Tempo

We've eaten here several time since they opened and had generally positive experiences. We took 4 friends last night and were not happy about any aspect of our experience. We were seated at 6:45 and it was 20 minutes until we got drinks. The waitress finally took our order. at 8:45pm we had only gotten out appetizer. When dinner arrive, it was awful! Our server was difficult to track down. At 9:30 she suggested that our ticket had fallen on the floor and that was why our meal took so long. The kitchen hadn't seen it. She offered a comp of COFFEE!  Drinks were  wrong and the dessert of plain berries (because of a dairy allergy) were delivered 2 x's with the cream topping. WHAT PART OF DAIRY ALLERGY DO THEY NOT GET? Our Check was wrong!

My husband and I went here for appetizers and drinks before a dinner reservation at Hamilton's on a Saturday night.  We just kind of stumbled in on our way to Bang!, which we love, but thought we might try something new.

Overall, it was a good experience.  The bartender was very efficient and friendly.  We informed him of our 7:45 dinner reservation and he was very good about keeping us on schedule.  He allowed me to taste a sample of the wine I was thinking of ordering by the glass, which was excellent!  Unique for a wine by the glass, too.  My husband ordered a Scotch on the rocks that he had not tried before, and it too, was delicious and unique.  Also a very generous pour.  Being that I have the memory of a goldfish when it comes to the names of wines and liquor, I can't tell you what they were, but just know that the drink selection is great!

We ordered the fried oysters and the ricotta for our appetizers.  Both were good, especially the ricotta.  Clearly house-made and fresh.  The sauce for the oysters could have been more delicate, but the oysters themselves were cooked perfectly, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

The ambiance threw me off a little.  The color scheme and decor was just a little...old.  But not old in a ratty, worn out kind of way.  Not even old in style.  More like, old people trying to design for hip, young people.  You know, throw an animal print in here or there and some long, community tables up front.  A little weird, I have to say.  I think this place still needs to find its personality and decide who the targeted demographic should be.  My husband and I were the two youngest people in the bar until a sorority/fraternity group showed up as we were leaving.  Hey, maybe we were old for being there so early.  Either way, this restaurant needs a stronger identity.

Unfortunately, this restaurant has to compete with some of the best dining around, which is why I only gave it three stars.  I would come back to see what more they have to offer in the way of entrees, but I would never pass up C&O or Hamilton's for Tempo.

Beautiful and romantic place, with a very nice bar tender named Justin. I like the Pear Tree cocktail, bold and sweet. The manager was very nice too. I didn't try any food, but as far as I see, this restaurant is underrated.
Great experience here!