Eighteen Twenty Lounge — Attraction in Houston

I’ve been in hospitality long enough to know the unspoken rules. We support each other. We tip what we can. We respect the craft.

But at 1820 Bar in Houston, that respect didn’t go both ways.

After receiving a small industry discount and tipping discreetly—as I’ve done many times before—I was loudly confronted and cursed out by the owner for “only leaving $1.50.” (Which I discreetly left more) In front of staff. In front of guests. All over not tipping what he personally decided was “enough” as an owner of the establishment.

Let’s be clear: a tip is a gesture, not a debt. A discount is goodwill, not leverage. The second you treat generosity like obligation, you’ve lost the spirit of this industry.

His own bartender and female colleague tried to de-escalate, saying, “You came off rude and uncalled for.” They weren’t wrong.

I said nothing. I let the silence speak. And in that silence, every person nearby saw the truth for themselves.

If that’s the energy 1820 gives to fellow black industry professionals, imagine how they treat guests they don’t recognize.

I don’t know if I would be back. But I definitely won’t forget how I...

Better than Dave & Busters b/c it is a NO KID ZONE. Apparently, I visited this spot on the perfect Friday when they're running their "1st Fridays Special." I paid $15 for an all night affair with the arcades. In conjunction, was the bar/lounge which presented itself well. There were couches and bar tables strategically placed around the centered pool tables. Music & chatter fills your ear drums while ESPN occupies the hanging t.v. screens. Security rolls 3 deep at the front door so don't try any funny business. Bar side is free but the game side is not. You will need to go to the bar, far right, to pay for your Arcade Affair. Tons of throwback games! Yes, you will enjoy it so stop doubting. PacMan and PingPong are all over the place in a wide variety of forms and colors. Mortal Kombat, Donkey Kong, Michael Jackson, Arm Wrestle Machine, NBA Jams, Air Hockey, and so many more. It will get hot inside, the further you go the hotter it gets. Lastly, there is FREE PARKING. Look for designated signs for JOYSTICKS. Afterall, that's what this review is for, correct? These two places are one in the...

If I Could Give 0 Stars I Would I Use To Like This Place But Over The Years Past I Came To Find Out That Some Of The Staff That Work There Is Racist I Done Seen Them Let A Lot Of Customers Get Away With A Lot But When It's A Black Person They Quick To Get Aggressive And Put It All On U I Done Been Charge Extra On My Credit Card Just Because I Didn't Have Enough For A Tip The General Manager Called Me Racist Names Then When I Tried To Defend Myself He Went Inside The Bar And Said He Had A 6 Shot Gun For Me And Came Back Outside With Other Staff Plus A Bat Did Not Call Any Law Enforcement So I Knew I Was In The Right I Could Keep Going About A Lot But The Main Point Is The General Manager And Staff Do Not Like Black The Only Is To Rob US Blind Don't Believe Me...