Alter Ego

SUCH A FUN SPOT! I can’t rave enough about Alter Ego. The short wait to get in is more than worth it. The vibes are immaculate, the drinks are on point, and the whole place just feels good. Inside, it’s dimly lit with a cozy, mid-century modern vibe that makes you want to stay awhile. The music set the mood perfectly — a mix of early 2000s classics and fresh favorites that kept the energy high without being overbearing. We kicked things off with the espresso martini shot — honestly, genius. It’s the perfect way to start the night, smooth and delicious. After that came the Gucci Mane Lemonade — loved it. The fact that all the drinks are named after artists makes you want to try the whole menu. My favorite though? The Drake Passionfruit with tequila. Hands down my go-to moving forward. Refreshing, balanced, and exactly what I want in a cocktail. If you’re looking for somewhere fun, clean, modern, trendy, and just all-around amazing in Tampa, you have to check this place out. And do yourself a favor: grab dinner next door at Ash first — that spot is a 10/10 too.

I love the vibes here set not only by the decor and drink menu, but also by the DJ and amazing staff. The bartenders were all so quick and friendly, Daniel the manager was super friendly, helpful, and approachable I personally loved the Lemonade by Gucci Mane. My partner loved the passionfruit tequila drink. I was enjoying every second of my experience here. Well worth the wait. Will definitely be back asap. If you love coffee shop New York/Miami/LA vibes with chill music that makes you wanna groove while enjoying amazing drinks This is your new go-to.

Great place, the DJ was wonderful playing all genres of music on Sat. Be prepared to pay 15 for one drink. Tables were reserved and we had to get up for the next people. there is a time limit for tables.

VIBES! We had a reservation at 6 to kick off a birthday celebration and were warmly greeted by all the staff. We had exceptional service and the drinks were fantastic! They went above and beyond and had a birthday card hand signed from the staff and offered us bubbles to start our evening. The vibe is stunning! The lighting, the music…what an amazing addition to Channelside. They do have a nice happy hour menu also and the loaded fries were to die for! Thank you an amazing evening! We will definitely be back!

My boyfriend and I went around 6pm after having dinner on water street. The place was almost empty but they were playing Spanish music for latin night which was nice. The vibe is cool, however, the drinks are very overpriced and mostly filled with one huge ice cube (at least the ones we got). If you come after 9pm they charge a $10 cover so I don't think it's worth spending so much since the drinks are not amazing. They only give you the option of standing bar or you can sit down but you have to order at least 2 drinks per person, order food, and put a credit card down just for the seats! So standing at the bar did get tiring after 30 minutes and some of the drinks are up to $60 each...

Alter ego is by far one of the best lounges in Tampa. I celebrated my birthday here last Sunday and they absolutely rolled out the red carpet just like the vibe within!!! I made reservations for a large group and thought I would have some issues but I was wrong! My group immediately arrived at 7pm upon opening and the hostess Ro was waiting outside to tell me happy birthday and assist with our seating! They were so accommodating despite arriving with the over 20+ people even when more people contacted me and wanted to join after seeing my posts on social media. Jack and Jade made a powerful team able to serve 27 people in the smoothest most efficient way within two hours of time. With such a large party I had no complaints only compliments in addition to those in my party who had never been and stated they would definitely return. This is customer service and to be such a quaint, intimate setting the experience helped me to have the most wonderful birthday I could ever imagine with family, friends, and coworkers. I want to thank them for an amazing job and the most incredible experience despite numerous changes and being able to enjoy myself with ease. The music was the absolute best and the vibes were kept strong even with them just opening doors that night!! The desserts were yum yum yum life changing and the drinks flowed effortlessly. Truly a great staff! Thank you again for the best birthday ever!!!

I visited for the first time a few weeks ago and hands down the best service I have ever received in a bar/lounge setting. Very clean and cozy atmosphere, staff is AMAZING! Drink were really GOOD! And I only had 1 app. (Loaded fries) they were okay, but again this is a place more for drinks so I can’t speak on the other bites they have. A great place to casually pre-game or after dinner drinks!!! 10/10 bringing my parents here this weekend! Music vibes were amazing and I love music!!!! My party was of 4 people and we made reservations ( this is a place for smaller parties since it’s intimate and smaller )

Alter Ego is the perfect mix of upscale vibes and great energy. The staff here is professional, friendly, and always on point. Darren, in particular, does an amazing job creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere — you can tell he genuinely cares about people having a great night. Whether you’re stopping in for drinks, music, or just the overall experience, this place is a must-visit. Highly recommend checking it out if you’re looking for a high-end spot with excellent service.

Only for the grown and sexy. Love this speakeasy concept. Chill vibes and good music. Cool place to hang out and sip on crafted cocktails. I really enjoy that they bring in DJs from around the country, with a focus on those that still play vinyl. Don't forget to try their truffle fries but remember the kitchen closes at 10. I highly recommend reservations if you want a designated area to yourself or to sit. Because of how small it is, the door man manages the line dependent on how many people leave so keep that in mind (only 2 or 3 in at a time). Tommy and Austin (who also worked at Ciro's) are very attentive and make sure you're having a great time.

Here's the deal.... The vibes here are HIGH. The DJ was KILLING IT. The space is GORGEOUS. Service is on top of it!! But the drinks suck and are dumb prices. Multiple people at the bar and I, who weren't connected to my party, were incredibly underwhelmed by the drinks. If I'm paying $20 for a manhattan or a margarita, it better be damn good. And theirs just weren't. The only reason it even gets 2 stars is the decor/the vibes. If they improve their drinks, I'd go back! But I definitely recommend skipping this place if you're looking for a good cocktail.

I've been to Alter Ego twice now, and after my most recent experience, I will never go back. First off, they charge a ridiculous $10 cover for everyone, including my girlfriend, just to get in. Once inside, you're greeted with overpriced, mediocre drinks starting at $21+, which aren't even worth the price. If you want to sit down, be prepared for a $40 per person minimum. We told the server we had already spent enough at the bar, but we were fine ordering one more drink each. Her response? Rude and dismissive, and we were kicked out for not getting up--despite the fact that my friend already had a table for dinner and had hit his minimum tab. On top of all that, the service is painfully slow. During their opening night, we were rushed out after 90 minutes, even though I had just gotten my second drink. The manager was rude and unapologetic. I will never come back to this overpriced, pretentious bar and sincerely hope they fail. I'll be telling everyone I know to stay far away from this place.

Arrived 20 minutes late for our reservation due to traffic and the roads being closed, the staff was very accommodating. Cute cozy tables, dark ambiance but each table has a little light which adds to the vibes. Happy hour until 7 even on a Saturday and the fries and the rice balls we're both really great, highly recommend for a drink / snack

Alter Ego is a newer cocktail bar to the Downtown Tampa area. I had the chance of giving them a try before a concert the other night. It's a great prime location because it's literally a few minutes walk away from the Amalie Arena incase you want to do a bit of pregaming before attending a sports event or a concert. If you're walking too quick you'll almost miss it being that the sign is almost hidden and it doesn't directly say Alter Ego on it. Upon entering you're greeted by a host who will ask if you have reservations or just walking in. We happened to just be walking in on a Sunday at around 6:30 PM. It's got a low light with neon signs lit up throughout in a red hue. Very much a cool intimate hipster vibe which is right up my alley. There's limited bar seats with also some actual seats and couches available with tables. The aesthetic is very nice and low key while having an upbeat feel due to the music playing. It's reminiscent of a speakeasy in New York or a vinyl listening bar in Tokyo. Great environment for date night or drinks with some friends. Next to the bar they have a DJ booth, they've got rotating DJ's throughout the week so if you keep in tuned to their instagram you can see the different types of music they'll be playing throughout the week. As for the actual drinks, I can't give too detailed of an opinion on that as I got some traditional shots. I will say their menu did have some semi unique options on there that seemed worth exploring. Our bartender was really present and helpful and did a great job at pointing out some drinks to us and making something specific based on the preference of my party. Bottom line, a cool chill intimate spot with low lights, good music and cocktails that can be a tad bit overpriced but there is a tax for the area for sure. I'd come back here for sure

I loved the decor in this place it looks really cool on the inside. The space up is a lot smaller than expected, and there isn't a lot of seating so you'll have to make a reservation to secure a seat. The drinks are good but definitely really expensive (but it is in downtown). I went for happy hour and cocktails were 12$, shots were 10$ and snacks were about 8-20$ depending on what you get. I also got the smothered fries which were really good! They were pretty expensive, 22$ for a small plate, but super good I'd recommend trying it if you go! Not sure if I would ever go back which is why I'm giving it 4 stars, I feel like this was fun as a one time experience.

Okay so the vibe of this place is super cool and kinda speakeasy like. There's no signage outside, so it can be hard to miss but just look for the address on top and large double doors. When you walk in there's a hostess to greet you and the space gives off a moody vibe. Velvet curtains,cool neon fixtures and intricate details, definitely an impressive spot decoration wise. As for the drinks, they were somewhat unimpressive. We ordered the pisco sour, $21 and the highball, $18. I thought they were kinda expensive, somewhat Miami level. The pisco sour had a not so typical taste, they threw a spin on it with lavender. The highball was basically a bunch of long ice cubes and no drink. The taste was a little strange too. It was super crowded on a Tuesday night at like 9:30. The space is a little on the smaller side and it seems like there's a DJ on the weekends. Definitely gram worthy and a hot new spot. But I give the lower rating for sup par cocktails and steep prices

Alter Ego is a spot like no other in Tampa! It's a welcome edition to the cocktail lounge scene. The cocktails are fantastic. The decor is swanky and warm. The music is phenomenal. Think b-sides, soulful house, etc. It's really great vibing music. I went on a Wednesday and the place was packed! Alter Ego has total speakeasy vibes. There is no signage on the two big black doors coveting the entrance. But it's easy enough to find right next to its sister restaurant Ash. Definitely check it out!

Eclectic soulful House FULL!! Alter Ego is warm yet upbeat and I enjoyed the vibe as well as the interior!! The drinks are cute especially the Mocks!! My server wa Austin & he was super nice & eager to pour. I had the Milk Punch: chamomile, voudovan curry, coconut milk makrut lime, semillon verjus, & honey It's quite tasteful. **Call me Honey bear!! I will be returning because they have a fine list of Miami D.J.'s coming in on Saturday 4/20 & I'm excited. This place has a great deal of sets already -you can see them listed on their ig social & website.

From the moment you step through the inconspicuous entrance, you are transported to a different vibe. The ambiance exudes an intoxicating blend of elegance and nostalgia. The atmosphere is both intimate and inviting, perfect for a romantic date or a night out with friends. The staff told us they have DJs every weekend, setting the mood for a great night. The fusion of modern sounds with the timeless charm creates an ambiance that is nothing short of enchanting. The drinks are equally impressive. Among their signature offerings is the Carajillo, a which is something similar to an espresso martini. The attentive staff adds to the overall charm of the establishment, providing impeccable service. In conclusion, the newly opened place in water street is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its captivating ambiance, live music, and drinks like the Carajillo, it promises a great experience.

Super cool spot for an intimate evening. There's a mid century, speak easy feel to the place and the music is chill, some 90s hip hop with electronic beats. Photos tell the story better.

This place is a vibe! It's dark and has great music. We didn't have a reservation but were able to sit at the bar. Every bartender was attentive and sweet gave us great drink recommendations. If you want an intimate setting this is the place. It did start to get crowded later in the evening around 11pm so we left but 9-11pm was more couples enjoying a date night.

What a fun and funky concept for a cocktail lounge. My friend and I made an early reservation on a Saturday evening since we heard it books rather quickly. To our surprise there was a Happy Hour menu, which offered a variety of cocktails and snacks. The 19th Century was very nice, along with the classic Cosmo and Adonis. The space is dark, mysterious, sexy and the music selection brings it all together. This is the perfect place to grab pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap.

I like this new nightlife addition to water street. I like how they bring in different DJs. The inside is smaller so I would recommend making reservations because it is still pretty popular. You can put yourself on the waiting list but you will have to wait in a line outside. They have seating areas and enough standing room to listen to the DJs.

I really wanted to like this place, but I couldn't. The aesthetic was pretty nice with the black and red, but I definitely think it's one of those places that is trying to be a vibe and can't quite get there. Me and my friend (we're both black) sat at an empty table and we did not know that we had to make a reservation. The server asked us to get up to make room for the upcoming reservations - which was completely fine since we were not aware of how it operated. However, when we tried to ask her a question afterwards (to get info on any of the other empty tables), she completely ignored us - even when she looked right at us and saw our hand raised. We tried 2 other times to get her attention and she continued to just walk past us. Then, we went to the bar and ordered some VERY expensive drinks. We were standing since all of the other chairs were taken. Two ladies saw us and said they are about to leave and we can take their seats. As soon as our fabric hit the seats, another server said that they have to take away our seats to make it less crowded. There were about 8 other seats in the bar area (and way more crowded on the other side) and they only took ours! That was the last straw for us and we decided to leave and explore other parts ofWater Street. The experience was definitely not worth it and it is not as cool as they are making it out to be.

this place was cute.. very different.. but also why are the drinks so pricy .. i mean i get it but are we in NY? overall it was a okay experience. it's felt rushed because of the table times i get it.. but again where are we lol

I checked out Alter Ego and it definitely gives an NYC speakeasy vibe as there is no sign but it is right next to Ash (same owner). The vibe is moody and chic and I came here before dinner. I would say during the week this would be a great nightcap and also a great date spot. On Thursday to Saturday, they have a DJ from 9-2am. I wasn't too impressed with the drinks but again, fun place to check out!

Cool vibes, but small menu (although based on their website it looks like they've added quite a few more options since visiting) and not a ton of seating if you don't have a reservation. They allow for standing room and I did come in without a reservation on a Saturday evening on a whim so that didn't bother me too much. Overall, it's a cool spot to stop by for a drink or a date, but each drink is on the pricier side if you're cool with that. Although I will say it was a very good drink and nice atmosphere so I was happy. Keep in mind it is hidden through a basically unmarked doorway if you do plan on visiting

As you wrap around the corner of Wagamama off Old Water street and walk through Ellamae Ct. towards S Nebraska Ave, you'll notice a small circular sign hanging from the ceiling with the letters 'a' & 'e' on it. This low key signage marks the entrance of Alterego and you will also notice a bouncer/doorman hanging out front. There will most likely be a cover charge and that cover charge amount may vary on the night of the week and what DJ's are spinning that night. Once I walked in, I felt reminded of basement clubs in New York City and also of club Floyd in Miami. This is a very good thing if you're into the nightlife. I find that for the ambiance and setting, the price of the drinks were fair and delivered in quality. I was immediately drawn to their take on a pisco sour which uses Lapostolle pisco from Chile. Lapostolle pisco is an unaged style of pisco that allows the characteristics of the distilled grape juice to shine through. It's said to have floral and fruity aromas with a smooth, crisp palate. The aerated texture of the cocktail with the interesting melange of melon, lavender, lemon and honey was a stand out. Their Carajillo cold brew coffee (with a touch of pineapple) cocktail did not disappoint either. I tend to find coffee forward drinks to sometimes be too sweet but this one had everything in balance. Ron Zacapa, the base spirit for this drink, is known to convey notes of caramel, vanilla, dark chocolate and dried fruit. These qualities in combination with the complexity of Licor 43, which consists of a blend of 43 ingredients, including herbs, spices, and citrus, showcase the thoughtful, curated approach that Jon Howard, beverage director within Proper House hospitality group gave Alter Ego's cocktail menu. I feel that Alter Ego won't be everyone's cup of tea but it will suit the taste of many regardless. I'd definitely return and try more cocktails. The food portion on the menu looked good but I lean more towards vegetarian and vegan options.

I came to this new spot while visiting friends in Tampa this weekend. It's a NY-esque cocktail lounge with a high-class / exclusive vibe. The building is unmarked and easy to miss, but there was quickly a long line outside. We waited about 45 minutes to get in despite being on a guest list. Once we were let in, the manager was very apologetic and friendly. The inside is VERY small - definitely recommend making a reservation va standing in the line. The vibe inside was pretty cool - I loved the lightning and decor. Drinks were expensive, but honestly pretty good. I thought the cinnamon on the bees knees was a nice touch. However, the standout to me was the music - I recommend that they keep bringing dj's in that play fresh mixes, the crowd was dancing and vibing all night!

Here's my take on this spot--a solid 3-star experience based on quality, price, and overall vibe. Let me explain: First off, charging a cover for a bar on water st. especially a high-end one, feels a bit off. After 9 PM, they tack on a $10 entry fee, which isn't outrageous, but it immediately cheapens the brand and sets a disappointing tone from the start. To make matters worse, we were told the cover didn't apply if you had a reservation--only to find out that wasn't true. We had a reservation and still got charged. For a second, I felt like I'd stepped into Ybor. Once seated, we were given only about an hour and a half before they flipped the table for the next group, between the wait time for drink to get delivered and waitress to come take the order this wasn't a lot of time. I understand when guests linger without ordering, but we barely had time to settle in, much less order more than two drinks each. Speaking of drinks, while they were delicious (I've reviewed them below), our total came out to around $90-$100 for four drinks, including tax and tip - so that you can expect cost estimate if/when you go. Now, I know some of you might disagree with me here, but I did enjoy the overall aesthetic of the place--except for the plastic curtains. Those were a huge miss. I get what they were going for, but it gave off raw-meat processing plant vibes, which is not the mood. The DJ, on the other hand, was excellent. Unfortunately, once we were hurried out of our table, we decided to leave, so we didn't get to fully experience the music or the atmosphere. In short, the drinks are good, and while the prices aren't outrageous for what they are, I wouldn't pay a cover charge for a bar where the drinks are already on the pricier side. Overall, a decent experience, but with some noticeable flaws. Carajillo (18.00) *** Old Fashioned (15.00) *** Bees Knees (18.00) **** Cucumber Gimlet (18.00) **** +$10.00 cover fee

The aesthetic is absolutely stunning in Alter Ego, and parking wasn't too difficult to find on the street despite the garage being $50 for some reason last night. Our server was very kind and attentive, however the drinks were extremely overpriced and underwhelming. The bartenders are not true mixologists who care to cater cocktails to the customer or even make simple modifications. I asked for a bees knees with tequila instead of gin and was told they couldn't do that. Then my friend asked for one of their mocktails and a side shot of alcohol or for it to be mixed in, that was also something they said we couldn't do. They place wet drinks on the table with no napkin or coasters. They don't provide straws. It's just overall very restrictive for it to be as expensive as it was. The opening dj was solid, however the main dj was all over the place with the music and it didn't fit the vibe of the evening. Overall, wouldn't go back here unless there are changes to cocktails + policies associated with such and better music.

pleaseee make a reservation. they get busy quickly so you want to make sure you get a spot. they never get packed as they cap out the number of people inside before it gets crowded. the inside is so cute and trendy but they charge a cover sometimes? which to me is trashy because this is not a college town who charges a cover?? again when i made a reservation no cover had to be paid but maybe we got lucky. drinks are overpriced of course and they have a $25 minimum per tab (unless that's changed) so it pretty much forces you to buy 2 drinks. again if you make a reservation and want the vibes for sure go! but if you're looking to save money this is not the place for that.

Super cool little place!!! Drinks are really good, get the Pimm's cup or Bee's Knees! You'll feel like you're in a modern sci-fi yet 80's speakeasy. They had a DJ setting up but I left before he started playing. Bartender was nice and there aren't many people so it feels very easy to ask questions!

Two words- SO LOUD. Lol, we made a res for Friday night, the DJ was playing so loud that we were shouting to each other, impossible to hold a regular conversation. I would want to consider this as an intimate bar not a loud club, but that was the vibe. The place is cute and with reservation the wait isn't bad. The place isn't really filled but people without reservation has to line up for a while out there. Drinks weren't bad but not amazing either, price is between $15-20 so I'd say it's reasonable except that there's a $25min per person so with the price you are almost needing to get 2 drinks within the 1.5 hours of reservation time. Service wasn't bad as other reviews had mentioned, we constantly get water and get checked in and the wait for drinks aren't too long. But remember you also need to pay $20 for parking and if you don't have reservation, $10 per person cover Thur- Sat.

This is definitely the best bar in Water Street. The mixology is next level. The service is great. Drinks are not more expensive than some other places in the area and are around the same prices as Beacon rooftop bar at JW. The drinks are made with a nice balance and there is definitely a punch to some of them as well. They recently started happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and have live music on weekends. The space is comfortable and dark, which is great when its hot outside in the summer. I fully recommend!

Vibes are cool. Place is much smaller than anticipated and I wish the DJ was more elevated and centralized. He's tucked beside the bar and not really visible. Cocktails were good and priced at the expected price point for water street. It was a cool spot for a pre-dinner drink. We stayed for about an hour and then went to dinner.

It's trendy that is for sure. There is no where in tampa with this vibe. I just am not overly impressed with the drink menu and spirit selection for this cocktail bar and the caliber of clientele that it is catering to being located where it is. I have been back a few times because I love the vibe but the drinks are priced very high for not a lot of ingenuity and creative cocktails in my opinion.

It was just okay. First the address is wrong online and on Yelp. It is in S. Nebraska not 1050 waters. 1050 waters is the apartment building. So you get in and then they make you wait standing by the bar, but you also can't block the bar areas. I know it's new but seems odd. It's as if they want you to order from the bar too. The decor is cool but for a music lounge I expected bigger. Also if it's music focused then why aren't the drinks named after music artist or genres. The drinks were just okay, nothing to write home about.

Waited for 20 minutes outside to speak to doorman. Wanted to purchase a table with a party of 7. All well dressed and ready to enjoy, but the doorman never acknowledged us and when we opened the door. Was then told to close it with no communication on when we can enter. My party of 7 left after the unprofessional front door staff shows no interest in helping. Not only did I leave, but a party of 8 behind us left as well. I've worked in upscale hospitality in NYC and Miami. Unacceptable.

The ambiance of this place is sexy. The service was good, the drinks were delicious. I would definitely recommend it.

Drinks were great, and love the vibe of the place as well. The mood lighting made it feel intimate. A little small of a space but will definitely be returning!

Staff is so disrespectful and inconsiderate. Hostess literally put her hands on my shoulders and pushed me assuming I did not pay cover after I paid for me and five of my friends, Extremely poor representation of a tampa institution.

This swanky hidden little gem is a great spot to chill, grab a drink, and listen to some good music. The vibes nostalgia and vibes pumped in are top notch cool. Will be back.

"Meh" is unfortunately the overwhelming feeling upon leaving this place. I can't help but hope that it's an identity crisis rooted in being a new, hip venue. It boasts a nondescript entrance with an overly formal process (think Miami club) and staff who felt a bit cold, bordering on pretentious. The interior is cool, but we were initially seated in what felt like an "exclusive" booth surrounded by Costco veggie-room plastic, which ironically felt isolating given the "music-focused" environment they advertise. The service was great; however, the cocktails fell a bit flat, especially considering the $18+ price point. The Old Fashioned (not the non-alcoholic version) was stirred far too much, resulting in a watery drink despite a really nice ice cube. They're new, so I'll probably come back, but I won't be sprinting.

This place is abysmal. Waited 2 hours to get in not knowing what I was getting myself into. There is only 1 bar in there and you have to wait 30 minutes to get a shitty cocktail that has all ice in it. My friend pulled up a chair from an empty table and the manager got pissed and kicked all 10 of us out after being in there for 5 minutes. Absolute joke

Don't let this place fool you if you think that it is a high-end bar. We had a reservation, showed up and we're the only people not in jeans and a snapback. On top of it, drinks are awful. Nearly all taste the same. We were pretty excited about this place and HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED.

Very cool vibe. Service was great! However, drinks were underwhelming. We tried 4 and they were all just ok.

Cover charge for expensive drinks that aren't even that great. They aren't bad by any means but not mind blowing either. They love the big ice - so much so that it sticks out of the drink making it hard to actually drink. Super dark in there which is fine but why make your menus have a black background so you can't even read them? Cover charge for standing room only even tho there were seats. Sat down anyways and are told you can sit but there is a minimum charge - so not standing room only. Not sure why we weren't told that at the door. Seems people only go here for their photos and then leave. Small place and always a line.

Austin is my favorite bar tender. Makes the best cosmos and espresso martinis. 10/10 recommend this bar and Austin to make your drinks!

Great bar with really great vibes. Austin made the best espresso martini I've had to date. 10/10 recommend this bar, but especially Austins bartending.

What an awesome place. We had a birthday celebration and were taken care of so well. Everyone is so friendly and accommodating. Definitely check this place out.

We had planned on visiting for a while, but when the time had come I came across some not- so- great reviews. I am pleased to report that I don't agree with any of them. Parking was easy to find and wildly cheap- especially for the area AND on a holiday weekend. Keep in mind that we visited earlier in the evening with a 730 reservation. A little bit of a shuffle at the hostess stand and the "waiting area", but once seated was smooth sailing. Our server was Zach and he was phenomenal. Not only did he have great recommendations, but his knowledge of everything- from ingredients and processes to the food and kitchen, was wildly impressive. I didn't think the drinks were overpriced at all. We started with mixed drinks and they were both good. A pour of La grande dame for $60 is more than fair. You're not going to get the wild showcase drinks with dry ice and sparklers and that totally works for me. The unassuming and mellow vibe shows throughout all areas. We actually didn't plan on staying for a second drink but were pleasantly surprised so we stayed. They also just added snacks so DO NOT SLEEP on them. The foie toast is INSANE. Matt, the manager was also great. He stopped to chat after we thanked him for helping with our previous reservation.