My friend and I were guests of 21C hotel in which Proof on Main is located. Immediately upon arriving at the restaurant, we were greeted with staff and a bartender exhibiting extremely rude behavior. They were unwilling to be of assistance as we were hoping to have a few appetizers and drinks before heading to dinner. When asking for a menu, we were handed a small square piece of paper containing a bar code and told to scan it, “if you don’t like it, you can talk to a Manager.”

When asked for a bourbon menu, we were told they didn’t have one, but to “look on the shelves.” Being in bourbon country and considering they had what appeared to be over 200 bottle available, simply looking on the shelf didn’t seem like a prudent endeavor.

When pressed further about why the staff seemed unwilling to serve me and my friend, we were promptly asked to leave by the Manager, without cause or provocation. We then the front desk agent to speak with the GM, whom was not available and we offered a chance to speak to the MOD (Manager of Duty). Great we thought, only to be greeted by the very Manager from Proof in Main that had just demanded we leave the restaurant.

Note: this occurred at approximately 5:50pm on a Thursday and the bar / restaurant was practically empty During a time when 95% of all Louisville businesses are closed or boarded up, one would think a restaurant would happily welcome paying customers.

The experience got worse when we attempted to return the following night (Friday), hoping for a better encounter. We were met at the hostess stand and immediately advised “we aren’t allowed to serve you” by the young female hostess. A male Manager then approached us and after tying to have a conversation with him, he sternly stated, “we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone and right now we are refusing service to you. Get out of the restaurant now.”

It was apparent the hotel, which was understaffed (we saw 2 hotel employees total), and restaurant collectively, did not want our business. It became apparent, the restaurant staff and Management Team became triggered by the “Keep America Great” hat me and my friend we were wearing.

We then returned to our room, made a reservation at the Galt house hotel and began packing our belongings. We then had a knock at our door and upon opening the door, I was greeted by 2 Louisville Police Officers in Riot gear. They stated the hotel reported me and my friend to them for damaging the hotel. This was at 7pm on a Friday night and we suggested to the Officers they verify the inaccurate claims by reviewing hotel surveillance. The Officers were polite, told us to have a good evening and we promptly departed the property.

I would never recommend this place, not 21c hotel, and wouldn’t return if they gave me free dinner and drinks for life. The lack of customer service and downright nastiness is something I’ve never experienced in my life.