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.