Hyde Park Cafe -Tuesday, Tampa, FL

Date: 01/26/2010
Time: Late Happy Hour/Late Evening
Type: Bar/Club
Where: 806 West Platt Street, Tampa, Florida 33606
Party: 2 Females

Immediate Impression:
We got there early, so it was empty, and its a semi-inside/outside bar; I had my coat on at the bar.

Service:
Our first bartender at the center was fantastic and very helpful. She really wanted all her patrons to enjoy their experience. She also reminded us when happy hour was almost over so we could get our full benefit.

The late night bartenders at the center and far right bars (if standing in front of the establishment) were RUDE! Although I understand you have to be weary of underage drinking - especially in an establishment which permits 18yo's (not my fault) - but please, you took it way too far.

At the center bar, a male bartender asked me what I would like, after telling him, he turned around a left. The female bartender asked what I wanted, I stated the male had already gotten my order, but when she turned around he wasn't pouring it - turns out, he didn't want to serve me because my OVER 21 wristband was on the WRONG wrist! What makes this ridiculous, was it was HPC's own staff member who put the wristband on the WRONG wrist - and come on, seriously, I don't look UNDER 21!

At the far right bar, nobody even bothered to ask us if we needed help, hence the reasoning for going to the center bar.

It wasn't that busy; its wasn't even 1 deep at the bar!

Menu/Food:
The beer selection at the Center bar is relatively substantial, however, it is lacking at the other bars. This is full liquor at all bars.

Price:
Happy hour was great...we got 2 Shiner Bock and 2 Magners for only $10.53; not sure what the liquor pricing is, but I would say pricing is standard for the location and type of venue.

Final thought:
I will try this place again - I am hoping it was all the Derek Jeter hoopla which was causing the idiocy at the center bar; the crowd is a good mix of young/old, and the music in the various rooms offers a little bit for everyone.

One more thing....the valet guys are really nice and funny!