Smitty's Lounge — Restaurant in Oakland

Racist. I'm deeply disappointed by what happened here. I came in, ordered tequila, 2 ciders, paid for it, and closed my tab. I then stepped just outside to sit down finish the last bit of one of the ciders - something I've seen people do countless times in my life all around this city and the world. A few minutes later, when I tried to return to toss it in the trash, I was told by the same white bartender who served me that I had STOLEN the drink and was now banned from the bar.

Let me be clear: I paid for the drink. I was calm and respectful. There was no reason to escalate the situation, and certainly no reason to accuse me of theft. The fact that I, a Black man, was immediately assumed to be stealing despite doing nothing wrong speaks volumes.

To make matters worse, I was on the phone at the time with someone who overheard the entire exchange--and even they commented on how much disrespect and contempt was in her voice when she said it. That kind of condescension and accusatory tone was just unprofessional.

Instead of a simple heads-up about a policy (which, by the way, was never made clear), I was criminalized. Loudly. Publicly in front of someone else. Without hesitation. It was humiliating, infuriating, and heartbreaking to experience this in a city I've called home for 30 years.

To those who run this bar: If your staff can't enforce rules without racial assumptions or power trips, the problem isn't the policy--it's the people.

I won't be back.

Update: The owner’s public response below falsely accuses me of lying, which only proves my point about their hostility and lack of...

People be aware of this bar worst experience ever the manager is islam phobic and racist not only that there is HIDDEN CAMERAS in the women’s bathroom. he kept insisting that i order a drink while i was with a group of 5 all ordered drinks except me because I’m Muslim and currently fasting at that time (ramadhan) even though i paid for the pool table he took the balls away and kicked me off threw at me 2 dollars when i told him i paid for the pool as an act of contempt ,such a disgusting human being and...

It's disheartening to share a negative experience, as discrimination based on religion goes against the principles of inclusivity. Unfortunately, I encountered a situation where, as a Muslim, I felt unwelcome in a bar and was asked to leave simply because I don't drink alcohol. It's disappointing to face such prejudices in a place that should be open...