mechanics' institute bar

perth tier 1 bar. reading some of the reviews brings me a lot of entertainment, as i can imagine the type of whiny customers that give this place a negative review. sure, there are a few hipsters there, and sometimes one or two of the bartenders are a little arrogant, but overall, the quality of drinks, service and the overall atmosphere of this place is essentially unbeatable. the bartenders in perth, in my opinion, are an elite calibre. this is coming from someone who has been to top-end bars all over the world, from russia to japan to the usa. their knowledge of making drinks, but also recommending wines, beers and spirits is exceptional and the vibe that the owners and staff have given this place really makes it a pleasure to be around. if you haven't been there before, do go.

also, the value for money is excellent. it's a shame to live in melbourne without mechanics.

mechanics institute  is perched high above northbridge. the bar’s larger portion is formed by a terraced incline of wood and stylised scaffolding; most of the institute’s several levels of wining and dining are exposed to the open elements. the institute’s cocktails shift day to day. seldom do they top $20, most of them hit the scales at around $14.

manky celery!. i'm saying i liked it, because we did. the service is awesome, the setting is great and the food is delicious. but please check the celery on the bloody mary's before serving! both of our celery should have been thrown out, it was bad in sections and the leaves were rotten and brown. i like eating celery from the bm's, so was sad.

cool, but trying way too hard to be so.. i like the atmosphere, set-up and guys at the bar are very friendly.... i just wish they didn't give off the vibe of trying to impress you with how cool they are. as an example there was some anecdote about the tequila being illegal or something, trying to show how edgy they are. and who on earth controls the playlist, it is like the whole of itunes on shuffle with no coherent theme or transition from song to song. it is not nearly as enduring as they think it is, background music should seamlessly add mood, rather than having people say well that was an abrupt change of pace.

in case you weren’t aware, the mechanics institute is having their 2nd birthday bash this sunday (the 31st of august) from 12pm onwards. if you’re already familiar with the place then you’ll know that they’re one of perth’s coolest and best hidden laneway bars that serves up awesome drinks and flipside burgers to the happenin’ northbridge set. if you haven’t been there yet, then what better way to get to know them as they enter their terrible twos? to help the celebrations along they’ll be bringing back their epic bloody marys for one day. for the uninitiated of you out there, these just happen to be giant bloody mary with a whole cheeseburger slider as a garnish. perfect for celebrating a birthday or getting over an equally epic hangover, either way i know what i’ll be eating/drinking come sunday! the epic bloody mary: one hellava beverage/meal. (pic courtesy of helskitchen) in case that’s not enough, they’ll also be putting on a pig-on-a-spit too. that’s right, you heard me correctly

nice spot in northbridge for a drink. lovely atmosphere up at mechanics for a drink at anytime. no complaints- fantastic bar staff and added bonus of burgers from flipside downstairs!

bloody mary. love the way they make there bloody mary's here! and their in huge jars :)

intimate roof-top bar with a view; very crowded but that's to be expected.
cocktails were a slight disappointment; not the quality but the fact that after just afew sips they were pretty much gone considering the prices, perhaps a little steep.

we’ve always said that perth’s weather lends to rooftop bars – it’s amazing there aren’t more of them. mechanics institute is our favourite choice for outdoor beverages, perched above william street.

not too bad tuesdays. went on a tuesday afternoon. it was understandably fairly quiet. the guy behind the bar was funny, helpful & pleasant. combine that with a $15 burger from flipside & a beer or cider, can't go wrong :)

mechanics has a great hidden laneway location, a rooftop deck and some of the best cocktails going around. the staff here really know their stuff and are happy to mix things up beyond what’s on the menu to create some amazing drinks that really match what you’ve said you like.

came here for the first time last week and it is now my new favourite bar. i loved the music and cocktails. staff were also very friendly and helpful

seems you can still have fun in perth during the week! nearly stayed here instead of going to fringe we had such a good time.


-----15 may, 2013-----

great night out. fun vibe, cool fit out and staff who know their booze and how to have a bit of fun behind the bar. great to be able to enjoy a good cocktail and have burgers delivered from flipside. will be doing it again soon!

whole lotta love. bloody mary's with sliders, apple and rye, cider, cool music and great view. gotta love sundays at mechanics.

worst bar in perth. absolutely horrendous, never going back.