Jesus F.
Yelp
There is something special about The Fireplace on the corner of 21st and P street NW, especially for locals like myself.
Its a haven were gay men of color, their friends and admirers can just be fully themselves with no societal judgements.
Side bar, I actually met the first guy I every kissed half a block up from their twenty-five years ago!
They make good drinks at a good price. It is not a fancy place but that's not really a big deal, that's not why you go there. You go for the drinks and the folks!
The staff are usually nice except for one bartender upstairs I am not sure of his name but he wares a signature platinum Anne Burrell haircut and he is the reason I am writing this review in the first place. For all intense purposes we will call him Joe.
While I enjoy popping in from time to time to do some people watching. I absolutely hate engaging Joe but sometimes I must.
I am a pretty even person, I come across a little shady but I am kind and polite because my mother taught me manners. I am a bit stand offish because I am shy and I don't like drama but always respectful.
The first day I saw Joe bartending years ago it was a busy Friday or Sunday evening and the place was pretty busy, it was my turn to order a drink and Joe seemed pissed, I didn't let it bother me .... I ordered my drink, he couldn't hear me, I repeated it. He made my drink with the NASTEST ATTITUDE screamed out the price, took my money, gave me change, rolled his eyes and walk off. I tipped him and I know how to tip because I receive tips also in my line of business. I figured that whatever just happed between us two was not about me and went on with my night.
Another time I came in on a weekday early maybe 5 pm, the place was slow maybe 8 people in the upstairs area most of the folks are at one end of the bar, talking to Joe. I walk in, hug a couple of guy I know and go sit at the other end of the bar. Joe walks over with the same nasty face and attitude, he ask what I want, I ask for a second. He walks away, goes back to his conversation, I waited for him to be finished with his conversation about ten minutes later he returns, I quietly as for my drink, the same thing happens again and realize that this is who this guy is.
Over the years I have dealt with Joes horrible disposition and have had numerous conversations with other about the way he treats customers of the business. People like myself who have been long time supporters of The Fireplace.
I wanted to write something a while ago but didn't want to be petty but this New Years Eve just went to far.
I came from a wonderful show and late dinner with my partner decided to stop for a drink before heading home. Hoping to run into a few familiar face and celebrate the coming in of the new year. We get upstairs and Joe is at the bar, against my better judgement I walk up to order a drink, I order two, he begins making the drinks, rite as he begins pouring, I stop him and ask for top shelve, he walks away over to the dj booth looks me straight in the face and announces that the upstairs area is closed.
I pissed, walked over to the booth, told him I didn't know why he acted like that and that I would be writing a letter. He told me, to get away from him before he called the police. I walked away very upset, it almost ruined my night. I went downstairs, ran into friends, order 4 drinks all top shelve, from a very busy must nicer bartender.
I stated venting with my buddies and was told that they just stopped going to him to avoid any conflict but I don't think that we as paying customers who work hard for their money, should have to avoid an employee who is absolutely unpleasant on purpose.
I am a business owner and I have over 20 years in customer service and I could never imagine acting toward or treating a guess in the way he treats customers. I would be out of business. I do have empathy for the fact that it is a hard job to do because he is working with people and alcohol but his vulgar temperament is unnecessary and classless. I am not sure why they keep him around.
The reason I gave a favorable rating to the business is because I do truly enjoy The Fireplace every now and then but something really needs to be done about him.