Don Tequila Urban Cantina — Restaurant in New York

A friend and I entered a restaurant called Don Tequila Urban Cantina. As we were patiently waiting to be seated, we had requested to eat at the bar area of the restaurant. Immediately we were receiving dirty looks from a woman, in which we were later informed was the manger of the establishment. We were informed that the bar was full therefore we decided to wait at a nearby table until there were any available seating. As we continued to wait, my associate had asked a question to the woman named Amalfi, who seemed like the hostess, regarding the "Drink Specials". But before she could even finish her question, she was rudely interrupted. Amalfi shouted, "Listen, miss. If you want to eat at the bar? Then you need to ask your questions at the bar!!" We were both in complete shock. We even noticed that every other latin customer who entered the restaurant was spoken to differently compared to how we were treated. As African Americans, we instantly recognized the reason for the mistreatment. Immediately, my friend spoke to another staff member and told them that we were disrespected and asked if we could be served by someone else. They agreed and said that another server would be provided to us. However, since she was the overseeing manager, I noticed her speaking to all her colleagues after the incident. We received looks from almost every worker at the restaurant. And no one ever came to serve us. Feeling so insulted and even embarrassed, my friend and I decided to leave and go somewhere else. But we were fully convinced that the discrimination was going to be reported. We both have submitted reports to 311. And also we tried to place a complaint review with the BBB, but I noticed that the restaurant wasn't listed. The business isn't even BBB accredited! The woman by the name of Amalfi, who was the hostess AND manager of this establishment shouldn't even be allowed to work at a restaurant if she wanted to decide her quality of customer service, based on the appearance of a person. Guys please read the establishment's responses towards other's who gave this place a low rating. You can see how unprofessional they are towards their own customers for yourself.

Update

On May 23rd, 2024

My associate and I visited the restaurant to speak with the general manager by the name of Emmanuel about the discriminatory actions that had taken place previously. Along side the general manager was the restaurant owner by the name of Juan. Juan joined the meeting intoxicated. During our conversation, the owner continuously kept labeling us as “ners”. He said he doesn’t understand why us “black people” constantly call each other “ners”. We politely told him that, now he was being very disrespectful. Before the meeting could come to a respectful conclusion, he shouted at us “SUE ME!!!!”. He then arised from his seat and attempted to physically assault us while accusing us of trying to “take his restaurant”. All of his employees held him back, pleading for him to please relax. He even screamed back at his own staff in Spanish, telling them all to not touch him at all. He cursed at us and continued charging towards as we were leaving. The embarrassment and emotional distress was unbearable. We were even threatened. We immediately called the authorities. We will be taking legal actions against the establishment. I advise for NO ONE to eat at this establishment. If you are against discrimination, disrespect and violence towards customers and unprofessional mannerisms to NOT eat at this establishment. AVOID AT ALL COST! Attached is an answer from the owner that...

DO NOT GIVE THIS PLACE YOUR HARD EARN MONEY. READ THIS REVIEW ALONG WITH THE OWNERS BOGUS RESPONSE!

It’s a shame that in today’s world, people are still being discriminated against. I’ve seen the responses that this establishment has given to the current reviews in response to the recent experience that this young man, Daniel (another reviewer, scroll down to see his recent experience), had to go through. The owner lacks the basic customer service skills of taking accountability for their wrongdoing and trying to fix it.

They claim they tried to apologize but yet but yet in reality they DID NOT. Why did the owner had to use such language to a customer, let alone trying to assault this customer when this customer never lifted a finger or cause any physical, life cause threats ESPECIALLY after the hurt this establishment’s staff and now the OWNER has caused him and his associate? This owner only uses the phrase “minority-run business” to justify their use of discriminatory language, including using the N-word towards a customer. If you see the owner and the people who work here you clearly see they have never been called the N- word a day in their life!

You’re only trying to mask the issue at hand, which is your use of discriminative language and attempting to attack your customer. The same customers who put money into YOUR pockets so that YOU can continue to open your doors. Absolutely no accountability was taken for the hurt that this establishment’s owner has caused. As a business and owner, you should be ashamed of yourself. You haven’t even rectified the original problem, and you took it a step further by trying to inflict harm mentally by targeting a man due to the color of his skin, not to mention attempting to physically assault him. Where is the so called apology for that? I bet if the video of the owners actions last night is released he will be singing a different tune.

This is UNACCEPTABLE. We are in 2024, and we will no longer stand for this. Justice will be served! DO NOT EAT HERE

Update:

Why would I imply YOU’RE a racist? Facts are facts! You are lying through your teeth. I guess you were so intoxicated that you forgot all the details that had transpired??? I find it funny how it’s always ignorant people LIKE YOU who do wrong and then want to cry that they are a minority. Where was this when you used a racial slur to another minority?

You need to fix yourself and seek professional help. It’s funny how you respond to people in regards to being racist but don’t even touch on the fact that you attempted to assault a man based on your drunk assumptions. How about we touch on that topic? What was the reason why you wanted to assault this man? A man and his associate in-which YOUR general manager invited back to have a conversation based on the rude and unjust behavior of your hosts Amalfi being disrespectful to guest.

We see right through your BS! Even with you currently trying to have people leave positive reviews just to try and drown out you and your establishment being called out and YOUR raciest ways. What are you doing? Giving 10% off to people who leave 5 star reviews now. Funny how NOW all of a sudden you and your wicked establishment wants to be active and respond to reviews. Stop it and...

Regarding to the previews comment of the owner claiming that my friends and I were trying to “ extort “ the restaurant. First of all, learned how to be professional and maybe customers would return. I think is clear that the customer service here is TRASH!! just by the simple fact of reading the response of the owner. Secondly, the over price charges were a mistake because when we order the shots the waitress that was assigned to our table took long legit took her 30 minutes to pour a simple shot of ciroc. So, we reminded another waitress that we were waiting for our shots, but instead she charged us 3 extra shots ( by that time that this waitress returned with our shots we already had the shots, which took her like another 30 minutes to bring it to the table and we told her we already had our shots ) Yes, we complained about two margaritas that we ordered because in all honesty it tasted bad it had chucks of I don't know what, that's why we order shots instead. The waitress took so long with our side guac that we had to AGAIN REMIND ANOTHER WAITRESS THAT WE WERE WAITING FOR THE GUAC for an hour. ( so they charged us an extra guac ) We already had our food on the table.. If we never remind the waitress about the guac we would if never got the guac because she clearly forgot.. THE ORGANIZATION IS HORRIC IN THIS PLACE AND PLEASE HIRE BETTER WAITRESS WITH BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WHO CAN ACT PROFESSIONAL.. And please fix your restaurant sign because is clearly that the owner gives poor maintenance to this restaurant.. That ONE LETTER of the restaurant sign been off for like how long? NOBODY WAS TRYING TO “ Extort “ your restaurant.. We simply didn't want to pay for s* we didn't order. Work on your organization, professionalism and...