Alter Ego — Restaurant in Tampa

So I was very excited for this place to open and had reservations for the first full weekend that it was opened. I'm originally from Chicago and I LOVE a good cocktail bar. My first visit was pretty underwhelming. Because I had reservations, I did not need to wait in line and was immediately sat. My partner and I ordered 3 or 4 drinks a piece (each were different) and none were good. I DON'T like a really sweet drink, but there is zero sweetness in these drinks, just bitterness. I will say, the music was AWESOME. I actually really like DJ Casper and what he is doing here with the lineups are awesome. But for whatever reason, the vibe here is just off. During my first visit, the music was great but there was no dancing. Just people jam packed in the location standing around. So not what I would call fun. And because there is an hour and a half limit at the tables, I couldn't sit there for a long time and enjoy the visit.

Fast forward to this month and I gave this place another try because I want to love it. Once again we ordered about 3 or 4 different drinks and I must say, the drinks were consistent, consistently bitter lol. I even asked for a drink that isn't on the menu and they found a way to make it bitter lol. At this point, my partner and I found it hilarious haha. The drinks just are not good. I do think if the drinks tasted good, they are priced at a good price. I also ordered the arancini and that was good. The one positive from my visit is that I went to the Latin Night. That was really good. Once again the music was on point and there was actually some dancing! But because this place is tiny and awkwardly shaped, everyone was in the way. So needless to say, I won't be back since I don't find the drinks tasty for this to be a cocktail bar, but the music is great and I wish the lineups and DJ Casper could find...

A little bit disappointed by my experience 😕 I've been so excited to try this spot out and signed up for the email list to get first dibs on reservations. Upon arrival the bouncer had his arms crossed and was looking me up and down like i was in the wrong clothing or something? I had a nice outfit on. After about a 25 second stare off i asked him if he would please check my ID as i had a reservation at 7:30.... he looked super pissed the whole time and didn't want to check my ID? I mentioned it to the hostess who was super kind and she said she'd handle. Weird first impression. We were sat at the beautiful bar. Love the ambiance and amazing design. i asked the bartender some reccs since i wasn't familiar with all of the drinks on the menu! The male bartender rolled his eyes and said "well i can't recommend anything because we won't have the same taste" I mentioned a few drinks i typically order and he said "you'll like everything" and walked away ? Okay thanks lol. I then asked the woman bartender and she was very helpful pointing out a few drinks that i might like and a few of her favorites. I ended up getting a classic cosmo which was effervescent - it was nice touch! i was going to try the Paloma but I decided to stick with one drink as i just didn't feel super welcomed or maybe the right target market? I make decent money and am willing to spend $$$ on a nice cocktail + good experience but I just felt uncomfortable and out of place the whole time so i went next door to have my next drink. I have a reservation for Ash next month so I'm excited to try that but probably won't be back to Alter Ego. Sad because I've never felt this way at any of their...

My review is a little late as I visited on April 20, when they first opened. I will give it a second chance because my first impression was not really good. What I really liked: If you have a reservation, you should not wait in the walk in line - go right up and tell them you have one. they will let you right in. Staff exceptionally friendly and helpful. DJ was really good. What disappointed me: For a small cozy place that has expensive cocktails, I did not find the atmosphere to be upscale - The tables and chairs were cheap looking (already had a broken chair). While the decor is modern, which I like, it felt cheap to me. My martini was served in a champagne glass (I'm sure they got all the proper glassware by now but really, not prepared for opening?) Overall, if I am going to go to a small place with higher prices cocktails, I want to be wowed and feel like I am in an truly upscale place - I know this is just my taste. I will definitely give it a second chance, as going opening weekend is not totally representative of the full potential.

I am changing my 3 star rating to 4. I have been back 3 additional times. Each time, I was with people from out of town and they really liked it. The DJ was always good. I find it convenient to have dinner on Water Street and walk over to Alter Ego. I still highly recommend making a reservation to avoid a long wait to get in , especially on a weekend. While service remains good, they lost that early opening "eager excitement" that I experienced in...