Latin Grill Tampa — Restaurant in Brandon

I recently visited The Latin Grill in Tampa with my in-laws after seeing it featured by several TikTok content creators. The videos made the place seem very desirable and highlighted what looked like delicious food and a lively atmosphere. Unfortunately, our experience was far from what was portrayed.

We arrived on a Friday evening around 7 p.m. without a reservation, expecting to be accommodated given the size of the space, both indoors and outdoors. However, as soon as we walked in, we were greeted in Spanish and told that without a reservation, there was no way we could dine there. My in-laws, who speak Spanish, asked if bar seating was available. We were told "yes," so we made our way inside, only to find the bar completely full with six empty seats marked with a large "Reserved" sign.

Left without seating options, we decided to stand in an area that seemed appropriate and ordered three drinks, all of which cost over $65. Despite looking nice, the drinks tasted poor and were definitely not worth the price. Hoping for a better experience, my in-laws again inquired—in Spanish—if we could sit at one of the empty tables since about 90% of the tables were vacant. The bartender said we could sit but would have to leave by 9 p.m. due to upcoming reservations. At this point, it was around 7:30 p.m., so we would have been able to stay for an hour and a half.

When we left around 8 p.m., the same bar seats marked as “Reserved” were still empty, along with most of the tables in the dining area. It was clear they were more concerned about maintaining an image than accommodating actual customers ready to dine.

No content creators mentioned that we would need reservations, nor did they suggest it was an establishment where Spanish is the primary language spoken. No one highlighted that the drinks would be overpriced and of poor quality. Based on the rudeness of every staff member we encountered, from the multiple hosts to the bartenders, we wouldn’t even consider returning to this place or bothering to make a reservation in the future.

The drinks were a complete letdown, visually appealing but lacking in flavor. The service was dismissive and borderline hostile. We were treated poorly from the moment we walked in, and they only reinforced that impression throughout our brief stay.

Overall, we wouldn’t recommend The Latin Grill to anyone. They treated us like we didn’t belong, and in the end, their attitude and service were truly disappointing. Save yourself the hassle and skip this place...

I have had the pleasure to check out this location twice unfortunately, both times we have received pretty terrible service. The first time that I attended my server took 45 minutes to bring our drinks out. She completely forgot that we were in her section. Then the food took another 45 minutes to come out. I figured they were probably just very busy so I gave them another chance and came out this past weekend again with some friends. This time I called in before coming in and a gentleman advised me that we could just walk in that they had tables. Once we arrive both hosts seem very hostile and not approachable. They immediately tell us that they don’t have anything available. I advised them how I just called and they told me that there was some tables available. They refused and they kept saying that they had nothing available. I told them what’s their next availability. They told me that they didn’t have anything available for the rest of the night. I then proceeded to ask them if I could sit at the bar they then again also advise me that there was nowhere to sit at the bar once I noticed that they sent me at the same location from the previous week with the terrible server that took 45 minutes to come out. I immediately went to the bar area where I found a section to fit my party of five and we all sat there. I was hoping that the service at the bar inside would be better since we were already waiting 20 minutes outside to get our initial drinks once we were inside, unfortunately we were met with the same faith the bartender forgot my drink three times so I proceeded to ask the other bartender to just make my drink. The food was delicious. There’s no complaints when it comes to the food at this location. It is top-notch but unfortunately the service it’s not just there yet both the host the server and a bartender need to have better training. They are supposed to be accommodating. They are supposed to be people that want you to come to their business they made me feel like I was a nuisance. I will definitely not be going back there. I think I gave this place more than enough chances. The ambience is very nice. Everyone’s having a good time except the workers...

From the moment I stepped into Latin Grill, I knew I was in for a treat. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, setting the perfect tone for what turned out to be an unforgettable dining experience. But it wasn't just the ambiance that stood out—the food and customer service were truly extraordinary.

Let’s start with the food. Every dish was a masterpiece, prepared with such attention to detail and flavor that it felt like each bite was an adventure. The ingredients tasted fresh, and the flavors were perfectly balanced, whether it was the savory appetizers, the succulent main courses, or the delightful desserts. The menu had a great variety, catering to different tastes, yet everything we tried was top-notch. It’s rare to find a place where you can't go wrong with any choice!

And I must give a special shoutout to Bryan, one of the drink makers. He was amazing! Not only were his cocktails perfectly crafted—balanced, flavorful, and creative—but his friendly demeanor made the experience even better. He took the time to ask about our preferences and crafted drinks that fit each of our tastes perfectly. Bryan’s passion for his craft was evident, and it elevated the entire experience. His recommendations were spot-on, and his attention to detail really shone through in every drink he served.

As incredible as the food and drinks were, what truly set this restaurant apart was the impeccable customer service. The staff, like Bryan, was attentive without being overbearing, always ready to assist with a smile. They anticipated our needs before we even had to ask, ensuring our glasses were never empty and making thoughtful suggestions.

In short, Latin Grill exceeded every expectation. With food that dazzles your taste buds, drinks that are crafted to perfection, and service that makes you feel valued, it’s a dining experience I can’t recommend highly enough. I’ll definitely be coming back—especially to see what Bryan...