05/07/09

Nasty, and not in a good way

by Samuels

If you want to feel like you're in a circuit party two hours after it's over, this is the bar for you.

The staff looked like they did not want to be there- and it soon became obvious why. Some super-dramatic person (I'm assuming it was the guy in charge) was chastising workers about the most inane things, such giving too many napkins to a customer or to take off their clothes to conform to a dress state akin to a bathhouse.

I was most put off by something I overheard at the time, but didn't process right away (or I would have been out of there SO fast). That same guy in charge was ranting about how he wanted to get rid of the 'ghett*' element, as they 'did not pay much' for drinks and 'caused all the problems'. The comment seems like it could have been racially charged, but as I didn't hear the whole conversation, he could have been merely misusing 'ghett*'.

However, I feel that it's very bad PR to not even have the forethought to say such things in the presence of patrons. This bar needs more patrons from the looks of the Wednesday I went (which is supposed to be their big night), and making them uncomfortable and being unprofessional just drove another one away. There are many gay bars in Lakeview; save yourself the hassle and stay away.

• Pros: Has potential under new managment
• Cons: Too many to list

04/29/09

Sleazy and Shady

by bing72

This is now possibly the worst run bar in Lakeview. Any place that makes Berlin look like a classy bar is frightening. This used to be a place that felt very warm and open to all. It was a neighborhood-type bar. However, in October/November, the character of the bar changed dramatically. Slowly, all of my favorite bartenders were being terminated or quit; and they were replaced with boys that didn't look old enough to smoke, let alone drink. The employees were now all wearing underwear only, and some looked tweeked out. Illicit substances penetrated the bar, and one of my friends claims that he saw the head manager snorting coke in the bathroom recently.The drink specials were whittled down and prices were raised. Most of the women were fired from the staff and the overall atmosphere became toxic toward females. I wasn't comfortable bringing my female friends or older male friends in because of the change of atmosphere (and our tabs were often ridiculously large). The straight male staff was also terminated, and I've only seen two non-white employees. To top that all off, there's a rumor that the bar owner (who's straight), donated to the pro-Prop 8 campaign in California. I can't substantiate it, but I'm already frustrated enough with this bar to stop patronizing it. If you want easy access to illicit substances and a twink-only crowd, this is your bar. If you want something a little more mature, go elsewhere

• Pros: None
• Cons: Pretentious crowd

02/13/09

Nice new space, but need NEW bartenders!

by RickysView

I just went to spin last night (2/11/09 Wends) and was SO DISAPPOINTED in the BARTENDERS professionalism. I had gotten a drink and had finished it. I went back to the same bartender for another. I waited in line, then he just ignored me and kept taking, making and serving everyone else. After waiting for like 15 mins, I kindly waved my hand trying to get his attention, and continue to ignore me. My friend had walked right up and ordered a drink with no problem. That's when I got ticked off. You would think that TIPS would matter to this guy, but i guess not. The new space in the club is nice but they need new NICE none-ignoring bartenders. Oh and the drinks are super cheaply made, even on regular nights. Avoid the bartender with black hairy arms.

• Pros: Nice new space
• Cons: Bartenders Ignor you and keep you waiting for cheap drinks