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Drinks Directory|Casual catch-up|Bar|Pub

Picabar

Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
51 James Street, Northbridge, WA, 6003
Phone
(08) 9228 8769
Website
picabar.com.au
Instagram
@picabarperth

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 07 Jul 2023

By
Max Veenhuyzen

At this inclusive watering hole in a heritage-listed space the modern-day pub is reimagined – the beers range from classics to craft brews and the menu updates the popular standards.

Outdoor ambience at Picabar, the modern day pub
Why you goThe name might say bar, but this lively address in the Perth Cultural Centre identifies as – and behaves like – a modern-day pub. (See Picabar’s sweet tagline: “a Northbridge pub for everyone, including you.”) Judging by the ebb and flow of drinkers that energise this heritage-listed building, the city clearly agrees with management’s thinking. Regulars are drawn here by Picabar’s central location, close to public transport and key cultural institutions, the luxury of space – between its indoor and outdoor areas, Picabar can host close to 500 guests – and the atmosphere generated when a crowd comes together to talk, drink and eat.
Why you stayThis red-brick building has been through a lot. Built in 1897, it spent almost a century housing different schools and educational institutions before being reborn as PICA (Perth Institute of Contemporary Art) in the early ’90s. Easygoing staff in casual duds hint at the bar’s history as an art-student hang-out. Just as the crowd and pub traditions demand, both the service and soundtrack are up-tempo. Benches and tables are scattered throughout the high-ceilinged bar, but most of the action happens outdoors, particularly around the tables shaded by the fig tree. On the way out, help yourself to some SPF 50+ from the pump-pack of sunscreen on the bar.
Picabar, a happening pub in Western Australia
Delicious beer, wine and spirits at Picabar
What drink to orderYou can tell a lot about a bar by its tap beer range. At Picabar, the story is along the lines of “we’re proud to support local breweries that make both classic and more modern styles, but we’ve also got some crowd-pleasers from outside WA, just in case”. So, favourites such as the Stone & Wood Pacific Ale from Byron Bay and Balter Hazy from Currumbin are poured alongside locals like Gage Roads Single Fin and sours from emerging southwest producer Shelter Brewery. Clocking in at 20 drops by the glass, the wine list is exhaustive. Look out for that day’s cellar special. While the cocktail offering is limited to the basics – the bar does a roaring trade in Espresso Martinis on weekends – spirit sippers have plenty of bottles to choose from.
What to pair it withCounter-meal classics and small-bar share plates come together in a smart, contemporary way. On the one hand, fish and chips, burgers, schnitzels and other pub standards are present and accounted for, but the schnitzel is made with kangaroo (an environmentally friendlier protein source than beef or chicken), while the dip of the day – pumpkin hummus, for instance – changes weekly. Steak tartare features on the share-plate menu, while grilled haloumi with France’s Espelette pepper, roasted vegetables, and a mushroom burger make Picabar a safe space for vegetarians. Just want to split a bowl of chips with a mate? The kitchen’s got your back.
Food and drinks pairings at Picabar
Picabar's drinks and offers
Why we love itPicabar might not make a big song and dance about it, but diversity and inclusivity are two of its watchwords. An elderly couple slowly work their way down the steps by the entrance, holding on to the handrail for support, while a group of glammed-up youngsters glide through the room, not a hair out of place. During Fringe season, performers and production crew sporting distinctive pink lanyards and costumes turn Picabar into one of the festival’s unofficial HQs. If you wanted a visual representation of what the Perth community looks (and drinks) like, you’ve come to the right place.
Regular’s tipTwo words: steak sandwich. This classic Aussie pub go-to has long been synonymous with Picabar; the current iteration is made with focaccia and served with fries. You can order one for $20, but the smart move is to upgrade to the $28 special, which gets you any glass of wine or pint. While this steak-sanger meal deal is available every day, you can enjoy any burger plus a drink for $25 on Thursdays, while Tuesdays see select schooners on offer for $5.
Who to takeEveryone. Everywhere. As often as you can. At a time where some publicans try to manufacture atmosphere in venues, it’s refreshing to discover a modern-day pub that remains true to the spirit of the public house without having to resort to clichés or well-worn tropes. Some like to drop in for an after-work drink during the week. Some factor a stop at Picabar into a day of gallery- and museum-hopping. Some like to kick off their Friday or Saturday night here. And some do all the above. And why not? Picabar is a watering hole, by the community, for the community.
Picabar: A perfect pub to go with friends or colleagues
Authour image
Max VeenhuyzenMax Veenhuyzen is a Perth food, drink and travel journalist who contributes to key Australian publications.
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