Havana Nightclub — Restaurant in Seattle

Backpack Gate 2017.

YAY CAPITAL HILL ESTABLISHMENTS POLICING HOW WOMEN CHOOSE TO CARRY THEIR VALUABLES.

Since they don't have it posted anywhere (website, outside the club, as a polite FYI when a table is being reserved for a large bachelorette party), you should know that reasonable-sized backpack purses will get you denied entry at the door.

This happened to me and a friend this past weekend. Prior to that, I witnessed a young woman being told that she would have to remove something she was wearing (her hat?) before being able to enter and I began to feel uncomfortable about this place (to be clear, I've never enjoyed being at Havana or clubs in general). Then a friend started recounting how one time a bouncer had refused to let her re-enter after the club was closing and she realized she had left her things in coat check, and I got really uncomfortable, to the point that I thought, I don't want to be here. Then, of course, my wish was granted and my friend and I weren't allowed to even enter this most-hollowed establishment, unless we returned with the "right" way of carrying one's money, ID, and phone.

We were not given any reason for the backpack "ban" (that they are always HUGE and take up so much more room than a bigger bag you happen to carry on your shoulder, or that "backpacks always contain weapons!" (let's not even dive into that racist/classist b.s.), or that backpack purses are ugly! eeeewww!, or that they hate women who avoid using a one-shoulder purse because of back issues, or personal tastes, or their opinion that it's none of your business why I have a cute-ish little backpack purse and my friend has a really expensive and super fashionable backpack purse that I'm secretly jealous of, despite you finding both heinous). And strangely, despite the lack of explanations, and our continuous attempts to respectfully explain That this is a style of purse., Can we speak to someone else?, Can you please make an exception for a group that is planning on spending a lot of money tonight?, the bouncer made it VERY obvious that "This is just my job. I get it. Don't hate me for doing what I'm told." Yes sir, we "get it" too, and we don't hate you per se, but we would appreciate a legitimate answer to our legitimate questions, because what you're being told to do is frankly stupid, and possibly discriminatory.

Is it "fair" that I expected decency and respect out of an establishment like this, where I witnessed a woman being policed for how she was dressed and knew that another friend had been physically prevented from fetching her property? Probably not. However, I did expect that, being a Seattle and Capital Hill-based business, Havana would be more invested in avoiding the club trope of perpetuating the stereotype of how women "should look and act" in order to "deserve" admittance. I was mistaken. Please don't go to this place. There are so many better places on the hill to visit...

Sexual Discrimination at Havana. The policy of allowing women free entry while charging men is patronizing towards women. This implies that women either cannot afford the cover charge or would not choose to visit the club based on its own merits. Such an assumption is not only insulting but also undermines the independence and financial capability of women. It suggests that their presence in the club is more a marketing strategy than a recognition of them as valued customers. This can inadvertently objectify women, positioning them as part of the ‘attraction’ for the paying male clientele, which is unacceptable in today’s strive for gender equality.

For men, this policy is equally unfair. It imposes a financial penalty based solely on gender, reinforcing the archaic notion that men should bear the financial burden of social activities. This is not only discriminatory but also disregards the diversity of financial situations among individuals. Men, just like women, should not be subjected to unequal treatment based on outdated gender stereotypes.

Moreover, such a pricing strategy can contribute to an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe environment. It reinforces the idea that women are a commodity, offered as an incentive to male patrons. This not only objectifies women but also sets a concerning tone for the interactions within the club, potentially leading to uncomfortable or even...

Terrifying Experience.

Went for a couple of drinks after a work event with my colleagues from out of town. I have a rule that I have a max of two drinks, especially in a professional environment. Myself and two out of eight of my colleagues were black out drunk - after two drinks! We were so messed up to a point where we couldn’t talk, were puking, and each of us fell unconscious in the car home that our colleagues got for us (after searching our wallets for our addresses). They got us home safely but had they not been with us, it could have ended up much worse than the worst hangover of my life (coupled with the embarrassment of that happening with colleagues present). I will never waking up not remembering the night before, only learning from my co-workers that we were so incapacitated that we had to be carried to and from the car. Our spouses were very worried but thankfully the three of us had someone at home to make sure we were okay.

I am convinced we were drugged at Havana so please be careful here and watch your drinks carefully. Especially after talking to some friends - it’s notorious at this club to have these types of experiences in my...