Punch Room

"I was really excited to take my husband to Punch Room but left highly disappointed. While the atmosphere is top notch and a place I'd consider a hidden gem off just the decor alone, the service was absolutely horrendous. The hostess was very nice and allowed us to choose our seat since it wasn't crowded (our reservation was at 7pm which is early for them and considered "breakfast" - apparently they start getting busy with lines out the door around 11pm according to a server we overheard telling the table next to us). There were probably about three or four other groups/couples there and after we sat, it took about 20 mins or so to even be acknowledged - to the point that my husband asked me if we had to go up to the bar to order. Our server, whose name we never learned (tall, thin, with dark short hair) asked what type of water we wanted and then brought us two small cups of a welcome drink from a punch bowl (no idea what it was because she gave zero info). We ordered our drinks (the same drink because we assumed it would come together in a bowl because it was from pages I later learned were the "bowl menu"). The bartender brought over our drink in two separate glasses and we were a bit confused since we thought it would come in a bowl to share. When we were finally able to flag down our server, my husband said he thought we would have gotten our punch in a bowl and she apologized and said "do you want me to pour them into a two-person punch bowl so you can have that experience?" (meanwhile, our drinks were like half drank at this point.) It was extremely awkward and then she offered to bring us a bar snack which was a bowl of wasabi cashews. We finished our drinks and nobody came to our table for about 40 mins or so. We heard the server explain to the table next to us that the first few pages of the menu (where we ordered our drinks from) came in punch bowls, and he offered some info on the punch they ordered. We finally flagged down the bartender to get our check and my husband said he hadn't seen our waitress in a while - the bartender replied she was on break (weird since they open at 7 and it was probably 8:15 by that point...). We left disappointed and with a $75 check (two drinks in cocktail glasses, a bottle of sparkling water and tip) before going to Azure which was an exponentially better experience. I would love to go back and bring friends because we seriously loved the atmosphere so much and think it could be such a wonderful experience if they had friendlier and more attentive, and informative staff. But in the meantime, save your money and go to Azure or Lilac. :)"

"Upon entry into the Edition the vibe felt unwelcoming and cold, this started with being uncomfortably stared down by the gentlemen (3 of them) working the front door who wouldn’t acknowledge my “hello how are you doing” and no assistance at all opening the door for my wife, they just stood there making it very difficult to get around them to open the door to get in. This should have been my warning sign to just turn around, kiss my deposit good bye and go back the JW. Once in we eventually made our way through the lobby and up to the 2nd floor, there’s nothing in the lobby area telling you where the Punch Room is located and had to hunt down someone to ask. On the 2nd floor where the Punch Room is located at, is a very brightly lit sterile area with a hostess stand in between the entrances of 2 different lounges. On the right is the Punch Room and the left is the Art Club. Another unwelcoming vibe while checking in with the hostess and staff surrounding the stand (5 various staff members just standing around and chitchatting) Yes, we were assisted but just a strange interaction with the staff and not what I was expecting for a 5 star rated establishment. We were directed to the Art Club lounge to get a drink while our table in the Punch Room was being setup, no problem at all with this and we were immediately greeted and acknowledged by the bartender who made our drinks. We should have just stayed there! About 15-20 minutes later one of the hostesses came in and took us over to the Punch Room. Going from the Art Club entrance to the Punch Room entrance is about 30 feet max, during that journey I had to pour my drink into a plastic cup at the hostess stand. I could understand doing this if I were to leave the area and go downstairs or to a room but from one lounge to the next that’s literally 30 feet away is ridiculous and I feel I was singled out since I noticed a couple in front of us not getting harassed and a couple behind us not having to transfer there drink to plastic cup. We get seated in the Punch Room with my plastic sticky cup in hand and after a few minutes the bartender came by and dropped off the drink menu and provided a little history of the Punch Room and then left to give us time to pick some drinks. While we waited for his return, random groups of people were coming in and out going up to the bar and taking pictures. This was really distracting and annoying, totally lost the exclusive and private vibe. As time went on, about 20 minutes, our bartender was no where to be scene and we had to wave down the girl for assistance. She came by and got my wife’s order and then just left quickly without getting mine or even check if I wanted anything. Really rude and strange behavior but follows the pattern of other past reviews. Another 20 minutes roll by and we finally see our waiter and we wave him down and asked for the check and he chuckles. What the heck is so funny about wanting a check and leaving? He disappears and is MIA again, we just decide to put cash on the table and leave. When we get out of the Punch Room we see our waiter on his cell phone at the hostess stand. No acknowledgment at all from him and just focused on his cell phone and talking to the hostess. Should have just stayed at the JW that night, excellent service at Driftlight Steakhouse and drinks at the Beacon."

"One star for the great cocktail and the other star is for the great atmosphere. The sailor’s cup was an interesting cocktail featuring mauby Bark and condensed milk it was an interesting cocktail unlike any I’ve had before. The atmosphere and vibe was very unique and almost gave a vintage feeling. Unfortunately, those are the only stars this place is getting. It’s a shame to put such a nice space together only to have the entire aesthetic ruined by the service. I wasn’t even able to get the waitress’ name, she was tall and thin with short black hair. She took an eternity to bring any of the menus, just as long to bring water and then forgot to take the order of someone in our party. Despite the locale being empty and having finished our drinks, it seemed impossible to get her attention. I said excuse me, waved my hand and another person in my party tried, but she was completely unresponsive until they cleared their throat and raised their voice. This whole process took about 45 minutes and at this point there was only one other table with two people at it. Once my water was empty it remained that way the rest of the night. Needless to say, I would not return unless I have no other plans for the night and I’m planning on spending the entire night here."

"Beautifully designed location for an intimate drinking experience with your date or friends. While there, some were pre-gaming for the Tampa Bay Lightning game, some on a date, a family reunion during the Christmas week, some who live in the condo that is part of Edition: Tampa. All having a great time. Professional & friendly server. All punches and drinks made fresh at the bar at one of the room. The lighting and colors of the furniture are striking. Quiet area where you’re not rushed and can have a conversation without yelling or hearing another table’s conversation. I’ll definitely go back."

"The punch room is located on the second floor - accessed by a winding staircase. The entrance is not as conspicuous as you may think, and when you enter, it is a dim room with great blue and brown aesthetic which continues to allude to a speakeasy. I thought the service could be better - we were not greeted at the door, the bartender and the waitress weren't as enthusiastic or welcoming when thinking of a "5-star" experience. The waitress didn't care to explain the menu and just told us that the "Tampa" punch was popular. The complimentary punch was nothing special. The Tampa punch was really good and it was worth it - It's $25 per person and you get about 2-3 drinks out of the punch each person. Great aroma and flavor and it was served with a beautiful ice cube with marigolds and a pineapple leaf (i believe). Overall, I would recommend for the punch bowl, shared drink experience but I am not sure if would stay longer than one bowl."