Sam N.
Google
*usually* really fun, and great service. So fun for karaoke, had a great time at an anime movie screening, enjoyed some nice djing & dancing there. It’s a cute & cozy spot 😊 I like the darker lighting and scheme and the outdoor hangout area. I love the seating too!
BUT sadly I did just have one bad experience. I went in, went straight to the bathroom after bag/ID check (had just gotten there from a long commute) then the bartender (one i haven’t seen there yet) came up behind me while i was in line to say “hey its ok if ur on drugs but please buy a drink”and the comment was not extended to the man also waiting there which made it feel weirder
I was not on drugs and I was already planning on buying a drink. I was just getting situated which I have done with no issue there, and other places, before. Find a good seat, use the bathroom, wait for my friend to get there if we’re meeting there, etc… then go order yknow!
One of the good points of seventh heaven is the good prices & some more unique items on the menu. I usually get 1-3 drinks when I am there. Which also contributed to the comment throwing me off tbh
it felt like when u go to a store and the other ppl get ignored while you get followed and the “so are we just looking or are we gonna buy something today ? 🙂” treatment 😭
I know the importance of people buying a drink and actually supporting the ability of a bar to remain open.
At the same time, I feel there’s a better way of going about it. It may not have been the intent, but it felt like a microagression.
It felt icky & sad - what was just supposed to be getting a drink was bittered by the worry / feeling that I have to prove myself out of the assumption that id be a nuisance. Classic post microagression feeling - not a good feeling.
They then charged me for the drinks I ordered, but also for shots neither of us asked for. They said oh… I thought you asked for and agreed to shots… you can just get another beer later since it was already charged
Ppl make mistakes. When mixups like that happen it’s generally fine and no biggie.
But because of that initial sort of backhanded comment, I wondered if it was intentional. Like tbh I wondered if it was done because they didn’t think I’ll spend “enough”?
Then, when I went to get that beer to make up for the overcharge, they said “by the way did you mean not to tip last time?” And i said oh no i was just gonna tip in cash. But i lied - I DID mean not to tip because it felt like a microagression
I always tip, especially at a queer bar. I love my community & appreciate service workers a lot especially in nightlife. But if i feel really uncomfortable (creeps or microagressions) I will not. Because it feels degrading to positively reinforce uncomfortable behavior.
Even if ppl snap idc i *still* tip because it’s usually just been a long day! But a whole other thing is feeling genuinely disrespected.
I just tipped them & we got out of there cause we didn’t feel comfortable 😔
But besides that, again, Usually the service there is awesome and the people & employees there are lovely. I feel safe too, I got the impression they are quick to shut down inappropriate behavior and I appreciate that! And They seem so attentive at the bar and graceful even when it gets busy or rowdy which can be hard - they rlly hold it down! I have to stress, I have never felt uncomfortable with the other bartenders, it was just whoever it was that night.
I’m not discounting this place - I had fun every time I was there. At the same time, I do have to call out this experience - I just hope in the future there could be more mindfulness or sensitivity.
My other critique is, it could help to be able to see the queue for the karaoke on the website on your phone. And maybe randomize it, rather than have it in order - when you just got into the bar, it’s impossible for it to get to ur song on a busy night. Randomizing the queue might help people stay longer :)