go for a glass of wine at the adjoining Wine Merchant while you wait for a table.
State Buildings, St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street
Wolf Lane
If you’re keen to impress your date with some otherworldly cocktail creations, Wolf Lane‘s Alice In Wonderland-theming and mad-as-a-hatter cocktail lineup should do the trick. The venue’s intricate design means there are new elements to discover on each visit, plus their cocktail chronicle nights are the perfect ice-breaker (literally and figuratively) if you’re just getting warmed up with a new someone!
Rear/321 Murray Street, Perth
Header Image Credit: Andaluz