De Real Ting Café — Restaurant in Jacksonville

We (myself and guests that were in town for the 5K race) arrived at the venue and took our seats, having purchased drinks inside. We also ordered food, and our number was placed on the center of the table for delivery.

One of the ladies handed me a bottle of water, and she had another one on the table.

A man approached us without greeting or introducing himself. He simply said, “Outside alcohol is not allowed.” I responded, holding up the water bottle, “This is water, and the bottles are sealed.” He interrupted me, clearly annoyed, and said, “No water either, we sell water inside.” We both silently returned the water bottles to our bags with a thumbs-up.

Honestly, how petty is it to be concerned about a customer drinking water when they’ve already purchased drinks, food, and even brought in out-of-town guests?

Had he approached us with a friendly greeting like, “Hello, my name is Mr. XYZ, and thank you for coming tonight. I just want to let you know that outside beverages aren’t allowed here,” it would have been received well. But, unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Instead, it felt as though he thought this was the only spot in town, and we were somehow “privileged” to be there.

Later, a gentleman approached us about cigars. He was very friendly and talked about knowing the owner and other people in the business. He left and came back with the owner — yes, the same guy who had earlier told us we couldn’t have our water. We weren’t interested in the introduction, and honestly, he didn’t seem interested in us either.

On a positive note, the band was fantastic — Erik on guitar and the DJ were exceptional. The ladies at the bar were friendly and accommodating. However, that owner will not be getting another penny from me. He doesn’t deserve my hard-earned money.

Instead of losing just $2 from a bottle of water, they’ve lost hundreds of dollars in future support.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that in 2024, I brought about 20 friends to celebrate my birthday at this venue, and we spent a lot of money. Well, that won’t be happening this year!

(Side note: Establishments should encourage guests to drink water before leaving, regardless of where the water comes from, especially when they’ve purchased multiple rounds of...

Had horrific experience with female bartenders. 1st time walked up to her and she looked directly at me, gave me a very dirty look and turned her back on me. It was completely empty at the bar so it was quite awkward when she finally did give me attention as if it was full in there. I asked for a cup of water and she refused. She told me the only way I could get water as if I wanted to get a water bottle which I knew was untrue. 2nd drinks for women are free before 11 my sister got a drink during this time, again with a dirty look on her face she said drinks are only free if you want to leave me a tip. 3rd later on in the night I was thirsty and went to a completely different male bartender timidly ask for water. Without hesitation he grabbed me a red Solo cup and filled it with water like a normal bartender would. I knew the woman was just being nasty now. 4th later on in the night I wanted more water. She saw me and she threw the water bottle on the table at me. I have no idea why. Talking to other women in the club about my experience they all agreed that they had a similar experience. I am particularly talking about the bartender with big fluffy hair large breasts large butt and the one that is popping out of her waist trainer. Other than this horrible experience this place has excellent music and a great dance scene it's sad that she ruins the...

We arrived at Real Ting for some after hours food. Upon arrival we was searched by an over zealous security guard. I had my torch (just a lighter) in my pocket unknowingly. However this guy flips out. I calm the atmosphere because I’m not looking for problems and I advise him I will just take it back to my car. I come back and my lady tells me this guy was talking trash the entire time I was gone. I say no worries he didn’t say it to me. We got our food and was on our way out. Again I apologized to the guy for the mistake. He responds “can’t take that drink out” I was like do you mean this grape soda that I just purchased from your RESTAURANT. He said yes can’t take it out. So now I know this clown is just looking for something to mess with me about. So he says put it in the bag in a chastising manner. As I leave peacefully I notice this guy still talking trash and pointing at me. So of course cordial is out the door at this point. Not to mention when I came back from my car from putting the lighter in, the irresponsible security guard didn’t check me when I came back in. All that mouth while I was away but straight silent when I got back. I feel like Debo!

Reminder to that young security guy. Remember everybody not for play and disrespect please govern yourself accordingly. I will never be back to this place long as this guy...