Ponte Modern American

We had a table of 9 at Ponte and we had a great time regarding the food and the service. The food was perfect in every way and the server really did a great job. Now the reason for the 1 STAR review…. When the check came we had a whopping bill of 1200 dollars. We all knew it would be expensive and had no issue with the price. We had noticed a 15% service charge on the bill which was not an issue. We calculated the math to add an additional 5% and were shocked to see that the amount listed at 15% was actually 20% already. As someone who has been in the industry, this felt super shady and felt like they were trying to pull a quick one on us. In addition to that, we had a $40 private dining charge and were sat at the bar, not even in the dining room or in an actual private room. Not only does the whole situation feel shady of charging 20% on a $1000 bill but labeling it as 15%, it is also very illegal. As the owner of the restaurant, I would definitely be looking into this. Our group goes out monthly and spends over $1000 per dinner as a big group. We had planned to come back, but after the ending experience, I’m not sure we would. If you plan to dine here, please make sure to check the math on your receipt and make sure they aren’t trying to pull a quick one. Receipt is shown below for reference.

A group of 9 of us dined here tonight, and while the food and service were genuinely wonderful, we left with a bad taste in our mouths. The food was exceptional across the board, and our server was attentive and awesome all night. No complaints there whatsoever. We booked through their events coordinator for a group reservation, which apparently triggered a “Private Dining Fee” on our bill — despite the fact that we were seated at a table in the bar area, completely open to the restaurant. We were not in a private room, and we didn’t request private dining. That fee felt unjustified. More concerning: check clearly stated a 15% service charge, but when we did the math, the amount charged was actually 20%. We only caught it because we were calculating how much extra to add. The numbers are right there on the receipt — it doesn’t add up. We’d strongly encourage anyone dining here, especially in a group, to verify the math on your bill before you pay. It’s a shame, because everything about the meal itself was worth celebrating. But feeling like you might have been overcharged (in a sketchy way) is a frustrating way to end the night, and other group diners deserve a heads up.

This past Friday night was excellent. My review is really 4.5 and here is why Food is excellent Server Victoria was also amazing. The place is beautiful. The only critique is the what we call “fly at a picnic”. The bus boy drove us crazy trying to continually want to remove our bread as we were enjoying our drinks. On our first drink he came by to ask if we would like to “wrap” the rest of the bread to go? Go???? We just stated the night! Appreciate the over zealous attention but it’s annoying when you feel like you’re being rushed. Other than that….great night! But hey…..don’t rush me!

Been looking for “that burger place.” I find they are not always where you’d imagine. For instance, back in Montco, PA, Davio’s, a New England steak chain, located in the KoP village, offers a killer burger at the bar - it’s not on the menu. Just ask for it. Before the Davio’s bar burger, it was hands down the burger at the Palm at the Bellevue in center city. I believe it still only cost $8 after the turn of the century. It was incredible. Also not on the menu. That Palm location sadly is no longer there. So, in Tampa, had still been looking - until recently. Tried the burger at the bar at Bern’s famous steakhouse and, as I recall, it was quite impressive. Can’t remember if it’s on the menu or not. But the other night, went to this joint, Ponte Modern American at the Midtown development. Boo-yah! Burger at the bar was boomin’! And it is on the menu. It was impressive and perhaps even magical. Long and short, so far, Ponte is my burger joint down here, but I have to double-check Bern’s to make sure I remember it correctly. But, until that time, this is the burger place! Give it a shot - you will not be disappointed. Beautiful place, too. Easy, cheap valet. Good bartenders. Until next time, amigos.

The food, service and atmosphere are consistently among the best I have experienced. This visit was with a business colleague from California and she thanked me for recommending this spot.