Douglas Social — Restaurant in Wichita

I rented Douglas Social for a private event, I talked with the owner multiple times and confirmed when we would be using the space. I was told he could create a signature drink for the party as well. Day of the party no on was there to open the doors, I called Travis (owner) on repeat without any answer. His voicemail was full therefore I could not leave a message.

30 mins before our event was supposed to start Travis called me back to let me know he was “out of the country” and told me he had me down from 4-7pm instead of 1-4pm which was NEVER discussed. He wasn’t apologetic, he blamed everything on a miscommunication and as a business owner handled the entire situation about as poorly as you possibly could.

Finally at 2:15pm (over an hour late) someone showed up to open the doors. Our event was supposed to start at 2pm, so guests had already arrived and had to wait outside until anyone showed up.

Fast forward to 4pm, ANOTHER party showed up at the time he claimed he had us scheduled for. So what actually happened was he never scheduled our event.

As a business owner, you would think if you’re going to be out of the country you might appoint a contact for someone especially if you’re renting out your space for...

Ehhhhh...I have mixed thoughts on Douglas Social. Went at 4pm on a Wed. Bar was deserted. Bartender was a lovely young lady, made first round of drinks- very good. Had to approach bar for a second round of drinks. She made a lovely margarita that is on their drink list. Loved it. Made no attempt to come to our table to check on us. Had To approach bar for 3rd round of drinks. Ordered some drinks and waters. At this point there are a total of 7 people in the bar. Carried all the empty glasses to the bar for her. Ordered another margarita. Was very different tasting from the first margarita, so different that I took it back to the bar, and asked if she did something different. (It was even a different color than the first). She said no, and was VERY positive, and so sure of herself it was made the same way as the first marg I ordered. She walked off from me as I was standing there at the bar. No customer service skills, did not offer another drink in its place or to remake it. The vibe was just OK, I'll give that a slide bc it was a Wed. That customer service though was non existent. Guess she doesn't live off of tips? The only reason I would go back is the convenience of its location...

I’ve been to this place twice, and both times were very disappointing. I didn’t want to rate this place after one visit, so I gave them another chance, but still a no for me.

1. bartenders use a glassware to scoop ice from the well. This is a big mistake in the bar industry. Please use an ice scoop no matter how busy it is.
2. A Negroni should be stirred, not shaken. Even with Mezcal in it. Period. Is there citrus juice in it? No. Is there egg white or aquafaba? No. So why shake it?
3. I agree to other comments but some bartenders are pretty rude, unfriendly, and unlikable. I know it may or may not be bartenders fault, but bar managers should teach them basic skills like hospitality and bartending 101. P.S. I get that it’s a dive bar so the speed and efficiency are important. So the whiskey Sour is just whiskey and sour mix. Sure, that’s ok. But when a customer specifically ask if you have lemon juice and orders a whiskey Sour AFTER the bartender says “yes we do”, then the customer is proooobably expecting you to shake up a 3-ingredients cocktail. I mean, if you are going to shake a negroni up unnecessarily, why not make a proper whiskey Sour?...