I recently visited Swan River Seafood Restaurant to celebrate an employee's birthday, accompanied by another friend. We are Black, and from the moment we arrived, we felt uncomfortable due to the stares from other patrons.

It had just stopped raining, and I asked if we could be seated outside. The employee who was seating us directed us to a booth that had a bench on one side and two small chairs on the other side, which didn't look appealing and seemed more suitable for a couple with two children. I requested a different booth, but the employee said that the booth I wanted had water pouring through the ceiling. Despite this, I pointed out another booth and walked toward it.

Instead of seating us, the employee went inside and returned a few moments later to tell us it was okay to sit where I wanted. This made me feel like she needed to get permission before seating us at a better booth. Suspicious, I checked the supposedly wet booth and found it completely dry.

Feeling discriminated against, we decided to leave and went to M Waterfront Grill, where we had a pleasant and welcoming experience. I will never return to Swan River Seafood Restaurant, as it is clear they do not want people like me there.