Wow. Where do I begin with how terrible this place is?
Prior to our trip to Stockholm, Spy Bar was up on our to do list. Our hotel concierge even recommended it after we told them this was one of the places we wanted to go to since booking our trip. Located right near our hotel nestled in a pretty posh and clean area, you know you're near Spy Bar by just looking at the long line to get in. My friend I had VIP passes so we didn't have to wait much other than showing the bouncer our passports. We got in with ease and went upstairs.
When you get inside, the bar is pretty cool and looks really sleek. There are multiple rooms and you can kind of wander around or hang out by the bar. We explored a little and were having a good time near the dj booth. To our surprise, there was a local Swedish boy band type that took over shortly. It was very entertaining and we also had no idea what was going on. Anyway, we were enjoying ourselves on our first night in Stockholm, even though the drinks, in my opinion, were kind of weak for the price. Given that we are coming from overseas, usually the tip is included when you settle up your bill. Our bartender made some quips, asking if people still tip in America. Sir, your passive aggressiveness was duly noted and it was the last drink we got from your bar that night. All you had to do was explain the tipping system wasn't included because you clearly knew we are American, just like you are.
We decided to hang out a bit and make a pit stop at the restroom area prior to heading out to our next stop. As usual, the women's line is always a disaster- this is something that transcends country borders and different languages. Chances are that if you're a chick, you're gonna be waiting a long time to go to the restroom. My friend already had come out of the men's line and I was still waiting. Many of the men suggested the women wait and use the stall inside just to keep the line moving a bit. I sheepishly followed a handful of women as we got in line with some men. Two women in front of me went into the stall together, and this is when a tall man, came out next to me and started screaming at *only* me for being on the men's line. He didn't get in any other women's faces that were also on the men's line. Now, I was being very polite and said I can wait on the other one, but I was just curious as to why he didn't scream at the woman behind me, or the two women who just went into the stall in front of me. He didn't take this too well so this 6'2 + something man took it upon himself to shove me into the wall. I'm 5'1. Politeness goes a long way. My male friend stood up for me and got in between this aggressive stranger for shoving me. When he pushed him back and told him it wasn't necessary, what did Spy Bar do? They kicked my friend out and not the original aggressor who shoved a woman. The other women also stayed on line because that asshole only targeted me. Sorry, I clearly am not Swedish and not European. I do not blame Spy Bar for this racist incident, however they only kicked out my friend for protecting me from getting shoved again by a man. Where's the justice in that?
The kind woman behind me took me onto the other line and told me she'd take care of whatever the other people were saying, in a language I did not understand. She said, yea sometimes you see racism and she complained and warned her Asian friend who she found nearby. Needless to say, my friend and I left the bar after and ended our night as such. We still really enjoyed our trip to Stockholm but anyone looking for a bar/ club to go to can promptly skip over this place. Spy Bar comes highly ranked on many lists as a go to in Stockholm and if it weren't for a few things that happened there, I could have almost believed it deserves to be on some sort of top ten list. So much for being a VIP. Very disappointed. read more
