The food was excellent, our server was incredible ...

The food was excellent, our server was incredible and I would rate this place 5 stars if it weren't for the doorman. Here's my story:

We dropped in last night for a quick drink and a few bites at around 10:30pm. The place was buzzing, but conveniently there was a table for us on the patio. As we approached, the doorman, rather than greet us, asked "can I help you?", and upon noticing that they had space for us, told us the place would be closing at 12, which was fine with us.

His demeanor didn't sit well with me and it wasn't until afterwards that I realized he was trying NOT to let us in -- I think he figured we would leave, but we sat anyway. For the record, the place closes at 2am every night.

You're a doorman. A man that stands at a door. Nothing more. You have one job: to greet me when I enter your establishment. Even a doormat does a better job of that. You are lesser than a doormat.

Van Gameren, you've put a lot of thought and effort into the experience your guests should have at Bar Raval. But the very first experience should not be that person at your door.