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.

Bar Love

Nestled in that sweet spot that’s kind of Northbridge, kind of Highgate – you know, that Golden Choice, Wines of While, Northbridge Hotel kind of territory – Bar Love has brought a taste of kitsch, retro fun to its Brisbane Street space.

Promising “Cold Drinks, Warm Service, Hot Bartenders”, the inclusive venue is a lesson in both maximalism and fun – helmed by hospo guns Pippa Canavan and Murray Walsh, they’ve put their world-class mixology skills to work with sips like their Peaches & Cream Negroni, or the Vamos Martini – the heart-thumping lovechild of an espresso martini and a Mont Blanc layered coffee.

195 Brisbane Street, Northbridge

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

The Leadlight

The new-year-new-us version of the former Ruinbar, the Leadlight has been the talk of the Perth is OK! office and a much-visited haunt over the summer. From the same owners as long-time faves Picabar and South Freo’s Percy Flint, they’ve given the courtyard a bit of a reno and re-jigged the menu with some particularly enticing new options (think cheeseburgers with Calabrian mayo, conti rolls and steaks with curly fries and béarnaise). Sure is a dangerous day to be a cold beer…!

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 Parisian courtyard vibes, their wine list is 200-strong with a focus on France (bien sûr!), 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

Fallow

Rustic interior, charming rooftop, fire-powered eats… Fallow was a particularly welcome addition to Northbridge in the dark depths of 2024’s winter. The venue is a joint effort from Chef Stuart Laws – long-time proponent of WA’s culinary landscape – along with Daniel Sterpini and Joel Beresford of now-shuttered craft beer favourite Dutch Trading Co. Go all-out with a mammoth 28-day dry aged T-bone – but then again, we can’t go past their “Fallow-style” prawn toast with spicy togarashi mayo.

314 William Street, Perth

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

Winston

The arrival of South Bird Hot Chicken was the salve to our sadness for the departure of The Bird’s neighbour North Bird – and so it goes, Winston has thankfully filled the shoes of North Bird’s adjoining wine store and small bar. The itty-bitty bar is inspired by the retro vibes of intimate jazz and blues bars of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, and its rotating menu features a selection of four new artisanal cocktails each week – plus a selection of New Orleans-inspired bites to keep hunger at bay.

175 William Street, Perth

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

Since moving into their expanded digs back in 2020, No Mafia has remained a steadfast and reliable option for romantic dinners, casual catchups and even long-table work lunches – there’s no occasion that the braised duck pappardelle doesn’t suit! Plus, if you can grab a spot out the front, the William Street people watching is pretty unmatched.

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 descend 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

Header image: Wines of While