Philippine K.
Google
I hesitated for a while before writing this review because I do not enjoy leaving negative feedback, but after a lot of reflection, I feel it is important to share this experience.
Last summer, my boyfriend purchased 3 tickets to attend a show at The Den. Tickets were expensive, and we were genuinely excited. We had just come from a party, dropped off his sister who decided not to attend, and arrived excited, and looking forward to the night.
When we reached the door, we were stopped by a female staff member with a larger build wearing a crop top with her stomach widely exposed. She looked me up and down and immediately decided that I was intoxicated and refused us entry. This judgment was made without asking any questions or attempting to assess the situation fairly.
I was wearing high heels, the entrance has stairs and a slight incline, and I was holding onto my boyfriend for balance and because I was cold. I was sober. Being affectionate with my partner or holding onto him should not be mistaken for intoxication.
When my boyfriend asked for clarification and requested to speak to a manager, the staff member accused him of yelling, refused to engage and walked away rather than addressing the situation. Eventually, a manager came out and said we could enter, but we would not be allowed to purchase drinks and would be “monitored.”
At that point, the entire experience felt unfair and unreasonable. My boyfriend paid for tickets like everyone else, yet we were being singled out and restricted based on a misjudgment that was never acknowledged. How are paying guests supposed to feel free, comfortable, or able to enjoy their night under those conditions?
After I clearly expressed myself and demonstrated that I was fully sober, it was obvious that the initial assessment was wrong. Instead of acknowledging that mistake, the situation escalated into unnecessary restrictions. The refusal to admit the error, combined with the way we were treated, felt discriminatory and deeply uncomfortable.
Because of this, we chose to leave. The manager mentioned the possibility of a refund or working something out for a future visit. We never heard back.
This was especially disappointing because this was not our first time at The Den. We had attended previous shows and had such fun and positive experiences. This incident stood out as judgmental, unfair, and racist in how we were assessed and treated at the door. We were singled out, and once it became clear that the initial assumption was wrong, it was not corrected. Instead of accountability, we were restricted and monitored. Being dressed nicely, being affectionate with my partner, or simply holding onto him should never be grounds for denial of entry or unfair treatment, especially when race clearly influenced how the situation was handled.
I hope management seriously reevaluates staff training and how these situations are handled. No guest should be singled out, restricted, or made to feel unwelcome after paying to be there. You need to reevaluate your priorities.
