Magpie USE to be a bar I would go to when in the area. They have a good selection of bottle and draft beers, nightly sports games on each TV, and looks clean. Also, it usually isn't packed with people looking to get blackout drunk. Still, you have to get there before the crowd to dodge the "Box torture". 85% of the bar is a narrow hallway which can be equivalent to solitary confinement after 6pm (usually when business picks up). However, after being thrown out by the bartender PACE (whom I mistook as Lurch from the Addams Family) for tipping $3 on a $11.61 (three drink) tab I've decided to take my business elsewhere.
Before you continue reading note: I've been trying to contact the OWNER about the situation and have yet to hear from him and/or her. If you read other comments you will find this is TYPICAL FOR THIS BAR! I've never been asked to leave a bar, had not been drinking prior to going to Magpie, and have never wrote a review, but this incident merits one!
Two weeks ago I met some friends at Magpie. After two hours and two Guinness I closed my $8 tab and tipped $4. I quickly asked Lurch ( Pace the bartender) if he could add another drink on my tab for my friend, which he did without hesitation or hassle. His pale clammy hands placed the new ($11.61) tab down; I signed it and subconsciously tipped $3. My friends asked me to stay so I did. As I stood next to the bar Pace lumbered over, abruptly set the two tabs in front of me, and muttered, "See something wrong with your tabs?". Confused I said, "What's that?". Not responding, Pace stood blankly staring through me and down at the bar like an escaped patient from McLean Hospital. Curious and still confused I said, "What's wrong with my tabs?" and Pace mumbled, "its wrong you don't see?". At that point I realized he was talking about me tipping $1 less, so I said, "no I don't tell me..". Pace uttered, "Its just wrong...why would...wrong...you....but...ughh... (and many more odd sounds)". Not being able to bare another second i simply asked, "Are you talking about me tipping you a dollar less?". Coming to life Pace blurted, "YEAH WHAT THE FUCK?! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!!! $4 and now $3! GIVE ME THE $4!!". Bothered and shocked I said, "Are you seriously asking me for a bigger tip? It was a mistake I signed it subconsciously. Still, I've tended bar and $3 is a good tip on three drinks." Furious, Pace snatched the tabs and turned around to the computer, so I said, "Reprint the check I'll sign it again if it is that big of a deal".
At that point the whole bar saw the incident. Nevertheless, we decided to stay (big mistake!) because my friends still had drinks to finish. Many of the customers standing around me (not my friends) came up and stated their disbelief towards the situation; Another girl pointed out how the manager was standing by watching the situation. The situation got worse when I kindly asked (not exaggerating) 10 minutes later if I could get a drink. Pace gave me a head nod, but continued to serve other customers. Knowing what he was doing I stood waiting saying nothing till the girl next to me said, "he was a head of me" when he asked her for her drink. Gawking at her chest he proceeded again to ask her for her order; when she didn't respond I asked, "So you're not going to serve me anymore?". Pace claimed, "Well you're a bartender wouldn't you take the girls order first?". I simply said, "No problem. I'll wait".
Two minutes later the doorman came over, put his arm around me, and said, "Time to go". In a non hostile way, but in a tone to convey my point I told the doorman, "Take your arm off of me. I'll leave, but do not put your hands on me again." As I was getting ready to walk away my friend objected requiring a reason as to way I was being asked to leave the bar. Also, demanded to speak with the manager who witnessed the situation. The doorman kindly apologized and said, "Sorry but the bartender just told me you have to leave". In addition, the manager (a young guy who turned a cheek to the bartenders actions and was avoiding the situation at all costs) told the bartender to tell the doorman he wasn't available, but was standing by watching.
Had he not been highly unprofessional in his inquire about my check there would have been no issue. No server or bartender should ask their customers about the amount they are tipped period. However, if Pace said excuse me I think you made a mistake and tipped me less I would have made the correction. Nevertheless, DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY AT THIS PLACE! THE OWNER DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE ABOUT HOW THEIR EMPLOYEES TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS. There are many similar bars in the area with much better customer service. TRY HALF PINT. read more