Stitch Bar — Restaurant in Sydney

We had come from being denied entry to Uncle Mings due to its earlier closing time. Started the trip to Stitch bar with a very judgemental security guard, who thought I was drunk/loaded due to my facial features/structure (I get this every so often, and I explained, but she was continuing to be pushy about it). She asked how the night went so far and I showed that I remembered every other bar we went to. She laughs saying I'm only digging my hole deeper.

Eventually she gets radio'd in that there's a fair bit of space in the bar (and there was, I imagine Uncle Mings was packed to the brim, so maybe it was good we didn't get in), so she gives up the attitude and lets us in.

Grabbed a cheeky scotch cocktail with my mate, it was a little on the weak side due to the amount of ice, but the bartenders (even with 1 being relatively new to the gig) were very nice and attentive to the customers.

We had some chicken drummettes that came with a little spicy sauce, sadly however: the wings were sweet and didn't really go well with the spicy sauce (which was sad because that sauce was great). We enjoyed some very good curly fries that were garlicky, herby and crispy, as they should be.

Had a good whizz at the upstairs bathroom as there's only 1 bathroom within the bar and it was in use (had to take an elevator from inside the bar to the apartment complex above, but thats kind of neat, an interesting change of atmosphere for sure).

All in all, the space and vibe of the bar is really good, I did poke some fun at the security on the way out, and I hope they felt a little silly about before.

I did wish the Singer sewing machines were more of a motif, as they are just sort of - there, on a wall before you go down the stairs into the bar area, they could very easily go unnoticed, especially if people were having to talk their way past security, maybe it would be cool if they were on a wall as you head down the stairs or in the actual bar area.

Good hangout as long as security doesn't bug you, hope to come back and not be given a...

After explaining I’d made a booking for 8pm but was 15 minutes early and was happy to wait, the staff member told me it was no problem as he could seat me. He then offered the two of us a tiny table in a tiny room (that doesn’t allow proper social distancing) or a large table. I’m not sure what the point of booking ahead is if that’s what you’re offered?

We took the tiny table as we both work hospo and didn’t want to take up a larger table than necessary incase a larger group came in. After settling into our seats we instantly regretting out decision because it wasn’t particularly comfortable and because the table behind us were having a loud arguement where the male mansplained the concept of fate, we ordered.

The food was as good as I remember (which was part of the reason I’d booked - compliments to the chef). The cocktails were also nice and the girl serving us was lovely.

After receiving a call from the host to ask where we were for our reservation 25 minutes after we’d arrived, we were like “hey, it happens” but we weren’t moved to a better table and it didn’t appear like anyone had left so I’d love to know what the outcome would have been had I arrived after the call.

It was around then that the never ending arguement behind us got louder and dumber (not your fault) but the service and table were not worth sticking around for.

We were in and out in 45 minutes and went to two other cocktail bars that night. Disappointing seeing as I’ve loved everytime I’ve been here before.

Probably also worth noting that other than the lack of ability to distance in the tiny room were were in, some of the staff weren’t wearing their masks correctly (again, I get it - it’s hot and uncomfortable to work in but if every other venue has to do it, so do you).

I don’t tend to leave reviews, and the only thing that ‘saved’ it was the cocktails and...

Went to Stitch Bar with a couple of dear friends and my wife for my 40th. Ordering food is simple with the QR code and the waitstaff are attentive and friendly. Drinks and food were thoroughly enjoyable, particularly the classic hotdog. In normal circumstances I would give five stars, but the staff member on the door made that a bridge too far. She was unpleasant on the way into the venue and borderline disdainful on our way out. If you’re going for an early 2000s nightclub door attendant vibe, you’ve nailed it. I’m definitely not one of those blokes who has the audacity to tell women to smile (because that wasn’t the issue). The door attendant remained in her swivel chair with her feet up and made no effort to make any of us feel welcome. Again, that could be the vibe you are going for and you might want to make patrons feel as though they’re putting you out. Maybe you don’t want the public facing element of your establishment to be an open and inviting one.

It is a shame that all of the excellent, excellent work performed by everyone downstairs can be completely undermined by the (lack of) performance of a colleague. Unless (of course) the unpleasantness and aloofness was purely performative... in which case, you should really stop it with that “vibe”.

Update: thanks for responding to my review and offering to follow up on the terrible service I had with the person on the door. This occurred three (3) years ago. I am supremely hopeful you’ve fired the member of staff already… unless she’s still working there, if so, you probably should address...