In 1986, while temporarily at Ft. Sam Houston Army base in San Antonio Texas, 3 of us went out for relaxing night. It was myself, me being a white boy; a black friend, and a Mexican friend. We were all well groomed, dressed casual but GQ esque. We went to slightly upper-scale restaurant. The Garcon greeted us, but said we would not be able to dine that evening. I said, oh. reservation only. He said, no, there are tables available. I said; oh, no ties, we can just go to a nearby shop and get some. He said, no, ties are not required. I looked down at my shoes, and said, sorry guys I forgot my loafers were a bad choice. The guys said, no problem, we’ll just go back, and get some better clothes. The Garcon then stopped me, and asked to talk to me in private. He said, your clothes are just fine. I can let you and your Black friend in. We just don’t serve Hispanics here. “What!” This is 1986! I told my friends, let’s go. They said, back to base to change? I said, no, somewhere else. We’re NOT eating here. They asked why, and new I was pissed off. I said, don’t worry about it, we’re just never eating here.
In 1986, while temporarily at Ft. Sam Houston Army base in San Antonio Texas, 3 of us went out for relaxing night. It was myself, me being a white boy; a black friend, and a Mexican friend. We were all well groomed, dressed casual but GQ esque. We went to slightly upper-scale restaurant. The Garcon greeted us, but said we would not be able to dine that evening. I said, oh. reservation only. He said, no, there are tables available. I said; oh, no ties, we can just go to a nearby shop and get some. He said, no, ties are not required. I looked down at my shoes, and said, sorry guys I forgot my loafers were a bad choice. The guys said, no problem, we’ll just go back, and get some better clothes. The Garcon then stopped me, and asked to talk to me in private. He said, your clothes are just fine. I can let you and your Black friend in. We just don’t serve Hispanics here. “What!” This is 1986! I told my friends, let’s go. They said, back to base to change? I said, no, somewhere else. We’re NOT eating here. They asked why, and new I was pissed off. I said, don’t worry about it, we’re just never eating here.