KD
KIRI DOMINIQUE
Sep 22, 2026
I came to Bonefish Grill specifically for Martini Monday. I had never been here before, and unfortunately this experience completely ruined my first impression.
When I ordered a martini, I gave our server my valid, unexpired Georgia driver’s license. It has a VERY small chip missing from the bottom corner. My photo, DOB, expiration date, license number, and all identifying information are completely intact.
Our server said, “Let me take this back and see if he will accept it with the chip on the corner.” She returned and said, “He won’t let me take it, sorry.”
Who is “he”? No manager ever came to our table, introduced himself, spoke to me, or explained the decision.
I was told that when an ID is no longer valid, the DMV may clip the corner. Afterward, I specifically looked into whether ordinary wear or a small chip automatically invalidates a Georgia driver’s license. I could find nothing from Georgia DDS supporting that. They provide a process for replacing damaged licenses, but I found nothing stating that a tiny chip from normal wear automatically makes an otherwise current license invalid.
I even offered to show my Georgia digital driver’s license in Apple Wallet as additional verification. She didn’t want to see it.
Obviously, my mood changed. I came specifically for Martini Monday, I’m over 21, and I had presented my actual ID. She then apologized and said, “He would’ve came out here and asked to see your ID anyway because you’re young looking.”
That made even less sense. We were sitting in the dining area, the bar was toward the front, and this manager was apparently in the back. Had she not brought my ID to his attention, why would he have randomly come from the back specifically to ID me? I understand I look young. That is exactly why I carry identification.
My husband then ordered the martini. His birthday and mine are relatively close, and after she saw his ID, her approach seemed to change.
She brought the drink and told me, “If you see a short Hispanic guy come to the front, don’t let him see you.” She then said she personally didn’t care and that she believed me. She also said something along the lines of “they don’t play about that stuff” and “they will come and shut us down for that.”
This is where I became completely confused. What exactly is “that”? Serving alcohol to someone under 21? I am over 21. If she genuinely believed I was underage or that my husband had ordered alcohol for an underage person, why would she knowingly bring the drink and then tell me to hide from a manager? If she believed me, why was I treated like I had done something wrong?
I completely understand taking alcohol service seriously. Check my ID, scan it, get a manager, or ask for additional identification. I had no problem proving my age.
My problem is rejecting my legitimate ID over a tiny chip, refusing to even look at the additional digital ID I offered, repeatedly emphasizing how “young looking” I am, and then ultimately telling me to hide the drink from a manager.
For my first visit to Bonefish Grill, the experience was uncomfortable, contradictory, and embarrassing. I came specifically to try Martini Monday and left with absolutely no desire to return.