Employees Only Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Sydney

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Employees Only Bar, and it undoubtedly exceeded my expectations as a top-notch cocktail establishment. Here's a detailed review of my experience at this extraordinary bar.

Atmosphere and Ambiance: Upon entering Employees Only Bar, I was immediately captivated by its unique and alluring ambiance. The bar exudes a charming and vintage-inspired atmosphere, with dim lighting, plush seating, and a stylish decor that transports you to another era. The overall vibe is sophisticated, yet welcoming, creating an inviting space for both intimate conversations and lively gatherings.

Craft Cocktails and Mixology: The highlight of Employees Only Bar lies in its expertly crafted cocktails. The mixologists here are true artists, showcasing their mastery of mixology through innovative creations and attention to detail. The menu features an extensive selection of classic and signature cocktails, each prepared with precision and using high-quality ingredients. From perfectly balanced old-fashioned variations to creative concoctions tailored to individual preferences, every drink I tried was a masterpiece in its own right.

Service and Knowledgeable Staff: The staff at Employees Only Bar are not only attentive and friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable about their craft. They take the time to understand each customer's preferences and offer recommendations tailored to individual tastes. The bartenders are passionate about mixology and are more than happy to share their expertise, engaging in conversations about the art of cocktail making. Their professionalism and passion contribute to an exceptional customer experience.

Attention to Detail and Presentation: One aspect that sets Employees Only Bar apart is their meticulous attention to detail. From the perfectly measured ingredients to the carefully garnished drinks, every element is executed with precision. The cocktails are presented in beautiful glassware, enhancing the visual appeal and adding to the overall experience. The level of care and craftsmanship put into each drink is evident and greatly appreciated by patrons.

Exclusive and Intimate Setting: Employees Only Bar offers an exclusive and intimate setting, making it an ideal spot for a memorable night out. The bar provides a sense of exclusivity without being pretentious, allowing patrons to unwind and enjoy their drinks in a sophisticated yet comfortable environment. The attention to detail extends to the music selection, which sets the perfect ambiance and enhances the overall atmosphere.

Accessibility and Reservations: While Employees Only Bar is known for its exclusivity, the process of gaining access is straightforward. It is advisable to make a reservation in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak hours. The reservation system ensures a more personalized experience and reduces waiting times, allowing guests to fully indulge in the exceptional offerings of the bar.

Conclusion: Employees Only Bar is a hidden gem that surpasses expectations in terms of ambiance, craft cocktails, and attentive service. With its captivating atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and impeccable attention to detail, it sets the stage for an extraordinary evening. Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or someone looking to savor an unforgettable night out, Employees Only Bar is a must-visit destination that guarantees an exceptional experience in the world...

The food was 5 ⭐️ absolutely phenomenal. We opted for the set menu (entrees and mains) and the servings were more than adequate for 3 adult males and 2 adult females. No one left hungry. The cocktails averaged $28 each but they were delicious. Water is roughly $13 a bottle and if you ask for tap water you’re met with extremely confused staff. They were accommodating but were baffled we would want tap water. The staff were attentive and diligent throughout our meal.

My issue was with the overall atmosphere. Before my booking, I was sent a detailed email about the strict dress code and general expectations of visiting Employees Only. The email clearly implied that this was a classy venue and as such patrons are expected to act like it both through clothing and behaviour. We complied with the dress code happily. Upon arrival, we were led to our table in the roped off section for patrons who had booked tables. Everything was great until the two parties seated behind us arrived. Both tables were obnoxiously loud and intoxicated. One table had patrons who arrived half cut, stumbling around and knocking into us as they went by. Another table (10-15 people easily) had a round of shots hand delivered to the table by a Chef. They carried on screaming and partying at their table the entire time we were there. The waitstaff accommodated their stupid behaviour and it was clear this particular table was in kahoots with an employee.

Now, I’m not a snob. I understand the need to let loose and enjoy a night out. But I was under strict orders to not have anyone in my party dressed in ripped jeans or offensive clothing because the establishment wants to uphold a level of sophistication. Yet this party could sit there and be so overly obnoxious and overbearing to the clear discomfort of other patrons? Make that make sense. Because I know I’d rather be seated next to someone with ripped jeans on than the absolute circus I witnessed at the nearby table.

The table next to us (party of 2) requested to be moved after about ten minutes of dealing with the selfish larger group and the waitstaff tried to accommodate the move but the venue was already full. After another ten minutes, they cancelled their mains and left. We followed about 5 minutes after as we were having to shout across the table to each other in order to hold a conversation due to the other tables nearby being so loud.

The food however was spectacular and if you could guarantee you didn’t have to deal with insolent behaviours, it would be an excellent place to eat! Just avoid...

My friends and I had a disheartening experience at Employees Only last night. I am not one to leave reviews, but the actions of the staff had one very clear message: "You don't belong here. Leave."

Maybe it's the fact that we were significantly younger than the people they receive. (We were university students) Or the fact that we don't have the same skin colour as a majority of their customers. (We were also brown) As soon as we were seated, I noticed two security guards standing by our table surreptitiously eyeing us. While this made me feel uneasy, I chose to ignore it.

However, there were other things that were harder to ignore.

The waiter brought out the card machine even before we were done with our drinks. He made us pay for our first round having decided himself that we were not going to buy another.

No sooner did my friend finish her drink, than the waiter took her glass away without so much as a question ensuring that she was in fact, done with her glass.

I work in the service industry (I apologise for leaving my service industry grime on your pristine wine glasses) so I am not foreign to the concept of making a judgement about your customers, particularly if they don't fit the archetype of people that you usually expect. However, the restaurant industry is first and foremost a people's industry. It exists on the sentiment of bringing people together. And there are more diplomatic ways of dealing with certain situations.

Asking the customers if they are keen on buying another round or prefer to have the bill, or making sure that they are comfortable with you clearing the table is a start. It takes very little to make people feel welcome.

I don't expect anything to come out of this review. From what I see, they only respond to positive feedback. This is for the people, reading through the reviews deciding if this establishment is worth your time. In all honesty it wasn't worth ours.

Perhaps if the owner could change the name to "Rich, White Employees Only" it would make their intentions clear to potential guests. It also would not have...