Bayou Beer Garden — Restaurant in New Orleans

I have an issue. This place has always been great vibes, but today she told us because we aren’t tipping we can’t be served. Legally you cannot refused service because you are not getting a tip. Tips are not mandatory, so they were already in the wrong. Also, We are from Texas, we cash tip. Because when you a CASH tip in Texas it goes straight to the bartender. Nicole the manager seem to only make excuses during this Discriminatory moment. The bartender Lilly told us because we didn’t tip she can no longer serve us. I would never go this place again. This was the worst experience ever and such a huge disappointment. Also the bartender Britany or Moana she poured my drink out because she didn’t want to “deal with the situation” I have never felt so unwanted in my life. This is terrible and will never be back again.

Also if you read the manager reply, this just show they don’t care about the people who spent money there. Not to mention they just said if you don’t tip they don’t serve you. She also said I bought 3 rounds a drink and I only bought one round of white tea shots, and a beer. Mind you was were sitting at the bar when she told us she could no longer serve us because we don’t tip. Which was assuming because we didn’t tip on the card. Mind you we were going to give her a cash tip. Again the response was very unprofessional. I was not rude at all and kept an open mind with both the manager and employees and their respone was very tasteless.

Also you just added that I poured beer on all of your receipts and that is 100% a lie because we didn’t get any more drinks served to us after our one round of shots. Just one round not 3 I wasn’t even able to order a beer because you stop serving me after one round of shots. Please do not lie to make it seem like you and your bartender were in the right because that was very unprofessional. Please stand behind what you did and own up to your fault. I did not act in an unruly way, I spoke to you very calm...

Well worth the visit, even if you are staying down in the French Quarter or other neighborhoods close to the river (street car directions below). Relaxed place to grab a beer and some good food. Extensive collection of beer on tap along with knowledgeable bar tenders. 30 - 40 minute trip from your hotel near Canal Street. Catch the 47 or 48 trolley north. For the next few months you'll have to get off the trolley the stop before LaSalle St and transfer to a bus then re-board at LaSalle to continue your journey. The driver will let you know. This bypass for the next few weeks as power has yet to be restored for the trolley lines in this section because of a building under construction falling down and almost taking out a trolley. No lie - look up Hard Rock Hotel..... Anyway, you're not worried about that, just grabbing a cold beer and some good eats. Get back on the trolley - don't worry about the way some of the buildings look (ref: Hurricanes Katrina & Ida) and get off at the Canal and Norman stop. Final note, if you walk down Norma like we did the entrance is actually around the block on Rendon. That's OK as you'll need the extra steps to work off the beer you're about to drink. I forgot, talking about knowledgeable bar tenders check out the Gnarly Barley Coconut Jucifer the bartender turned me on to. I dislike IPA's but this righteous drop...

I've been a loyal fan of Bayou Beer Garden since it first opened, and I’ve always loved the relaxed, homey patio vibes that make it such a great spot to unwind. However, I had a very different experience yesterday on Mardi Gras. The atmosphere was much louder and more crowded than usual, but that’s to be expected on such a busy day.

While sitting at the bar, enjoying some laughs and good conversation with my friends, things took a turn for the worse. The bartender—who, to be honest, seemed unhappy to serve us from the start—told me to “shut up.” I couldn’t believe it. It was so rude and completely uncalled for, especially in a place that’s usually known for its welcoming and chill vibe. I left immediately because I was so upset! She tried to tell us it was because she took her hearing aid out & was more sensitive to noise than usually, but that was just to save face!

I even asked surrounding parties if we were louder than normal & they said NO!

Her name was Lilly (or Leelee, I’m not entirely sure), and I can’t help but feel like her attitude is bad for business. If she keeps treating customers this way, she’ll drive them all away. I hope this was just a one-off incident, but it definitely left a bad taste in my mouth. It’s a shame because I’ve always loved this place, but I’m not sure I’ll be back...