Rene M.
Yelp
Let me take you back to August 2020. I feel enough time has passed to share this incident. As a frequent cocktail enthusiast who has visited many bars across the country, I have developed a good sense of what makes a great bar. Many people have asked why I haven't been to 1919 or posted about it. Here's my story.
On August 5, 2020, I decided to celebrate my wife's birthday with a night out. After visiting a few bars, I wanted to take her to Bar1919 to try one of their fusion drinks. It was a slow night during the COVID-19 era, yet we found ourselves there, ready to enjoy some savory cocktails. We sat at the bar and were greeted by the bartender. My wife immediately asked for a Dos Equis dressed, which led to some playful banter between us. I jokingly commented on her ordering beer at a cocktail bar, and she responded that it was her birthday and she could order whatever she wanted. I was slightly perplexed, but it was her special day, and ultimately, she didn't get her fusion drink.
During our exchange, my wife decided to use the bathroom. A couple behind us, with their canine companion, had been eavesdropping on our conversation about cocktails versus beer. The female followed my wife into the bathroom, while the male raised his voice at me, claiming my tone was inappropriate and that I shouldn't talk to my wife that way. Initially, I wasn't sure he was addressing me. Without turning to face him, I told him to mind his own business and to leave us alone. I didn't appreciate the intrusion into our conversation. When my wife returned, she seemed surprised and told me that the woman had offered to call the police on me, which my wife dismissed.
While my wife was in the bathroom, I asked the bartender for a second drink. A few minutes later, he approached me and asked us to leave shortly after serving my drink and presenting the bill. I asked why, and he said I was being inappropriate to my wife. I explained that we were just bantering about her order.
My wife, already uncomfortable with the place, became upset. I expressed my frustration, stating that the bar was not to our liking, and began to leave. The door, equipped with a gas shock mechanism, allowed only a small space to exit. As I left, a barback accused me of slamming the door, which was impossible due to its design. As I continued to walk out, the barback threatened to call the police, and I told him I would wait. While I was walking up the steps, the manager shone a flashlight in my eyes, telling me I needed to leave, despite the fact that I was already doing so.
Apparently, I have been banned from both Bar 1919 and Rock & Rye.
In September 2020, my wife and I decided to visit Rock & Rye for some drinks. Within five minutes of sitting down, the manager approached me, asking if I was the person in a photo. I confirmed my identity, and he reiterated that I was not allowed in their establishment. This manager was the same person who had asked me to leave Bar 1919 in August. I requested to speak with the owner, but the manager refused, instead giving me a business card and stating that the owner would not intervene.
I tried to explain the banter between my wife and me, but the manager interrupted, suggesting I needed a history lesson on Prohibition-era speakeasies, which also served beer. I clarified that this wasn't about history; Bar 1919 is known for its cocktails, not a Dos Equis dressed that can be ordered anywhere. My wife and I then decided to leave.
As avid patrons of various establishments in San Antonio, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, my wife and I appreciate and often seek out the best cocktails. We are known for spending generously at these venues.
While I cannot fault Rock & Rye for the quality of its cocktails, the manager's handling of this situation was inappropriate and unprofessional for someone in his position.
