Perth’s best neighbourhood bars
Like your wine with a slice of suburbia? Keen to avoid the hustle and bustle of nightlife districts around Perth and enjoy a casual Sunday spritzer down at the local?
Perth has a bubbling small bar scene, one that’s branching out into the ‘burbs and keeping you lubricated closer to home. Here are just a few of our faves:
Beaconsfield Wine Bar
Beaco locals rejoiced with the opening of the aptly-named Beaconsfield Wine Bar. Bringing snacks and sips to a suburban shopping strip, owner Matt Sharples keeps it simple, pairing his wealth of wine knowledge and his extensive cellar with snacks courtesy of some of Perth’s most delicious producers.
Lefroy Square, corner of Lefroy Road and Gibson Street, Beaconsfield
Nextdoor
Following a brief closure and reset, South Perth’s Nextdoor has emerged with a renewed vigour. Rising culinary star Elliot Sawiras has taken the helm of the fire-powered kitchen as Head Chef, and has created a playful, snack-able, neighbourhood-friendly menu – from retro-classic burgers to hot honey-drizzled stuffed chicken wings inspired by a KFC x sui mai crossover. As playful as the snacks are, proteins are taken seriously here – the restaurant is a family business sprung from the neighbouring Olsen Butches. One bite of the 9+ Wagyu Denver practically had us weeping with joy.
79 Angelo Street, South Perth
Bertie
It was about time Bassendean got a wine bar, and locals are glad it’s Bertie. Since opening at the start of this year, Bertie has been praised for its British-leaning comfort food, considered wine list and relaxed vibe – it’s practically got us planning a move into the neighbourhood.
77 Old Perth Road, Bassendean
Pep’s
Located on Stirling Highway, Pep’s promises to be “your home away from home” with its stylish interior and sunny, petite courtyard. Warm and welcoming, unpretentious in spite of its luxe surrounds, yet with a wine list no snob could turn their nose up at. Sounds like a winning combo to us.
494 Stirling Highway, Peppermint Grove
La Bastide
So Frenchy, so chic should be 2022’s motto, with an impressive roster of eateries inspired by La République opening during the course of just 12 months. Only a few weeks after opening, La Bastide had already become the talk of the neighbourhood – not just for their classic bistro plates (steak tartare, frites, oysters, duck), or for the delightful continental breakfast on the leafy terrace (pastries courtesy of Miller + Baker, bien sûr), but for the warmth and passion that owners (and wine obsessives) Michelle and Rob imbue into their dining room.
225 Onslow Road, Shenton Park
Back Bar At Hylin
“A bar behind a café on a road along a train line.” It doesn’t get much more neighbourhood than that, and the leafy, intimate surrounds of Hylin café’s sneaky little Back Bar are a winner. Cocktails, wine, craft beers and cheeky bar snacks like American Cheeseburgers ($10 on Thursdays!) and spiced halloumi chips will have you feeling very neighbourly in no time.
178 Railway Parade, enter via rear of Hylin, West Leederville
Besk
Just down the road from Hylin you’ll find Besk, a bar, restaurant and killer bottleshop all in one. Co-owned by one of the blokes behind Mane Liquor, their booze selection is unmatched around Perth, with a rotating seasonal menu and chilled vibes year-round. While their behind-the-bar selections are always on-point, you can always grab something from the bottleshop to drink while you hang there too!
264 Railway Parade, West Leederville
King Somm
We first wrote about King Somm way back in 2019, but years later, and we’re still pretty obsessed. Part bar, part bottle shop, part neighbourhood pizza place… to be honest, we can’t even adequately express our enthusiasm. Trust us when we say we’re keen beans – but we’re not alone, so you’ll want to get there nice and early to get a spot (or grab five of your mates and book a table).
13 King William Street, Bayswater
Little Way
Little Way has been livening up Broadway on Nedlands for a couple of years now, boasting plenty of charm thanks to its heritage-listed building location, outdoor courtyard and street side vibes. A great spot for coffee and brekky in the morning, its afternoon bites and dinner set are also huge winners. With six craft beers on tap, a robust menu and $10 cocktail specials everyday, it’s the perfect pop-in place.
161 Broadway, Nedlands
Mrs Brown
North Freo fave Mrs Brown has been doing the neighbourhood bar right for over a decade and it’s no wonder. With a warm, cosy open fire inside and a sun-drenched courtyard, there’s something for every seasons. The friendly – and knowledgeable – staff will guide you through their amazing wine selection, while Flipside next door will guide you through a tasty burger and fries selection.
241 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle
Mummucc
Though it started out as an overflow for perfect pizza purveyors Monsterella, off-duty chef favourite Mummucc has become its own monster… Of fine wines, rising star Matt McDonald’s refined plates and a rather chic, pared-back fit out to boot.
46/56 Grantham Street, Wembley
Percy Flint
It’s hard to go past the Percy Flint beer garden on a sunny South Freo afternoon, likewise sitting in a chesterfield by the cosy fireplace in winter. Fancy pub grub, an extensive beer, wine and cocktail list and classic laidback vibes are all part of the reason we love to pop in and see Percy whenever we can.
211 South Terrace, South Fremantle
Rodney’s Bait & Tackle
Just quietly, there’s a bit of a small bar revolution going on in Mosman Park, and we reckon the success of the seafaring Rodney has a lot to do with it. Combined with Samsons Paddock, there’s much to love about this area just across the road from the traino. But it’s hard to resist the lure of Rodney’s relaxed vibe, incredible maritime décor and simple snack options (get the fish tacos, just do it).
598 Stirling Highway, Mosman Park
Juanita’s
Juanita’s is a bar with character. Around for yonks, afternoon drinks at the warm and welcoming neighbourhood favourite have become a fixture for locals, rain or shine (although a bit of shine doesn’t hurt). Head there for a top selection of eats that pair perfectly with a few drinks out the front, all while your pooch captures the hearts of anyone walking past.
341 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
The Unicorn Bar
This relaxed yet sophisticated wine bar in Shenton Park is a great place for gathering with pals – their share plates are elegant in their simplicity, suiting the overall un-pretentious vibe. Across the board pricing is also super reasonable, making it a top spot to pull up for a few hours and chat about the world.
210 Nicholson Road, Subiaco
Vinotto
At first unassuming, a second look makes it clear why this itty-bitty Swanbourne bar has been creating such a buzz. Vinotto’s drinks are curated by Caitlin Johnston, and hit just about every corner of Europe – in vibe, if not strictly in provenance. At the pint-sized pass, chef Justin Scarvaci is serving up snacks that truly deliver – we’re yet to find a miss amongst the heavy hitters.
2/137 Claremont Crescent, Swanbourne
St Brigid
A stylish bar from the team behind North Freo’s Mrs Brown and Propeller, (as well as Northbridge haunt Mechanic’s Institute) St Brigid is already a favourite for locals. It’s got all the winning elements from their previous ventures, including a sunny and chic courtyard designed by Finespun Architects – but most importantly, a warm and welcoming vibe.
257 Scarborough Beach Road, Doubleview
Corner Dairy
There’s obviously something in the water in Doubleview, and with the high concentration of these great small bars… Maybe we should be moving? Another significant enticement to the area is cosy neighbourhood spot, The Corner Dairy. Easy, breezy; a dependable drop-in. That’s the vision for the Corner Dairy – and one we’re pretty keen on, especially when paired with that sunny alfresco and their interesting selection of wines.
260 Woodside Street, Doubleview
Parley
Opening in 2021, Parley became a favourite of Mount Pleasant locals with a boutique wine list and decadent bar snacks – think house made chicken liver parfait served with sourdough and pickles, or Fremantle octopus alongside cannellini bean purée and a spicy nduja oil.
The Precinct, 893 Canning Highway, Mount Pleasant
Header Image: Rodney’s Bait & Tackle by Trasko Industrial Photographics