Black Pearl

Great atmosphere, staff snd cocktails. Staff incredibly knowledgable in their craft. Great lounge feel.

Awesome bartenders. Our group had a great time on a Friday evening and enjoyed the crafted drinks.

I like the vibe. The bar staff made an effort to chat and be friendly. But for me the prices are ridiculous. I paid $ 9.50 for a local can of beer. I know cocktails are their thing but they’re not mine and the don’t serve pints or even schooners so it’s a very uneconomical place to chill out. It’s nice enough but this is Fitzroy not Manhattan!

This place was cool, we found a nice comfy seat on the couch for four and had some drinks. I have no real complaints and I’d likely return if needed. But I’m not a huge fan of some of places along Brunswick street just North/​South of Johnston. They get way over crowded with a unique type of crowd imo, and start to take on a bit of a Crown Casino vibe rather than a chill Fitzroy vibe. Kinda like Naked for Satan down the street. It’s just a personal thing I think. Otherwise it’s a cool little conveniently located spot for a drink with nice décor. Maybe frequented on a less busy night would offer a more memorable experience.

The best part about this bar is how unpretentious it is. Although it made the top 50 best bars in the world list for 2014, walking in I felt very relaxed, as if I was just visiting my neighbourhood pub where everyone knows my name.
They do all the typical mixed drinks, but they for sure know how to make some amazing cocktails. As this was the last stop for the night, we stuck to the menu. I ordered something gin based and Miguel’s was whiskey based– Miguel’s ended up being the winner for the evening.
The bar itself is spacious, with some outdoor seating, lots of couches on the ground floor (good for couples or small groups) and also an upstairs bar that may or may not be for private functions. Definitely a great spot to check out if you need a nightcap or if you’re in the mood for a casual night!

Black pearl is one of the first proper bars I went to. Even returning after more than 8 years of original visits, it still feels fundamentally the same inside. Things have changed, but at the same time they haven’t. Black pearl’s changing cocktail menu, usually seasonally, is fantastic.
As of a couple of years ago, black pearl added a little space/​bar upstairs, the attic. It can get quiet here on weeknights at the start of the week, but when this place is busy, it’s usually not much fun, as fighting your way through the hordes of endless people is a challenge. Those outside tables seem to be forever occupied, come rain, hail or shine.
You are rewarded at the bar with drinks, as once you have your customised cocktail, its usually worth the wait. either this or chose one from the list, or play around with the spirits on the back bar, of which you’ll find many thing of appeal. Yes, there’s a lot of expensive options– whiskey selections, and cocktails as well as the wide range of other tipples.
Black pearl also has the wine by glass and bottled beer/​cider option too, that seemingly, at least one of your friends’ will choose when venturing down. I have been here many times, and haven’t had any issues, but am scratching my head as to my lack of review to date.

Where all the bar staff from other bars go after work. What does that tell ya? Good vibes, nice people, artfully made drinks. These guys and gals love what they do and it shows. Top notch, world class mixology. Don’t miss out!

Ok maybe the décor was cool 7 years ago but that’s not why you go there. You go there because you are a little bit drunk and ready to be a lot more ‘merry’ and have cash to burn on very delicious cocktails especially the espresso martini (essential start to your ‘black pearl cocktail experience’). Its also one of those wonderful places that you can ask for a bar tender special (just name the base spirit) and they will make you something magical that you may try to recreate at home but fail miserably. It’s generally pretty social there too so you may end up in a stranger’s cocktail round. Now that’s fun.

The bar staff were smick and very funny even after we spilt wine all over the floor.
The drinks were great and the over all feel was fun yet chilled and relaxed.
I could easily see myself comming back here for round 2

Bit of a warning: things can get messy pretty quickly here.
The drinks are amazing, the list ever-​changing and the staff willing to make your favourites or create something special to tickle your fancy.
The vibe is pretty relaxed, but upmarket. You need your pennies to spend a significant amount of time here, and it’s easy to do because the couches are comfortable and the staff are an absolute bunch of spunk rats.

We went to the Black Pearl after dinner a few weeks ago. I love a good cocktail and a good Tom Collins is so hard to find at times. It sounds so simple to make but, at the same time, it’s so easy to mess up… Not at the Black Pearl though, I can honestly say it was one of the best Tom Collins I’ve had.
I love the joint but, then again, it’s really hard not to — cool name, fantastic location: right in the heart of Fitzroy, best dressed bartenders I’ve seen in Melbourne (and apparently they know their scotch too!), comfy couches, dim lights (love dim lights!), toliets upstairs to make you regret having one too many on your way back down.
Now, Black Pearl is not just about Tom Collins — their menu boasts a broad range of cocktails. I had the Passion of the Christchurch as well and it was really good.
The price range is up there so expect your wallets to cop it a bit but heh, I reckon it’s ok to give yourself what you deserve once in a while.

Still going strong after being a mainstay in the area for a longtime… the absinthe is a winner but will lead to memory loss.

On a recent trip to Fitzroy, I found myself throwing open the door of Black Pearl on Brunswick Street after a few beverages which were enjoyed at both Naked for Satan and Mana Bar. I had heard whispers from people «in the know» over the last few months that recommended this place as a drinking venue when I was looking for something new and was in the general Fitzroy area. Those whispered voices certainly did not lead me astray.
One of my favourite places to drink in Brisbane is a bar called The Lark. It seems to be well known by the afficiandos of fine beverages and I found it set a «Melbourne standard» when it came to quality, service and atmosphere. It was one of the few highlights in Brisbane and I was sullen after I found it as it took me around a year to get out to Paddington to try it out. It wasn’t long after making the discovery of this fine drinking establishment that I moved back to Sydney.
The reason for the aforementioned preface is that when I entered Black Pearl, it reminded me of The Lark. It had a number of customers but it did not feel packed. People were enjoying themselves but it was not loud. Barflies languished at the bar however there was still room to place an order after having a chat with the barman. The bar remains a focal point on the ground floor and it doesn’t matter if you are relaxing in the lounge area or watching the sketchy characters wander past through the window, the bar never seems far away. It is well stocked and the menu has some unique concoctions and an excellent cocktail list.
I found the barman to both know and have drank at The Lark in Brisbane as he lived near the boozer at one point. When I told him that I thought the Black Pearl resembled The Lark, he took that as a compliment and a bond was formed. The other barflies overheard our conversation and I got to chatting with other strangers of the night and found everyone to be very pleasant and interesting. The «vibe» is much different here compared to places in the CBD like the Gin Palace as there is no feeling of pretension, which really doesn’t exist in Melbourne as it does in Sydney anyway, but I just had a more relaxed feeling and experience here.
The service was extremely professional and when we were not discussing the best parts of Brisbane or Adelaide, some very potent and refreshing drinks were prepared. I enjoyed a perfect Winston Churchill Martini using gin that was sourced in Western Australia. I thought it was great and on par with what you would get at the Gin Palace. The cocktails also did not disappoint and found a certain amount of bliss drinking the «Condelezza» which should not be confused with the former US Secretary of State.
Follow the stairs up one level and you will find the toilets and another drinking area aptly called «The Attic» which allows you to enjoy a more intimate setting. Both levels though were indeed quite a find; a diamond in the rough so to speak in an area where I did not expect to find a place of such superior quality and service mixed with a fun vibe. It proves that expectations will only lead to ambiguity and disappointment if you do experience anything new without an open mind.

I think that Black Pearl is the kind of place that would divide opinion greatly. In that respect, it is a bit like vegemite — you either love it or hate it. I hate vegemite but I love a really well made cocktail.
For people that are looking for a quick drink and just want to get shitfaced on the cheap, Black Pearl is not for you. For those just craving the best cocktail there is and a piece indulgence albeit at a leisurely place, then this is the place for.
The cocktails are expensive (~$ 20), but you really get what you pay for. The staff are really friendly and are really accommodating if you have any special requests.
I often will just order a scotch based cocktail and give them free reign on what they wanna do with it.

Zack, Chris and Rob really do make magic happen at the Black Pearl!
My lovely flatmate introduced me to this little slice of heaven the very first week I lived in Fitzroy. It was love at first sight.
One of the best whisky/​rye/​scotch selections around. Fantastic artisanal drinks. And you don’t even have to stick to the menu. These guys know their stuff, and enjoy giving you a taste of something you’ve never had!

Dim lit. Comfy couches. Cushions. More cushions. And of course cocktails. My circles of friends seem to like choosing Black Pearl as their birthday drinks location. Yes, their cocktails a good and pricey, but no more pricey than every other cocktail joint, and they have a good selection of beers and wine, and so on. My story is for all the cider lovers out there. They don’t have any. A shame it is. However, and this is the part I really like, the bartender was more than happy to whip up a little something especially for me. Nothing makes you feel like you’re better than everyone else than your very own cocktail. It was sweet, with a hint of tartness, and very appley (if that’s even a word). When I asked, «What do you call it?» He simply said, «The Cider Substitute».

I think the bartenders here win my award for best uniform. They all look spiffing, and seem to have been instructed to charm the pants off every woman that comes in and orders a drink. I’m not complaining, I must say.
The sign outside always has some alcohol related quote, which I find quite at odds with a cocktail bar (perhaps a pub?). I don’t know why this is, after all, cocktails do indeed promote the enjoyment of alcohol.
Perhaps I’m being too snooty, or not snooty enough, but look past the sign and it’s a great place for a few drinks with friends. The cocktails are great, too.

One thing that has always impressed me about ‘Black Pearl’ and what the locals know it for is their incredible cocktails.
The venue is dimly lit and quite intimate. When you’re sitting back and sipping on one of their (somewhat pricey) amazing cocktails, you will find a sense of euphoria… Yes the cocktails are that good.
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting Black Pearl, I savoured the ‘Blueberry Hills’ cocktail. A mix of Havana Club, Blueberries, Syrup and a few other treats will make your head spin with joy.
If cocktails dont tickle your fancy, they have over 20 beers and a small wine collection.
Cocktails range from around $ 20 — $ 30, Beers anywhere from $ 9 — $ 15 and Wines begin at $ 10.

Black Pearl and its recent addition, the Attic, are hidden gems on Fitzroy’s iconic Brunswick Street. For those who care about their drinks and appreciate the effort put into making a great cocktail, then Black Pearl and the Attic are the bars for you. They provide their patrons with innovative and delicious cocktail concoctions. In Black Pearl, you find classic cocktails along with in-​house recipes. In the Attic, there is a minimal approach to cocktails with only 12 – 15 cocktails on the list.
The venue is separated into Black Pearl (downstairs) and the Attic (upstairs). Despite its focus on cocktails, Black Pearl has a relaxed vibe and plenty of comfortable couches to lounge on. The Attic does have a more exclusive feel. Patrons are required to ring a bell and wait at the door until a bartender lets them in. Because it is table service, the number of people allowed into the Attic is limited. However, once you’re in, the service is excellent.
The bartenders are knowledgeable and for the most part, friendly. For those interested in the art of cocktail making, skip coming here on Friday or Saturday and come during the week. I spent a few hours in the Attic chatting with the bartenders and learning about their in-​house cocktails. Whilst their cocktails are unique, I was really impressed by the various bitters they made.

Atmospheric, brooding yet comfortable, the Black Pearl offers a trendy yet affordable alternative to Fitzroy’s many swanky venues. This is certainly not to say that the Black Pearl isn’t stylish or popular, it’s just a little more accessible then most Brunswick Street bars. Located just down from the junction of Johnston Street, the Black Pearl’s dark tinted floorboards, funky lighting and comfortable sofas make this unique lounge bar an excellent place to start your night or the perfect location to spend a cold winters night. With a great list of wines, spirits and cocktails the Black Pearl has something to offer even the most skeptical punter, however, food is limited to snacks and it is often crowded.