Extremely Disappointing Experience – ADA Violations and Racist Behavior
I had a deeply troubling experience at The Social Goat Tavern on January 5, 2025. As a disabled individual with a service animal, I was denied basic accommodations by manager Nicole Peters, including water for my service dog, and was ultimately asked to leave the premises.
Additionally, during a recorded phone call to address the matter, the owner — Jennifer Hartman, verbally outed herself as a Racist as well as an Ableist. Though I remained calm and even-tempered, she behaved abhorrently and outrageously, enraged by my posting a Google and Yelp review about my experience — raising her voice at me, cutting me off continuously, displaying a blatant disregard for the calm and courteous resolution to the matter I was attempting. She stood by her illegal personal policy and decision to allow discrimination against the disabled community and their service animals at her discretion. She cited she has already been approached by the ADA/DOJ multiple times for violations in the past, but also recently — a few weeks ago — her business was almost shut down by the Newton County Public Health department and she could not risk her business to accomodate the disabled. This behavior is not only appalling but reinforces a lack of respect for the law, inclusivity and equity on multiple levels.
This incident caused undue stress and a medical episode for me. These actions are not only discriminatory but also violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Georgia state law; the entire interaction with manager Nicole and phone call with owner Jennifer were recorded and reports have been filed through the proper channels.
I strongly urge individuals with disabilities, people of color, or anyone who values basic respect and legal compliance to think twice before visiting this establishment.
Wheelchair accessibility: No, definitely NOT ADA friendly.
Service: 1
Collette McDonald
Great little spot! Pretzel appetizer, salad and buffalo Mac and Cheese was enjoyed by our party.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jinai P
I liked the cozy atmosphere. Seems like a place many locals go to. I had their pimento fries and hamburger. No complaints. The flavor was great. The cheese went well with the onion bacon jam they had paired with it.
If I didn't have a flight the next day, I would have ordered a drink from their extensive menu. I'll definitely go back again when I visit.
Recommended dishes: Burgers, Goat Burger
andy herrera
This is by far the best restaurant in the square. Everything we had was amazing. All four of us shared our food because we each loved it so much.
The service was great and the staff was very attentive.
Sitting in the front of the restaurant gives you a great view of the square.
I cannot recommend this restaurant more. If you are in Covington you must eat here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Lori Russo
A very positive experience here. The server was very helpful with the gluten issue. I’m not a huge fan of Mexican food but we gave the tacos a go and they did not disappoint. I had the hummus appetizer too which was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Valerie Giles
RAVEN was a ray of sunshine. Best server I’ve had at the social goat. Raven took amazing care of us. Best server I’ve had. Food was great atmosphere was amazing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Lopez
The service was a little slow, I think they were short handed, but we enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was very good even though we couldn't eat it all In 1 sitting..
Parking: It's in a downtown location an depending on traffic, parking is limited..
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Sweet Potato Fries
Anonymous Fangirl Exclusive
My family and I were really excited to eat here for the first time, but it unfortunately didn’t live up to what was expected. The service was good, but the food was not worth the price at all. When we got our food it was cold and there was nothing special or different about it. Wouldn’t choose to eat here again. Sorry, but not really.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 3
Payton Swinehart
Absolutely love eating here. Staff is friendly and helpful and the food is great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brandy Cauthen
Brittany was by far the best waitress in Covington, GA — will always request her at the social goat 🫶🏼
We had the best food and the best service. Brittany was by far the best waitress. 💯 recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Adult Juice Boxes
Angela
I really enjoyed my tacos, they were really delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant. It has a great vibe and excellent customer service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Buffalo Chicken
Mary Beth Goodroe
Everything that we ordered was AMAZING! I had the Early Bird Burger, and it was hands down the best burger I have ever had!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex Grady
Fantastic tacos with immaculate service. If you find yourself in Downtown Covington, this is a must visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
emma hensley
I have been here twice now. The Hello Brother drink is phenomenal, however every food item I have had here, was so excruciatingly mid. Just not good food honestly. The environment makes up for it with the trivia, and kareoke. The service is pretty good. I suggest eating somewhere else like the Mystic Grill, and then coming here for drinks!
UPDATE: (original review in photos)
Extremely Disappointing Experience – ADA Violations and Racist Behavior
I had a deeply troubling experience at The Social Goat Tavern on January 5, 2025. As a disabled individual with a service animal, I was denied basic accommodations by manager Nicole Peters, including water for my service dog, and was ultimately asked to leave the premises.
Additionally, during a recorded phone call to address the matter, the owner — Jennifer Hartman, verbally outed herself as a Racist as well as an Ableist. Though I remained calm and even-tempered, she behaved abhorrently and outrageously, enraged by my posting a Google and Yelp review about my experience — raising her voice at me, cutting me off continuously, displaying a blatant disregard for the calm and courteous resolution to the matter I was attempting. She stood by her illegal personal policy and decision to allow discrimination against the disabled community and their service animals at her discretion. She cited she has already been approached by the ADA/DOJ multiple times for violations in the past, but also recently — a few weeks ago — her business was almost shut down by the Newton County Public Health department and she could not risk her business to accomodate the disabled. This behavior is not only appalling but reinforces a lack of respect for the law, inclusivity and equity on multiple levels.
This incident caused undue stress and a medical episode for me. These actions are not only discriminatory but also violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Georgia state law; the entire interaction with manager Nicole and phone call with owner Jennifer were recorded and reports have been filed through the proper channels.
I strongly urge individuals with disabilities, people of color, or anyone who values basic respect and legal compliance to think twice before visiting this establishment.
Wheelchair accessibility: No, definitely NOT ADA friendly.
Service: 1
Great little spot! Pretzel appetizer, salad and buffalo Mac and Cheese was enjoyed by our party.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I liked the cozy atmosphere. Seems like a place many locals go to.
I had their pimento fries and hamburger.
No complaints. The flavor was great. The cheese went well with the onion bacon jam they had paired with it.
If I didn't have a flight the next day, I would have ordered a drink from their extensive menu.
I'll definitely go back again when I visit.
Recommended dishes: Burgers, Goat Burger
This is by far the best restaurant in the square. Everything we had was amazing. All four of us shared our food because we each loved it so much.
The service was great and the staff was very attentive.
Sitting in the front of the restaurant gives you a great view of the square.
I cannot recommend this restaurant more. If you are in Covington you must eat here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
A very positive experience here. The server was very helpful with the gluten issue. I’m not a huge fan of Mexican food but we gave the tacos a go and they did not disappoint. I had the hummus appetizer too which was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
RAVEN was a ray of sunshine.
Best server I’ve had at the social goat.
Raven took amazing care of us. Best server I’ve had.
Food was great atmosphere was amazing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service was a little slow, I think they were short handed, but we enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was very good even though we couldn't eat it all In 1 sitting..
Parking: It's in a downtown location an depending on traffic, parking is limited..
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Sweet Potato Fries
My family and I were really excited to eat here for the first time, but it unfortunately didn’t live up to what was expected. The service was good, but the food was not worth the price at all. When we got our food it was cold and there was nothing special or different about it. Wouldn’t choose to eat here again. Sorry, but not really.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 3
Absolutely love eating here. Staff is friendly and helpful and the food is great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brittany was by far the best waitress in Covington, GA — will always request her at the social goat 🫶🏼
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries
Restaurantji Recommends
We had the best food and the best service. Brittany was by far the best waitress. 💯 recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Adult Juice Boxes
I really enjoyed my tacos, they were really delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant. It has a great vibe and excellent customer service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Buffalo Chicken
Everything that we ordered was AMAZING! I had the Early Bird Burger, and it was hands down the best burger I have ever had!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic tacos with immaculate service. If you find yourself in Downtown Covington, this is a must visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have been here twice now. The Hello Brother drink is phenomenal, however every food item I have had here, was so excruciatingly mid. Just not good food honestly. The environment makes up for it with the trivia, and kareoke. The service is pretty good. I suggest eating somewhere else like the Mystic Grill, and then coming here for drinks!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
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