Evil Olive — Restaurant in San Antonio

Review in Response to the Owner’s Reply to David C.’s Review

Your bar is great, it’s cozy, food is amazing and I have never had any issues with nighttime waitstaff. But after reading your response to David C. I feel compelled to speak up, not just as someone who’s supports your business, but as a veteran who believes in fairness, respect, and accountability on both sides.

It’s interesting how now that the review is negative, the customer suddenly becomes the problem. I personally know David. I’ve met him at this bar and other establishments multiple times and I’ve never seen him be rude or inappropriate to waitstaff. If someone does act out of character, it’s usually because they’re being provoked and that’s something any responsible business owner should consider before siding blindly with staff.

By your own words, you acknowledged that David had done no wrong during a conversation, yet you allowed your team to push him out and are now publicly suggesting he made inappropriate comments. Just so you’re aware, to publicly insinuate such behavior without evidence or direct communication could be considered potentially slanderous or defamatory. That contradiction is both disappointing and concerning.

What’s even more troubling is the message you’re sending, if a staff member treats a customer poorly and that customer speaks up, they’re labeled as disrespectful and shown the door. If staff is allowed to make unilateral decisions about who stays or goes, and leadership doesn’t address complaints fairly, this sets a dangerous precedent. When customers have no voice, the culture shifts..and not in a good way.

David may not be your biggest spender, but word of mouth matters. A lot. If longtime customers start to feel unwelcome or silenced, it will reflect in your reputation and eventually sales.

I literally drove by Evil Olive today, pointed at the sign, and told my family how much I loved this bar. After reading your response, I’m seriously disappointed. It comes off as if you don’t truly value your customers, just your staff’s version of events.

Respect goes both ways. And so should...

This is a fun little neighborhood bar, with more than 10 TVs for your favorite sports games, two dart electronic dart boards, one pool table, and a couple of video arcade games.

There’s a small stage for music or a DJ. They don’t have table service. You have to order you food at the bar, but they will bring it to your table when it’s ready. The only problem with this, is sometimes there is no bartender available if you are looking to quench your thirst.

They have about 6 beers on tap.

Guess who the chef in the kitchen is! None other than Kris Martinez from the infamous Rocker Dogz: Gourmet Hot Dog stand of yester year.

His menu here ROCKS, and some of it is inspired by his former creations. For example, check out the Bella Bleu Burger, based on his Bella Blue hot dog from years ago. Gorgonzola bleu cheese, applewood smoked bacon, mustard, and a red wine onion reduction sauce. You just don’t find food of this quality and flavor in establishments like this. Come here for the food and enjoy the beer and games as a bonus. But again, Kris knocks the food out of the ballpark here.

Another favorite of mine is a holdover from his “way back” days are the “Tricked Out Tator Tots.” You have GOT to experience these before you die! They are tator tots drizzled with a magically flavored sriracha mayo, Parmesan cheese and secret herbs and spices.

Kris also contributed to the success of the DogFather and another restaurant in San Antonio for some time. You have to follow this dude around town and enjoy his creative culinary creations. He is an AWESOME chef - and I mean that - he is a CHEF!

Mainly burgers at the Evil Olive that range between $8 and $10 but they have a few appetizers as well.

If Kris ever brings the hot dogs back again, you MUST try the Thai Kickboxer – that was my favorite from back in the day. But it has been many years since I had one.

Bottom line – Evil Olive is a great place to have fun – but Chef Kris is what makes it THE...

Amazing service. On a 12 dollar non alcoholic tab i tipped the band and bar a total of 18 dollars. Thats 133% because the value for me as a sober patron who loves karaoke is the service. They protected me and kept the bar running smoothly without chaos when they saw a male patron trying too hard to be close to me and trying to touch me. Derek and Kobi are the best. When myself and other lone females were having to leave our drinks they and another female regular was watching our drinks. Ive been roofied before (not here) loved this bar. Will definitely come back next month. 🥰 Everyone was so kind and gentlemanly and respectful of my sobriety. They have amazing drinks too. The old fashioned one patron ordered was gorgeous complete with fresh garnishes and the solie round ice cube. And they even have frozen espresso martinis. The non alcoholic michelada w topo chico i ordered was deliiiiiishous! They kept me safe and happy all night and im slightly agoraphobic so the safety and openness and kindness of the space surely has won me over as a regular when i have time to go out. Thank you Derek and Kobi for looking after me like im family. Judging by the amount of beautiful single ladies that we were all there looking for peace and some socialization im assuming im not the first to realize this is an amazing space. The fact its called evilOlive is hilarious because this place is so kind and friendly its heavenly. And im a minister so i truly mean that..i prayed before finding it and i said Lord let me find a great space i can rock out and be sober and safe and not be judged. And evilOlive wasnt the first result in my google search and it was 30 minutes driving to arrive but God said go here and i did andwhen i tell you God wants all his children to be happy and safe and makes a way for that to happen i mean it. Such a great space. And yes i am a minister and i sat at the bar joking with an atheist. Maybe next time a rabbi...