Elba - Napoleon Street, Cottesloe

A decadent, showy, glitzy and ostentatious small bar that has the charm to bring you back time and time again. Right in the middle of Cottesloe it is perfectly located, close to the train station and walking distance from the beach.

 

Whether you are after Champagne, Cocktails or good wine, this cracking small bar serves them up with good services and a warm smile. Add into the mix a couple of good tap beers and that most exotic of boutique European numbers 'Stella Artois' and you are onto a winner. With good music playing in the background the friendly bubbly ambiance of this bar was palpable even on a quiet evening. It is easy to spend a lot of money in this place, but surprisingly for a very good bar sitting in cashed-up Cottesloe it caters to all tastes and wallets.

The designer of this place has gone to town, and created something rather special. It would be easy for this place to look cheap and trashy, it treads the line very carefully, but in all instances it looks sharp and sophisticated. The red lights, velvet & velour leather adorned walls, focused lighting and plenty of mirrors could be leading you into a tarts' boudoir or a madams parlour but instead you are transported into one of the best designed and set out bars in Perth.

The outside area is a perfect and well shaded place to watch the comings and goings on Napoleon Street. What could be better than a Saturday afternoon, glass of bubbles in hand, watching the world go by and chilling out with friends. This place attracts a nice friendly crowd and is well worth the trip.

Peter says "A great little small bar that serves up good drinks and good service, perfect for those early evening drinks enjoying what is left of the sun in the outdoor area, this bar could actually become a regular drinking spot for me"

Tony says "The decadence has a real charm, it draws you in and will add to the good vibes on a night out, whether you choose to start your evening here or set up camp for the night, this place will not fail to disappoint"

Check out their facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Elba-Cottesloe-146633802050824/?fref=ts or their website - http://elbacottesloe.com.au

Angels' Cut by Trustee - St George's Terrace, Perth

With some of the most quirky and eclectic decor around this small bar really does stand out and will appeal to most people, add in the friendly services and you have the kind of place to go back to on a regular basis.

High ceilings, large windows and what can only be described as the largest 'Bar Angel' in Perth combine to make a pretty unique venue. The Doctor Who fans may be slightly worried but for the rest of us the amazing collection of random curios, knickknacks and trinkets make this place a feast for the eyes. The lighting sets the mood that leads into the temptation of the excellent drink and food menus.

Rum is the speciality of the house and the cocktails are superb. Serious amounts of time and effort goes into making your choice of drink. The staff are knowledgeable and are able to lead you through the menu and help you select a drink perfect for your palete. Overall the drinks list is extensive and you will be spoilt for choice.

During our drinking session the music consisted of cheesy pop classics intermingled with the random new romantics or alternative tunes, all of which bring a smile to your face and leave you feeling that little bit happier. This is the kind of place to enjoy with your friends, the music is that right level to enjoy group conversation and the layout means you can find somewhere comfortable to sit and relax.

Peter says "First impression is key in this great little small bar, some of the features and the decor are 'stand out' designs within the Perth Small Bar Scene. The menu and staff were very good and I will definitely be returning in the near future"

Tony says "Blown away by the stand out feature that makes this bar very attractive. The little curios aid in the theme but sometimes feel a little like and after thought. A great menu both the drink and eating kind, Angels' Cut his well worth a visit"

Check out their website - http://www.thetrustee.com.au/angels-cut-by-the-trustee/ or their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/angelscutbythetrustee to keep up to date with what is going on.

Pepper Wine Bar - Canning Highway, Applecross

A small bar that excels through quirky design and a friendly ambience. Sitting in the heart of Applecross this bar is a good place to spend time with your friends and enjoy a nice glass of wine.

A feature wall that is stunning and colourful in design, the bar is well thought through and makes its mar well. Away from the CBD but only a short walk from the Canning Bridge station across the river this bar attracts a local and transient crowd in equal measure.

The wine list is well thought out and caters to mosts tastes, this is complemented by some good beers and all the spirits you could need for a decent cocktail. The $15 dollar red wine tasting is also a great idea it includes a Shiraz, GSM, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo and Rosé. The wine list works perfectly with the Tapas menu that is on offer.

Tony says "A wine bar full of good design and this is what makes it for me. The feature wall a stand out and the well thought out seating placement allows you to enjoy the space with friends. Good music accompanied a nice atmosphere"

Peter says "If I lived closer this would be my local, really enjoyed my evening here. Good little venue that doesn't do much wrong"

Check out their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pepperwinebar or their website http://pepperwinebar.com.au for what is going on!

Swallow Bar - Whatley Crescent, Maylands

Sitting just outside the city in Maylands is this 'tiny' bar called Swallow. In one word, outstanding! The buzz of this bar attracts an eclectic crowd that permeates through every part of the bar.

For starters, the staff provide a great welcome with a friendly smile. They also possess a superb knowledge of what's on offer and are able to suggest something different for those adventurous enough to try. Their concept is simple, the service great and the warm and pleasant environment seems to draw in the locals and those from further afield.

This place sets the bar high and stands out in Perth's crowded field of small bars. The decor is varied but is well thought out, it is finished to a high standard in a way that smacks of class and sophistication. Somebody has spent a lot of time and effort getting this place just right and it shows.

On the busy evening we're there, our photos just doesn't do the place justice. It is best to head down and experience everything for yourself. Better still, take some friends along with you as this place has an extensive food and drink selection. When you add it all together, you truly have one of the best bars in WA.

Peter says "The train ride from the city only takes a few minutes and is well worth it for this little gem. I was amazed that such a small place could pack such a big punch. You will spend the whole evening here enjoying the food, drink, music and company with your friends."

Tony says "A great small neighbourhood bar, though Swallow Bar is much more than that. Amazing decor with great attention to detail, friendly staff, good food and drinks, this is a bar that keeps on giving. A must visit."

Check out their website - http://swallowbar.com.au or their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SwallowBar to find out whats going on.

Young George - George Street, East Fremantle

A great small bar that transcends design and time, elegant, yet rustic, high end, yet comfortable. A brilliant place if you want to head out of the city to venture to one of the best local bars going, for good drink and excellent food.

This outstanding local bar really does hit the mark, it stands out and is head and shoulders above most of the competition. Those within walking distance are privileged to have this place so close by. Like 'The Stanley' in Wembley or 'Samson's Paddock' in Mosman Park, this small bar is at the heart of the East Fremantle Community.

A great beer selection and a fantastic wine list will appeal to most people, however, this is slightly let down by the lack of beer by the pint. Given how good the drink selection it must be stated that the focus of this bar is the excellent food on offer, which is produced by an innovative team in a great kitchen that consistently produces high quality and more importantly very tasty food. If you are only drinking then we recommend the Beef Crackers which are the perfect accompaniment to most drinks.

Elegant in design, this small bar pulls together a number of design ideas and styles in to a perfect form. The older features of the building are on display and give the place both depth and warmth in its decor. It is definitely at the top end of design when it comes to small bars in and around Perth and Fremantle.

Peter says "Blown away by this great small bar, not much I can say other than get yourself down there it is well worth the trip, the friendly, attentive staff will make you feel very welcome"

Tony says "Worth the walk if you are going to enjoy a few drinks or make a night of it, this small bar is extremely comfortable and the perfect place to relax"

Check out their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Young-George-800162656713726/timeline/ or their website - http://younggeorge.com.au

Cheeky Sparrow - Wolf Lane, Perth

Nestled away off Murray Street on Wolf Lane, this good small bar attracts a bubbly crowd and is pleasant place to drink and hangout with friends. It doubles as one of the cities best coffee shops during the morning and turns into a bar during the afternoon.

Being a 'Cheeky Sparrow' is a mighty claim for two reasons - the sparrow is an awesome little bird and cheekiness is one of the best and most endearing personality traits. This small bar does live up to the billing, it is good and the kind of place that goes on the 'to go back to' list.

The design leads you to relax and is really chilled out, there is a nice mix of decor that really does appeal to most tastes. This small bar is really comfortable, a lot of time has been put into making this place charming and engaging.

The friendly, helpful staff provide a really good level of service, they are really attentive to the needs of the patrons. The food menu is excellent and this is backed up with a solid but concise drinks menu, if you are up with the sparrows then head here for a coffee in the morning, with this place opening from 6:30am on weekdays.

Peter says "A good place to go with friends, not stand out but overall a pleasant small bar that will appeal to most people"

Tony says "Attentive service and a good ambience. As so many new establishments come along it is harder and harder for bars like Cheeky Sparrow to stand out, in saying that it is a good place for a drink"

Check out their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/The-Cheeky-Sparrow-140181282723505/timeline/ or their website - http://cheekysparrow.com.au

The Local Shack - Murray Street, Perth

What do you get when you mix great design and fun games together in one small venue? That's right, you get The Local Shack, a great small bar on Murray Street. Connect Four, Jenga or Guess Who, name your childhood poison and this place caters to it. 

This small bar is visually interesting, with lots of different elements and areas to focus on, each component comes together to make one coherent idea and that is the real charm of this place. You can easily sit here drinking your beer and forget you are in the city centre. The lighting really does add to the beach shanty town vibe and the corrugated iron ceiling is a real nice touch.

The food menu is extensive and very tasty and this small bar also have a very good drink selection. $7 tap beer is a nice touch as is the $10 cocktails on 'Ladies Night'. This really is a fun place to hang out with your friends and is well worth a trip into the city centre.

The pleasant staff are quick to serve and eager to please. They have a good knowledge of and know both the food and drink menu inside out. When you put everything together this really is a very good bar, where you just can't help yourself, the games well get played and the beers well get drunk. 

Peter says "I have walked past this place a few times and now regret not venturing in on an earlier occasion, this bar does stand out in very good small bar scene in Perth, I highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for something that little bit different"

Tony says "Impressive little venue I had stumbled across on my many walks around the city. This was a good find. Well thought out decor and friendly staff couple with a selection of popular board games makes for a fun night ahead"

Check out their website - http://thelocalshack.com.au  

Frisk Small Bar - Francis Street, Northbridge

Some bars are good, some are better than good, and then some like Frisk, are what every small bar is aiming to be and that is excellent. This small bar just oozes class and style and set back away from the main drag in Northbridge is the perfect place to be,

Someone has taken a huge amount of time and effort thinking through every aspect of this bar. The decor and design is subtle and well thought out, the character comes from the eclectic artwork, posters, random design features and curios. This small bar is not only comfortable and welcoming, it is the kind of place where you just want to sit back and chill out.

Not many small bars give you a warm feeling inside as you walk in, the glow from the buzz of this bar envelops you, it warms you up and even those in a foul mood will quickly turn that frown upside down. The staff are great, friendly, chatty and helpful, they know the menu and they are quick to make suggestions and assist in a great drink selection.

GTIS is the name of the game here, Gin being the spirit of choice and there truly is an exceptional selection that is head and shoulders above the rest of Northbridge and Perth. The Gin is well complemented by good bottled beers, an ever changing tap beer selection and a solid wine list. This bar really does cater to all tastes.

Another good feature of this bar is the music, modern classics mixed with the best from the 60s, 70s and 80s. In the short time were in there drinking it flicked seamlessly and perfectly through too many genres to count, ska, rock, indie, punk, new romantic etc... when you add in Gin by the almost limitless bottle, great ambience and decor and friendly staff who could ask for more.

Peter says "The outside seating area makes this the perfect place to set up camp on a nice day and drink your worries away. Head down with some friends and enjoy some well priced drinks and some good company, such a good little spot"

Tony says "Happy to have found this place, if you love gin the menu is extensive, but what will keep you coming back is the friendly staff, great music and general good vibe. Definitely a place to hang out and enjoy with a group of friends. All-in-all a very cool little bar"

Check out their website - http://www.frisksmallbar.com.au or their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/frisk.smallbar

Andaluz Bar & Tapas - Howard Street, Perth

A classy little number right in the centre of the CBD, a good location that serves up a copious selection of alcoholic beverages with a Spanish twist.

In full view on Howard Street, the alleyway entrance takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city into a good small bar, table services is the way here and it is friendly, fast and efficient. The staff are attentive to your needs and have a good knowledge of both the drink and food menus. The extended opening hours of the kitchen is a real bonus and makes this venue perfect for a late night snack.

Andaluz serves up an extensive drinks menu, it is broad and well thought out. A Spanish flavour runs through the menu, though it has to be said that only having the solitary Spanish beer on offer is a slight let down. However, if you can't find what you like on their menu, then maybe it is the end of your night as this place really does have something for everyone.

The best way to describe the design and decor is eclectic, this small bar has a range of furniture and features that doesn't immediately shout tapas or Spain but this doesn't detract from a venue that is bubbly, warm and welcoming. The afterwork crowd gives this place a great ambience and in these surroundings you likely to have a good time and leave with a smile on your face.

Peter says "When you find a bar like Andaluz it goes down on the keeper list, somewhere you are happy to go back to and suggest to friends"

Tony says "Nice little bar with some interesting traits. Good atmosphere and a comfortable venue. Though not completely to my taste I can definitely see the appeal. Service was very good and attentive"

Get out their website - http://www.andaluzbar.com.au

Whisper Wine Bar - Essex Street, Fremantle

This place isn't just a small bar it is tiny, but as they say 'diamonds always come in small packages' and this small bar really is a gem. We highly recommend you pay this great small bar a visit if you are in Fremantle.

It is easy use the word exceptional when describing something, it can so easily be overused. But this tiny gem of a bar is exceptional, it really is a stand out venue in the packed small bar scene. Almost Lilliputian in size this place would struggle to handle the 120 people allowed on a small bar license. It is a classy modern design that has many rustic features, your mind can easily take you far away and make you think you have been transplanted into the south of France, sipping wine in some rural village just off the Mediterranean or Atlantic coast.

Many of the wines on the menu are only available at Whisper Wine Bar, it isn't the most extensive list but it has everything you could need and they have clearly gone for quality over quantity. Like some other bars around they have taken a lot of time and effort to source some really good menu options. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and seem to make it their aim to serve you the most suitable wine even if this means giving you multiple samples. The wine list is well complemented by a couple of local beers and your usual spirit and soft drink selection.

A place to go with your mates, the balcony is perfect for spring and autumn evenings enjoying the fresh sea breeze and what is left of the sun. The staff are talkative and engaging even when busy and this tiny bar always has the buzz that it is the place to be.

Tony says "Terrific small bar delivering quality and consistently good service. This bar is welcoming, warm and the great staff really do navigate you through what is a well rounded wine menu"

Peter says "If all wine bars were like this I would happily take up wine drinking for a living, perfect little spot to head to with your mates for a few glasses of fine wine and a good time"

Check out their website - http://www.whisperwinebar.com.au and their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Whisper-Wine-Bar-167138123301271/timeline/ for what is going on.

Helvetica - off Howard Lane, Perth

A really pleasant bar the is so pleasing to the eye and on further inspection you see the attention to detail in design adds to the already buzzing ambience.

A small bar the specialises in Whiskey, bringing some of the best and rarest options available in Perth. A choice that is truly exceptional, this is complemented by a good beer & cider selection and an extensive cocktail menu.

This bar is hidden away and really is a little gem for those who manage to find it, the anticipation grows as you head towards it, the babble and buzz of people blowing off steam after a long day at work is really nice. This is a small bar for people to relax in and enjoy each others company. The background music is set to the perfect level playing some really good tunes.

The design mixes elegant and rustic features in equal measure. This place comes across as a classy establishment without being snobby. The staff are really friendly, there is a great work ethic here that is totally customer focused, they work hard to make sure that you have a good experience, which is remarkable in such a busy bar.

Tony says "If you are looking for a little hideaway in the CBD, Helvetica might just be for you. I'm not a whiskey drinker by any means but Helvetica still has something for everyone. Great ambience, good music, comfortable decor and a solid drinks menu has the draw keep me there all night"

Peter says "I love it when I find a place that I would happily recommend to my friends and this place is it. Vibrant and welcoming this small bar ticks all the boxes for a good night out. Get yourself down there and enjoy a decent whiskey in great environment.

Check out their website - http://www.helveticabar.com.au or their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Helvetica-Bar-977629172260897/timeline/

The Nic - Nicholson Road, Shenton Park

A friendly small bar in the heart of Shenton Park. This is the perfect place to go with a group of friends for a drink or two and before you know you will have talked and drank away the whole evening.

This place sets out to be the heart of the local community, a neighbourhood bar without the pretension of some other places, it is spartan, but comfortable with touches of chintz. Leather armchairs and sofas are set out in a way to break down barriers, they are appealing and a great place to kick back and relax with a good beer or glass of wine.

The drink selection is pretty concise and to the point, however the drinks on offer tend to be boutique or craft and are high quality. A bonus is the Wehenstephan Pilsner and Hefe Wheat Beer reasonably priced at $10 a pint. A nice snack/bar menu is served up in wholesome portions that provide good value for money.

This small bar has friendly staff that are pretty welcoming and engaging, they have a good knowledge of the drinks on offer. The staff add to the positive experience of going into this nice bar. This bar definitely doesn't set out to be the best best or classiest bar in Perth, but it does end up being somewhere that you would want to go to for a drink and a good time.

Peter says "I like the feel of this place, it is like walking into a living room where you can just relax. The good beer is a bonus and if I lived closer I would be visiting on a regular basis"

Tony says "This is a good little bar - worth a visit if you are in the area. A place to spend the evening, it has comfortable decor the Nic really does excel when visiting with a group of friends"

Check out their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/thenicneighbourhoodbar

Who's Your Mumma - South Terrace, Fremantle

A nice small bar that is worth the walk from the centre of Fremantle. Monday and Friday food specials and an ever changing beer menu with good cocktails make this place inviting and appealing.

This place has been around for a while and is still holding its head up high in the crowded small bar scene. It is clearly the benchmark that many bar aim for, it is also a muse for other bars that have come along recently. Nice pleasant design lead you into a place that by nature has a good atmosphere and a friendly ambience.

The mix of decor is appealing, well put together in a way that is bright and cheerful, however this small bar is a little tired around the edges and no longer a stand out venue, in saying that it has clearly earned its place as one of the better small bars in Fremantle. For those looking for a bargain, Monday serves up $10 Chicken Schnitzel and Friday for Ribs $10 if you get in early enough.

What makes this small bar is the awesome choice of drinks, the good kitchen and friendly staff. The tap beers are changed up on a regular basis, these are supported by a good bottled beer selection. Top quality spirits lead you into the excellent cocktail menu, with an extensive list of Whiskeys, Rums, Vodkas and Tequilas, that can only be described as impressive. This bar just keeps on giving, the wine list is exceptional, a well thought out selection that caters for all tastes, we went for Bass Phillip Premium 09 Pinot an excellent long multi-flavoured number.

Tony says "Overall a pleasant place though I wasn't completely sold. A commonly seen interior that isn't very original but still very comfortable. It's the great selection and quality of drinks that will keep me coming back"

Peter says "I like this place, the staff are friendly and the drink menu is exceptional. The walk from the centre of Freo only takes a few minutes and for those willing to take it is well worth it"

Check out their website - http://www.whosyourmumma.com.au and Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whosyourmummabar?fref=ts for the latest news of what is going on.