Hidden Bars in Perth: The Secret Spots You Need to Know About

There's going out to a bar with friends, there's your trusted neighbourhood gem, and then there's going out to a hidden bar, where intrigue and ambience collide to crank up the fun by about 1000 notches. 

Hiding more style, thrills and next-level cocktails than their nondescript exteriors suggest, the hidden bars of Perth contain all the excitement of a spontaneous find, and all the adventure you’re craving for your next night out. 

These are some of the coolest places in the city, and If you want to check them out, you'll need to know where to look.

Caballitos 

On a quiet back street of Perth’s CBD, you’d never guess the level of debauchery playing out in this basement bar. You’ll want to round up your besties for a night out at Caballitos, a hidden bar and taqueria where the mariachis play and the tacos and tequila flow freely. To set the scene, there’s also a resident tattoo artist and a pole for the uninhibited. Loosely translating to merry-go-round (hence the pole) or little horse, Caballitos is all that and more, with an added touch of grunginess-meets-Vegas vibes.

Basement, 26 Queen Street, Perth

Mechanics Institute

While hardly a secret to the city's dedicated bar hoppers, Mechanics Institute still earns a well-deserved place on our list of hidden bars in Perth due to its alleyway entrance. Perth's finest small bar is one of its absolute best, where you can head upstairs to indulge in expertly crafted cocktails upon a cool rooftop deck. Nestled amongst the other heritage rooftops of Northbridge, Mechanics offers an escape from the everyday below. There's nothing more alluring than that!

REAR/222 William Street, Northbridge 

Goody Two's

Goody times await at this late night bar offering Perth's biggest variety of Japanese whisky, plus fab cocktails, niche eats and plenty of dancing! Tucked away on the basement level of Hibernian Place, Goody Two's has space for 200 people, and does a brilliant job of keeping the party vibes lit with live music and DJs tuned in every night of the week. One of the best hidden bars in Perth that has something for everyone. 

Hibernian Place, Basement/40 Irwin Street, Perth

The Volstead Lounge

The Volstead Lounge is a prohibition-era-inspired speakeasy nestled inconspicuously on Shafto Lane, in the heart of Perth’s CBD. You’ll need to locate the correct book to gain entry, where you'll find yourself transported back to the 1920s, surrounded by vintage decor, dim lighting, and a captivating ambiance that exudes the charm and opulence of a bygone era. 

Their expert mixologists craft cocktails that are as artful as they are delicious, along with a shared dish menu featuring such treats as a 90-day butter aged ribeye with chimichurri and smoked duck fat potatoes.

414 Murray Street, Perth

Bobeche

Located beneath the Heritage Wine Bar and invisible from street level, Bobeche is a prohibition-meets-Alice in Wonderland late night cocktail bar, with dim lights, whimsical décor and loads of charisma. The bartenders here are true alchemists, concocting innovative cocktails served in colourful teapots. 

Whether you're a fan of classic libations or daringly experimental drinks, Bobeche is a hidden oasis that will leave you craving more.

Basement of Royal Insurance Buildings, 131 St Georges Terrace, Perth 

Sneaky Tony's

Leave it up to Northbridge to provide us with one of the best hidden bars in Perth. Sneaky Tony's takes secrecy to a whole new level with its unmarked door “somewhere in Chinatown” and password-protected entry. Once you've successfully gained access, you'll be rewarded with an intimate space that feels like a hidden den of revelry. This rum-focused bar is a true hidden gem, with expertly crafted cocktails and an extensive rum selection that will transport you to the Caribbean with every sip.

38 Roe Street, Northbridge

Alabama Song 

For those with a taste for the unconventional, Alabama Song is a Northbridge dive bar that promises a US deep south ‘honky-tonk’ experience. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an eclectic mix of décor, leather-bound booths that invite you to sink into their embrace, and dim lighting that adds an air of mystery. There's around 120 different types of bourbons, whiskies and ryes to choose from and plenty of bar snacks, including burgers, to keep you boot scootin’ til the early hours of the morning. ?

232 William Street, Perth 

The Cabin Small Bar

Hidden away upstairs on a corner block in Mount Hawthorn, The Cabin is a cosy, rustic hideaway that embraces the charm of a log cabin, complete with timber walls, leather-bound couches, and a fireplace that adds warmth to the intimate setting. It’s the perfect spot to drink red wine and while away a chilly winter evening. The Cabin is known for its selection of charcuterie and small plates, and the epic wine list will ensure you'll find the perfect sip.

174 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn

Toots 

Finding this top-secret Northbridge disco bar is all part of the fun. If you think you’re in the right spot, ask “is Toots in?” and, if so,  you’ll be handed a golden ticket and shown to the secret door. Once you’re in, it’s time to embrace the golden era of disco decadence, where carefree 70s vibes and unabashed dance-floor revelry reign supreme. 

Sip on a throwback cocktail (Fruit Tingle, anyone?) and graze on a retro Italian menu before unleashing your inner diva to the disco rhythms of the night. 

Sneaky Tony's, 38 Roe Street, Northbridge

Ezra Pound

An essential hidden bar in Perth to add to your repertoire if you haven't already, Ezra Pound is one of the OG small bars of the city. These guys took their inspiration from the American Prohibition era to create a fun, welcoming and low-key place to hang out and enjoy a drink, hidden from passersby. Located in the heart of Northbridge down Williams Lane, they specialise in cocktail classics, craft beers, bespoke spirits and fine wines. 

Arcade 189, 189 William Street, Northbridge 

Foxtrot Unicorn

An iconic hidden bar in Perth, prepare to be amazed as you step into Foxtrot Unicorn, a stylish and enigmatic underground bar that pushes the boundaries of cocktail craftsmanship. Behind its unmarked door somewhere under St Georges Terrace, lies a moody and mysterious drinking hole where mixologists sling the coolest cocktails while you dine on fancy jaffles. 

Basement of the Western Australian Club, Level 101 St Georges Terrace, Perth (enter through glass door on the left)

Back Bar at Hylin

Tucked away behind the stylish café Hylin in West Leederville, Back Bar is an unpretentious gem that showcases a bright and airy aesthetic with stacks of lush greenery. This gorgeous bar focuses on excellent cocktails, wine, craft beers and delicious bar snacks. If you’re after something heartier, they do a phenomenal burger, too. 

178 Railway Parade, West Leederville (enter via rear of Hylin)

Refuge Small Bar

Refuge Small Bar lives in Subiaco Square, and is an understated, welcome space to unwind and enjoy a drink amid the hustle and bustle of vibrant Subi. With a fun selection of house and classic cocktails, a carefully curated wine list, and a killer menu (it’s the crumbed fish sandwich on a potato bun for us), Refuge Small Bar is a must-visit hidden bar in Perth. 

5/50 Subiaco Square Road, Subiaco

Whether it's disco tunes, cocktails served in teapots or simply a hard-to-find entrance, the hidden bars of Perth all have their own unexpected twists and surprises waiting for you. So step inside, order a drink, and let the magic happen. 

For more drinkspo, check out our guide to the best new bars, restaurants and cafes in Perth, or pop over to Fremantle this weekend to explore all its best bars.