Perth has got a sensational collection of underground bars that would give cities like Melbourne a run for its money. So before you head to your usual 5 o’clock haunt this Friday, scratch beneath the surface and visit one of Perth’s best underground bars.
The new mysterious bar on the block! So much so, that somewhere in Northbridge’s Chinatown is all we can really say. Just know that she’s a secret bar WITHIN a secret bar! Find the location, strut up to the bar, say the magic word “Is Toots in?” and receive that golden ticket to get you in. Present your golden ticket to the host, enter the secret door and you’ll find yourself transported back to a decadent 70s disco extravaganza.
Superbly tucked away in an alleyway, down some stairs and into a basement is the distinctive Joe’s Juice Joint. This spot gives you everything you want from an underground dive bar – fried chicken, cheese burgers, pinball and great selection of beers. Plus, the classic rock playlist will keep you there into the wee hours of the morning.
joe's juice joint Tucked away down a staircase off Perth’s Barrack Street, you will find all of your favourite things at Alfred’s. A creative list of cocktails, amazing rock’roll tunes, and pizzas - by the pie or slice - that are made fresh to order with WA’s best flour, 100% organic tomatoes and classic Italian fior di latte mozzarella.
Located in the basement Safe Room of the 1897 Titles Building, Pooles Temple is one of Perth's newest bars. Pooles Temple specialises in martinis, oysters and jazz. Once you descend the stairs, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time to a 1950’s late night lounge bar, oozing elegance and sophistication; plus, the talented bartenders will talk you through the menu, their own favourites and recent creations, making Pooles Temple a treat for both the eyes and the tastebuds.
pooles temple If you want a taste of Mexico without having to jump on a plane, head underground on Queen Street to Caballitos. This late night tequila bar and cantina boasts more than 200 tequilas and mezcals, and also has nightly specials like Margarita Monday and Taco Tuesday. Alternatively, if you’d rather learn about the drinks than just consume them, the team at Cabaillito’s also host tequila masterclasses.
Hiding down a laneway off William Street, Alabama Song is Perth’s ultimate honky-tonk country bar. Specialising in whiskey and bourbon and featuring live music every Friday and Saturday night, you’re guaranteed to have a good time once you enter through their classic bat swing doors.
alabama song For an truly American experience right here in Perth, look no further than Varnish on King. Descend into this chic basement, and you’ll see the team have created the perfect American Whiskey bar underneath King Street. Once you enter Varnish, you can’t leave without trying their legendary whiskey and bacon flight - four different styles of bacon paired with four different American whiskeys.
Perth’s very own speakeasy is hidden out of the back of Northbridge’s Pleased To Meet You. Not only is this place hard to find, it goes one step further with the intrigue and mystique by making patrons source the password for the night to gain entry. Given this bar is named after the infamous rum-runner Tony Cornero, who smuggled rum into the US during prohibition, it makes sense that this place boasts more than 300 bottles of rum from all over the world.
sneaky tony's Want to discover more of Perth's best kept secrets?
Read on to learn about Perth's best rooftop bars and best desserts.
Don't forget to share your content with us by using #visitperth
