Worst bar experience EVER.
Judging by the great reviews of this place, I am disappointed that I feel more compelled than ever to write such a bad review, but quite honestly...it's the most justified review ever.
After eating at sushi at nearby Haru, I took my Australian friend (new to America) to this bar. This was the first time I had stepped foot in this place without having read any reviews. Before I tell this story, I want to clarify that I am beyond open minded in terms of new spots, as some of the best bars I've been to are truly holes in the wall.
We walked in and saw that it was definitely a seedy dive bar. No issue there. We sat down at the bar and saw that there was a wide selection of beer on tap; most of which we had never seen before. AWESOME.
I proceeded to ask the bartender what his recommendation would be given that we had never seen many of these beers before, and instead of giving us a rundown or being helpful, he was quite rude and basically handed us a beer menu and told us to look at that. The menu consisted of beer names but no information on the beer or where it came from. Despite being a beer bar that clearly specializes in unique beers, he was rude in the delivery of everything he said. Despite this, I thought... No biggie.
I then got a bit specific and said that I enjoyed wheat beer the most and asked him which one he would recommend. He reluctantly stated which ones were wheat beer and I then chose one. I noticed the hilarious menu which had swears all over it and spoke to my friend about how hilariously awesome this bar was and even took a picture and shared it on Facebook. Being extremely laidback and open to that stuff, I laughed and thought "this bar is amazing"
I spent an hour or at the bar buying a couple rounds and catching up with my friend. Another bartender then walked by the taps and noticed one of them open and flowing. Right after hearing her say that and before heading to the bathroom, my cheeky Australian friend joked and blamed it on me. The bartender we initially spoke with heard his joke and then proceeded to accuse me and literally yell at me. As a professional who has better things to do than randomly open up a tap just to mess with a bartender, I was totally shocked that the guy was accusing me and making a big fuss. I swore up and down that I didn't touch the damn thing but he then proceeded to call me a liar. I literally thought this guy must have been kidding and joking with me because it was beyond odd that I'd be treated like this anywhere as a customer who kept ordering and was keeping quiet.
I asked him if he was joking (genuinely couldn't believe his treatment) and he said he was serious and continued to accuse me. I told my friend who was pretty damn shocked himself but seeing as he's from Australia, he told me that all bartenders treat their patrons like shit. (Then again, those guys don't depend on a 20% tip)
I sat in awe wondering why this bartender was such a jerkoff but decided not to let it ruin my night. I continued to talk with my friend for another half hour and after the situation blew over (or so I thought), I then nicely said "hey dude, just to clear the air, I really didn't do that." The bartender then proceeded to call me a liar yet again and angrily yelled and said "Your friend even admitted it! You're a freaking liar!"
I literally was blown away. Again, what the hell? I am far past my college days and although a minor thing, I've never once in my life been treated like this by any bartender, waitress or restaurant employee period. This guy was legit pissed off and verbally attacked me with accusations over a dumb mistake he made.
Then the macho door guy walks in and naturally takes the bartenders side upon hearing 2% of the conversation and proceeds to tell me to just get out of there without hearing anything. I do not cause issues at any establishment I go to, nor do I argue with anyone... I walked out of there absolutely bewildered and angered.
It's beyond me that any bar (regardless to whether or not they pride themselves on being "bad ass" and different from another), would treat anyone like that; particularly someone who is in there quietly chatting with a friend.
Again, I have never in my life been outright treated like crap at a bar. Perhaps during my colleges days, a bartender called me out on being too drunk or something but this time I was absolutely accused for something so ridiculous and was treated like garbage. The way this guy said these things and operated there, was outright nasty. He's clearly angry at life.
I would never recommend this bar to anyone. Again, the beer selection is amazing but what good is it when you have a horrendous bartender who treats you like a dog? No one should have to be treated like that. read more