Eclectic Fremantle is a lively place, especially when it comes to happy hour.
Inserted within its Victorian-era buildings and port city landscapes are exciting bars brimming with character and colourful concoctions.
From long-time favourites to new bars on the block, we share some of Fremantle's best small bars.
1. Republic of Fremantle
Head to Fremantle's West End to savour a sip at up boujee spirits distillery, Republic of Fremantle. Sample its range at its Distillery Door or enjoy a drink and its award-winning bar, winner of the 2023 WA Good Food Guide 2023 Awards' Best Bar' while enjoying a meal.
If you want to add to your urban distillery experience, consider joining its gin or cocktail school, tour the venue or see what special events are on via their website.
Bring on the good times and beats at Ronnie Nights. Located along the famed Cappuccino Strip, the narrow two-storey bar specialises in craft beers, cocktails, boutique wines, and share plates. It's a great spot to catch a local gig or to have a belly laugh at its Port City Comedy nights.
See a different side to the iconic Fremantle landmark Little Creatures by visiting its little sister, SONAR Room. The upstairs small bar is an all-rounder: live music and performance art space, secreted behind towering silos along Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.
The bar sells the brewery's famous brews alongside spirits and wines, making it a cosy alternative to Little Creatures' big shed.
Have a taste of European bar culture with a visit to Gimlet. The small corner bar attached to the Warders Hotel is the perfect place for an intimate drink, whether it be coffee or alcohol. Enjoy a bevy in the sunny courtyard area or inside in heritage surroundings. Gimlet is open 7 days a week from 7am, making it a great pitstop for a caffeine hit when staying in Fremantle.
Argh mi maties! Take a step back in time, visiting the discreet Darling Darling along Henry Street. The small bar nods to sailing in the 19th century, with the candle-lit waterhole ornamented with sailing ropes, barrels, and timber rafters to make you feel like you are being cheeky drinking below deck.
The bar dishes complimentary peanuts and encourages you to throw empty peanut shells on its floor to feel that extra bit rebellious.
Be ready for a feel-good time at Jungle Bird. Located on the bustling High Street, the Caribbean-style beach bar is famed for its vast collection of rum and laidback vibes. Not a rum drinker? Try one of its innovative cocktails. And if you need something to eat, the bar has you covered with affordable plates such as jerk chicken and burgers. Yum!
Off the main drag is local favourite Strange Company. The small upmarket bar is famed for its innovative cocktails, extensive wine list and epicurean share plates. Choose to sit outside to watch life pass by or enjoy its dimly lit ambience and green walls.
Big wine lover? Head to Norfolk Street to visit the award-winning bar Nieuw Ruin. The heritage bar will woo wine aficionados with over 300 bottles of wine from boutique producers. If you're not into grapes, choose a cocktail weaving native produce and specialty spirits.
Save the stomach space as the bar serves modern Australian dishes using hyper-local produce, some dishes cooked on charcoal grills for extra tang.
Feel like a local by visiting neighbourhood bar and backyard, Percy Flint. The corner bar along South Terrace is a hive of activity, with revellers relaxing in the bar's many social spaces – outside, kerbside, indoors in the bar's multiple rooms and courtyard area.
After catching a gig at North's Fremantle live music institution, Mojos head next door to Mrs Brown Bar. The late-night favourite has wooed patrons with its intimate atmosphere since 2009. Admire its vintage décor inside, bask in the merriment in the red-brick courtyard or sit by the open fire on those cold nights; it's the perfect place for a neighbourhood catch-up in welcoming surroundings.
Cowboy hats and boot-scooting have arrived on High Street thanks to the newcomer to the block, Honky Tonk Blues. The small bar offers a taste of southern Americana with live country music nights and free events such as Line Dancing Wednesdays. Yee Haw!
