Hidden Door

I’ve been coming here for years after friends first recommended it to me, and up until now I’ve always had a positive experience. Unfortunately, what started as a relaxing Sunday outing turned into one of the worst customer experiences I’ve had. On Sunday, May 24th, between approximately 3–5 PM, a group of friends and I visited for drinks and spent a considerable amount of money, as we typically do when we come here. As we were leaving, I briefly held the door open for friends exiting behind me while speaking to my partner about ordering an Uber due to the rain. Without warning, the door was suddenly and aggressively pulled from my hand by the security guard stationed outside. When I turned around, he immediately responded with an attitude. I explained that there was no need to be rude toward a paying customer. He claimed he had asked me three times to close the door, but I genuinely did not hear him. I even stated that had I heard him, I would have closed it immediately and apologized. Instead of de-escalating the situation, the guard continued speaking aggressively and escalating tensions over what was ultimately a minor misunderstanding. At no point was I rowdy, disruptive, or causing a scene. What made the situation especially concerning was that he appeared to intentionally brandish his handcuffs and weapon in a way that felt intimidating and unnecessary during the exchange. This entire incident stemmed from something as minor as briefly holding a door open. Customers should not be met with hostility or intimidation over a simple misunderstanding. Security staff represent your business, and situations like this should be handled with professionalism, patience, and respect. I sincerely hope management addresses this issue and provides additional training on customer interaction and de-escalation, because experiences like this reflect poorly on an establishment many people have supported for years.

Maybe we went at the wrong time (10pm on a Friday), but there was no energy about the place. It just felt tired. Don't get me wrong, the bartenders were great, and that's probably the only reason we'd go back. There was nothing else in the air that felt like "we're glad you're here, please come again" or "hope you're having a great time." I don't know, it just wasn't what I expect from a gay bar...

Usually a good experience here. Sunday 5/24 the front bartender didn't want to understand our order and called security. Totally unacceptable, no threat just a question, and he escalated. This is unacceptable and needs addressed from management.

I don’t know how the food is could be good. Don’t know how the atmosphere is we didn’t make it past the car. The security is wild crazy and it seems very racist. We were not even parked on their property and a security guy ran to the car because he seen the trunk up. We were changing because we just performed trying to support a pageant and yes we took a sip of beer but it was not even on their property but why are you in our car. You are in my car not on your property what does it matter what I do in my car. We were told oh y’all didn’t do anything wrong but we will lose our liquor license if they find out yall drinking in the car and I already seen you. Sir we not on yall property. You bored and walking around. This was our first and last time going. What I do in my car is my business. On top of that there is a truck full of white folks parked right by the door turning up and no words was said. Yes we sat and watched. Summary what I do in my own property off your property has nothing to do with it. And if there is such a rule it should apply to everyone. Despite of color. Sorry won’t be back and will not recommend. Thanks but no thanks.

I was very disappointed with my experience here. The venue itself is run down and cheap, and the policies seem inconsistently enforced. Most concerning was the “bag policy”. Women were denied entry for carrying small purses, while men with small crossbody or “man bags” were allowed in without issue. The inconsistency is unfair and discriminatory. The door staff was also rude and dismissive, which made the experience even worse. Many women carry small purses for essential personal items, and a reasonable, clearly enforced policy should apply equally to everyone. This venue is not comparable to large stadiums with strict, published security standards, yet it tries to enforce similar restrictions without professionalism or consistency. It’s giving sexist. Overall, I did not feel welcomed or respected, and I will not be returning. I’d suggest steering clear of this back street wood shed of a place.