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Mechanics Institute

Rear, 222 William Street, Northbridge, WA, 6000
Phone
(08) 9228 4189
Website
mechanicsinstitutebar.com.au
Instagram
@mechanicsinstitutebar

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 16 Dec 2022

By
Max Veenhuyzen

Hidden on a rooftop in the Perth cultural hub of Northbridge, this likeable den specialises in ace cocktails mixed by canny staff, served with zero attitude and maximum fun.

people standing at bar Mechanics Institute
Why you goSeriously good cocktails in a not-so-serious setting? Perth will drink to that, and the city has been for more than a decade. While great mixed drinks are an integral part of the Mechanics experience, the crew behind this small rooftop bar understands that bars, first and foremost, trade in the currency of fun. So, while some punters are here to swot up on their whisky history and knowledge of gin cocktails, others are content draining stubbies of VB while catching up with mates and enjoying a soundtrack full of guilty pleasures. In short, whatever you fancy you’ll be glad you came.
Why you stayMechanics, like many venues, rolls out the welcome mat to all. Only in this case it seems as though everyone accepted the invitation and climbed the staircase to experience the bar for themselves. On weekends, you’ll hear the party from the alleyway as folks tuck into some of Perth’s best cocktails while the soundtrack goes hard on Journey, Bon Jovi and other sing-out-loud favourites. The bar itself – tightly packed with bartenders on one side and patrons on the other – crackles with energy. It’s a diverse crowd that gathers here, so count on rubbing shoulders with guests young and old, united in their appreciation of a good drink.
sitting area at Mechanics Institute
Bartender at Mechanics Institute
What drink to orderSo, about those cocktails we’ve been banging on about. A letterboard menu above the bar details a dozen or so drinks, featuring a selection of “twisty ones” (that is, twists on classics that might see one or two key ingredients swapped out) and “weird ones” – Mechanics-speak for lesser-seen creations. A “twisty” drink, for instance, might be the Buffalo and Bees, an Old-Fashioned made with Buffalo Trace bourbon infused with beeswax, while a “weird” one, such as the Smokin’ Rocks, combines mezcal with Italy’s bittersweet Aperol liqueur and rockmelon juice to create a bracing pick-me-up. Many guests prefer their spirits neat and bartenders are happy to recommend a potential new favourite gin or whisky. Otherwise, a good range of packaged beers are available alongside tap options and wines.
Why we love itWhile the bartenders are adept at mixing drinks, they’re equally sharp when it comes to chat and excellent patter is considered a Mechanics trademark. Like many bar professionals, they relish the opportunity to go off-menu. If you’ve recently discovered a cocktail and are curious to know what it tastes like, this is the place for you. Bartenders won’t just make your drink for you, they’ll likely serve it while sharing an interesting anecdote or fact.
image of drinks glass at Mechanics Institute
outdoor sitting area at Mechanics Institute
Regular’s tipWhen the temperature drops, arrive early to nab one of the indoor seats or stools at the bar. Most of the seating here is al fresco, meaning a visit to Mechanics is a little more weather-dependent than your average Northbridge small bar (a retractable roof, however, offers some protection against the elements). Conversely, on sunny days, those outdoor communal tables and benches fill up fast with groups eager to settle in and make the most of that abundant Perth sunshine. For drinkers seeking a more intimate setting, small tables and stools are dotted around the deck.
Make it fancyAs you’d expect from a bar team that’s full bottle on all things cocktail, team Mechanics is also across the wide world of spirits and the liquor cabinet is stocked accordingly. On our last visit, treasures on the back bar included rare Black Art and Octomore Scotch expressions from Islay distillery Bruichladdich, hard-to-find American rye and Japanese whiskeys, and a healthy cross-section of small-scale Australian gins. The bar’s spirit collection is constantly being ransacked by clued-up drinkers – quiz staff for recommendations on what’s turning their heads.
image of bottles at Mechanics Institute
image of boy from window at Mechanics Institute
Who to takeWhile cocktail enthusiasts are going to be very content here, drinkers of all persuasions can ascend the Mechanics staircase confident of having a good time. A central address in Northbridge makes this an excellent option for showing off the inner city to out-of-towners, especially those getting their culture fix at the nearby Art Gallery of Western Australia or Western Australian Museum. For locals, the bar is close enough to the Perth train station and Busport to be a dangerously convenient detour after a day in the office.
Authour image
Max VeenhuyzenMax Veenhuyzen is a Perth food, drink and travel journalist who contributes to key Australian publications.
Tags
Drinks DirectoryDate nightWheelchair accessibleGood for groupsOutdoor areaA+ spirits listParty vibesRooftopKiller cocktailsPerthAfter work drinksCasual catch-upSpecialty BarGreat tunesBar
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