Doc Harper's Tavern — Restaurant in Billings

On 11/14/20 we were out celebrating the Marine Corps birthday while in town.

Our first stop was at Stacked next door; which provided excellent service. We asked for recommendations on places to drink and with resound they recommend Doc Harpers.

With that many recommendations we decided to observe the location to determine if there would be enough seats for the party. We determined there was and entered the establishment. Upon entry two individuals entered before us with no masks on were greeted by a man we assume to be the bouncer, who welcomed them with respect and dignity then seated them at the bar, albeit none of them wearing a mask.

Then we proceeded to enter where this same individual approached us and said "can you not f-ing read?"

Well just as you are shocked, we were. And asked him what the problem was. He said well the sign right there says you need to wear a mask to enter the establishment, when you go to the bathroom, and anywhere but sitting down. Now keep in mind this person invading our personal space with the intention of making us look foolish was not wearing a mask, nor was the entire staff or any patron within inches of us.

I looked at him and asked if he had some we could use for the evening as we do not have any but would like to drink at your establishment. We were then told "No. I'm not going to even entertain that idea so you people can drink here"

We left without pursuing the issue further by speaking with management at that time. Though we are rather confused on we "people" were targeted by this individual when others entered without a mask, and he himself was not wearing one.

You would think with the current situation they would welcome a huge group that is looking to drink, celebrate, have a good time and spend money.

Terrible, as this place has such great reviews and came highly recommended albeit due to the bigotry, discrimination and targeted harassment of this lonely cesspool of a human being they have under their employ. Unless you are a regular patron or well known in town you will be treated as a second class citizen at this establishment. Would...

I finally had a chance to try this place and, unfortunately, I won't be back. It has been on my list because I have that Downtown Alliance Card and Doc's offer's half off an appetizer with it. Not bad! My wife, son, and I happened to be the only ones on a Tuesday evening and they were very accommodating. Hugh was kind and smooth as butter. My martini/cocktail was delicious (Bee's knees). We went with the meat and cheese platter. Maybe it's me, but I always anticipate something exotic or difficult to pronounce on this platter and for a $16 app at a martini bar, maybe my expectations were too high. It was, no joke, Tillamook cheddar slices, rolls of low caliber deli meats (ham, turkey, roast beef), and crackers. Could ya spare any olives, at least? Also, it clearly had been plated and refrigerated for a while. Hugh was kind enough (perhaps in response to other feedback) to preemptively add a couple pickle wedges, which was the only tasty part. So it was a disappointment, but at least it was half off. Surprise! Doc's refused to honor the BFD card discount because "It was $8 martini night," which is apparently a discount. They could have honored it with a 'Next time' lesson. Instead, they opted to shortchange some fellow community members that were also the only patrons in this place. Bad form management. So Billings, go ahead and try a tasty cocktail but skip the BS meat and cheese platter, plan on your BFD card discount to be refused on Mondays and Tuesday evenings, and ask what a drink costs before you order; it's not listed on the menu and they just make it...

3-stars because service started out horribly, as in there was no service. I sat at the bar for a good 15 minutes while two employees talked behind the bar and passed by me several times without even as little as making eye contact.

Finally, after all that time I was about to get up and head out of the door and that’s when another lady came out from the back. Apparently she was the bartender and the other two girls were working tables. The bartender took care of me and the Bees Knees was great. Luckily for the business I waited even though I was ignored for the first while.

Better service is a must, all employees should be greeting guests and if the bartender isn’t present, let us know! Don’t let customers sit without saying a single thing to them for such long periods.

I probably wouldn’t return due to this experience. Truly on the edge of a...