1 /5 Ernie Ickes: So today I googled some bars in Altoona that were serving food. I honestly saw the menu for this place and was really excited to try the cheese steak and their wings, as they were priced at a super reasonable price.
I never got to even try it. I walked in and the bartender wasnt at the bar, I assumed since the place was really small that the bartender cooks as well. So no big deal. As I have bartended for a long time, I know how it goes.
As soon as I walk in though, I was met by a group of men that are patrons there...they seemed to be in their late fifties maybe early sixties.... I said hello and asked if the seats in the corner were open. They didnt really say anything for a second and then they finally spoke and told me that because I had a backpack on that I couldnt be there and that the owner doesnt allow that... They also said "there is a sign on the door." I probably wouldnt have minded if the man didnt sound so rude about it, as though I was somehow so unaware of my surroundings or that I must have no common sense. Honestly it was rather rude. And I am glad I have a better piece of mind than I used to.
I was really nice about it and just said. "Okay thanks guys" and I walked out the door and literally checked for this signage they said was so obvious. It wasnt posted anywhere.
All I could do was laugh about it. I never met any staff there or the owners, so its not like I can even complain about them at all, or the food or drinks for that matter. But wow was the clientele unwelcoming. Its a shame because I have been trying to find a good place to grab bar food in the area (I just moved here) and I genuinely dont want to go back over that. I really hope that everyone else that goes there has a better experience than I did. The reviews really talk about how friendly the owner/owners are. So its a shame I didnt get to meet them. I must just not fit the standards of what the clientele believes should be there. What a way to treat a Veteran. All I can do is laugh.
