I am beyond disappointed with my experience at Loda Bier Garten on February 17 during Mardi Gras. This was my friends' and my very first Mardi Gras in Mobile, and we were excited to try this restaurant. Instead, we experienced what felt like humiliation, intimidation, and blatant mistreatment.
Before we even ordered our food, there was already food underneath our table and drink spills on the tabletop that had not been cleaned. We were TOLD to sit down there, despite the obvious mess. That should have been our first red flag about the cleanliness and management of this establishment.
After we ordered our food, two of us went to the restroom. It was absolutely DISGUSTING. The first stall was completely clogged with wet tissue everywhere and marked out of order. The second stall was occupied by someone who had no tissue. There was no trash can, a long line was forming, and the smell was terrible. One person (in our friend group) in the restroom became sick and cleaned up the area by the sink.
A Caucasian male night manager suddenly barged into the restroom demanding to know who was sick, even though the bathroom was already filthy before we entered. Instead of addressing the obvious sanitation issues, he began yelling at us and another young Black woman who was simply waiting in line. He called us out of our names and aggressively told us we were kicked out and not allowed to eat, dine, or even use the restroom. He repeatedly told me to "shut the f*** up" while we were trying to explain ourselves.
We never received our food. Since we were being kicked out anyway, we left to avoid further disturbance. The manager then followed us outside and flagged down multiple officers from the Mobile Police Department, falsely claiming we refused to pay for food we had never received. He insisted that because we ordered, we had to pay -- even though nothing was served to our table.
The main officer, did not listen to our explanation and instead threatened to take us to jail for theft of food we never got. We were escorted back and forced to pay $115 under threat of arrest. While we were trying to speak calmly, the manager continued calling us names and even attempted to snatch my card out of my hand. I was specifically told that if I didn't pay, I would go to jail.
After being forced to pay, I asked for the manager's name so I could report him and file a complaint. He refused to provide his name. When I also asked about filing a complaint regarding both the manager and the officer, I was told I was "not allowed" to do so.
This was one of the worst experiences of my life. The restaurant was dirty from the start, the restroom conditions were unacceptable, the manager's behavior was hostile and unprofessional, and the way the situation was escalated was completely unnecessary.
If you are a Black patron, I strongly encourage you to think twice before spending your money here. We felt targeted, disrespected, and bullied out of an establishment we were genuinely excited to try. WE WILL NEVER BE BACK!!!! read more