2 /5 Ryan Alexander: My wife and I visited Apero in Monroe, LA for what we expected to be a special night out. We made our reservations weeks in advance because we were excited to enjoy the live band that evening. We even paid extra for two additional seats to ensure we could sit comfortably and enjoy the experience.
The restaurant itself is stylish and has a great atmosphere. The band brought an amazing energy to the space, and the overall vibe felt upscale and enjoyable. Our server was fantastic, consistently attentive, and the food was excellent. The dishes were fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated. From a culinary standpoint, Apero knows what they are doing.
The disappointing part came at the door. The maître d’, Robin, seated us in the back of the restaurant far from the band and main dining area, despite there being many open seats closer to the music. We specifically came for the band, so not being given any seating options felt dismissive. It became even more uncomfortable when another employee approached us and asked if we had made reservations, even though we clearly had. Considering the planning and the extra cost we put into our evening, that moment felt slightly offensive.
At that particular time we were the only people of color there that night. Being placed away from the main room made us feel isolated, embarrassed, less welcome than others and almost like a after thought. That is a feeling no guest should ever experience, especially after taking the time to plan and invest in a night out.
Again, great food and great service are important, but hospitality is about making every guest feel valued from the moment they arrive. I truly hope Apero takes this feedback to heart. The potential for an incredible experience is clearly there. I would love to return in the future with confidence that every guest receives the same warmth, attention, and respect.