I am writing to share my disappointment about the way my girlfriend and I were treated during our…read moremost recent visit to your establishment. We had been regular customers for months and visited nearly every weekend. This bar had become one of our favorite places to relax, have drinks, and spend time together. Unfortunately, this experience left me feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.
We ordered our usual drinks: two mojitos and two shots. We had ordered the same drinks many times before and typically paid around $28. On this occasion, however, we were charged $47. Because the difference was significant, we asked the bartender if he could explain the price.
Rather than answering our question, he said, "If you can't afford it, don't get drinks you can't pay for."
I found that response insulting and completely inappropriate. We were not refusing to pay, nor were we claiming that we could not afford the bill. We were simply asking why our regular order cost substantially more than usual. A reasonable question about a charge should not result in a customer being belittled.
The interaction became even more disrespectful when the bartender called us little kids and told us to go with our mothers. He then told us to "fuck off" and "get the fuck out." I was shocked by his behavior. We had been loyal customers for months, yet he spoke to us as though we had done something wrong merely by asking for clarification.
I also felt that the way we were treated may have been influenced by the fact that we are a same-sex couple. His conduct made us feel singled out, judged, and unwelcome. Regardless of whether discrimination was his intention, the way he addressed us created that impression and made the situation especially upsetting.
I understand that the establishment has rules regarding vaping, and I agree that those rules should be followed. However, rules can be enforced without insults, hostility, or profanity. The bartender could have addressed the issue calmly and professionally. Instead, his approach escalated the situation and made us feel humiliated. Although the owner eventually became involved, that did not undo the way we had already been treated.
What makes this especially disappointing is that we genuinely enjoyed coming to this bar and regularly supported the business. We often purchased five or six drinks during our visits and were happy to spend our money there. We were not seeking special treatment or trying to cause a problem. We expected only to be treated with basic courtesy and respect.
Instead, we left feeling upset and disappointed. A place we once looked forward to visiting is now somewhere I no longer feel comfortable returning. It is unfortunate that one employee's conduct has changed my entire impression of a business we had supported consistently.
I hope management investigates this incident and considers whether this bartender has treated other customers in a similar manner. If there was a valid explanation for the price difference, it should have been communicated clearly. If there was an issue involving vaping, it should have been addressed respectfully. There was no justification for insulting us, making comments about our mothers, or using profanity while telling us to leave.
This complaint is not only about the bill. It is about the lack of professionalism, the disrespectful language, and the way we were made to feel as a same-sex couple. Customers should be able to ask questions and follow up about charges without being mocked or verbally attacked.
We had been loyal customers, but this experience has made me reconsider ever returning. I hope management takes the matter seriously and ensures that customers are treated with dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation, appearance, or the amount they spend.
No customer should leave an establishment feeling targeted, humiliated, or unwelcome. I hope this incident is investigated and addressed appropriately.
