Surly Goat Encino — Restaurant in Los Angeles

want to bring to your attention a poor experience that my wife and I had this past Saturday night 7/6, at your establishment in Encino.

My wife and I patron your establishment about once a month for drinks when we are kids free for an evening. Especially since we live up the street on Louise. Saturday was an experience that I never had before and it was quite unsettling.

My wife and I came in around 8p, grabbed some drinks, and headed out to the patio. We sat far coner to enjoy a cocktail and a smoke, which we always do. A little before 9pm we watched your security team park across the street and walk over. The same individuals that we have seen each time we come in.

Around 9pm a bouncer came over and told me that sandals are not allowed, and asked if I had shoes. I said no, and that I always wear Birkenstocks when I'm here. He said their not allowed and that someone may say something. I said that's fine, I'll remember for next time. Again this has never been said to me in the past as I typically wear them. He then walked away.

At around 9:40p, the head bouncer, big big guy, tall, loud and deep voice walked over. He puts his hand on the table, inches from my wife and I. In an angry tone and demeanor, ask if I have shoes. I said no, but that I would rember for next time.

He then told me that I have to leave and that I should have been kicked out a long time ago. I let him know that I wear my Birkenstocks all the time. He then said angrlerly " then you haven't been here in over 10 years. I replied, not true as I was here just a few weeks prior, plus you have seen me many times.

He went into a random story on how a women almost lost her toe a few weeks back. Then said that it's OK for my wife to wear them but I can't. Funny thing is my wife was wearing the same sandals. How's it OK for her and not me was my major question, especially after the scenario he gave. All of it felt targeted at this point.

He then proced to use foul language, which had no place in the conversation or his tone towards me. This was at 9:45 and we were told to finish our drinks and be out at 10pm.

10pm came, we got up, walked into the bar to pay our tab. I was standing, if facing the bar on the far left. He followed us in and as I was explaining the situation to the bar tender, he stood there arms crossed, and yelled "what did I tell you". Attempting to intimidate me.

After explaining the situation to the manager on duty and the one who always serves us, who seemed blown away by the situation, apologized and said we could stay. We are chill people just wanting to have a quiet night together and some drinks for a few hours. There were even three older gentleman outside at the big table with us, smoking cigars, who were dumbfounded but what took place outside.

Needless to say we stayed for one more drink, but everything that took place and the way we were treated just ruined our evening. There's more to this but I've gone on...

I would never in a million years come back here. The bouncer (Hispanic) at the back enter was extremely rude, discriminatory, and used his position as a way to abuse his power. When you go somewhere you expect respect and a good time. Instead, I got a bouncer who abused his power to prove a point and belittle my friend and. I felt the need to share my experience to hopefully prevent others from going through the same situation. The bouncer on duty that night was incredibly rude and aggressive. When I arrived at the bar I did not see a bouncer. I walked in assuming a bouncer was inside, when all of sudden Im being yelled at and told “ where do you think you’re going “ and at the same time he touched my shoulder. The same man who was standing in the corner, talking on his phone as if he didn’t work. Instead of ensuring a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for the patrons, he made me and my friends uncomfortable. His attitude was unwelcoming and hostile, and he seemed to lack the basic skills of customer service. I understand the necessity of security measures, but there is a way to handle situations professionally and respectfully. Unfortunately, this bouncer failed to meet those standards. His behavior tainted our evening, and we left the bar feeling upset and frustrated.I hope the management of takes this feedback seriously and addresses the issue. Patrons should be able to enjoy their time without feeling intimidated or mistreated by the staff. I won't be returning to this bar unless there are significant improvements in the way customers...

This review is specifically about the security which was a very unfortunate experience. I had been to this bar years ago and from what I recalled they were standard beer prices, good music, and dancing. My recent experience with security made it where I didn’t even want to go inside. I arrived at the front of the bar on Ventura but the entrance was blocked off. I asked the security guard in front where the entrance was and he said “go around.” I asked him if I make a right at the light because it looks like to the left is an entrance to an office complex. He said, “Go around. You’re an adult. If you can’t figure it out. You don’t belong here.”

He could have just given directions, but made it unnecessarily difficult. I didn’t get his name but he was a tall black man. Larger than the other security guards working that night. The other security was chill.

I considered my question to be simple, but his response took me off guard and made it where I didn’t want...