The Margaret River Region’s small bar scene is one of its best-kept secrets.
Sitting snug between towering buildings or hiding behind the main streets is a collection of small but mighty bars waiting to be discovered.
But don’t let the compact square footage fool you. Their cocktail creations, wine menus and beers on tap are anything but small. Pair that with an intimate atmosphere and impeccable service, and you have got yourself an unbeatable combo.
Read on for the region’s small bars packing a punch (or pinot, or pilsner, whatever you please).
The neighbourhood hangout for the wine folk was recently awarded the 2024 Gourmet Traveller Wine Bar of the Year – South West Wine Shop is the cosiest space in the heart of Busselton.
Each bottle of wine inside SWWS has been thoughtfully handpicked by Cyndal Petty, local Sommelier and Parker Group’s Head of Wine. The result? A wine list heavily led by local producers with the remaining twenty percent encompassing the best around the world.
With an intriguing and forever changing by-the-glass list, no two visits are the same. Take a bottle home, bring a bottle into the Pavilion, or enjoy a bottle in the shop.
Ooze & Tang is the bistro that feels just as much like a cocktail or wine bar.
With page after page of local and international beer, wines, spirits and cocktail creations, their drink menu could easily be mistaken for a well-written novel. Chablis direct from France or Chardonnay from down the road, the Ooze & Tang team will happily help you find the right drop.
Their whisk(e)y list is also nothing short of impressive. Choose from over 20 whisk(e)ys from around the world including Scotland, USA, Japan, and Australia.
Lean into the maritime history of the region and pop into Har Bar in Dunsborough.
Recent finalists in the Australian Hotels Association Awards for Best Small Bar and Best Themed Bar, a visit to Dunsborough’s hidden gem makes for a nautical night to remember. Go for their original and creative cocktails like Deutch Courage, Pegleg and Scallywag, and stay for a sea shanty or two with the Dunn Bay Wailers.
Bungalow Neighbourhood Social has taken their music, bites and drinks, and placed them into their cosy, adjoining Wine Room.
A 40-person max space, enjoy vinyl tunes as you explore their range of local and international wines and beer that are perfectly accompanied by their menu of small plate and sourdough pizzas. Make the most of your evening with a ‘wine flight’ around the world.
Wayfinder’s cellar door is conveniently located on Naturaliste Terrace meaning you can taste their full range of delicious wines without leaving Dunsborough’s town centre.
Whether you are a lover of Sparkling, Chardonnay, Rosé, or Cab Sav, Wayfinder has something for you. Swing past for a tasting, a couple of glasses or enjoy the full Wayfinder dining experience and stick around for dinner.
Rhum Burgundy boasts a creative and curated cocktail and wine list that just like its namesake, gives main character energy. Catch co-owner and award-winning mixologist Billy Phillips shaking and stirring RB signatures like the Sex Panter and the Stay Classy Negroni, or one of the classics using locally sourced ingredients distilled, fat washed and fermented on-site.
If you prefer your alcohol neat, explore their extensive spirits menu. And for the wine list, that is carefully curated by Rhum’s other half Dylan Arvidson featuring 15 local and international wines by the glass, plus an even larger and eclectic wine list by the bottle. Their balcony and alfresco are the perfect place to perch for an afternoon beverage watching the sunset.
An exciting cocktail menu packing unique creations and the classics you know and love awaits at Morries. Think pink peppercorn-infused vodka or pandan syrup plus old faithfuls like martinis and old fashioned.
Know exactly what you are getting with an illustrated book detailing the ingredients, flavour profile and the preparation of your chosen cocktail. For those more inclined to the classics, choose your spirit from Morries’ extensive list and enjoy neat or as the cocktail it is known for.
Tucked away from the main street is Margaret River’s cherished dive bar Yonder – bursting with good music and even better cocktails. Once inside, find yourself a VCR–case–turned–drinks-list and choose from perfectly executed classics like an Espresso Martini or Tommy’s Marg, or venture out with an Alabama Slammer or Korean Paloma.
If beer is your thing, be sure to try their house lager specially crafted by local legends Rocky Ridge Brewing Co.
Follow the neon glow from their sign on Margaret River’s main street and surrender yourself to the irresistible flavours flowing out of Normal Van.
They are the region’s resident American-style diner renowned for their burgers and fried chicken but make sure you save room for their impressive cocktail creations. Choose between three types of Margaritas, Normal White Russian, and a Mezcal Mojito, just to name a few.
The wine list is made up of local producers with Beerfarm’s range of brews on tap.
With their circular bar the centrepiece of the building, Dear Darnell’s literally revolves around what to drink. The eclectic mix of artefacts, mosaic windows and vintage knick-knacks, Dear Darnell’s pays homage to its former trading post days.
Their drinks menu features a mix of classic cocktails and seasonal creations, local beers including a house lager and an extensive wine list featuring regional favourites. Their dinner menu is regularly updated with a focus on smoke and fire courtesy of a well-aged recycled-brick oven.
Looking for more places to whet the whistle? Check out more spots to kick back with a refreshing bev.
