It is a question every bartender hears, and only some enjoy answering. The query is not about closing time but rather: where to next? The response can define an evening, leading to delightful drinks or a disappointing experience. This is the path of investigation I have undertaken — a bar crawl shaped by the suggestions of bartenders and their staff.
I am joined by Print Hall duty manager Thomas Todd, who adds extra hospitality expertise. Thomas brings his own recommendations to steer the night, along with his personal evaluation criteria — the Thomas Todd Toilet Check (and all that it involves).
“And vibes,” Tom adds.
What do the bars and bartenders of Perth offer on a Sunday evening?
Hello Rooftop Bar
The Rechabite’s rooftop bar sits atop a venue with a rich history. Beer on tap, cocktails, and friendly staff provide good company alongside decent city views. It is an especially fine spot for sunset, with the concrete wall shielding most of the sun’s glare. If the rooftop does not appeal, various events downstairs are likely to captivate.
- Drinks: 6
- Service: 9.5
- Atmosphere: 7.8
- Toilet: 8.2
- Pricing: 9.5
- Overall: 8.2
Lot Twenty
Tucked away next to the State Theatre, Lot Twenty is our first detour of the night. We are drawn in by its unique rustic decor and patrons outside with drinks in hand. Lot Twenty offers interesting and well-priced cocktails, especially if you need a snack. An enormous grapefruit garnish tops one of our drinks, while a biscuit sits on another. Though not our favorite drinks of the night, the location is worth exploring. Special mention goes to the toilets — a standout feature, according to Tom.
- Drinks: 5.7
- Service: 8.4
- Atmosphere: 8
- Toilet: 9
- Pricing: 9.8
- Overall: 8.2
Light Years
Although well-known as a restaurant, if you manage to secure a spot at the bar, a drink is all you need. Positioned on the edge of the bar next to the kitchen entrance, where runners exit carrying plates and bartenders shake drinks, there is plenty to keep you occupied. While the cocktail list is not as extensive as some dedicated cocktail bars, the drinks here are excellent. You might regret not staying for food, but the drinks are equally impressive — the clarified pina colada is a must-try.
- Drinks: 9.5
- Service: 8.5
- Atmosphere: 8.3
- Toilet: 6.5
- Pricing: 8.5
- Overall: 8.3
Alfred’s Pizzeria
Descending the stairs under their neon sign, arriving at this grungy cocktail bar is an experience in itself. Serving pizza until late, this spot could easily be the last stop of the night as you settle in for a bite. Notable cocktails include the 2007 Britney and 2025 Spears, described as sweet and sour kiwi martinis respectively — a fun pop culture reference for an otherwise rock ‘n’ roll location.
- Drinks: 8
- Service: 7.9
- Atmosphere: 9.2
- Toilet: 6
- Pricing: 7.5
- Overall: 7.7
Astral Weeks
The next stop on our journey is hidden in Chinatown behind two wooden doors. With records spinning and incense burning, the atmosphere is hard to beat. This listening bar’s menu highlights wine, sake, and cocktails. If you enjoy amaretto, Coke, and cherries, the aptly named amaretto cherry cola might be for you. It is delicious.
- Drinks: 7
- Service: 9
- Atmosphere: 8
- Toilet: 6 (extra point for napkins instead of tissues)
- Pricing: 8
- Overall: 7.6
Mechanics Institute Bar
As suggested by… almost everyone. Yes, really. An after-hours pilgrimage would be incomplete without arriving at Mechanics. True to its name, it is a late-night institution. Although there is indoor seating, sitting outdoors feels almost mandatory. Soaking in the smoke and conversation, the playlist from inside blends with live music from Universal Bar across the street, creating a delicious cocktail for the senses worthy of the bar’s chalkboard menu. If you want something off-menu, do not be discouraged, as many classics are available. With people always around, you are likely to rub shoulders with bar staff from other venues whose staffies have overflowed into “Mechs”.
“You’d struggle to find someone open later than us better than us,” Mechanics bartender Shane Mushett says.
- Drinks: 9.2
- Service: 8.7
- Atmosphere: 7.2
- Toilet: 7.3
- Pricing: 8.7
- Overall: 8.2
