Tryst Gastro Lounge — Restaurant in Saint Petersburg

After visiting Tryst for a second experience, this business is worthy of a constructive review. This is a highly competitive area with Stillwater Tavern, BellBrava, Cassis, Bacchus, Ceviche, Parkshore Grill, and Fresco’s, just to name few, within eyesight. To compete, you must “Bring It” on every level, every time. On both occasions the Hangover Bloody Mary was ordered and both times it took 35 to 40 minutes to get it. The first time the excuse was that it took a while to cook the slider, the second time the manager said some staff had called it. When we sat down on the second visit, our eventual server was busy placing pillows on the outdoor seating, and completely ignoring us, even though they had been open for an hour. We sat several minutes, until the bartender saw our look of disdain and at least acknowledged our presence, and brought some water. You would think that training and basic problem-solving skills would dictate to serve a paying seated customer, instead of arranging pillows, where there were no customers. We were seconds away from walking out. This comes down to poor training and even if staff calls in, that is ultimately also a management issue. Own it. The Hangover Bloody Mary is amazing. The “Slider” is a prime thick cut of ground beef, and very delicious. The Blistered Shishito Peppers were also excellent. The Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict, which seems to be popular all over Pinellas, was also great, with the crab not being overly salty, as is sometimes the case. This business has a lot of potential, with an interesting menu, but without a well-executed customer service element, this place won’t survive. The response from the owner confirms that there is a complete lack of ownership for addressing the inherent service problems, and if you actually read my review, you would see that I already gave you a second chance. The owner seems to like to cut and paste; "Come back and see us soon", in all of the stock responses. Lame, very lame. You don't deserve a 3rd chance. I will visit the next business that will occupy your prime location...

My first time here and I just adored it. The outdoor seating was off to the side a bit so we didn't have to deal with all the people walking along the sidewalk, the building looked a mix between edgy and cute, and as we were leaving someone was setting up to play live music (this was on a Tuesday night). Our waiter was very friendly and helpful in describing the different dishes, and I love when I feel so comfortable with one that we can just chat for a little bit and enjoy the added company. We ordered the Brussel Sprouts and the Tuna Poke served on puffed shrimp chips. I was hesitant when I was told the brussels came with no sauce or special seasoning, but they were cooked perfectly, and looked slighty charged which gave it a nice crunch and actually added a boost of flavor to it that with the right touch of seasoning made it delicious. I am also on a self appointed mission to find the best brussel sprout dish in the St. Pete and Tampa area, so this dish I would definitely come back for! I have never had a shrimp chip before, or tuna poke served in that manner, but that plus the sauce gave it a kind of taco feel and taste, and the chip itself didn't mask or take away from the poke, but gave it a crunch that was very good and was a nice accompaniment. I loved both of the dishes, my company did as well, and when we left I was actually really sad because I kind of just wanted to sit and try more items on the menu. It all...

My husband & I came to Tryst for New Years Eve. Unfortunately this is the second time we have experienced how unprofessional some of the waitresses are. There was a table sitting in front of us that has been waiting for their drinks for a while to the point where they got so upset they left without paying their bill. (I’m not shocked we would’ve probably done the same being in their place) their waitress was completely drunk or under the influence of something. She then proceeded to make a big deal and tell the surrounding tables what happen while being very unprofessional then ended up kissing one of the customers. She proceeded to act this way throughout the whole night, we chose definitely not to order drinks from her because we did not trust her to take care of us we instead went to the “cash table only “. Everyone around felt uncomfortable and it caused a really uncomfortable atmosphere. I don’t understand how employees are able to drink on the job. This is extremely unprofessional and something needs to be done about this because we definitely and a lot others do not feel like coming back. As “high” class as the place may seem it truly is not. For the price of the drinks the place needs some serious adjustments with employees. At this point we would rather go to a hole in the wall but have a better...