StirCrazy — Restaurant in Homewood

I was traveling home from out of town and found this bar along my route. It was getting late so I called to confirm their business hours. I got an automated message that said to leave a message and my call would be returned as soon as possible. I thought maybe the bar was busy and they didn't have time to answer, no big deal. Upon my arrival I noticed a very low selection of liquor, draft beer, or customers. The only customers I saw in the bar were two people playing pool. I asked the bartender about tequila. He asked me if I wanted a shot without telling me what was available or if that's what I wanted, which makes me think there is not much of a selection. Before I could ask what type of tequila there was to drink or ask what type of mixers the bar had, which I don't think there was much mixers to choose from by how empty the bar looked, the bartender then proceeded to ask me if I was "messed up". I drink rarely and take no medication. At this moment I hadn't had a drink in short of a week. The bartender then proceeded to tell me that I was slurring my words, although that was definitely not true. I was refused service. I've been to bars all across the United States and this is the first time I've ever been refused to be served alcohol, especially before my first drink. The bartender didn't ask how I was doing, if I was meeting friends, if I was planning on driving home, or getting a ride from someone. The bartender decided I was "messed up" within 30 seconds of me being in the bar. If a bartender can't tell the difference between someone who is 110% sober and "messed up", while making that decision within 30 seconds of a customer entering the bar, then that bartender should be looking for a new profession. I'm not quite sure if the bartender was insinuating that I had been drinking, taking to much medication,or using recreational drugs, but none was the case. I may have been somewhat less offended if the bartender asked me if I had consumed any alcohol before I arrived instead of asking if I was "messed up". Maybe this is the type of bar where people often arrive to inebriated to get served or the bartender prefers locals and refuses service to others.I'm not certain this is the situation, but regardless it's extremely unprofessional. The bartender was absolutely wrong and unjustified. I will never be returning to this establishment and would recommend avoiding this bar. The next time I'm in this town I'll be sure to go elsewhere. I wouldn't return to this bar if it was the only one in town!

Edit for response: I would have asked about more than tequila if I wasn't asked if I was "messed up" within 30 seconds. I didn't want straight tequila. Considering the name of the bar is stirCrazy it doesn't seem unreasonable to assume I may have wanted a mix drink. If given the opportunity I would have preferred one mix drink and a glass of water to go with my check. Why you are talking about someone taking multiple shots of tequila and trying to drive is beyond me, besides the multiple shots would have come after the first and you would be given the opportunity to refuse service after each one of them. I never once said the word shot while in the bar, that is what the bartender said. I never "mumbled, ranted, or wanted a full shot glass in my hand". I also most definitely didn't "fly off the handle" and find that offensive. When I was asked if I was "messed up" the first word out of my mouth was no, as well as saying I had not had any alcohol to drink at all. As soon as I was asked if I was "messed up" I already felt unwelcomed and had all intentions of leaving regardless of if I was able to be served or not. I left without confrontation, raising my voice, or saying anything in response to a bartender immediately refusing service under the assumption of me being messed up. Everyone isn't refused service for alcohol at a bar, that's a ridiculous statement. Most of my friends and family have never been refused service at a bar, even if old. Maybe, "just maybe" everyone you know has been refused...

I guess they only like a certain group of people to patronize their establishment because my boyfriend and I went there last week on a rainy cold night to be treated like we were trash we didn’t even bother to stay because of how we were treated. All we asked is if the kitchen was open and the response was Ain’t no kitchen you can go eat at Purple Onion now some may think oh that’s nothing but sometimes it’s not what you say but how you say it. We could have stayed and had drinks shot pool but the attitude given no thanks. You should really think about how you treat all of your customers !!!

Clearly you chose what part of my review you wanted to address I didn’t care about the food so much as the way we were treated and spoken to. Let’s be clear since Covid a lot of things have changed so asking a question about your services isn’t too far fetched but the way your staff treated us was .. you can keep that condescending attitude with the rest...

Karaoke 9:00 Saturdays. System is very good for the room, very good song selection, rotation gets a little shaky latter on (80+ minutes), but all in all a solid place with a few decent singers. CONS: no food, smoking inside, and 2 doubles cost $50 (NOT McCallan 20 lol). PROS: Sal and (Luann?) we're good behind the bar - very busy and efficient. Dart board, pool tables, small dance floor, eclectic crowd (regulars, pool players, birthday girls, post wedding reception). You can bring in food from any of the restaurants in the strip mall (and there's a bunch). Easy parking. This place has real potential - and except for the (IMO) overpriced* drinks (* for the room... This is what I'd expect to pay at Perry's or Fleming's... Not here), I'll be back. (Maybe just order draft beers or "house shots"). Solid 7.2 place with no fights, trouble...