It is with a heavy heart that I pen this review, particularly as it stands as the sole one-star rating for this establishment. While I recognize that the actions of an individual employee do not encapsulate the entirety of a business, my experience during a visit in June 2015 with my older sister and friends was profoundly disappointing.

Upon arriving, I struggled to locate the bar; yet once I found it, I was struck by the dissonance between its vibrant atmosphere and the service we received. As a vegan, I hoped to enjoy a meal that aligned with my dietary choices, but what transpired was disheartening. The staff exhibited a troubling disregard for culinary accuracy, particularly concerning the needs of vegan patrons. When I inquired about the vegan burger, I specifically asked whether the cheese and all components were indeed vegan. The response was a confident affirmation. However, my excitement was short-lived, as I soon discovered mayonnaise lurking within the burger—a clear violation of my dietary restrictions.

When I sought clarification from a male employee regarding the mayonnaise, cheese, and bun, he bluntly informed me that none were vegan. The subsequent wait for a remake felt interminable, only to culminate in a disheartening exchange. The employee informed me that they do not offer replacements or refunds, dismissing my concerns with a comparison to fast-food chains like McDonald’s, as if customer service were a mere afterthought. This is hardly what one would expect from a purported "safe space."

If an establishment cannot guarantee the safety of its food for those with dietary restrictions, it raises serious questions about its commitment to customer well-being. Perhaps this is why they are temporarily closed; one can only speculate. To my fellow vegans, I urge you to reconsider dining here upon their reopening. It is evident that they harbor little regard for your dietary choices, and the risk of being misled is alarmingly high.

While the restaurant may pride itself on being a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community, this does not exempt them from the responsibility of treating all customers with respect and integrity. Veganism and vegetarianism are distinct; to confuse the two not only reflects a lack of understanding but also a troubling negligence toward those who choose a vegan lifestyle.

Is Berkeley not meant to embody progressiveness? This establishment's practices suggest that it does not belong in a city that champions inclusivity and respect for diverse lifestyles. It is time for businesses to recognize that a commitment to all patrons is essential—not just those who fit a particular mold.