The best bars for after work drinks around Perth and the CBD

It’s the best time of the working week! Friday afternoon rolls-in and you’re in desperate need of a relaxing after work drink with friends, and what better way to celebrate the weekend than with a tipple or two around town.

The city is a natural go-to for many workers, with bars on every corner just waiting to pour you your favourite drink. From casual pubs to basement bars, the city is brimming with watering holes – and here’s a huge selection of our faves:

BAHA

After relaunching properly towards the end of 2023, BAHA on Level 1 of the Adnate Perth is just begging for you and your work to take it over. Enjoy Caribbean vibes in a light and airy setting by the pool, with plenty of rum cocktails and tap beers to choose from. Pro-tip: They’re serving up a delightful happy hour from 5-6pm on Monday through to Saturday, with $8 tap beers or house wines and $15 cocktails.

Level 1/900 Hay Street, Perth

Terrarium

This CBD bar is bringing a big cocktail game to one of the city’s lushest hidden spots. Tucked away down Howard Street, Terrarium’s greenery-filled rooftop terrace is crying out for summer after-work drinks, while inside the huge windows looking out over the leafy street makes the perfect spot to watch some wild winter weather.

99 St George’s Terrace, Perth (entry via Howard Street)

Foxtrot Unicorn

If you like your drinks drenched in history, Foxtrot Unicorn is the place to be. Chesterfield couches, hundred-year-old WA surveyor maps and even vintage spirits await in this beautiful basement venue in a former bank vault. Their ethos is hard to argue with: “Good booze. Better times.”

101 St. Georges Terrace (Basement Level), Perth

Bob’s Bar

Perched atop the iconic Print Hall, Bob’s Bar is a little slice of heaven amongst the steel and glass of the CBD – and the perfect backdrop for enjoying a sundowner! Gather the work crew, let your hair down and savour Bob’s selection of signature cocktails, bar-sized bites and Print Hall classic plates.

11/125 St Georges Terrace, Perth

Mechanics Institute

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of consultants and finance bros is The Mechanics Institute. Down an unsuspecting laneway in Northbridge, you’ll find top notch cocktails and dim lighting – everything you need at the end of a sleepless working week. This speakeasy style bar is the perfect answer to your end of week beverage questions.

222 William Street, Northbridge

Northbridge Brewing Co

Now we’re no experts but we’re pretty sure the best hands to find yourself in on a Friday arvo, is the hands of a master brewer. It’s at Northbridge Brewing Co you’ll find exactly this, a hearty pub fare with something extra on Fridays and Saturdays. DJ’s on deck until 2am for those looking for the guilt-free feeling of only going to “a beer garden” but wanting to ring in the weekend with flare.

44 Lake Street, Northbridge

Astral Weeks

Stepping from the clinical white LED’s of the office into the moody celestial paradise of Astral Weeks is the perfect way to decompress from the grind. With a killer selection of natty wines, classic cocktails, and truly tasty tunes, it’s the perfect spot to kick back.

Shop 12/60/66 Roe Street, Northbridge

Alfred’s Pizzeria

Who doesn’t feel like a cocktail and a slice of pizza after a hectic week at work? Follow the neon sign down the stairs to this basement bar, that has an impressive cocktail, wine, and beer menu. After a few drinks with colleagues, you’ll be wanting a slice, or a whole pizza and their pizza menu won’t disappoint. It’s a cosy bar, and they only take walk-ins, so it’s best to come early if you’re wanting to secure a table for the night. (Clare Ryan)

37 Barrack Street, Perth

QT Rooftop Bar

Sunset seekers will love this rooftop bar that has some of the best views in the city. To get to this rooftop retreat, make your way to the QT Hotel on Murray Street and head to level 18. Here you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air and golden hour, or take a seat inside. They shake a mean cocktail and have an extensive drinks list. There are rooftop bar bites too. Think, Italian olives, oysters, a QT burger and even cheeses. (Clare Ryan)

133 Murray Street, Perth

The Stables

Follow the crowds and head to this hidden bar, which is always heaving on a Friday night. As you enter through the iron gates, you’ll hear great music and see crowds spill out onto the cobblestone path. The two-storey venue is perfect for a quick drink, or stay longer and book dinner with friends. It’s one of those bars where you go for one drink with work colleagues and then end up staying the whole night, because the atmosphere is fun and relaxing. (Clare Ryan)

888 Hay Street, Perth

The Aviary

As the weather gets warmer, there’s no better place to relax than The Aviary, and with views of the city skyline, it’s no wonder this bar is busy. Watch the sun set over the city with a drink in hand and even grab a bite to eat, they have everything from pizzas to burgers and bar bites. This bar is in the heart of the city on William Street, above the Perth Underground Station, if you’re catching public transport. (Clare Ryan)

Level 1/140 William Street, Perth

Beer Corner

With some of the best brews out of Western Australia and around the world, it’s no wonder this bar is always packed after work. Located in the State Buildings, Beer Corner is the ultimate bar to sit back and relax after a long hard week. There are 20 beer taps on constant rotation, as well as a curated list of beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails and the bar staff truly know their stuff. It’s a buzzy, loud bar that attracts an inner-city working crowd. (Clare Ryan)

Corner Barrack Street & St Georges Terrace, Perth

Songbird Bar

Just because you’re not staying the night at The Ritz-Carlton, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a cocktail or two at the hotel’s enchanting bar. The bar, which is on the same level as the pool, has seating inside, as well as seating outside overlooking Elizabeth Quay and the city. You have to try their signature, The Songbird cocktail that is a mix of Belvedere, Davidson plum and Belsazar Rose, but the best part is it’s served in a glass shaped as a bird. Inside is set-up with elegant plush chairs and tables, while outside has relaxing booths and outdoor settings overlooking the city. Food is also available and they only take walk-ins. (Clare Ryan)

The Ritz-Carlton, 1 Barrack Street, Perth

Tiny’s

This small bar located at the QV1 Plaza is a favourite for after work drinks. This place attracts a corporate crowd straight after work and then evolves throughout the night into a more casual and fun crowd. The décor is intimate with booth seating, bar and high tables. They take drinking seriously and have a refined drinks list and an impressive list of seasonal cocktails. (Clare Ryan)

QV1 Plaza, Milligan Street, Perth

The Reveley

Another Elizabeth Quay watering hole you must visit after work. The venue is made up of multiple levels with The Board Walk dedicated for casual eating and coffee, Low Kee for dinner and finally Henry’s Rooftop. Henry’s Rooftop is where it’s at, with both city and river views, great tunes and cocktails for you to wash the week away – one of their giant cocktails will do the trick. You can always head downstairs for a bite to eat later, or order something from Henry’s pizza and bites menu. (Clare Ryan)

Eastern Promenade, The Towers at Elizabeth Quay, Ophir Walk, Perth

Bar Lafayette

This St Georges Terrace cocktail and whisky bar is a Friday night hot spot for it’s delicious drinks and dimly lit décor. It’s the type of bar you can lounge around in all night or pop in for a quick drink before you head home. Housed in the restored 1910 Perth Technical College, the bar is cosy and intimate, with leather lounges, chairs and high bar tables. There’s even a small courtyard that’s a great spot for an after-work drink during the warmer months, and if it’s too busy pop over to its sister venue, W Churchill. (Clare Ryan)

Brookfield Place, 125 St Georges Terrace, Perth

Goody Two’s

This basement bar is a hidden treasure in the east end of Perth in Hibernian Place. From their cherry blossom tree to delicious Japanese inspired cocktails, this place is perfect for a drink or night of dumplings and dancing. Their bar bites are delicious and the DJ plays the best tunes until 2am. (Clare Ryan)

Basement/40 Irwin Street, Perth

Hadiqa

Perth loves a rooftop bar and supper club, and Hadiqa is one of them. Located upstairs from basement bar Goody Two’s, Hadiqa is an urban oasis in the east end of Perth. Expect all your favourite wine and beers, plus a delicious Turkish delight cocktail, which they’re known for. You’ll come for the Moroccan vibe and stay for a delicious spritz. (Clare Ryan)

Hibernian Place, 40 Irwin Street, Perth

Market Grounds

If you like a bit of hustle and bustle then head to Market Grounds, which sits perfectly in-between the city and Northbridge, near RAC Arena and Yagan Square. The two-storey venue has everything you need, from outside seating, a dancefloor and even a restaurant area. It’s the type of casual bar/restaurant that you would come for a late lunch and then take the afternoon off and stay all night. (Clare Ryan)

10 Telethon Avenue, Perth

The Royal

This iconic Perth hotel has been on the corner of William and Wellington Streets since 1882. Don’t worry, it’s had a major renovation since then and draws a crowd on Friday night. You can sit downstairs, but most people head on upstairs for the view over Yagan Square. This is the type of bar where you can stay all night, be loud with your work colleagues and grab a bite to eat. (Clare Ryan)

531 Wellington Street, Perth

Header Image: The Reveley