Alter Ego

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.

This lounge is an absolute gem! I've been coming here since their soft opening, and wouldn't have it any other way! The drinks are expertly crafted, with a great selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits! They also have a decent selection of light bites! I usually recommend the carbonara arancinis! The staff is always incredibly welcoming and attentive, making sure i have everything i need. The atmosphere is perfect--chic, cozy, dark, mysterious, and just the right balance of lively and relaxed. And the music? Spot on! The DJs playlist set the perfect mood, and there's always a genre and vibe for everyone, since there's a different DJ most nights. Whether you're out for a casual drink or a night of celebration, this place is a must-visit. Can't wait to come back for the 100th time...

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 milkmakrut lime, semillon verjus, & honeyIt'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.