Shakespeare's Pub

10/29/09

Racial Profiling

by GSmithLaw at Citysearch

A few weeks ago my brother and several of our friends were the victims of racial profiling at Shakespeare's Pub on 6th Street in Austin, Texas. As soon as we approached the door, the two bouncers exchanged glances and words with one another. I knew there would be a problem. We were all very well dressed and quite articulate, and still we were denied entry because one of our friends had on a Versace argyle hoodie under his Armani blazer. We stood by the door to see if the real reason was our friend’s hoodie. You guessed it, it was not, and several other patrons of different races were granted access to the club. The bouncer himself was wearing a hoodie! Needless to say I was outraged!! The bouncers had no real reason to keep us from gaining entry other than their own personal, ignorant, discretion. I love Austin, it is a very eclectic place and 6th street is something everyone should visit at least once, but I can promise you that I will NEVER recommend Shakespeare's Pub to ANYONE. As long as this type of profiling is going on! It hurt me to experience such ignorance on such a personal level. I intend to take this story to every newspaper and radio/ news station that will listen. As long as dress codes are enforced, they should be strictly enforced for EVERYONE and not just African American patrons. P.S. The only reason there is a rating here, is because it is required for me to post this.

• Cons: Ignorance

07/20/09

Great place to be physically assaulted by the staff.

by x3n0s at Citysearch

I came in from Dallas for the weekend and read the reviews of this place and it seemed like something I'd like. When I entered the place, I was a bit surprised that they called themselves a pub but did not have any beers on taps. No problem, I'll just order by the bottle.

At the end of the night, they announced last call and my friend brought me a beer despite me already having a new one. I joked that I would have wouldn't be able to finish the it and that I'd have to take it home while making exaggerated motions of putting the beer in my pocket. Now, I realize that this was probably a stupid joke to make in a bar, and if Shakespeare's had a problem, they should simply ask me to leave.

Instead, the staff at Shakespeare's decided to violently assault me. Their bouncer didn't say one word, he just rushed me at full speed, grabbed my arm so hard I have bruises three days later and repeatedly tried to throw me to the ground even after he had pushed me completely to the other side of 6th street. I am a non violent person and was just trying to get away from this lunatic, I did not provoke in any way or even say anything.

I recommend that you stay away from this bar unless you like being around meth using frat boys on power trips.

Also, if this had happened in Dallas, I would have pressed charges, but it would be too difficult living 200 miles away.

• Pros: none
• Cons: they employ violent sociopaths

11/02/08

great bar

by perfectfitwhit at Citysearch

The bartenders here are great! Every time I go to Shakespeare's it is really busy and the bartenders still manage to serve everyone quite quickly. The music is a gamble depending on the DJ. There is one DJ that is completely horrible (I've had to deal with his questionable taste in music two or three times) but the others are pretty good. It's nice having the option to listen to live music, too. Everyone is always friendly and having a good time. Plus, it's fun to look up all the pictures online!

• Pros: great bartenders, fun atmosphere