Stitch Bar

Review

Stitch Bar used to be, together with few others, one of the first small speakeasy style bars of the Sydney CBD and now, years later it's still pumping and for more than a few reasons. The crew behind Stitch Bar form part of House of Pocket, which also operates Pocket Bar in Darlinghurst, Button Bar in Surry Hills, Crooked Tailor is Castle Hill and Pocket Bar in Terrigal, so you know you're in good hands here.

Since the beginning, Stitch Bar has featured an impressive spirits collection, focusing on American Whiskey with a burgeoning collection of Bourbon, Rye and all things from the USA. The theme here is American diner, and conscious of how much Sydneysiders like their food, they boast an equally impressive list of gourmet hamburgers and hot dogs using ingredients such as pulled lamb or duck sausage.

Non whiskey fans can find plenty to like about Stitch, with an impressive cocktail list, and a selection of wine by the glass and both American imported and Aussie beers on offer. In fact, the place is perfect for a boilermaker. The venue has a strong focus on customer service, with full table service throughout, and the friendly staff are more than happy to offer recommendations. Along with tables and booths, you will find a little Whiskey Room on the side adorned with beautiful chesterfield couches, offering a small lounge to kick back and enjoy a tipple.

While not a true speakeasy per se, Stitch can still be hard to find. If you are walking on York street, look out for a subtle tailor's shop front with sewing machines on display. At its heart, Stitch is a neighbourhood bar right in the middle of Sydney's CBD. Come down early as this is a very popular spot. The closer you are to the weekend the harder it will be to get a table with waits sometimes going over the hour.

The venue also offers something unique with its in-house Solera system to finish whiskey in a variety of casks. With six different barrels to produce an American Whiskey blend, ranging from Pedro Ximinez, Port and Sherry to Rum and Rye, amongst others. These mixtures are then used to create barrel aged cocktails with the venue showcasing what the wood can impart flavour on the spirit. Customers can compare how the finishes taste back to back and see the difference, either neat or in cocktails.

Pick your own and if whiskey isn't your thing don't despair. Let the very experienced team shake one up for you, escape the CBD and be taken to anywhere USA where blues, rock and jazz are the order of the day.