Robin F.
Yelp
(Review edited to reflect response from management.)
I've never, in any bar in the world, felt unsafe until last night at Kajun's. My old review of Kajun's was glowing. No matter what we were doing on the weekend, we'd always end up at Kajun's. It's a clean place with enough staff and space to keep things peaceful and fun. There's usually street parking, nearby & a pokestop, now. I've shown up to Kajun's in everything from formal wear to carnival costumes and felt welcome. If I can't afford to tip, I'll buy a cheaper drink just to make sure I can show my appreciation.
There is one bouncer at Kajun's who's constant anger seems like a liability.
On multiple visits, this bouncer cornered one of my friends about how much they hate my friend's voice. They remind us, even when we show up too late to even sign up for karaoke, that my friend is not allowed to 'screech' into the mic. We thank them for their reminders and go sit on the patio, usually. This bouncer has compared my friend's voice to everything from crying babies to various animals.
Last night, my friend and I performed a rap song, together. The whole bar loved it. We all sang it, together. The energy was fantastic. The feeling I always love in Kajuns.
This same bouncer stormed into the bar, from outside, once we were done. They ran to the karaoke booth and then ran over to my friend. (We have been informed by management that, in that moment, the DJ asked the bouncer to let our friend know not to shout "WOOO" or "YEAH!!" into the mic once the song is over. I have not heard the bouncer say this or anything similar.) The bouncer shoved their finger into our friend's face. They yelled at her about how terrible her voice sounds. Nothing productive. Not asking us to leave. Not asking her to not perform, again.
The strangers around us even started asking the bouncer to leave us alone. This polite pleading from the other patrons at the bar was met with open hostility which they directed at my friend. We tried to explain that none of us can help how our voices sound. My friend also involuntarily vocalizes. Each time the bouncer heard one of these noises, they got angrier. They said that the noises were disrespectful to them. (The manager has informed us that these noises were interpreted as screaming by the bouncer.) In colorful language that would get me banned from Yelp, told my friend to leave. We left. (Management acknowledges that the bouncer told them we left immediately when asked.)
They were far too close to us and far too aggressive. We literally feared for our safety because most people that shout & insult when talking will work tend to hit when situations escalate. We don't know this bouncer, personally. Too many of our interactions with them have been confusing, insulting, and unhelpful.
We left Kajuns without asking for a manager because we were afraid of violence from an employee.
When asked why our friend had to leave, this bouncer said that they hate our friend's voice and that our friend was disrespecting them. They also called us various bodyparts for not clearing the sidewalk fast enough when we were leaving.
I'm telling you this story because I want you to be smarter than we were. The first time any employee of any establishment approaches you with anger, please do yourself a favor and stop giving their employer money. I've spent almost every weekend for the past four years hanging out at Kajuns, even if it's just for 30 minutes between one party or show and the next. Kajuns, until last night, was my favorite part of living in New Orleans and I am truly hurt to realize that I can't go back there because of an employee.
Remember, you don't deserve to be insulted or made to feel uncomfortable. Don't do like us and forgive someone because they 'might be having a rough night' ...every time you see them.
Original Review: 8/7/2016 Called & emailed this day. No contact from management. 8/8/2016 Called. No contact from management.
Edit: 8/9/2016 We have received a manager's phone number. We called today and were allowed to meet with the manager at the bar starting at 5pm. We were asked to meet with the bouncer in person at a later date for them to show us that we're safe around them. We have never requested a mediator. I still consider this situation a lapse in professionalism and not a reflection of the bouncer's character. I will always do what the bar asks, though.
All the person that this happened to and the witnesses want is for Kajun's Pub to train this particular bouncer. The bouncer needs to clearly communicate what they want out of patrons. Despite how often they yelled at us, on multiple visits, they never said what they wanted us to do about their (seemingly) personal issues with our friend's voice. They need to avoid using physical and verbal threats with non-hostile guests. These flaws are 100% teachable and I look forward to, someday, seeing them succeed at their work.