Black Pearl

Black Pearl

304 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

BarAmigo’s two pesos – two great cocktail bars in one… casual easy going downstairs and more intimate and exclusive upstairs.

When visited – Sat 25 Feb 2012 11.30pm to 1.30am

If you love a good cocktail then hit up Black Pearl. Easy going and a diverse crowd downstairs or hit the Attic upstairs for something a little more intimate, cosy and exclusive.

My whisky sour at Black Pearl

Just had a top notch dinner at Madame SouSou to celebrate a friend’s birthday and now we’re hitting up Black Pearl for some cocktails. Black Pearl suits us just fine given the occasion. And we’re looking for some quality cocktails.

My friends have talked up Black Pearl and it doesn’t disappoint. I quite like the fact that when asking for a whisky sour, I’m asked which type of whisky I’m after. I can’t go past scotch. The whisky sour (around $20) is satisfying. Little sweet for my taste but I can’t complain as I should have been a bit more specific with my order. The birthday girl is on a mint julep (about $18)… she doesn’t like it and I’m not surprised cause she’s not a whisky drinker… out of all the options why did she choose that? And there’s many options on the menu. Or you could just be lazy like me and describe some tastes that you like and leave it to the bartenders to pick a drink for you.

The lounge area at Black Pearl downstairs

Like any good cocktail bar, the bar staff at Black Pearl are paying a lot of attention to the detail in your drinks. Don’t expect the space at the bar to clear anytime soon if people are ordering cocktails.

At 11.30pm the downstairs area is pretty much standing room only. Basically all the seats are taken and we’re having to wait around before a suitable sized couch area opens up. The wait isn’t too long as the turnover is reasonably quick. People constantly moving in and out.

Crowd tends to be a bit older. Early 30s through mid 40s. At around midnight it’s those looking to enjoy a quality drink before heading home.  As long as you’re not rocking up in shorts and thongs and are reasonably dressed you’d fit in. Casual shoes are fine and jeans for chicks are more than adequate. But there are those groups who are well dressed and the occasional few who have come from that wedding or other event which means they are rather formally dressed.

Pretty casually dressed and easy going crowd here at Black Pearl

Unfortunately the Attic was rather full around 1am so we didn’t get a chance to head up there. But it looks terrific. A lot more spaced out than downstairs and gives you a chance to have that quiet conversation. Good for a date or to catch up with some close friends. Not exactly sure about the table booking situation but you might wanna try to book ahead if for a special occasion.

So we’re stuck downstairs… Well stuck is the wrong word cause it’s pretty good downstairs. Especially with the comfy couches and armchairs. Busy atmosphere good for a Saturday night but still feeling casual and easy going. Depending on your group of friends upstairs may be a bit too quiet.

Grab a quality cocktail or two at Black Pearl and you won’t be disappointed. In my opinion almost up there with Polly but it’s really personal taste isn’t it.

Salud
Eddie
BarAmigo – Your friend at the bar

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