Sticks - Fire Bistro at Queensbay Mall, Penang | Best place to Hang out
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You might find it odd to be sitting by the roadside where many vehicles passing by. But I found it astonish that I do not felt like I am in the middle of busy street.
Perhaps it was due to the design layout of the place itself, the worries of being disturbed with noises and odor from the vehicles passing, just doesn’t seems to exist.
The building has also upper open spaced area and Huat Koay is honored to be invited by Jerry to have a glance from the top of the restaurant. He is amazed with the view from the top, perhaps you might be too.
At one corner of the restaurant, there are stools available for those who enjoy sitting by bar drinking and accompanied with music. Sticks will never turn you down even if you are alone or prefer to be alone to enjoy a simple glass of beer.
I guess I should credit the owners who really give some thoughts to all our needs. There is an indoor dining area fully air-conditional.
So for those who prefer to have a more private, colder and comfort place to dine, they have one available and it is smoking free zone 
Hmm… other than a nice environment, beautiful scenery, comfortable area, let’s find out we can have to fullfil our tongue and tummy J.
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Good place, reasonable price.
hi Ron… u r fast…
hmm… agree.. is a nice place to hang out
Going again this new year eve…. he..he. Best location to enjoy the concert over there soon…
Great! So near my house. Can go anytime.
Thinking to go over there on new year eve. The environment looks fantastic!
wow great place to go with friends!!!
gosh… what a nice place, sure full of ppl for the new year eve….
Interesting new place …
Spicy Waikiki Sardine, may i know how much it cost…
HI tom,
Sorry forget to add in the price… had done so… the pasta is RM13.80.
Frankly I dare not try that Spicy Waikiki Sardine but definitely eyeing on that Mango Grill Deep Sea Fish with Pasta.
As lovely as the place looks, the food’s really not all that good and it’s definitely inconvenient when it rains. Plus, the staff are not efficient in their tasks. I certainly had a bad first experience I must say…
visit yesterday and amaze by their place. love it…
will go there more frequent…. nice place to hang out….
heheh..surely agree with you..its a very nice place ..
but had bad exp with their food!
such a damm damm place………food not nice and price is expensive. already try on new year eve.
yes.. the food is sucks….. but the environment is nice… love it
Interesting concept!!!
Agree wit u all, food totally suck big time,,,,,went there for christmas eve dinner which consist of drink, soup, main and dessert. The main course was like appetizer which they only give u 1 stick (yes 1) with 4pcs of small chicken and its not even hot when served and the cost of the meal RM75 per person after taxes. OMG!!!
wow… at least a few bunch of lads had the same experience with me, food sucks, service sucks (10% service charge), beverage sucks. price also sucks… but the environment is quite nice…
How was the food? i saw a feedback from a food blogger about this bistro, the food quite terrible, is it true?
Not recommended at all…not much choices in the menu and beverage price is crazy. Had the worst experience, no sugar in our drinks (tamarind with longan and cold latte). The waitress told me I need to inform them if I want to have sugar in my coffee…I’ve never have to ask for sugar in my coffee, they should just bring them along when the drinks are served!!!!! And the waitress there was rude, the waiters there do not know how to explain when I asked them about the food… Environment may be nice but overall it was bad…not recommended at all!!
Nice place..but FOOD & SERVICE SUCKS BIG TIME!!! Waiter don’t know how to talk and explain the food. Quite a number of food offered in the menu are NON AVAILABLE..Not recommended for eating…Take your money and head over to Fri***s better…At least what you eat it’s worth what you pay. I’ll rate the service (2) and food (2)…Bad Bad place for dining in….Waiter and waitress a lot but all talking and joking among themselves.
heard from a friend that the renovation cost was close to 1million. is it true? if its true, then i am sure i understand why the price is so expensive. by the way, i hate it when they try to con us. i went there at 11pm, and ordered a bottle of tiger and my friend ordereda pint of guiness, when the receipt came out, we ask the waiter why is the price different from the menu, and guess what they told us? the menu is for happy hour only. and we ask them, why give us happy hour menu for non-happy hour time, and the reply is that, they dont have normal menu.
Service was horrible! 4 of us, and he only gave us ONE menu, and took the order assuming it was OK. When I asked about the size of the food portion(PIE), the waiter gave me the look and showed his palm to me. We ordered dinner meal, and they did not come together, but one by one, 5-10 mins in between. And when the last hot meal came, he apologized for the delay stating that they were busy (but less than a handful of tables?). Oh yea, you should see how they placed the cutleries! As for menu, very limited and deceiving. The main course or they called it set dinner, eg: 2 skewers of chicken (satay style -maybe triple the size) and a small portion or rice (RM1.50 nasi lemak size) and with some sauces, and that cost about RM20, I think. And oh ya, my pie is a pastry size (definitely smaller than the waiter’s palm). BUT, I might go there to try the drinks, and hopefully the service will improve……
HORRIBLE, don’t even go there!
Went there yesterday for the first time based on the tua pui’s reccommendations.
Just about everything that could go wrong, did!!
Firstly, when we walked in, I told them I wanted a table for three. They led us to the tables, only to ask us if we wanted a table for four.
Then, after having a look at the menu, we made our orders. Spicy ____ Chicken, _____ Fresh Squid (both appetizers for sharing), Krabby Patty mini chicken burger, homemade mushroom soup, and a whole fresh coconut (that’s exactly what I quoted from the menu, RM6.50) for me.
My friend’s drink came. It was some tamarind juice thing. My and my friends don’t know how to describe it but it was horrible. You’ll have to taste it for yourself to know. But basically, it’s DISGUSTING.
When the food came, my coconut juice was in a glass. Horrified that I would be paying RM6.50 for a small glass of coconut water, I called the waiter and told him about the error. He said that I ordered coconut juice in a glass, which I vehemently denied, because “coconut juice in a glass” wasn’t on the menu — it was “whole fresh cococnut!”. Anyway, he gave me a weird look (I thought that was very rude) and said he’d check.
My coconut juice came back. This time, it was a whole coconut. Except that the juice looked suspicious. It tasted even more suspicious - the water was like a cross between mango juice and coconut juice.
Then, starters (RM4.80 each) came. Fresh squid turned out to be 5 small pieces of deep fried squid. Spicy _____Chicken turned out to be a single lonely chicken skewer.. oh did I mention that the sauce that came with the chicken tasted like mashed milipedes?!?!?! Yea, the black and yellow ones that make your skin crawl. (my other friend said it tastes like cockroach. )
My soup came. It was…salty. I had great difficulty finishing it.
My friends did not think highly of their main course either. It was about RM17 (excl tax, etc) for a not very big plate of pasta which wasn’t nice.
We hung around for a while.
When the bill finally came, we were going to dig out our money before realizing it was for the WRONG TABLE =.=”
When the correct bill finally came, I saw that charged ME RM10.50 for a coconut mocktail. No wonder it tasted weird! I couldn’t argue coz I had already drunk the coconut. I was even more angry now, because if what I drank was a mocktail, then it was a REALLY BAD MOCKTAIL!!!! How difficult is it for them to understand “whole fresh coconut”?!?!?!?!?!
I really wanted to take the coconut and smash it on the waiter’s head. Really how can so many things go wrong in one night?
The service was completely horrible and I’ve never had a worse experience anywhere else in Penang or Malaysia or any country in my travels!
Please tua pui, I hope you don’t recommend this place to other people so that they don’t waste their money. I am quite easy to please when it comes to food but yesterday’s experience was unforgiveable.
Never again!!!!
After receiving some info that this place was worth the visit, both of us patronise the place on the 8th January 2010. We arrive at about 5:45pm and was immediately shocked to find that there were many workers but NO ONE WAS BOTHERED TO ATTEND TO US. We found a table OURSELVES and was meet with an employee with with menu and the table was NOT EVEN SET WITH CUTTERY. The waiter took our order but looked VERY BLURR and when we asked more about the food, his immediate answer was that he has to check. HE DOES NOT EVEN KNOW WHAT THIS PLACE WAS SELLING….??? Took the order but the order was not done as what the we wanted. The food and drinks were very poor to quality and taste. When we wanted to have better understanding, we were meet with the General Manager and she ALSO ANSWER “I NEED TO CHECK” on the food quality and standard. CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT THE GM DO NOT KNOW EVEN WHAT THIS PLACE SELL AND THE STANDARD. VERY BAD SERVICE AND FOOD IS HORRIBLE……
Food and service SUCKS big time. No value for money. What’s the use of a nice place but service staff including GM only know to answer you : “Let me check” and thats all they know to answer.
When it rains the concept is totally out and I don’t want extra juice in my food.
ed: i think the waitress that i met that day really can’t speak.
i would agree that the food aint that great but it’s a nice place to hangout!
was there for bday dinner party recently. Full of people..food was quite good…liked the beefy balls and sardine pasta and mojitos. ! looks like they are improving. will go again with gf for Valentine!
hi guys, sorry for getting you all bad experience on this outlet. But overall this is still the best place to hang out with fren to have a drink and chit chat… Food wise…. I will try to deliver your feedback to them. Thanks
I have been reading all the complaints about STICKS and as the Owner/Founder I would like to put a face in front and seek your indulgence to respond:
1. Yes, we invested a lot (7-figures) to make it a nice cool place comparable to Kuta Bali, Hawaii, Phuket etc. The umbrellas are Aussie and the woodwork and furniture are all hardwood. We wanted to create a “postcard’ look because we could not find a beautiful place to bring friends. It was always hawker food or expensive hotels in Ferringhi.
2. Yes, we built from zero from the ground up on a bare land. Rain is the biggest issue but we have a 60 seat aircon area and retractable canopies. We could easily cover everything but that would defeat the concept. We did not want to sacrifice the “openness” under the stars. We are not fine dining but casual so even beach wear is fine! We also created the First Fish Bar (where you can drink with the fishes) in Malaysia at great expense. Not many people are aware but we have a rooftop that has a fantastic view – so far we have had a few private dinners there. Later it will be done up as a roof-garden cosy area.
3. Yes, on the first month of opening since 19dec, we had problems with the food and service. I’ll address the food later. On service, we wanted to be purist and refused to hire foreign floor staff but stuck with Malaysians. Our menu was new to the staff because they only know steaks, burger, sandwiches i.e. standard fare. They never ever experienced Hawaiian fusion and that resulted in the inability to explain or recommend the food properly even though we did train. They punch in the wrong orders etc on the computerized POS system etc. Our new revised menu (est. start 8feb) will have simplified codes numbers and pictures.
And yes, sad to say, but poor attitude, indifference and poor communication seems to be a Malaysian workforce problem. We will now look to hire few foreign staff just to do running (delivery, clearing etc). We are willing to pay more to use Captains/Supervisors to take orders. We will also put up a customer comment card by 8 feb. Staff with good comments will get immediate bonus.
4. We are well aware of pricing and strive to keep it reasonable- everyone can compare. For example, small starters “tapas” are below RM5.00 ( 10+ choices). Soups are RM5.80. Salads are RM7.80 but will be revised to RM5.80. Chicken Pie is 4” round and RM5.80 with fries (remember our pies & burgers are Snacks not full meal). Main grills (8 choices) are RM19.80 incl rice or pasta, slaw, pickle & sauces. Pastas (6 choices) are RM13.80.
Of course for Xmas, New Year etc it will cost more for a full 5-course set - at our neighbour outlet, you are given only 2 hours to eat and leave…and higher price than us! To be fair, special occasions you are also paying for the location and the higher costs incurred.
5. Our food portions are not large for sure. Our concept is not for a big fast meal just to fill your stomach. Coming to STICKS should be for the classy yet relaxed ambience and slowly enjoy a starter, a soup or salad and the Main with a cocktail/wine and maybe dessert with coffee.
Yes, it may blow your budget to have the full course but it shouldn’t be all the time – also better to do the Lunch Set @RM13.80 or Dinner Set @RM33 (new menu). Other times, a beer/cocktail and pasta/snack is what many of our regulars go for. By the way, we are increasing the size of the Main to cater for the younger (& hungrier) people.
6. On the food there are several issues. First, I agree the Menu was confusing so we are changing to a simplified with pictures ( some people don’t read English too). Second, as I said before, our staff was unable to communicate properly – our food is modern so many people are not sure what we are about. Third, some fusion items are not for everyone eg sardine pasta – you have to like sardines or a little adventurous in the first place….but still it remains our top pasta seller today.. ….even our neighboring outlet manager buys it home after his place closes.
I know customers don’t want to know excuses but it is sad in Malaysia we get unscrupulous suppliers who give you good stuff for testing then gives you 2nd grade once you are successful. We have changed and put in strict controls but will still have to look out all the time.
So, we value feedback. I think in F&B there will be some OFF days but what is important is we keep listening and improving. We do not believe in a having a laundry list of items because 80% of customers order 20% of the items. To me, a long menu means you have no concept and you fear to lose out and want to serve everyone.
Also, I question the freshness and the chef skills. Personally, I avoid outlets with long menus and go for places with special items – but that is my choice. The other fact is we use only fresh ingredients even up to making our own sauces- we have a Peppercorn & a Spicy BBQ as well as own salad dressings. The pickle is also from fresh fruits.
7. On the drinks, again we offer some drinks that would be the first time in Malaysia. On the new menu, we are putting in more description and pictures so you don’t order something you don’t like. A tip which I do when I go places: If you are a drinks person, always go to the bar and talk to the bartender and discuss preferences….sometimes I even get free tasting if it is not a standard drink!
For example, our homemade Tamarind drink (no preservatives or flavoring) is sour, sweet with a slight bitter after taste. We tested on many customers and mostly girls like it. Others ok but some guys think it is weird. Well….not for everyone….( I will tell the staff to let customers try first if it is first time for them). We stick to our tropical concept and offer some unique cocktails: COCOKAKA (whole coconut, vodka, ++) & PIPIRUM (whole pineapple, rum, ++) are our top sellers.
8. We always want to be better and appreciate all comments good or bad. We have now done about 20 private functions from 15 to 60 pax and we have upcoming a Porsche dinner party & an “Online Dating Service” Event (believe it or not over 100 pax! From Spore!).
I know some of you may be very put off by the bad experience you had at STICKS- I would be too if it was me - I would like to offer my sincere apologies for our shortcomings. Because of the start up problems as mentioned above, I am willing to give anyone of you a FREE meal anytime to compensate. Just email me at sticks.my@gmail.com and I will see to it.
Of course, Fridays & Sats tend to be a bit crazy so please try to make it a weekday if possible.
I thank you for coming to STICKS in the first place even though for some of you the food and service was a major disappointment.
As a consolation, everyone says it is a great place. What pisses me off is I have friends who travel everywhere and say how great this place and that place is and run down Penang. But when in Penang, they complain that the Char Koay Teow is expensive at Rm5.00 etc when they pay USD5 or EURO5 overseas for a damn coffee or cold sandwich. If this mentality keeps up, we will always be living in lowcost flats! Even my best friends advise me against doing an upscale concept because Penangnites are stingy, cannot appreciate, used to hawker food, cannot behave etc..the list goes on! Living in Penang and having seen nice places overseas, my challenge and vision is to create a beautiful outlet that locals and tourists can be proud off without having to pay an arm and leg for.
Thanks,
jerry
This place has one of the worst service I have ever experienced. I was there about 2 weeks ago at around 11pm on Friday. There were customers but it was certainly not packed. I could see there were quite a number of staff there standing around too.
Anyway, my friend and I sat down at a table and waited. No one came to give us the menu. So we waited. At this point, two groups of customers came and sat down at the tables next to us. The waiters gave menus to both tables but not us.
I then proceeded to ask the waiter for a menu, in which he gave us. No smile, nothing. Just took the menu and put it down on the table and walked away. Fine. We had a look at the menu and chose our drinks then waited for someone to take our order.
We waited and waited for 45 freaking minutes!!! The two tables next to us had been served with their orders by then. No one bothered to come ask for our order. The staff were just standing at the side and we were seated right smack in the middle of the place! In the end, after 45 minutes of waiting and wondering if we were invisible, a waiter came to ask us what we would like to order.
I told the waiter we had been waiting for 45 minutes and no one came to give us a menu in the first place. Guess what he replied? “SO do you still want to order now??” in a rude tone.
Horrible service. You should provide a customer service training course for all your workers. If I were the owners of this place, I would be ashamed. Best place to hang out to have a drink and chit chat? No way.
since the owner was explained all the complaints, Shall you guys give them a chance??? maybe…. ask to replace all the low class workers? haha…
May I know your opening hours pls?
Jerry, penangites kiamsiap? i think these are common misconception. look at area around gurney, upper penang road, ferringi etc, those places dont charge cheap. i think what is true is those ppl living in that area is kiamsiap, bayan baru/bayan lepas. majority of these people are factory workers, and most of them came from kedah, perlis and ipoh. and they bring their kiamsiap culture to penang. they will complain if a meal is over rm5, but if its at mamak stall, then is ok for them even if they are paying for rm10 for nasi kandar. to them, everything “foreign” is “imported ” , and this is typical chinese inferior mind.
YEah! i like this place too ~ but the only bad thing about it, is the restaurant is too near to the road ~ all the dust and the car passing by ** anyway still is a best place to hang out for right now ~
PP,
WTF u calling chinese ppl inferior mind u bloody racist MF!!!!
“Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.”