nineTYnine - BAR | LOUNGE | FUMOIR | SHISHA

nineTYnine — BAR | LOUNGE | FUMOIR | SHISHA brings a distinctly cosmopolitan nightlife experience to the heart of Aarau. This multifaceted venue combines a stylish bar and lounge with a dedicated fumoir and an acclaimed shisha service, creating a destination equally suited to lively evenings out or relaxed after-work gatherings. Located at Mühlemattstrasse 40, right along the banks of the Aare River, nineTYnine takes full advantage of its scenic riverside setting with a highly praised outdoor terrace. The business identifies itself as LGBTQ+-friendly and has built a reputation for warm hospitality, thoughtful interior design, and a carefully curated selection of drinks and shisha offerings.

As reflected in its full name, nineTYnine intentionally weaves several distinct elements into one cohesive concept. The bar program emphasizes well-crafted cocktails, including a celebrated virgin cocktail selection for those who prefer non-alcoholic options. In the lounge area, guests find comfortable seating and ambient music calibrated to encourage conversation without overwhelming it. The dedicated fumoir provides a ventilated indoor space for tobacco enjoyment, while the shisha service rounds out the experience with an extensive range of flavors and high-quality equipment. The blend of these four pillars creates an atmosphere that can shift effortlessly from a laid-back daytime vibe to a high-energy weekend social scene. Whether you are stopping by for a quick drink after work, meeting a group of friends for an evening of shisha, or settling in for a full night out, nineTYnine offers a setting that adapts to the rhythm of your plans without sacrificing comfort or sophistication.

Our Vision and Concept

nineTYnine was conceived not just as another bar in Aarau, but as a genuine third place—a space that bridges the gap between home and work. The founders recognized that modern nightlife demands more than a single-note experience. By integrating a bar, a lounge, a fumoir, and a shisha service under one roof, the venue can serve multiple social needs simultaneously. The interior layout reflects this philosophy: distinct zones are designed to accommodate different moods and group sizes, ensuring that a couple seeking an intimate conversation, a larger group celebrating a special occasion, and a solo guest unwinding with a book and a cocktail can all find their perfect corner. This flexibility is one of the key reasons nineTYnine has earned a loyal following in the Aargau region.

Cocktail Craft and Beverage Excellence

The bar at nineTYnine is the vibrant core of the venue, built around a philosophy of quality, creativity, and inclusivity. The cocktail menu is carefully developed to include both timeless classics and inventive new creations that reflect seasonal ingredients and contemporary trends. Bartenders use premium spirits, fresh juices, house-made syrups, and precise techniques to ensure each drink is consistently excellent. What truly sets the beverage program apart, however, is the commitment to non-alcoholic offerings. The virgin cocktail menu receives the same level of attention and imagination as the alcoholic counterpart, giving designated drivers, non-drinkers, and anyone taking a break from alcohol a compelling reason to order a crafted drink rather than defaulting to water or soda. This dedication to choice and quality helps create an environment where everyone feels welcome and catered to, regardless of personal preferences or dietary requirements.

Shisha Culture and Fumoir Tradition

Shisha is not treated as an afterthought at nineTYnine—it is a core pillar of the experience. The venue offers a broad selection of premium tobacco flavors, sourced to satisfy both traditional tastes and adventurous palates. Each shisha is prepared with high-quality equipment, ensuring a smooth, flavorful session from the first pull to the last. Staff members are knowledgeable about flavor pairings and can guide newcomers through the menu or help seasoned enthusiasts discover new combinations. The shisha service is available across multiple areas of the venue, meaning guests can enjoy their session on the sunny terrace while watching the Aare flow past, or sink into the lounge seating indoors when the weather turns cooler.

The fumoir, meanwhile, provides a dedicated, well-ventilated indoor space for tobacco enjoyment that caters to cigar and pipe aficionados as well as shisha lovers who prefer a cozier setting. The ventilation system ensures the space remains comfortable for guests and staff alike, while the furnishings and lighting maintain the sophisticated ambiance found throughout nineTYnine. The fumoir is a rare feature in Aarau’s hospitality landscape and underscores the venue’s commitment to offering a complete and mature nightlife experience.

Atmosphere, Music, and Interior Design

The atmosphere at nineTYnine is frequently singled out in guest reviews as a defining feature. The interior design avoids flashy trends in favor of a timeless, comfortable aesthetic that feels both upscale and approachable. Lighting is used strategically to define zones—warmer, dimmer light in lounge areas and brighter, more energetic illumination near the bar—while the furniture strikes a balance between style and comfort. The music program is calibrated with equal care: playlists and sound levels are chosen to provide a vibrant backdrop without dominating the room. Guests consistently note that conversation remains easy and natural, a quality that distinguishes nineTYnine from louder venues where shouting is the only way to communicate. The outdoor terrace adds another dimension entirely. Positioned along the Aare River, it offers sun-soaked afternoons and atmospheric evenings with a view of the water and greenery. In warmer months, the terrace becomes one of the most sought-after spots in Aarau for a relaxed drink or a shisha session with friends.

Inclusivity and Community

nineTYnine is proudly LGBTQ+-friendly and actively cultivates an environment where everyone can feel safe, respected, and celebrated. This commitment goes beyond a label; it is reflected in the behavior and training of the staff, the tone of the venue’s social media presence, and the diverse crowd that gathers on any given evening. The team understands that genuine hospitality means seeing and valuing each guest as an individual, and this ethos permeates every interaction. The venue also serves as a community hub, hosting themed nights, celebrations, and informal meet-ups that bring together Aarau’s diverse population. Regular guests speak of the staff by name, and first-time visitors often remark on how quickly they feel at ease. This sense of belonging is a deliberate outcome of the nineTYnine philosophy and a major factor in the venue’s glowing 4.4-star rating across 237 reviews.

Scenic Riverside Location

Mühlemattstrasse 40 places nineTYnine in one of Aarau’s most attractive settings. The building sits directly along the banks of the Aare, offering views that shift beautifully with the seasons—from the bright, lively greens of spring and summer to the misty, tranquil tones of autumn and winter. The riverside location is fully leveraged by the terrace, described in reviews as a beautiful spot with ample sunshine and a direct line of sight to the riverbank. Public transportation connections are excellent, making the venue accessible to guests from across Aargau and beyond, while street parking is available in the surrounding area for those arriving by car. The central but slightly set-back position provides a sense of escape from urban bustle without sacrificing convenience.

Services and Offerings

• Crafted Cocktails and Virgin Drinks: A balanced menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages made with premium ingredients.
• Shisha Service: Extensive flavor selection, high-quality equipment, and knowledgeable staff to guide your experience.
• Dedicated Fumoir: A ventilated indoor space designed for tobacco enjoyment, including cigars and pipes.
• Lounge Areas: Comfortable, conversation-friendly seating zones for groups of all sizes.
• Riverside Terrace: An outdoor seating area with sun, shade, and direct views of the Aare River.
• Snacks and Light Bites: A selection of food options designed to complement the drink and shisha offerings.
• Event Hosting: The venue accommodates celebrations, themed nights, and group reservations.

Plan Your Visit

nineTYnine is located at Mühlemattstrasse 40, 5000 Aarau, in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland. The venue operates with a price indication of 20–30 CHF per person, making it an accessible choice for after-work drinks, weekend gatherings, and special occasions alike. While opening hours can vary and are best checked directly via the website or phone, the venue typically covers evening and late-night slots throughout the week, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate the weekend crowd. Contact nineTYnine by phone at +41 79 881 56 03 to inquire about reservations, shisha table availability, or private event options. The official website, www.9ty9.ch, provides additional information, event announcements, and a gallery of the space. Whether you are a local resident looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor exploring Aarau’s nightlife, nineTYnine offers a polished, welcoming experience that rewards repeat visits.