One of the biggest gripes of Perthites is that the city has far too few small bars. Thanks to changes in liquor licensing, however, the situation is changing and small bars are sprouting up everywhere, like Helvetica, The Classroom and – our new favourite – 399.

Pronounced “three-nine-nine”, this quirky little cocktail bar is nestled in the heart of Northbridge’s Chinatown amongst pho bars and Asian grocery stores. In fact, you’d be forgiven for having a hard time spotting it on your first visit. Unassuming though its exterior may be, 399′s interior is anything but. The small venue comprises a long, narrow space punctuated by soft lighting, Elvis gospel melodies and the lovely sound of ice rattling in martini shakers.

Deep booths line the wall facing the bar, filled with happy regulars sipping their favourite cocktails and enjoying the tapas-style menu. Yes, 399 knows how to mix a cocktail. These bartenders are some of Perth’s best – no cocktail request, however unheard-of or imprecise, goes unanswered. The bartenders seem, in fact, to relish the challenge, seeing as how they keep their cocktail menus well out of reach. If you’ll believe it, customers who visit on a Monday are invited to bring a mystery ingredient that the bartender will incorporate into their cocktail. How’s that for fun?

Need another reason to love them? 399 is also open for breakfast 7 days a week. Besides its gorgeous coffee, the kitchen’s claim to fame is the 399 Bloody Breakfast, which, for $20, buys you a full brekky with a Bloody Mary on the side when you drop by on the weekend.

Don’t miss the upcoming Metaxa Triathlon Cocktail Competition held at 399 on 19 February. Teams of two from various Perth bars will compete in this multi-stage competition that requires them to find a quirky cocktail ingredient from the shops of Northbridge’s Chinatown, in costume. The team who uses that ingredient to make the winning drink will be crowned the champions.

Where: 399 William St, Northbridge
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-midnight, Sun 10am – 10pm
Details: 399bar.com

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