The Top Bars in Northbridge, Perth

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Named after the legendary US poet, Ezra Pound was at the cutting edge of Northbridge’s small bar movement when it first opened its doors almost a decade ago. With an aesthetic inspired by the Prohibition era of the 1920s, this low-key laneway hangout is renowned for its knowledgeable service, expertly curated drinks list, and unpretentious atmosphere.

The Frisk philosophy can be summed up in three simple words: ‘we like gin’. Head to Francis St to find this cosy small bar, where the shelves are stacked with almost 200 varieties of gin. Sample the juniper berry spirit straight, with its regular companion tonic, or in any number of fruity cocktails, best knocked back with something from the small snack menu on the alfresco footpath seating out the front.

Big. Buzzing. Beer. That pretty much sums up Northbridge Brewing Co., located right in the heart of Perth’s liveliest postcode. You can see shiny tanks glistening at the top of this four-level brewery bar, which pours pints of its house-made brews as well as a seasonal selection of other Australian craft brews on tap. Grab a tasting paddle to sample a few different drops and sink your teeth into the pub grub food menu, too.

Named after the retro diner in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 masterpiece Pulp Fiction, Jack Rabbit Slim’s has earned a reputation as one of Perth’s best venues for live music. This neon-lit Northbridge favourite hosts a bumper line-up of local and international DJs and artists, plus late-night eats, a quality bar, and a vintage games room.

Indulge in the taste of southern Italy at this William St wine bar, which serves modern cocktails alongside classic Italian fare. Mouth-watering share plates come flooding out of the open kitchen to accompany the impressive drinks menu, which includes a range of local and imported beers and ciders, a lengthy wine list, and some clever cocktails including a house-made limoncello.

The Bird is the word if you’re looking to discover Perth’s alternative arts scene, which is on show at this Northbridge establishment seven days a week. This hipster hangout boasts a performance space in the main bar, a cosy lounge bar for a quiet drink, as well as a relaxed alfresco courtyard to enjoy a tipple in the sunshine. The Bird is also open for lunch and dinner until late.

Welcome to one of Perth’s premier rooftop bars, offering a charming split-level space to enjoy a beer, wine or cocktail above William St since 2012. With a name referring to 19th-century working-class places of learning, this modern Mechanics Institute educates its customers on quality cocktails and delicious burgers.

From the brains behind iconic basement dive bar Joe’s Juice Joint and secretive speakeasy Sneaky Tony’s, Alabama Song brings a little corner of the American Deep South to the streets of Perth. Pick out one of the 130 rye whiskies and bourbons, order something off the short and sweet bar food menu, nab one of the atmospheric leather booths, and kick back and enjoy some Southern hospitality.

This William St establishment takes its food as seriously as its drink, priding itself on an extensive cheese list, locally-sourced bar snacks, fresh oysters, plenty of thoughtful vegetarian options, and finger-licking gastropub fare. The super-friendly staff can also guide you through the playful cocktail menu of ‘Fancy Drinks’, which includes inventions such as the Espresso Highball, Red Snapper and Menta and Anything.

This institution has been pouring pints for Perth locals since Western Australia’s gold-prospecting boom in the late 19th century. Originally opening in 1898, the Hotel Northbridge contains the laid-back and friendly Fuse Bar for a beer, Chime Restaurant for a feed, and 48 four-star rooms that each boast their own spa! Keep an eye out for the recently renovated wraparound verandah cover shading the corner of Brisbane and Lake St.