Z James ..
Yelp
One of the Worst Experiences I've Ever Had at a Bar - Avoid the Douglas at All Costs
If you're considering stopping by The Douglas for a drink, I strongly urge you to reconsider unless you're in the mood to be treated like an inconvenience instead of a paying customer. I've had my fair share of underwhelming bar experiences, but this one genuinely stands out as one of the worst, not just for the lackluster atmosphere and mediocre drink selection, but for the absolutely miserable attitude of the bartender -- a woman whose demeanor was somehow colder than the beer she begrudgingly served.
Let's begin with the first red flag: before I could even order a drink, she barked at me to hand over a card -- not a greeting, not a smile, just an immediate demand as if I'd wandered into her home uninvited. Apparently, this is her default mode of "hospitality." Not only is this unwelcoming, but it feels more like a transaction at a pawn shop than a visit to a bar. You're not allowed to simply relax and order something. No, you must first surrender your card like some kind of criminal on probation. That's the vibe.
When I tried to ask what they had on tap -- a completely normal question at literally any bar -- she cut me off and said, with an eye-roll no less, "Read the list." No explanation, no enthusiasm, not even a second of patience. Just a dismissive gesture toward a wall where the beer list is apparently sacred scripture, not to be spoken aloud. It wasn't even busy -- she simply couldn't be bothered to engage with me like a human being. Her attitude reeked of someone who not only hates her job, but resents every person who dares to walk through the door.
And let's talk about the list. Half the beers were listed with vague or gimmicky names, no descriptions, no details, no ABVs, no indication of style. Asking for clarification? Don't bother. You'll be met with a death stare and silence that could curdle milk. She might as well hang a sign that says, "Don't ask questions, don't expect answers, and definitely don't expect kindness."
The rest of the bar doesn't do much to make up for the horrendous service. The lighting is oddly dim, not in a moody or atmospheric way -- just dull. The seating feels like an afterthought, uncomfortable and poorly arranged. There's no warmth, no character, no effort put into creating any kind of inviting environment. It's the kind of place you walk into, take one look around, and immediately regret not choosing somewhere else. You can practically feel the contempt in the air.
The patrons seemed equally fed up or just beaten down by the energy of the place. No one was smiling. Everyone looked like they were just trying to make it through the night without another awkward encounter with the bartender or someone bumping their chair in the cramped, uninspired layout.
I genuinely cannot understand how a place like this is still in business. When the face of your establishment is someone who acts like you're bothering her just by existing, it speaks volumes about how little the owners must care about customer experience. If this woman is a regular staff member, or worse -- a manager -- then it's no wonder the Douglas has all the warmth of a DMV waiting room.
Bottom line: If you like being talked down to, ignored, and treated like your presence is an inconvenience, then by all means, come to The Douglas. But if you expect even a shred of courtesy, decency, or basic professionalism with your drink, go literally anywhere else. I would rather drink warm tap water at home than spend another minute in that miserable excuse for a bar.
