18 July 2024
7 mins Read
This historic port town dances to its own free-spirited rhythm, with a diverse, captivating and creative community. So it’s little surprise that it’s home to a treasure trove of interesting bars. From intimate gin lounges creating custom G&T’s for each customer, to Chilean-inspired cocktail bars tucked down alleyways, Fremantle has something for every taste. Here are 12 of our favourite bars in Fremantle.
Best for: An intimate date.
Situated within the historical Warders Hotel, Gimlet’s square meterage is tiny (about 10 people max) but its gin selection certainly is not.
There’s no menu, simply tell the friendly mixologist behind the bar what sort of botanicals and flavours you like in your gin, sample a few on the nose, and they’ll expertly craft you your own custom G&T.
Address: 19 Henderson Street, Fremantle
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 7am – 10pm; Fri & Sat 7am – 11pm
Best for: Drinks and snacks with friends.
The only fully operational winery in the metro area, H&C has partnered with top WA winemakers to create an impressive wine list that it serves in its verdant and lively venue. And in true winery style, you can perch yourself at the bar and try a few before you make your choice.
Settle into the lush and relaxed atmosphere at H&C Urban Winery.
Wine novice? Never fear. The menu has categories to help you decipher what you might enjoy e.g. ‘Bright & Clean’, ‘Juicy & Pulpy’, or ‘Bold & Wild’.
H&C Urban Winery is a go-to spot for wine lovers.
Address: 181 High St, Fremantle
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am
Best for: Cocktails and snacks with friends.
This almost-hidden, blink-and-you-might-miss-it cocktail bar is tucked between a pizzeria and a hotdog shop. Accessed through an alleyway, it opens out into a groovy Chilean-Mediterranean-inspired space serving share plates from the woodfire and seasonal cocktails inspired by the produce in Fremantle.
Pick your poison.
Order the Pepperberry Pisco, a local take on the traditional pisco sour with native WA pepperberries.
Hit pause on everyday hustle and order a drink or two at Wild in the Street.
Address: 2/388 South Terrace, Fremantle
Opening hours: Wed & Thurs 5pm – 11pm; Fri-Sun 4pm – 11pm
Best for: Intimate wine dates.
This crafty little bar has a rustic and warm inside bar featuring exposed brick and rich wooden decor as well as a rooftop terrace overlooking the cappuccino strip.
Make a beeline for the rustic and warm inside bar at Mr Chapple.
Our favourite part is the rotating wine list, curated monthly by the experts at nearby Old Bridge Cellars – one of Perth’s most-esteemed wine stores.
Take a bite out of this crafty little bar.
Each month, the Old Bridge aficionados pick a dozen of their top drops to be served at Mr Chapple for the month ahead.
Head to Mr Chapple for brunch and pull up one of the wooden chairs.
Address: 92 South Terrace, Fremantle
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 8am – 11pm; Fri-Sun 8am – 1am
Best for: Quirky cocktails in an inclusive setting.
Fremantle’s first queer bar brings welcoming vibes and a lot of sparkle to Freo.
Pop by The Flaming Galah for a sundowner.
With bright green and white tiling, pink walls adorned with photos of same-sex couples and a bar made entirely out of glitter, it’s worth a trip purely for the decor itself.
Fremantle’s first queer bar is often full house.
But the cocktails happen to be outstanding (and fun) as well. We recommend the Splice Splice Baby, which is coconut rum, spiced rum, watermelon, and pineapple juice.
The Flaming Galah is the perfect spot for the right drink.
Address: 19B Essex Street, Walyalup / Fremantle
Opening hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs 4pm – 11pm; Fri 2pm – 12am; Sat 12pm – 12am; Sun 12pm – 10pm
Best for: Oenophiles and Francophiles
Perhaps the best-kept secret in Fremantle. Whisper Wine Bar was started by a former Parisian who wanted to bring a little taste of France to Freo. The bar is decidedly French, from the rose-cladded balconies on the bar’s second story, to the food menu that consists of baguette, soft cheese and cured meats.
Go for the drinks, stay for the charcuterie.
Address: 1/15 Essex St, Fremantle
Opening hours: Thurs 3.30 – 10pm; Fri & Sat 12 – 10pm; Sun 12 – 9.30pm
Best for: A sunny afternoon aperitivo (with your dog)
This riverside venue might look like just a shed from the outside, but inside you’ll find a sharply-designed Mediterranean-inspired space with a uniquely European-flavoured wine list.
Dine by the serene river at Jetty Bar & Eats.
Order the Jetty Aperol Spritz and enjoy the view of the Swan River.
Wine in the sun on the charming riverside dining of Jetty Bar & Eats.
Address: 136 Beach Street, Fremantle
Opening hours: Wed, Thurs, Sun 11.30am – 9pm; Fri & Sat 11.20am – 11pm
Best for: Gin lovers.
Republic of Fremantle is an urban distillery in the heart of Fremantle’s west end. Not only do they craft their aromatic gin onsite, they also serve it at their distillery bar and kitchen. Take a seat in the cosy ambience of the Distillery Bar or take in the sunshine Parklet.
Address: 3 Pakenham St, Fremantle
Opening hours: Mon & Tues 11am – 6pm; Wed-Sun 11am – 12am
Best for: Wine lovers and small-bar enthusiasts.
One of the best small bars in Perth, Strange Company is a sharp and sophisticated spot for an evening drink – if the mood lighting doesn’t lure you in, the remarkably extensive wine list certainly will.
Address: 5 Nairn St, Fremantle
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 2pm – 12am; Fri-Sun 12pm – 12am
Best for: A late-night drink and dance.
This small bar has nailed effortless cool with its retro decor (including vintage TV sets), dim mood lighting and a revolving door of live music acts. The cocktail specials are music-themed, too – try the Sgt. Pepper, ginger-infused vodka with agave and grapefruit.
Sit inside the dimly lit bar with a cold pint in hand.
Address: 75/77 Market St, Fremantle
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 4pm – 12am
Best for: Country vibes and live music.
Honky Tonk serves up good old-fashioned Southern hospitality in its American-themed bar.
Honky Tonk is a funky and quirky saloon-style bar in Fremantle.
Sip on whiskey, order 50-cent wings and boot-scoot with friends to the sounds of their house band, The Honky Tonk Heroes.
Kick it off with a drink of your choice.
Address: 81 High St, Fremantle
Opening hours: Sun & Mon 6pm – 12am; Wed-Sat 6pm – 1am
Best for: Wine and cheese with a date.
This North Freo institution is an ode to Queen Victoria, and feels very regal indeed with its vintage bell lampshades, retro floral wallpaper and comfy Sheffield couches. In winter you cosy up by the fire with a wine and cheese platter, and in summer head out the back to the leafy courtyard.
Address: 241 Queen Victoria St, North Fremantle
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 4.30pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat 12pm – 12am; Sun 12pm – 10pm
LEAVE YOUR COMMENT