Black Jack — Restaurant in Washington

I visited Black Jack on a Saturday night around 10 PM with three other ladies with the intention of eating dinner. We tried this place because one of my friends raved about the food, specifically the mussels. There was a gentleman checking ID upon arrival, and we headed upstairs to find a table. The walls were red with decor that included things you'd see in a card game.

The environment was definitely your typical bar setting with pop and hip hop music playing and limited seating upstairs to dine in. Luckily, we were able to find a table near the rear section and bar. Unfortunately, we had to place orders for food at the bar, as there was no wait staff like in a traditional restaurant setting walking around to tend to tables. This made it challenging to order food because of the crowd, wait time to get to the bar, and noise level. I also had to provide my card to pay once the bartender put the food order in versus being able to pay at the end of my meal. I ordered the lobster ragoons and fried oysters initially, and decided to put in a separate order for an oyster po boy, since I enjoyed the appetizers. My friends ordered steamed mussels and gumbo. They really seemed to like the mussels and bread and thought the gumbo was decent (the friend that ordered gumbo had family from Louisiana, and was used to that type) However, my food was delicious and I LOVED the lobster ragoons.

In hindsight, I would've tried to arrive a little earlier to eat at Black Jack, but loved the food. I also thought the music selection was pretty good, the restroom (The location had two individual unisex restrooms) was well stocked and clean. I'd choose a different environment for dinner and conversation, but def. recommend if you're looking for music, drinks...

Disturbing experience with one of their security staff.

Let me preface by saying that I was 100% sober, and with a friend, waiting in line on the second floor to enter the terrace. It was around 1:00AM.

Next thing I feel is somebody grabbing me and pushing me aside, screaming at me “move! Move! Can’t you hear me.” It was one of their security guards showing off his “authority” to his entourage, trying to cut the line for his friends while shoving me aside. I was so shocked, I had no idea what was happening. I am waiting in line and talking to a friend of mine.

I promptly head to the bar and request to talk with the manager. Spoke with someone by the name of Andre. He did apologize to me and we had a cordial conversation. Next thing I see, is this security came back and tells me I need to go. Again, I have no clue what this guy’s problem is. His facial expression showed that he clearly was inebriated due to substance use. I ask to confirm “Am I getting kicked out?” He says “yes.” Sure. I will leave. I was leaving anyways as I don’t feel safe at this place.

He screams “follow me!” I reply “I am.”

He then goes “get in front!”

How the heck am I supposed to follow you when I am in front of you?

Anyhow. During this time I start recording, because I am genuinely feeling unsafe with this aggressive dude. I also speak with another manager at the entrance by the name of Terrance. Also a super nice guy.

I am in my mid thirties and have had my fair share of going to concerts and bars and venues, and I have never experienced anything like this.

This place is unsafe based on other reviews I’ve read,...

Sketchy place. Left my wallet at the bar by mistake and pretty much positive the bartenders stole my cash. When asked if it was left at the bar or returned, they were clearly lying. The short Hispanic bartender acted like he didn’t understand and then looked for the tall white guy with a beard, who went off for way longer than necessary to ‘look’ for it but he was just standing around doing who knows what. I have lost a wallet before and obviously knew random people stole stuff, but this was clearly just left at the bar right as I closed my tab so the bartenders would have taken it. They were definitely in on it and just sketchy all around. Sucked to have this experience after enjoying the affiliated restaurant which is right below.

FYI, I had a fantastic meal at Pearl Dive right below, which has the same menu. So I don’t want this to reflect Pearl Dive. I’m specifically referring to the bar Black...