After Midnight
No, we're not talking about a whimsical Richard Linklater film. We mean those nights when heading to bed before dawn just won't do. Nocturnals, listen up.
12AM-1AM Get the party started at Hula Bula Bar on Victoria Avenue. With its tiki decor, retro tunes and awesome rum selection, it's impossible to start the night on a bad note. We suggest sipping The Easter Island Iced Tea, Hula's tiki spin on the Long Island Iced Tea, made with pineapple and coconut liqueur.
FEELING PECKISH? While you're still respectable, swing by The Conservatory and feast on pancetta- wrapped asparagus and twice-cooked pork belly with winter apple and cinnamon cider sauce – the rooftop bar stays open til 3am.
1AM-2AM It's getting late, but not obscenely so. Mix with well-clad folk at Mt Lawley's Luxe Bar, admire the Stormie Mills mural, and sip on its famous espresso martinis – there's a long night ahead still.
FEELING PECKISH? Soak up the night's transgressions at La Cholita with prawn and mango salsa tacos and toasted tortillas with guac. The Mexican bar and restaurant has a vibe that's so electric you might even be convinced to keep partying…
2AM-3AM If you're still standing, mosey on down to Malt Supper Club on Beaufort Street. We kinda feel like we're in Marie Antoinette's chambers here, with its luxe brocade, velvet and gold overload. We love drinking the Ciao Bella, a fruity cocktail from Southern Italy.
FEELING PECKISH? Fuel up at Darlings Supper Club on Lake Street in Northbridge. It's open until 3am, seven nights a week. They have heaps of dumplings but we advise having the delicious Hong Kong XO pork noodles or the lime, lychee and coconut trifle instead.
Darling's Supper Club
3AM-4AM You trouper! Luckily, new bar Joe Jnr is open til 5am. The unabashed dive bar is all about loud rock and hard liquor. Yee-ha!
FEELING PECKISH? The soon-to-be-opened Lucky Chan's Laundry and Noodlebar on William Street – the first crowdfunded restaurant in Australia – serves noodles and cocktails until 4am. It's from the folks behind The Classroom so we have it on good authority it's going to be awesome.
4AM-5AM Go home already! No? Fine, hit up underground club Ambar. At first you might feel like you're descending into hell, with its slightly seedy decor
and sardine-packed crowd, but it's often voted among the best clubs in the world. Why? The music is consistently awesome and the vibe is kicking. We asked the staff the best drink and the decision was unanimous: the tasty and potent Coconut 1800 Vodka Shot. Bottoms up.
FEELING PECKISH? Northbridge's U&I 24hr Cafe serves Pho around the clock. Can't stomach liquids? 'Fraid Macca's drive-in is the only place that'll have you. Hope you like hash browns.