5 O'Clock Somewhere — Restaurant in Medford

Our entire table of 5, with only 2 in our party, having ordered an alcoholic beverage, were denied service of alcohol beverages despite the absence of any indicators of intoxication, which raise several concerns. Specifically, no member of our party exhibited signs of impairment, such as slurred speech, impaired coordination, or disruptive behavior. When the manager was questioned regarding the rationale for this denial, he was unable to provide specific justification and citing a lack of direct interaction. Furthermore, the manager declined to elaborate on the server's observations. The server's inquiries, which were perceived as intrusive, also contributed to our confusion. Refusing service based on unsubstantiated assumptions, rather than objective criteria, is not only unprofessional but may also contravene state alcohol service regulations, which mandate reasonable, evidence-based grounds for refusal. This incident prompts concerns regarding the establishment's training, potential discriminatory practices, liability exposure, and possible violations of licensing standards. I'd also like to include that none of us had prior alcoholic beverages/drugs or medications that would cause impairment. This was extremely embarrassing and confusing to each one of us

IN RESPONSE TO THE OWNER'S REPLY

To clarify my experience and correct some misleading statements made in response to our visit.

Our group was denied alcohol service without explanation. No one had been served prior, and no one was visibly intoxicated or acting inappropriately. We were simply told we would not be served, and no specific concern was raised at the time.

The business later responded publicly and referenced a demand for $5,000 — I want to be clear that I personally made no such demand. I am now aware that a demand letter was sent from a few in our group as you thought an offer of a free pizza would cover over this situation. It's concerning that you would imply improper motives on my part in response to a review I stand behind.

If the decision to refuse service was based on a misunderstanding or misjudgment, that's one thing — but denying an entire group without any clear basis or dialogue is another. It’s especially disappointing to see the business shift blame rather than take ownership or clarify what occurred.

I hope this feedback is taken in the spirit of transparency and improvement,...

So good, went back 3 days later and caught the Sunday all day happy hour! (Update at bottom) Key lime pie brought in from Florida?! Yes please! Recommend you finish with this, dense and creamy deliciousness! But what to start with?!

We both had shrimp; the wife with the grilled skewers and perfectly grilled asparagus on a Mount Shasta of pineapple jasmine rice, added a side salad for only $3, it's not a big salad, but fresh and sufficient. I highly recommend the butterflied coconut shrimp, swap the fries for the salad, and if you are feeling adventurous, the pineapple aioli is delicious but I like a little more juicy pop in the mouth which means it makes you salivate for more; so here's what you do... With the salad get the lemon tequila dressing on the side, ALSO the strawberry vinaigrette on the side, and so for the habanero Tabasco if you like spice... Move the salad aside, dump the coleslaw on your plate to make an empty mixing bowl, add all of the pineapple aioli, 1/3 of the lemon tequila dressing, 1/3 of the strawberry, a little black pepper, and habanero if that's your thing... Mix well, dip your coconut shrimp, and let your eyes roll back with pleasure!

On the return we both got the coconut shrimp, she moaned with delight over that and the pineapple aioli even more than the delectable skewers a few days before; but an amazing value was our happy hour jerk chicken skewers 5 of them for only $7! Nicely spicy, I'd say high medium heat for your average American that considers jalapenos hot. Easily enough chicken to add a salad and call it a meal and cooked to a delightful nice toastiness on the outside with a delightfully moist inside leaving you looking forward to the next bite! Highly recommend this place! Oh and failed to mention the impressive service, both Sarah on Thursday and Cassie on Sunday were attentive, friendly, accurate, and generally a pleasure...

Me and my family of 5 had an absolutely bizarre and embarrassing experience.

From the start, the waitress was pushy with questions, and seemed like she was in a hurry. She often kept implying that we had something to drink earlier. We placed our order for two margaritas (for the table) she came back with our waters only (no margaritas) and then we placed our order for food, but she never came back. Then, out of nowhere, the manager came over and told us we couldn’t be served because they believed our family at the table was intoxicated. He himself said we didn’t seem intoxicated to him but once the bartender says so he cannot serve us. (We never even seen or talked to the bartender)

We were just sitting, waiting, and suddenly we were being told that we were believed to be intoxicated and couldn’t serve us our two margaritas, no discussion—just an accusation made.

It was humiliating and confusing, and I left feeling like I did something wrong just by showing up. I’ve never had an experience like this at any restaurant. All we wanted was a meal and a margarita. Instead, we were treated with suspicion and completely dismissed as customers.

Honestly, it felt like the waitress was looking for a reason to get rid of us—maybe because we arrived about 30 minutes before closing. If that was the issue, a simple heads-up would’ve been enough for us to politely leave. I can’t say for sure, but I’ve been trying to make sense of the whole...