Black Pearl

Black Pearl at 304 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, describes itself as a Fitzroy institution, and the bar has been part of the street's nightlife for more than two decades. It has appeared repeatedly on the World's 50 Best Bars list and was named Best Bar in Australasia in 2018, yet it still works as a local neighbourhood bar rather than a destination that only visitors know about.

The ground floor is the heart of the venue. The cocktail menu is short and focused, there is a strong craft beer selection for anyone who prefers a beer, and bar food is available to soak it up. The bar also has a long track record of training bartenders who have gone on to work across the industry, and the World's 50 Best Bars guide describes it as a neighbourhood bar with an international reputation.

Upstairs, The Attic is a more cocktail-focused space. It has been open from Thursday to Saturday and is also used for private functions, and reservations are recommended for The Attic, while the downstairs bar is walk-in only with no bookings. Function enquiries are handled by email at [email protected].

Black Pearl opens late. The bar trades from Wednesday to Sunday, from 5pm until 3am, so it works equally well for an early evening drink or as a final stop at the end of a night out. The World's 50 Best Bars listing gives daily opening until 3am, so check the bar's own website for the current days before you go. Arrive earlier in the evening on Fridays and Saturdays if you want a seat, since the ground floor cannot be booked.

The bar suits couples, small groups of friends and solo drinkers who are happy to sit at the bar, and anyone interested in cocktails will find the short menu a good introduction to the style that earned the bar its reputation.

Black Pearl combines well with a day in Fitzroy that starts with coffee at Industry Beans' Westgarth Street cafe or Lune's Rose Street warehouse, both in the same suburb. For general enquiries call 9417 0455 or use the contact form on the website.