Steel Hands Brewing — Restaurant in Cayce

Disappointing Experience at Steel Hands Brewery

I recently visited Steel Hands Brewery for a gym event and unfortunately had a deeply disappointing experience that I feel compelled to share. As one of the few black patrons in the establishment, my friend and I were subjected to blatant racial profiling.

Upon entering, the staff’s demeanor immediately shifted, and we were met with suspicion and hostility. Despite presenting valid identification, the staff member questioned its authenticity in a manner that was both humiliating and demeaning. After making me feel uncomfortable I advised the staff member that I would prefer to have someone else make my drink and she walked off saying good luck having someone else serve you.

What’s particularly egregious is that me and my friend were the only people in our diverse party who were asked for ID. This blatant discrepancy in treatment based on race is completely unacceptable and highlights the deeply ingrained systemic issues that continue to plague our society.

In addition to the appalling treatment we received, the overall atmosphere at Steel Hands Brewery left much to be desired. The staff’s lack of professionalism and the unwelcoming environment they fostered overshadowed any enjoyment we might have derived from the visit.

As someone who values inclusivity and respects all individuals regardless of race, I cannot in good conscience recommend Steel Hands Brewery to others. Until they address and rectify their discriminatory practices, I urge fellow patrons to reconsider supporting this establishment. Discrimination has no place in any business, and it’s crucial that we hold establishments like Steel Hands Brewery accountable for their actions.

Edit to add:

The owner responded on google with lies from his staff so I will add my response to that here. I not once used profanity with your staff but because I am black I am guessing that she was able to get away with that lie and you believed her. I stayed a whole hour after the ordeal with my party and left before the rest of them. Your staff member made faces the whole time she checked my ID to insinuate that the ID was fake. Another lady in my party who is white and 31 years old (same age as me) stated that her ID was not checked. As did a few other people in my party. I was not rude when I told your staff member that I would have someone else make my drink I simply stated I no longer felt comfortable with her making my drink based on how she was acting and making faces because I simply asked why it took her so long to look at my ID. Your staff member started the whole confrontation so it is not on me if she decided to cry. White women have a history of crying to come off like the victim in situations that they have caused. Google Central Park Karen as an example. There absolutely was humiliation and ill will caused between me and my friend and obviously there was none caused to the rest of the party because...

Steel Hands Brewery is an attractive little spot in a quiet corner of Cayce, SC. Whether indoors with AC or outdoors with a little sun is your thing, there is a table for you. While indoor seating is my preference during the warmer weather, it is also fairly loud as there isn’t much sound dampening and even a small to medium size crowd can generate a lot of echoey noise inside. For the sun-loving folks, there is a stage outside which is often filled with local talent playing live music to get your toes tapping while you toast.

From Sunday brunch options to the every day selections, the food menu has enough to offer where most everyone should be able to find something to satisfy their craving. On this particular visit, I had the grilled shrimp basket filled with a 1/2 lb. of fresh shrimp, seasoned well and coated in a sweet & zesty lime glaze. The grilled shrimp paired perfectly with the double battered foreman fries which had enough flavor that a ketchup or sauce of choice is entirely optional.

The beer selection is great as well if you’re already a fan of Steel Hands as I am. If you’re new to this brew, sample a flight and find your next favorites! I had the Strawberry Breakfast Ale with my brunch platter which starts with the ale as the base pour, a generous helping of champagne in the middle, and topped with just a splash of citrusy orange juice to make a great beermosa.

There is a lot to like at Steel Hands Brewery, but there are aspects that could be improved as well. I mentioned the noise aspect above so I’ll just leave it at that — folks who are quiet talkers may have a hard time conversing here. Secondly, maybe it was just something about this visit, but there were a ton of flies. We had to move indoors after starting at a table outside for all the flies getting after our food and drink. This wasn’t a perfect solution however, as the flies were also abundant indoors, and I think I noticed the problem. Outside, near one of the doors to the indoor dining area, was a tray return and trash can area. The door was frequently opening and closing with servers and patrons alike going in and out, providing an easy way for the flies to come inside. Perhaps moving this station away from the dining room door would help, but that’s just my guess.

All in all, great place with plenty to offer, and the staff are always friendly! We...

NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY

*UPDATE- response to the owner’s response: You do realize that the young lady the manager scolded for sitting on the corner of the stage and playing with the little girl I brought with me… that was Brooke, Chris’s fiancé. One of the artists you are so worried about offending. I’m pretty sure if her man THAT WAS PERFORMING ON STAGE AT THE TIME wasn’t bothered, nobody else was. Except you. You were bothered because you’d had one too many liquor drinks by that point in the night. Maybe you should switch to beer… I mean, it IS a brewery…

As for the cornhole bags… this is the first I’m hearing of any drama concerning a cornhole bag. I’m not sure whose kids were throwing cornhole bags onstage. I never saw that any of that happening nor did I see any cornhole bags on this particular Friday night. Maybe that was another group of savage kids that did that but not mine, to my knowledge. Maybe it happened before we got there.

This “owner’s response” sure is a different tone than the one expressed on the Friday night we are referring to. Where was this level of professionalism when you shushed us like a librarian and then stood over me and my child eating chicken tenders and told us if we didn’t quit being a distraction, we’d be asked to leave? That’s not how you treat your customers… ESPECIALLY ones that had been supporting your establishment every single Friday night for the last 8 weeks in a row.

——————————— My son, a complete stranger visiting from Maryland, and I were told by the owner that we were being too disruptive during the musical act that he “paid a lot of money for” 🥴 and that we would be asked to leave if my son wouldn’t stop laughing and talking to the kind gentleman who sat next to us on the couch up front. He said the musicians get “pissed” or something to that effect.

God forbid someone mingle and socialize at your outdoor concert, Scott 👏

You don’t have to worry about us being back though. I’d hate to throw off your Friday...