We love a neighbourhood gem. We walk up the stairs and open the door by the pink neon Misfits sign and experience a vibe which is familal, friendly and fun. Why have we not been here before?
Known for its cocktails, you might expect a Tik Tok crowd, but one of the great things about Misfits is perhaps the diversity of diners and drinkers. We look around and it’s eclectic – groups of friends, couples, girl pals, mates catching up and also seniors. Whether it was naming by intention or accidental, a scan of tonight’s customers tell us everything. This is a place that makes you feel welcome no matter what age, gender or how you define your gang.
We settle into a table towards the back room. Service is swift and friendly. We like this place a lot. Starters of two baby bun sliders are stuffed with juicy poached prawns, lettice and has a skewer through the top to hold it together. They disappear in two munches! A bowl of creamy cods roe has been whipped into fluffy-ness. It is topped with olive oil and a swirl of vinegary capers which cuts through the richness. Handsome salmon skin crackers are puffy, bubbled and is the co-star of this clever dish. Four caramalised onion arancini are doused in taleggio shavings. It’s crunchy, silky and has creaminess from the washed rind cheese.
Mains of spanner crab linguine tastes so good that we have to check with our waiter (and then double check with the kitchen). Are you sure this pasta is gluten free? No! Really? It’s silky, but retains a good bite and flavour, unlike most we have tried. The winner, winner chicken dinner is a glorious fried chicken burger packed with bacon jam, pickles, melted american cheddar and it’s a delight. Sadly the gold band snapper was sold out on our visit, but the team swap it out for Barra which is a superb combo with mushy peas, kalettes and Indonesian curry sauce. We finish up with a slab of pork belly which has a delicate crusty crackle and the fat is well rendered into a porky medley with lardons, lentil and kale.
The drinks menu has something for everyone with beers on tap and a well priced dry Tarot prosecco ($10) and Pinot Grigio Santa Margerhita from Italy ($11). If cocktails are your thing then you will be happy, though our first order of chilli margarita lost its balance due to too much ice. We recommend the coconut margarita using 1800 coconut tequilla.
With a secretive off-street entrance Misfits is somewhere you are told about, read about and perhaps don’t stumble upon unless someone actually leads you towards a neon sign. It is that bar that every neighbourhood needs. Come for a snack, a cocktail a beer afterwork and feel at home.
Misfits, 106 George Street, Redfern
What’s On? So many things. Check out their new monthly Lunch Club. On the last Saturday of every month, they open their doors from midday and celebrate with a long lunch event. Starting at $45 for shared entree, choice of main and sides. Treat yourself by adding on our bottomless option for $30!
5th Birthday Celebrations – celebrating the whole month of September with $5 specials on wine and beer every day 5-7pm!
