OCI Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Hulmeville

Dear [Manager/Owner],

I’m writing to share a disappointing experience I had during my visit on June 23, 2025, around 6 PM. My friend and I sat at the bar area and were served by a middle-aged male bartender. Unfortunately, the service we received was inattentive and dismissive from the beginning.

While he did take our drink orders and provided menus, he seemed irritated when I took a bit of time to decide on my meal. I placed my order and tried to remain positive. Once our food arrived, a couple sat next to my friend and appeared to know the bartender personally. From that point on, his attention noticeably shifted to them.

I finished my drink and attempted several times to get his attention for napkins, which we were never given. Meanwhile, he continued to engage with the couple next to us—refilling their drinks and checking on them—while ignoring our table. I was never asked if I wanted another drink, unlike the other guests around us.

Throughout our visit, the couple beside us gave us uncomfortable looks and seemed to be listening in on our conversation, which added to the discomfort. There were only about seven people at the bar, yet we clearly received the worst service. It’s also important to note that we were the only people of color at the bar, which made the lack of attention even more upsetting.

I’ve been to many establishments where I was the only person of color and was still treated with respect and professionalism. Sadly, that was not the case here. I did share my concerns with the female staff member who cashed me out—she was kind, apologetic, and I truly appreciated that.

Although I paid the bill, I chose not to leave a tip due to the service we received. I’m not someone who typically complains, but this experience was uncomfortable enough that I felt it should be brought to your attention. I’ve been to this establishment two other times, with different servers, and received fine service. However, this third experience has led me to decide I will not be returning.

I hope this feedback helps encourage better awareness and more equitable service moving...

The absolute primary reason why "Bar Rescue" is on TV. This place is the top candidate for the show. Not only is the service horrible, but the place is disgusting. Allow me to start with the atmosphere and cleanliness of the facility. The place is dirty as hell. Our feet stuck to the floor. There is no ventilation in the bar and there is no air conditioning....this was the middle of JULY!!!! I also witnessed the blonde bartender scooping ice into drinks with her bare hands instead of using the scoop. Next, the service. We were here for an hour and a half and were able to get one drink. If you are not a regular, you cannot get any kind of service. Lisa, the very tall manly looking bartender, was awful with her customer service and personality. She only helped a few group of people and had no other attention. When the time came to get our bill for our one drink, it took over a half hour with repeated "hands" up to our faces during our request to get our bill. Even after speaking with the owner, he also did NOTHING to help us out. We finally got the attention of the male bartender who was obviously intoxicated to get our bill. Needless to say, NO TIP WAS LEFT!!! I've never been so disgusted to the point where a tip was not left. Absolutely horrible place to go. Jon Taffer NEEDS to visit this place.

Update: I left this review over two years ago and there is a response only four months ago claiming this is a fabrication...it is not. The proof I have is that the manly looking bartender I spoke of above has decided to stalk me on Facebook and send me harassing messages. This is really great for your image. If you would like the screen shots I would be happy to send them to you. This place is a dump with no ability to be professional with their image. This update was made on May 8, 2016. Well done Colonial...

Let me start off by stating that I only started frequenting this establishment 3 months ago. I haven't eaten everything on the menu or encountered every employee; but there's really nothing bad to say about this place.

My boyfriend is a regular so when I visit him we have to go here; why, because I love the Colonial! I admit that when I first visited this place, it was clear it's the local watering hole...like Cheers. Also, lots of smoking but it's well ventilated and there's a secluded area in the back for non-smokers.

I'm extremely critical when I eat out since I'm a huge foodie! So the fact that I come here mainly to eat, an not drink is saying something. The food here is great!! Didn't care much for the pizza, but everything else I've eaten was great!

The staff gets overwhelmed on the weekends since the place gets packed. Most people at tables stand at the bar to get there drinks an the employees will even apologize an say they will be with you in a moment. I've never seen anyone that works here act rude to a customer. The owners wife even ran after me to say goodbye one night, extremely caring staff. I've only been here at least 8 times since I live out of state.

Also, I've gone here without the boyfriend an meet new bartenders who were over the top friendly, now knowing who my boyfriend was so this review is very honest. Clean bathrooms, karaoke night was intersecting; but people here have a great time. So if you haven't visited the Colonial, go on a Friday night around 6 if you don't like crowds; 8 on...