Amanda H.
Yelp
Extremely Disappointed - Will Never Return
I've been a loyal patron of Bocado for years, and I've brought countless friends, family, and out-of-town guests here, always speaking highly of the food, atmosphere, and service. Unfortunately, after what happened this weekend, I will never step foot in this restaurant again--and I strongly urge others to reconsider their visit, especially if you care about being treated with basic dignity and respect.
We were celebrating a special occasion--my close friend's bridal shower--with friends visiting from California and New Hampshire. It was meant to be a joyful evening, and we were all genuinely excited to be together. Instead, the experience turned into an embarrassing, frustrating, and deeply disappointing ordeal.
It started with our server informing us that "management policy" required us to order food before being allowed to order drinks. Confused, we politely asked to speak to the manager--only to be told directly by him that he never said that, and the server had apparently made it up. We could have let that go--it was odd, but forgivable. Miscommunications happen. But what followed was entirely unacceptable.
A second manager approached us, to inform us that we were being kicked out because the server claimed someone in our group called her a "bitch." That allegation is absolutely false. No one at our table would ever say such a thing--two of the women in our party own restaurants and we all work in hospitality. We were laughing, talking, and yes, giggling--we were enjoying ourselves, but by no means were we being disrespectful or unruly. The server's accusation was not only a lie, it felt like a weaponized excuse to get rid of a group of people who were simply celebrating.
To make matters worse, I had stepped into the restroom before we were told to leave. When I came back, my friends had been rushed out, and in the chaos, my keys were left behind. I was not allowed to return to the table to check for them. The staff treated me like I was beneath them--whispering, watching, and behaving as if yet again beneath them. It was humiliating.
At no point did anyone take accountability for the inconsistencies in their stories. One manager contradicted the other, and the server was dishonest from the start. There was no transparency, no apology, and no effort made to de-escalate the situation or treat us with the respect every guest deserves.
This was supposed to be a memorable day for the bride. Instead, it was tainted by an establishment we once trusted. What should have been a celebration ended with us feeling discriminated against, dismissed, and deeply hurt.
Bocado--do better. Your staff needs training not just in communication, but in humanity. And for a place that thrives on the business of locals and regulars, your disregard for our loyalty and experience is both baffling and shameful.
And guess what, I've come in and been served 8 drinks before, never cut off. So we can't come in giggling and have one round of drinks but if we sit at the bar we can have 8 and be totally over served?
Sad to see our happiness and laughter made these people uncomfortable. They must be miserable with their own lives. Get your stories straight next time you want to kick people out or making them feel less than. We will not be back. Such an unprofessional group of people. Shoulda expected trash people as servers here. Making lies up and thriving on gossip! Management is so unprofessional. You lost out on a lot of money tonight and a lot of money in the future because we always come in groups and spend hundreds of dollars. Your loss. Maybe be honest next time, and get your stories straight before kicking humans out who are just happy. Who knew happiness and laughter was a sin