Donz on the Lake

Younger crowds are not welcome. I am 23 years old and went with a group of friends (who are all well over 21) because we were at Barley Oak and wanted to change scenery. I was ID'ed 3 times within a matter of 10 minutes. Once when I walked in, once when I ordered a drink, and then I got carded again by a strange looking man in an LSU hat and glasses that claimed to be the owner. He walked up to me and my girlfriend very stand offish and asked me how old I was. Whenever I told him my age he turned on his flashlight and made me show him my ID again even though I already had a drink in my hand and told him I was carded twice already. He then proceeded to stare at my friend group from across the bar the whole night until we decided to leave since we didn't seem welcome. He even walked by and grabbed me on my shoulders saying "I'm gonna have to ID you again" seeming to make a joke about the fact that I was confused as to why he was ID'ing me. This place is great aside from the fact that they seem to think that I'm underage and do not belong there every time I go. If you are a younger group and are looking for somewhere to go hangout and have a good time, this is not the place. The "owner" could use a lesson or 2 in good customer service, because quite frankly he sucks :).

Lovely people! Beautiful location. Efficient staff. We spent a lovely evening enjoying the courtyard, lake view.

Come to enjoy the atmosphere and the history of this place, which is just Incredible! Did you know there's ghosts here? Also the staff (Ryan in particular ) are wonderful people who want to share the history and provide pertinent details so it is not lost. We will definitely be back!

We started going to Donz in Nov 2023 (we are fairly new to Mandeville) and really loved it! We have gone there a few times since. This past weekend our son turned 22 and he had friends from Indiana visiting for his Bday (ages 21-23). We had barely arrived and had started to order drinks when my son and his friends were harassed by the new (?) owner. They were asked to provide their driver's licenses, which is fine and all of them have valid IDs. This was not good enough for the owner and he demanded to see another form of identification. He was very rude about it. There was a group of us there, with more en route all in our 40s and 50s to celebrate our son's Bday. The owner kicked the 4 youngest of our group out of the establishment, including our son who has been there a couple times before with us without any issues. The new owner discriminated against part of our crew because they are young, albeit of legal age to be there! He didn't ask any of us older patrons for a second form of ID. After attempting to reason with him, we all left and called the rest of our crew to meet up somewhere else! I don't plan to return after how we were treated by the owner. I gave 2 stars because I know the bartenders felt just awful about it and tried to do "damage control". Nothing against the bartenders at all. They have all been nice every time we go there. I noticed the old "blurb" on the info about this place says that a variety of ages from 21+ enjoy this establishment. I will warn you that if you look young, you better have a second form of ID that you are willing to provide to the owner!!

This is the definition of a dive bar. We left a very fancy spot that was out of control chaos and visited here. While it was very smokey, it was inviting and comfortable. There was a great beer selection. All the bartenders were great. The bathrooms were clean. I'd go back next time I'm in the area.

DoN has passed away. ... let's throw a hugE party for him in Donz :). Favorite dive barever!!!

Great service, friendly bartenders, good prices. Always a good vibe in here, especially when they have live music.

Years ago I loved this bar was closed for a few years for hurricane damage I would if steve Wilson, Peter, or Ronny a pharmacy Owen are still a live next time when I'm near by i will stop for a drink or two ​​

Great Crayfish.Good bartenders.A lot of history.Great live music. Great place.The most historical building in st Tammany Parish.Most photographed place in Mandeville.Best place to watch sunsets!!!

Great staff, so happy to have Donz open. I did not go before they closed but I am a middle aged female and feel both safe and comfortable coming to Donz by myself. I noticed a poor review by someone who appears to have a coffee filter over their dogs face like a Covid mask. So I recommend taking that review for what it is and come check Donz out for yourself. Ryan loves to mix drinks and is a wealth of information and a joy to talk to as well as owner Kathy and the rest of the team. Stop in and say hello!