Where to Drink + Dance in Perth

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The Aviary

Perth, Australia

When the weather’s this good you don’t want to waste a minute inside, so head to The Aviary. Perching high above the lively William Street and adorned with lush trees and timber decking, Perth’s landmark bar is an oasis in the city – just don’t expect any quiet. Whether you’re there for a lazy lunch or a night out, The Aviary is always busy. Try the tapas-style finger food such as cheddar-and-mustard croquettes or pulled-pork banh mis. But if it’s a drink you’re after, The Aviary’s dedicated espresso martini menu won’t let you down – we recommend the shake-it-yourself espresso jar-tini for a sweet caramel twist on the classic. For the quintessential Australian party experience, head here on a Sunday afternoon when you’ll find locals with bevs in hand, a DJ on the decks and good vibes all around.

Address

Level 1, 140 William Street WA 6000

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Jack Rabbit Slim’s

Perth, Australia

This late night bar takes inspiration from the Tarantino classic, and since its opening Jack Rabbit Slim’s has acquired a cult following of its own. The bar’s American diner-style interior is cool, on-theme and surprisingly un-tacky. You’ll find retro arcade games, poster-plastered walls and red pleather booths resting on checkered vinyl floors, all illuminated by pink neon signs. The menu features all the diner classics; its spiked milkshake and loaded fries are our order of choice. Perth definitely leans towards being a sleepy town so this open-till-5am diner is a haven for party-goers and revellers. Once you’re tired of doing the Mia Wallace dance for the thousandth time, head upstairs to the lounge area for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Address

133 Aberdeen Street Northbridge WA 6003

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The Bird

Perth, Australia

Like most of Perth’s nightlife, The Bird sits in the trendy Northbridge area. This inconspicuous locals-only spot largely fills the gap in the Perth’s music scene and, since opening its doors, has established itself as one of the city’s best places for local arts. The Bird is open every night – rare in this city – with acts ranging from live bands to spoken word. The modest stage makes for an intimate setting, but you won’t mind brushing shoulders with The Bird’s cool crowd. Appropriately hipster, the interiors are made up of concrete, wood and exposed brick with a rear open courtyard for when you need a breath of fresh air.

Address

181 William Street Northbridge

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Sneaky Tony's

Perth, Australia

Sure, prohibition-themed bars are a little corny but this one’s so much fun we’ll pardon the cliché. The bar hides in an alley somewhere in Chinatown – Google yields just a postcode, after that you’re on your own. With no signage and a notoriously hard-to-locate buzzer, this is the definition of an in-the-know spot. Like the best prohibition bars, Sneaky Tony’s is password-only so check out the bar’s Facebook page ahead of time for the daily-changing secret word. If you make it inside, you’ll be welcomed by knowledgeable bar staff, a warm glow, dark panelling offset by gold accents and a rum-based cocktail selection that leaves you feeling tipsy just from reading the menu. Good luck!

Address

Northbridge WA 6003

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Wines of While

Perth, Australia

Situated at the quieter top end of William Street is Perth’s first natural wine bar for which, despite only opening its doors in August, you’ll be looking at a waiting list no matter what time you arrive. The cozy, casual restaurant only seats 50. A communal arrangement encourages a convivial atmosphere backdropped by welded steel, olive-green accents and the heritage building’s original floorboards. Here you’ll find the city’s biggest selection of natural wines sourced from around the world at a surprisingly decent price. All wines are available to takeaway, but we suggest waiting it out because Wines of While’s food is equally impressive. Like the restaurant’s decor, the menu encourages sharing with tapas-style dishes scrawled on a chalkboard. Unfussy, honest cooking and exquisite tipples secure Wines of While a place on this list (and our hearts).

Address

458 William Street WA 6000

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Lucy’s Love Shack

Perth, Australia

“Good Pizza. Bad decisions. Rock out with no lockout.” The tagline of this newly opened late-night establishment and is a telling one. There’s nothing more satisfying than a greasy slice of pizza after one too many and this late night pizzeria has made this dream a reality. The people behind Jack Rabbit Slim’s are bringing a similar rock ‘n’ roll charm to Lucy’s – along with pizza and fried chicken. Between soundtracks blasting from the speakers, there’s at least one live band on the roster every night which will usually lie somewhere between punk and heavy metal. A far cry from your usual bar, Lucy’s encourages furniture-climbing, beer-spilling and crowd-surfing so if you’re looking for a quiet evening with a couple of mates – steer clear.

Address

104 Murray Street WA 6000