Natasha Singareddy
I don’t usually leave reviews, but my experience at Lightyears deserves a public service announcement. I came here years ago and remembered the vibe being welcoming, and upon returning a few years later, decided to bring some friends who were newer to the wine scene. Big mistake. From the moment we walked in, the older white man who served us radiated rudeness and condescension. He had longish hair tucked in a ponytail and a Hawaiian shirt (should’ve been a sign, honestly). In my personal experience, his behavior came across as not only dismissive and arrogant, but tinged with the kind of energy that made us deeply uncomfortable, especially when he made comments that felt insulting and classist. He even joked with a younger Black employee in a way that made it feel like we were the punchline. He repeatedly looked over at us the entire night, in that “you don’t belong here” way, and made snide remarks implying we must be broke simply because we were young. I’ve been to wine bars all over, from casual to high-end, and I have never been treated with such disrespect. If you’re new to wine and hoping for a welcoming, educational environment, Lightyears is absolutely not it, at least not based on my experience with this staff member. Instead of fostering curiosity or appreciation for wine, his attitude was smug, pretentious, and downright hostile. My friends were shocked. I was embarrassed for ever recommending the place. And honestly? No one should have to sit through condescension disguised as “expertise.” The behavior we experienced was appalling, and I would strongly encourage anyone looking for a positive, inclusive wine experience to go literally anywhere else. Lightyears may have a cute aesthetic and a decent wine list, but the treatment we received completely ruined the night. There are far better wine bars with far better people, and you won’t walk away feeling insulted or unwelcome for simply existing in their space. 0/10 recommend this place
