Phil S.
Google
I’m a retired professor with kids in the area, always on the lookout for friendly social venues around Rochester. The evening at the mile-away Eastside Tavern a few weeks ago began well enough, with good food, a pleasant atmosphere, and some engaging conversations with a doctor and nurse who love to dance, a former Marine, and several talented line dancers I complimented.
That’s where things took a turn. Earlier, I had briefly high-fived a birthday girl wearing a crown. Her group seemed cheerful, except for one scowling man beside her.
Later in the night, the same man started signaling that he was “watching me,” clearly misunderstanding my intentions. Having spent 23 years organizing parties in Tokyo, where a bit of friendliness usually smooths things over, I approached him and commented politely on his cap. Instead of relaxing, he challenged me to a fight outside. When I asked why, he accused me of “hitting on” some of the women in the birthday group, presumably the same ones sitting across from me that I had simply complimented on their dancing.
He then moved as if to strike me. I told him calmly that if he did, I would call the police. (It reminded me of an incident years ago in Tokyo when Mark Hunt, early in his MMA career, threatened me after I intervened when his friends got too handsy with two of my female companions. His friends hit me, I simply reported it, and Hunt later shook my hand and apologized. But that is another story.)
At this point, the manager came over and asked me to leave. When I asked why, she said some women I had spoken to “felt uncomfortable.” I asked what exactly I had said that made them uncomfortable, but she could not say. It became increasingly clear that she and the bouncer were buds with the birthday group.
As I was exiting, so was the group, and the scowling guy charged at me and hit me. I called the police, as promised. The bouncer, who had seen everything, suddenly claimed he “didn’t see a thing.” When I moved toward the road to get the attacker’s license plate, the bouncer blocked me.
Fortunately, there are security cameras pointed at the scene, and there were other witnesses. Unfortunately, management has been unable or unwilling to provide the police with the surveillance footage. The police say it looks like a subpoena may be necessary.
Final verdict? The salad was quite good, but the hospitality fell short of expectations. Until management learns how to condemn aggression rather than defend it, I would recommend other nearby spots like Scenic Lounge or Revolution. These places serve great food, and their staff will likely not side with individuals throwing punches.
