Odd vibe, my friend and I were bar hopping on Valentine’s Day. We stopped here for food and a final drink for the night and was told that they would serve my white girlfriend, but refused to serve me, black woman. Their reason was that I was fumbling with my shoes (briefly took my heels off after walking in them for some hours), and my dress showing my ass (wearing a very holiday, appropriate short dress). I’m not sure if they were implying that I was too intoxicated (which I was not, I had two drinks prior to arriving), or what I was wearing was inappropriate. Regardless, it’s a bar, a Saturday night, where young adults and singles might think to frequent. All of this was said to my friend, but not to me directly, even after providing my CO ID and attempting to order food first. It couldn't have been later than 10pm, I would consider this prime time on a Saturday night. Considering the climate of the US, I can’t help but believe that there was a racial undertone with refusing service. I was not belligerent, incoherent, stumbling or showed any behavior that would warrant this. I did recognize that I was the only customer that looked like me and seemed to be an older crowd. Whether the bar owners take this experience into consideration or not, someone will read this and think twice about stopping here - maybe someone else has had this experience. This was my first time going here and did not spend more than 10 minutes there before being turned away - again they were more than welcome to serve my friend but refused to take my order specifically. We were able to receive hospitable service elsewhere and in surrounding bars, so the night was not ruined. However, that interaction left significant impact on me. It left me question my appearance and presentation on a holiday dedicated to celebrating love of all days. What a way to make an introduction to a customer, but I will not be coming here again and will be sure to share this experience with all of my Denver natives.
EDIT: After reading the owner’s response, I feel even more compelled to express my disappointment.
I was not stumbling, incoherent, or belligerent. I walked in, sat down ready to order food and drinks, and briefly removed my heels after wearing them for hours. That was the extent of it. Describing that as visibly intoxicated feels exaggerated and dismissive.
What’s most disappointing is the nature of the response. “I’m sorry you felt…” is not accountability. My friend was served. I was not. We arrived together. We were both ordering and that difference matters - disparity matters.
Hospitality is built on customer experience. When a customer shares that they felt singled out, unheard, and uncomfortable — especially in a space that claims to be "safe for everyone" — the appropriate response is reflection, not defensiveness. Thanks for the response, though - I will absolutely remember this interaction!
P
Philip Bouchard
4 months ago
We live in a world where a crisp cold pint in the perfect atmosphere is a rarity. It’s a damn shame. But not at icehouse. If you long for a time when a bar was a bar and enjoying pints with your friends and family didn’t require a HELOC come see Toben at icehouse. You won’t regret it, if Denver had a bartender of the year award Toben would win it. Cheers!
