1 /5 Karlee Square: As soon as my cousin and I walked in, it was apparent that we would be treated different. Between the glares, external judgement, and conversations clearly pointed at us (with eye contact, gazes unwavering, and faces made with their snide comments.) We’re Akwesasronon, from the St. Regis Mohawk Territory, and we wear our Nation’s legacy with pride; beaded earrings or other jewelry, tattoos, or something else within our attire. It’s not uncommon to receive external racism and prejudice. Although, hearing about the greatness of the Mohawk Valley, and the little town of Middleburgh, we never thought this would be as strong. I also am not sure if they were jealous or what else it could be other than being prejudice and racist.
Moving forward, we waited 15 minutes for them to clear a table off in order to be seated. That normally wouldn’t be an issue if it wasn’t for them immediately seating a white couple ahead of us, that arrived 30seconds before us. Now, after some time, the young blond girl didn’t want to take our order but eventually asked what we’d like to drink. There was an older, plump brunette with her hair up that was the worst of them and showed the clear disgust all over her mannerisms and faces. She should never play poker and should honestly get humbled. Anyways, eventually another older woman with short, dark hair finally came over to take our order after we waited another 10 minutes. When I asked about different dishes and if they’re non-dairy (as I expressed my allergy to it), she proceeded to talk down to me like I couldn’t read the menu and started explaining what grilled chicken in, what bread is, and I had to stop her. She kept making it a theme for the rest of my ordering to ask about gluten and what has gluten in it rather than letting me know what does or doesn’t have dairy. I had to remind her several times I couldn’t have dairy. At one point I had to say, I said dairy, that I can’t have dairy, I’m allergic. I didn’t say gluten. I can have that.She didn’t really speak after that nor did she check on us like she did the rest of the customers.
As we waited to have our order taken, and throughout the entire meal, the gazing, stares, and remarks continued until we left.
Despite the blatant prejudice and obvious racism, the food is something that could save the place. I throughly enjoyed the house salad and lentil pasta soup. I would recommend the food but if you’re not white, proceed with HEAVY caution.


