Visited Don's, crowd was gorgeous, fun space. I am physically disabled. Hearing +visually impaired. Peter the doorman was wonderful! Helped me out with kindly answering any of my questions.
ambiance solid.
I approached the bar, and after nearly 10 minutes of all the men bartenders not even acknowledging myself or any other paying customers, I leaned over said "aye," smiled.
Elderly bartender with a long grey beard, manbun became enraged. Hostile bartender lost his temper, attempted to chastise and personally degrade me for, "Yelling towards him while his back was turned."
I apologized kindly, said I wasn't trying to make his night worse, or uncomfortable. Bartender then paused service. Un for nearly 5 minutes, after apologies.
Bartender shouted about how I acted as if I had never been to a bar, and reiterated at least 15 times the phrase, "THAT IS NOT HOW YOU ORDER AT ANY BAR. I AM TEACHING YOU BAR ETIQUETTE, BECAUSE YOU NEVER SPEAK TO ANY BARTENDER LIKE THAT. YOU NEVER RAISE YOUR VOICE NEAR ME. I AM REPEATING BECAUSE YOU NEED TO LEARN BAR ETIQUETTE."
My first time ordering a shot for myself. I explained that I heard and understand his point of view.
Hostile bartender repeated the phrase about 10 more times, as he looked misty eyed. I had to say, "THANK YOU. Now may I remain in your establishment, and purchase a drink?"
Disgruntled and verbally abusive bartender, 4 hours later AT CLOSING, sat near exit,
Man HAD ANOTHER EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWN AND THEN SHOUTED ABOUT ETIQUETTE. I shook his hand, and told him I am visually and hearing impaired. I apologized again as he appeared to really be experiencing ongoing emotionally distress.
This bartender told me I need to take my required sunglasses off to order because I needed to actually make eye contact with him.
How does one make any eye contact with a server who refuses to acknowledge or extend any semblance of hospitality to myself or others.
It was my first night at a bar before my brain surgery in a few weeks.
-wonderful and safe night overall. Same bartender said something along the lines of, "well yeah I saw the headphones and could tell there was something... that made you think you could use that volume."
I have edema in my eyes. I cannot use my eyes without agony. I can't even sit in the dark without my prescribed sunglasses.
I worked in food service and hospitality myself. This bartender reminded me of Plato's archetypal unkind server cooked up in the nightmares of Bar Rescue.
Shout out to the women bartenders! Shout out to Peter. Very kind in helping me navigate the space physically while having a comfortable time that helped me feel so proud of myself.
I was on a walker for months, and last evening brought joy and independence into my life again. That was my first night out in a decade. It was a joy!! :)
We all have tough nights, but it seems locally, that too many who frequent Don's have experienced verbal abuse from this server.
Life is hard. We all struggle, but there seems to be a pattern regarding the abjectly cruel, anti-social, and frankly inhospitable bartender who seems to be referenced endlessly in the 1 star reviews.
It has clean and safe restrooms and felt LGBTQIA+ friendly.
time of my life!
Long live the Don's much love to all employees, even those who kick patrons out, verbally degrade them. I did not insult the elderly manbun, yet he had comments to say about MY horrifically insulting behavior.
I cross checked the reviews all over and there is a pattern of hatred being spewed at visitors who are intoxicated on alcohol by that man behind the bar.
I hope that aggressive man finds friends and community. That he has a place to express his disharmony with other human beings trying their best, rather than abusively escalating petty mistakes. We all need social support and therapy with a licensed clinician, and forming more fruitful coping skills. That man's mood behind the bar will take this beautiful space of life and wonderful neighbors, down with his horrific energy and vibes.
May that man receive enhanced customer service training
As a bar selling bottom shelf booze in plastic, not even glassware, there needs to be a kind discussion with that bartender to ensure he can do his job respectfully. In any other place of work, his behavior would be grounds for termination.
ALSO LOOK AT THE GOOGLE REVIEW RESPONSES TO 1 STARS.
I'm p sure the tone of those "business owner" responses in google reviews may be written by that hostile employee.
Hell, I'll probably be banned for even posting this. He's gonna put me on the banned list. -not even joking. That man was so scarily unhinged. If you ever met him while ordering, you will see why everyone says they HATE interacting with him at all.
His rancid energy and behavior is gonna keep tanking the reviews.
HE IS THE CAUSE OF DON's 1 STAR RATINGS.
It's all love Bartender. treat our neighbors better.
Long Live read more