After grabbing some tacos at Chivis Tacos, I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood since…read moreI'll be living relatively close to the area. While walking, I came across Lion's Lair, where Travis invited me inside to enjoy a live podcast and some music. I figured, why not? It seemed like a cool place to check out.
When I walked in, I noticed the pinball machine and some interesting artwork on the walls. One piece in particular caught my attention. It depicted a cowboy being shot with a caption along the lines of "You sat down too fast." I thought it was hilarious and was actually considering purchasing it.
Unfortunately, what started as a spontaneous and enjoyable experience quickly turned negative.
Shortly after entering, a woman named Aubrey approached me and asked what I was doing there. I explained that I had been invited inside for the live podcast and music. Her response was, "That's not what we're here for. I want your ID."
I had no idea an ID was required to be inside, but I had absolutely no issue providing one. It was her unnecessarily rude and confrontational approach that caught me off guard.
When I asked for her name, she responded, "It doesn't matter." I politely reiterated that I'd like to know her name, especially since she was demanding identification from me at a place I had just been personally invited into. Only then did she identify herself as Aubrey.
Rather than explaining the establishment's policy respectfully, she continued with the attitude and threatened to kick me out if I didn't provide my ID.
At that point, Travis stepped in and said something along the lines of, "Oh yeah, buddy, sorry, we do need an ID for you to be here."
My response was simple: "Yeah, no problem, man, but it's how you ask things and your attitude."
I stepped outside, then returned and provided my ID without any issue. Again, the ID requirement was never the problem. It was the way I was approached and spoken to.
What made the situation even more disappointing was learning that Aubrey apparently doesn't even work there. From what I observed, she seemed to be familiar with Travis and the bartender, possibly as a regular. If that's the case, I find it even more inappropriate that someone who isn't an employee would approach a guest in such an aggressive manner and threaten to remove them.
To Travis's credit, he was respectful, approachable, and mature enough to apologize, which I genuinely appreciated. Aubrey, however, never acknowledged her behavior or offered an apology.
I firmly believe that being an adult means recognizing when you've handled something poorly and taking accountability for it. A simple apology, some courtesy, and a little respect can go a long way toward de-escalating a misunderstanding. It's not always about what you say, but how you say it.
Despite the unpleasant interaction, I did enjoy the live podcast and the music. I also thought the atmosphere, pinball machine, and artwork gave the place a lot of character. It's unfortunate because I genuinely wanted to enjoy the experience and potentially return, especially since I'll be spending time in the neighborhood.
Would I come back? Probably not.
As someone new to the area who was simply exploring the neighborhood and accepted a friendly invitation inside, I expected a more welcoming experience. Instead, I was met with hostility from someone who apparently wasn't even an employee.
I appreciate Travis for his hospitality and for handling the situation professionally, but the interaction with Aubrey left a lasting negative impression.
A welcoming atmosphere isn't just about the music, artwork, or drinks. It's also about how people are treated when they walk through the door.
