R H.
Yelp
I've visited this restaurant twice with friends, all of us Black women. The food is excellent -- every dish we've had was flavorful, well-prepared, and absolutely worth coming back for. Unfortunately, the service -- specifically interactions with the owner -- has made both visits uncomfortable.
During our most recent visit, one of my friends arrived first, put her name on the waitlist, and was seated. When the rest of us arrived and went to join her at the table (after greeting her with a hug, clearly showing we were together), the owner approached us and, instead of a welcome, questioned us as if we were doing something wrong. He insisted there was a waitlist and implied we were bypassing it, despite the fact that our friend was already seated and had checked in properly. When we calmly clarified the situation, he continued pressing, even asking, "Do you know her?" -- which was insulting and unnecessary.
This wasn't an isolated experience. The first time we came, we were sat near the trash can without explanation, scolded for using the self-serve water station, and told we couldn't request additional syrup without an extra charge -- which was delivered in a condescending tone. We chose not to speak up that first time, thinking maybe we were overthinking it. But the pattern has repeated.
I don't want to assume intent, but based on both of our experiences and how we've observed the owner interact more kindly with other (non-Black) customers, it's hard to ignore the difference in energy. It feels dismissive at best and discriminatory at worst.
Great food should come with great service -- or at least basic respect. Sadly, we no longer feel comfortable returning here.