Lynda D.
Yelp
Racial profiling! We recently visited Aperitivo in Houston, and unfortunately, our experience was disappointing. We completely understand and respect dress codes, but the way it was handled left us feeling uncomfortable, disrespected, and racially profiled. We checked Instagram and the OpenTable reservation email before our visit, and neither mentioned any dress code. Upon arrival, we saw a sign indicating a dress code, but since we requested and booked to seat outside, we presumed there might be more flexibility due to the heat. We also noticed two gentlemen inside (white aka French as manager stated) and one seated outside, wearing caps without any issue, which made us think exceptions were being made.
Before we ordered food and drinks, we spoke to the manager, Rico, and asked him for a photo. He didn't mention that my husband needed to remove his cap. The owner, Sebastian, who also acted as the manager, didn't say anything either when he brought us drinks. However, when the hostess later came to our table, she insisted my husband remove his cap. Rico and Sebastian were both staring at us at this point, which made the situation feel even more uncomfortable.
We pointed out that others were wearing caps, and the hostess seemed understanding, but when we addressed Rico, he explained that the man wearing a cap inside was French and someone he knew, which felt like an unfair explanation, especially since the individual was also White. He also stated that he was only staring at us because he assumed we wanted a tour of the location while we were eating.
To make matters worse, when we spoke to Sebastian (aka the owner), he didn't offer an apology or explanation. Instead, he asked our daughter what she did for a living lol, as if she weren't qualified to question the policy.
If there's a strict dress code, it should be enforced consistently from the start. The inconsistency in handling the situation, combined with how we were approached, left us feeling racially profiled and disrespected. Our plans were to enjoy the afternoon, after this we felt completely uncomfortable we asked for our check and left. We will not be returning.