I had quite the experience with mine. Over a month ago, I walked in with a friend at about midnight on a Friday night, the place was packed. The owner came to the door and apologized, saying the whole place was booked for a private party and that he wasn't in fact open to the public.

Well, this was not the first time this had happened. Actually, it had become a bit of a nasty habit. So I stopped coming for a month. Went back yesterday with my wife for supper and some drinks, and the owner, as friendly as ever, said, "long time no see." I decided to play it cool and not let on that I was really p****d off at him, so I just said, "Well, you know -- you've had so many private parties in here, I didn't think we were welcome any more." He was a bit surprised at that, so I elaborated and told him the last few times I tried to come and got turned away at the door.

He said, "Yeah, I know" and showed me a calendar with all the dozens of private party bookings on it. "I've been getting really busy with that."

So I explained to him, that he might want to consider limiting his private bookings to a certain time (like until 9pm or 10pm) because when people try to come later in the evening for a drink and he's turning people away, it doesn't make people want to come to his establishment.

I further explained to him that it's very difficult to come with my friends because they get turned off by the fact that the place is unavailable all the time and then they don't want to come.

Owner's wife was sitting there, and then she chimed in: "Well, next time you should call ahead."

Call ahead? Umm, I don't think so, lady. I'm out with friends for a few beers -- I'm not looking to reserve a private party room here. If I have to call ahead to my local before I go, I would much rather just find a new local then.

Funny thing is, we've been going there for almost eight years, and in that time we've brought them LOTS and LOTS of business... And quite often, when we come for our regular Friday night drinks, we attract fairly large groups who join us.

I really don't feel like frequenting this establishment anymore. Which is a pity because I like the environment and they have good food. But it angers me when the owner and his wife act like that. Grrrrrrrrr!!!