Perth Is OK! Staff Picks: Our Favourite Bars
We’ll be honest with you… We don’t mind the occasional bend of the elbow. While Perth is chock-a-block full of great drinking holes, where do we just keep finding ourselves for a refreshing beveragino?
Sally Hall, Cultural Editor
While I’m probably more of an eater than a drinker, the opening of Astral Weeks was – and sorry for this pun – music to my ears. I may not be an audiophile, but even a rube like me can appreciate a good sound system when I hear it. After a few too many years of listening to too-loud, too-angry music and years working in hospo, it was sweet, sweet relief to walk into such a crisp, calm, auditory oasis. Sitting in the corner, sipping on a glass of natty… What a delight!
Shop 12, 66 Roe Street, Northbridge
Blake Kelleway, Creative Director/Founder
43 Below: Beer-stained carpet, zero natural light, an old cob perched up on the bar reading a copy of the West Australian with a pint of Guinness in hand. Ahhhh, the promised land. I can finally breathe out again. All is right in the world.
I don’t need to choose between 50 different types of gin or play a round of mini-golf between drinks to have a good time.
Give me a reasonably priced cold pint of Swan Draught, a cosy table to sit down at and some parkour playing on a TV screen out in the distance so I don’t have to hold eye contact with the people I’m sitting with for too long and dwell in the meaninglessness of life – and I’m set.
43 Below is like a warm hug…from an old friend who has had a bit too much to drink. But you appreciate it. It somehow feels right.
You’re home.
43 Barrack Street, Perth
Luke Whelan, Business Development/Founder
There is a house on South Terrace
They call The Local Hotel
And its been the ruin of many a head
And God I know I’m one
A bite to eat, a Swanny D
O heave ho
With friendly staff and footy on
Down In South Freo
Across the street, a bordello lives
Amongst the thorns, Ada Rose
Then joined by a thriving hospo scene
South Freo grows
There is a place, I know you’ve been
They call the Local Hotel
You’ll find me there every night
My parmiless heavenly hell
*sung softly to the dulcet tune of House Of The Rising Sun by The Animals
282 South Terrace, South Fremantle
Troy Mutton, Editor-in-Chief
It’s an obvious one but I can’t go past Picabar. Great tap beers and heaps of wine, staff are always friendly even if its flat-out, the menu is reliable (even though I’ve definitely had 10 too many fried chicken burgers), and the courtyard out back is unbeatable. Somehow the crowd that turns up has always managed to be as diverse as they are respectful, even as it’s grown into one of Perth’s busiest bars. Will legitimately direct any catch up to meet me at Pica – mates, work crew, parents… you name it.
Perth Cultural Centre, 51 James Street, Northbridge
Casey Edmonds, Accounts Manager
Love The Standard! Give me sunshine on that rooftop with a group of friends any day. Their cocktails are really fun and fruity, the wine list is fab, and their Lazy Susan weekenders and Hawker Wednesdays are great value as well.
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28 Roe Street, Northbridge
Ebony Lane, Social Media Manager
The Standard offers not only one of my fave (GF friendly) menus in Perth, but is also home to one of the most vibey courtyards. Their multi-tiered balconies are dripping in greenery and festoon lights, which really sets the scene for sipping their spicy coconut spin on a classic tommy’s marg. Their Lazy Weekends are also legendary, with a huge share-style feed for $65, served on a lazy Susan for you and 2-3 hungry friends.
28 Roe Street, Northbridge
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Header image: Astral Weeks