Really disappointed in direction the bar appears to be going in. I'm a local for 3+ years and had been visiting this bar (typically) weekly with friends and spouse; it truly is/was a great place to connect for food and drink. Most servers recognize us as well and know what our drink is - very "Cheers" like. Fast forward to football Sunday and my crew of 5 came into the bar at 2:30 to watch the game, eat and drink. Because the game didn't start until 3:30, we purposely held off on drinking alcohol, opting for sodas instead. Likewise, we were not yet prepared to order food as we were waiting for 2 additional friends to join us. A little background - the bar was not busy and there was plenty of open seating. Previous week, we actually asked one of the bartenders whom is one that recognizes us and always is a joy to talk with, if we would have any issues getting a table; she stated no, that in the year prior, it wasn't as busy as most people opt for home parties. Good enough for us and she was right! Back to the issue though, prior to the game starting and our two additional friends showing up, the owner approached us telling us that we had to order something other than soda. Rude as it was, we told him but of course, that was the game plan but his attitude really was uncalled for seeing he doesn't know us or how much we contribute to his success. But, we eventually started ordering drinks as the game started, in addition to food. We had a table of 7 people enjoying the game, not rowdy and certainly paying for the opportunity to be there. Three of our friends, two of which (locals) are weekly patrons as well, left mid-game as the owner's approach truly didn't sit well with them considering how much they've spent over the year/months there. Four of us remained and saw the game through to completion and continued to hang out drinking, laughing and yes, two of us were still eating. Then, a waiter came up whom I didn't recognize asking if we were leaving as he had a couple of people that wanted to order food and sit down. We were not even done with our drinks, let alone our friends with their food. I can tell you I've been in BB many a time when there were no tables and just turned around and left recognizing it's a great place and I just got there late, oh well- never has a staff member asked if I wanted them to boot someone out so I could sit. Obviously, the waiter who asked us if we were leaving left us alone after I sternly told him we're not even done yet. But, his actions and that of the owner earlier was the last straw. My husband, an HR Consultant for a Fortune 100 company, who manages his company's customer relations, approached the owner showing that we've (2 people) spent over $1,200 at BB since 11/04/19 via the bank app on our phone. Not to mention, that night alone, we spent in addition to, $292.92...and that was just two of the 7 of us. The owner apologized to my husband, so I give him that...in addition, he bought the four of us that remained our last round, so kudos to him for that too. However, the apology was to only one of the 7 that were there that night. As much as I love the establishment and the crew, I can't say we will be back anytime soon. Our friend who happens to own a successful bar on the same street (unfortunately they don't serve food which is why we were not at his place) acknowledged profit is in the drinks, not the food, so he couldn't understand why the owner's actions were as they were. Could have been an off night or perhaps the beginning of a trend - just if you go, order food and quickly in case the establishment wants to usurp you from the table. And of course, have fun because all things considered, it is a great...
Read moreIt is really hard for me to write this review. I have been a big fan of Blackbook since the day they opened. I am local to the Palm Springs area and frequent this place every weekend spending about $50 plus per week for food and a few drinks. We love the food, the bartenders and have developed great relationships with these folks. That all changed this past weekend when we had out of town guest come in for the weekend. I took them to a drag brunch and then after that, said you need to check out this place for food. They have amazing service and food. The 5 of us walked in and got a table and ordered the tray of Nachos along with 5 glasses of water. Everything seemed to be going fine until one of our friends asked for a drink. That's when it started to go south. The server, who he had no interaction with until then, said no, we will not serve you here. We were all kind of surprised with that comment since he happened to be the only one that wanted a drink, and he was not drunk. Two people in our party did not even have any cocktails before that. After asking for a supervisor, a gal came over and had a conversation and I thought that it was resolved, and she proceeded with the food odor. We still never got our water. It was at that time that a security guard came over to our table and said you all have to leave. I was shocked and embarrassed. I stepped into the conversation to find out why. That did not go well either. I was just trying to get an answer as to what happened. he just got louder and louder and in my face to leave. One of the gals that were with us, who had nothing to drink, came over to find out what was going on. He would not discuss with me the reason. WhenI I pointed out one of the bartenders at the end of the bar and tried to get his attention as he knows me from my weekly visits, someone else from behind the bar just stated in a very loud voice to LEAVE or I am calling the police. At that time we left, with no answers as to what was the true reason. I am a business professional and I know there are two sided to every story and I just wanted to have a discussion with someone that would listen since I was a weekly regular. I do not believe that we can set foot in this place again unless an owner or manager reaches out to me to discuss and explain why the situation had escalated the way it did without even caring about the fact that we were very regular. I am very sad about this as I truly loved the place and always recommend them to everyone we know. That changes today. Hope to hear from someone from...
Read moreBeware there is a bartender here ripping people off! Avoid the bartender with the handle bar mustache. This guy tried to rip me off on 2 separate occasions.
I love the hot chicken sandwich at this place because it's amazing. I frequent this spot pretty regularly as the food is good. I usually have no issues at at with every other staff member.
I'll start with last night. My partner and I ordered 2 chicken sandwiches and 2 vodka lemonades on our way home from running errands. The bartender put in our order wrong and seemed unapologetic as he didn't even say something like "hey my bad" which would've been cool. So we get our bill in a shot glass as we were sitting at the bar. Our bill was about 42.00. I paid 25.00 cash and my partner put his card down for the remaining balance and tip.
He grabbed the glass and said "what are we doing guys?" You want the money towards the bill and rest on the card? We said "yes". He came back with a receipt for 16.62 and my partner signed it and tipped him. We get home and an alert pops up that he charged the entire bill to his card and pocketed my cash.
Another incident happens about 3 months ago when I gave him 60.00 on a 42 dollar tab. He asked me if I wanted change and I said "Yes, please" he not only didn't come back but went and took a break. When he returned he never came back to me so I asked someone else behind the bar if I could get my change? The handlebar mustache guy rolls his eyes and then gives me my change.
How many other people is this guy doing this to and why is this allowed to take place? This guy needs to be fired and should never be allowed around the cash register. Buyer beware and order from...
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