To be clear I love MacDowell's. I've been going there for years and their regular staff has always been awesome. Service and customer relations have been great. Tonight was the exception. They had this individual as the bouncer at the front door. He exuded lack of confidence, a napoleon complex, and projected it immediately. We arrived to the location on bicycles which this individual screamed at us they weren't allowed. Upon the first shrill we immediately apologized and wheeled out. As we wheeled out he felt the need to continue screaming. Disregarding this guy was essentially hiding and in what most would wear for garden work, we once again apologized and obliged. We continued to leave and locked up outside of the establishment. Upon entry we were harassed by this same nervous individual to a degree I haven't experienced in decades. We had backpacks with tools for our bicycles and changes of clothes since it was a hot sweaty day. Aparantly this warranted this individual tossing random items out of our bags solely so we had to put them back into our bags. We were the only ones the entire night searched in any regard. Numerous individuals with bags walked in after us. This guy was blatantly disrespectful to us from the start. I've hired and worked with numerous bouncers. This is not the kind of face anyone would want for their company. The entire rest of MacDowell's is great. Having this kind of person as your first customer interaction is a huge mistake.
The "door" guy was a big "D" from the very start. Very rude attitude. We arrived on ebikes and had our backpacks with emergency tools; guy said he had to search them. Did not see him search another single bag being brought into the place the whole time we were there. But even frequently left the entry area multiple times to take photos of the band while people walked inside.We've ridden our ebikes/scooters there several times last fall and we're always permitted to park them just inside their fence where there's a couple outlets to recharge. We'd enjoy the bands, drinks, and food for a handful of hours while our bikes/scooters charged; then enjoy the ride back down the trail towards DC.All other staff, drinks, band, and scene were just as good as all trips before.Sad this guy likely ruined this place for future ebike trips given the range for roundtrip ride without charging.
Great music and vibe. Outdoor sandy back area. The people who work there are soo nice. Come in with a smile, exit with an even bigger one.
Friendly and helpful staff. I had a cheeseburger and it was well prepared, cooked exactly as I asked. A fun place to hang out for a night.
Get spot with good drinks and live music!
Love this place. Outdoor Beach environment including palm trees and umbrellas in the Middle of Old Leesburg, great outdoor bands, very fun dynamic place with good food. Seems like they only serve beer at the outdoor bar bc you don't see signage or drink menú, but they have a full bar!
Very cool place to go, grab a drink and hangout outside. The band playing was great, ambience is awesome and the food is ok.Would go back for a drink and listen to a band.
This place is unique in that it a beach atmosphere, got sand picnic tables, umbrella's, and it feels like your at the beach in the middle of town. Down side is that they don't have wait staff, you have to go up to the bar and order your drinks and food, they do have someone to bring your food to you. Drinks are expensive.
Beautiful weather when we were there
Very cool place to go, grab a drink and hangout outside. The band playing was great, ambience is awesome and the food is ok.Would go back for a drink and listen to a band.