Pool Bar & Grill (in Seminole Hard Rock Tampa) — Restaurant in Florida

I have such mixed feelings about the pool bar and grill. The atmosphere is great. The server seemed nice enough. But the drinks are very weak. Our party enjoyed the food. But the meatless options are extremely limited, and apparently modifications are not really allowed. Plus, you're prohibited from bringing food from any other restaurant within the complex, even though it's all Hard Rock.

Now for the details...

First off, the vibe is amazing. It's fun and lively, and really feels like you're on a vacation. It can be hot even in the shade, but you're enjoying it so much, the heat doesn't bother you.

This is the second time I've been here, and both times, the cocktails are extremely weak. Put it this way: After taking a sip of my daiquiri, my mom asked how come I ordered a non-alcoholic cocktail. The last time, my uncle sent all of our drinks back because they really skimped on the liqueurs. It's a surprising contrast to the bartenders at any of the bars inside the casino that I've tried. Those cocktails are almost too strong!

Now for the food. Both my aunt and mom loved the chicken sandwich and the waffle fries. When they asked what can be substituted for ham, they were advised no substitutions were allowed - but they were able to get extra onions instead.

My meal ended up being some waffle fries that I picked off of my mom's plate. I do not eat meat, and was advised that the veggie burger was the Impossible burger, which happens to be the one veggie patty that I really dislike (just personal preference). That's the only vegetarian main on the menu. I asked if the chicken quesadilla can be modified, but was advised that they can omit the chicken (which would make it a just cheese quesadilla). Considering that one of the salads has black beans and grilled corn, I'm not sure why that could not be put on a quesadilla instead.

It's a cool place to hang out, sure. But it's still within the hospitality sector and customer service should be taken more seriously. If both a steakhouse as well as another bar and grill are willing to modify a quesadilla for a meatless customer, I do not see why a poolside grill is so adamant against changes, especially when they have the ingredients on hand and it takes very little effort to make a customer happy.

Furthermore, for the prices charged, the mixed drinks should be made properly, especially since it is a bar. Management should ensure that all of the bartenders know how to mix a proper cocktail. After all, it's part of a...

Scammers. I was in there for a happy hour with my work team on June 27th. Our check was $146. Everyone threw in cash, totaling $145. I had no cash so I put in my card to cover the last dollar and the tip. I wrote in a $30 tip on the check and signed.

Next day I have a charge on my card for $146 (went up to $176 after my tip was added on). Our server pocketed all the cash and charged me for the entire thing, without saying anything to us. We said we were splitting it. Absolute scumbag move.

I called and spoke to someone named ‘Do’ or ‘Du’ and he said to give them 24-48 hours to investigate. As expected I haven’t heard anything back from them in over a week. $175 tip on a $146.20 check. Nice. I’ll be disputing this charge...

Great vibes, love that it’s shaded and has great frozen drinks! I got the blueberry lemonade cocktail and it was so refreshing and did not taste like a cocktail. Emani our server was fantastic, she even helped me by letting me know the watermelon salad did not have greens, so I got the Asian chicken salad instead. My son got the bacon burger which he loved, the fries are really yummy (mom tax). We each got dessert, I got the key lime pie and he got a hagendaze ice cream bar. Overall a great stop in the Hardrock that won’t...