Tiffany K.
Yelp
I'm thoroughly disappointed at my FIRST experience of dining in Berlin on Saturday, 24/3/2018. Racism/discrimination exists strongly even at a restaurant that receives much applause, recognition and public attention from the internationally acclaimed Andrew Zimmern and others. Unfortunately, after landing in the late afternoon well past lunch time and heading to Rogacki with excitement to try their seafood (having researched and hearing so many good things about this place) straight after the airport with luggage in tow, I was met with the most unpleasant experience to date.
I immediately saw how popular the green tabled place and counters were (located in the middle of the market), and found a spot at the counter. I plopped onto the chair and patiently waited for the 2 female servers and/or the male cook to take my order. The German lady next to me was nice enough to see that I wasn't getting helped and handed me a menu and asked for an English one for me (which this place doesn't have-no problem). After perusing the menu, I was set on ordering the shrimp penne dish. The servers clearly saw me. I waited and tried to wave them down with "bitte" and "hallo" and at times they would tell me "ein moment", but never came back to me, only reserving their attentiveness to the other customers by refilling their wines and bread basket. I first thought that they were trying to finish the other orders/service the other customers that came before me first, as this is what they should do; however, when I spotted some newcomers at the counter, both servers serviced them first immediately and would quickly pass me without even batting an eye at me. Even the German customers sitting to the right and left of me noticed they were ignoring me and tried to get the server's attention by speaking German to them and they were both blatantly ignored. It was clear that they did not want to serve me and if anyone knows me, I am quite possible one of the top 3 most patient and polite person you will meet. I sat there for 30 minutes dumbfounded and finally left feeling defeated and pretty stupid for just sitting there, starving and never getting any help at the end.
I've experienced some poor service, but never to the extent of being completely ignored and not serviced (I mean- isn't this typically reserved for people who are rude, potentially dangerous and obnoxious?). I can't help, but think of what reason they would not service me for except for the fact that I am not German/of the right ethnicity- please note that I also was the only Asian at this place at the time. My first experience of dining in Berlin has disappointedly revealed to me that racism is still pretty much prevalent in any and all parts of the world. I hope your dining experience will be much better than mine.