El Padrino Lounge — Restaurant in Accra

I recently had an awful and disgusting experience at El Padrino restaurant in Accra, Ghana, and I couldn't be more disappointed with their discriminatory practices. I had planned to meet a friend for drinks at the luxurious cigar lounge, but to my dismay, I was denied entry based on my appearance.

Now, let me assure you that I was dressed perfectly appropriate for the occasion. I am no stranger to upscale environments as I live in Doha and frequent them and I take pride in my appearance. I wore a stunning backless kente short one piece paired with elegant heels. However, it seems that my outfit didn't meet their mysterious standards, or rather, their prejudiced standards. It was clear to me that the only reason I was denied entry was because I was a black woman and they assumed I was a local Ghanaian.

When I arrive, the hostess, a black Ghanaian says “Oh your dress.” (Meaning, oh your clothes!) So I say “Thank you” thinking it was a compliment. But she’s not letting us in for some reason. My Homegirl who was with me had on a classy pencil skirt to the ankles, heels, and a cute top. I would also describe as very appropriate. Then the black Ghanaian security came by and was blocking our way to the entrance. So I said “Excuse me I have a friend waiting can we please enter”. And he says, “Wait we have to ask something.” And I’m still not getting it because I get in everywhere that I want to but I’m starting to get annoyed. And the hostess says again “Your dress!” So I ask, “Is there a special dress code here or something?” Mind you there’s nothing on the website. The girl LAUGHS in my face and doesn’t say anything. And I look in and I see mostly pale people. Sitting eating and at the bar. A white woman even walks by me and into the spot also wearing a short set with her back out!!!!!!! Then the waitress brings the manager and he sizes me up to see if my friend and I were worthy enough to enter and then says yes. I know my worth so I declined and left the establishment.

The management at El Padrino subjected me to a degrading selection process, looking me up and down as if I was some sort of second-class citizen. Meanwhile, I couldn't help but notice a white woman who was allowed entry while wearing a black one piece short set. Apparently, the rules only apply to certain individuals based on their race.

This blatant discrimination is absolutely unacceptable and speaks volumes about the values and ethics of El Padrino. As a paying customer, I expected to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of my race or nationality. Unfortunately, the management at this establishment clearly believes in catering to a specific clientele and disregarding the principles of equality and inclusivity.

I strongly advise against visiting El Padrino if you value fairness, respect, and a welcoming atmosphere. This experience has left a bitter taste in my mouth, and I will certainly not be returning to this establishment. It is disheartening to see businesses in Ghana perpetuating such discriminatory practices in this day and age and in a predominantly African society. There stands to be a greater question for Ghana, where are you headed? Because what you allow will continue and this type of culture does not represent the kindness and beauty of...

Perfect place to kickstart your weekend and if yours begins on Thursday, you’ve hit the jackpot. The combination of jazz tunes from the band and exquisite food on Thursday nights is colossal delectation. On Fridays, there’s also a DJ to serenade you with some Afro funk. They fell short of a 5star because the potatoes on my chicken piccata came UNDER cooked and the asparagus on my date’s baked salmon came OVER cooked. It was hard to believe that it was fresh. Nonetheless, we complained and they were so apologetic that we quickly put it in the past and went on with the evening as though nothing had happened. Actually, it took them compensating us with three different desserts first. Lol but we didn’t have to ask. The mango panna cotta was my favorite. Price wise, you should go with your purse a little loaded if you’re hungry. If not, just enough to lounge with friends over drinks works.

This place deserves a 5 star. Went back there and I'm converted. Their Angus is the DREAM. And the salmon avocado cake can cure any maladie. And the Manager, Pablo...

My girlfriend and I came here with 4 of our friends who were visiting out of town.

Having visited a few times in the past, I thought that this would be a great place to go for drinks and a small bite prior to dinner.

The food, the drinks and the overall experience felt very disorganized with misleading upscale packaging.

It's worth sharing that there was an event taking place so there were just people randomly walking around which really took away from the environment that we're basically paying for.

It's important to acknowledge that our server was decent and somewhat attentive.

The food was quick bar food. We ordered the sliders, a cauliflower dish and another appetizer that my mind has already forgotten about.

I don't know anything about the hospitality business but my assumption is that when a restaurant/lounge has been around too long without proper maintenance, this is expected.

I don't think I will be...